I began baking when I was around ten or eleven years old. I found a recipe for brownies in a cookbook put out by my grandparents’ church (it’s important to note that sweet treat recipes submitted by small town Lutheran church ladies are the best. If these treats appear at a funeral they are deemed exceptionally tasty). These brownies became a family favorite and a staple at family gatherings. I kept my mother’s kitchen covered in flour and sugar practicing new recipes. At slumber parties my friends and I would often make chocolate chip cookies, making substitutions for missing ingredients. Success was varied…

Fast forward to parenthood - my baking skills were an asset when I learned my then thirteen month old son was allergic to peanuts and cashews. Many items at the grocery store were off limits due to potential contamination from peanuts and tree nuts. I wanted my kids to have fun baked treats along with their friends, so I became adept at baking (and decorating) cakes and cookies from scratch.

Baking sweet treats is my favorite creative outlet. I enjoy seasonal changes in flavors (full disclosure - I’m more of an apple cinnamon over pumpkin spice type) and love the smells that permeate through my home.