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Shirley Peña
Many of Chicago’s barfolk know Shirley Peña simply as “the Muffin Lady.” She started peddling pot muffins in 1999, until the cops put her in jail in 2004, after which she was homeless for three years. Ironically, Shirley, who turns 62 next month, has inhaled only twice, has a degree in criminal justice and is a master baker of dozens of kinds of non-THC breads, which you can order if you spot her.
So you don’t smoke weed?
No, I was a goody two-shoes growing up. I lost my [baked goods] business because the girl who sold for me—at police stations and bars—quit to be a stripper, and I’m not a salesperson. So it was suggested to me to make “spacecakes”—I didn’t even know there were different types of pot. I took two hits after I had stomach surgery 27 years ago for the nausea, and it put me right to bed.
Do you ever eat pot?
I ate one of my first muffins—oh my God. Girl. I was stoned for three days, and I was sick—I couldn’t sleep…. I used my son as a guinea pig and he goes, “Mom, you might want to cut down on the marijuana.” [Laughs]
What sweet breads do you make?
Over 45 kinds—zucchini, banana–chocolate chip, pumpkin, mango, sweet potato…you name it.
What’s your favorite?
Apple-cherry—I put chunks of apple and sliced maraschino cherries right into the batter.
Did your mom bake?
My father, he was an army cook. He used yeast, but you have to knead into it, and I have bad arthritis. I’m on disability, but it doesn’t pay all the bills. That’s why I want to get my autobiography published.—Leah Pietrusiak
If you’re interested in Shirley’s story, read more at timeoutchicago.com/blog.
