For The Love Of Baking and Cooking

Deb over at Lifescapes (stop over to see her favorites on yesterday's post) asked if I would like to participate in her cookbook collections. I thought it would be fun to share a small piece of my collection of books and online favorites.

My little room was originally a closet that we turned into small office and became the perfect place to hold my cookbook and recipes.

Under the desk as you can see are more entertaining and cookbooks along with some other books. Also some loose change in case I burn a dinner or dessert.


I have 4 file drawers of recipes. I really need to go through these files and do some spring cleaning.


The love of baking and cooking has been a big part of my life as far back as I can remember especially for family gatherings. Growing up I didn't have no desire to be in the kitchen, I was more the participate in the eating department. My very first cookbook was Betty Crocker and by the note my mom wrote you can only image the disasters I created in the kitchen.

I didn't step in the kitchen until I lived on my own, more for survial than pleasure. The enjoyment didn't come until later on in life.

Some of my favorite recipes are from my mom’s worn wooden recipe book

with her handwriting inside.

Here are just the tip of some of my many favorite books and blogs.

Betty Crocker (because it was my first and does have some good recipes), The Farmer's Daughter Cookbook (a friend's mother wrote this book years ago, while owning a restaurant in IL) and this jam and jelly book by Christine Feber (I hope someday to take a class with her).


Gale Gand's chocolate and vanilla book is another favorite of mine. I have had the pleasure meeting and seeing her on different occasions. She is so... nice. My first encounter was a few years ago I was having a tamale making partying with a kitchen full of girlfriends coming over. I was “in the weeds” as they say in the restaurant kitchens (meaning I took on more than I could chew). Not only were the tamales happening (never made these on my own) in the kitchen I was trying out new recipes for the party. One was Gale’s Mexican hot chocolate fondue. I was able to get her email and she responded immediately and bailed me out.

If you are ever in the Chicago area she is executive pastry chef and co-owner of TRU restaurant and has a wonderful coffee bar in Wheeling, called Gale's Coffee Bar.

Some of my favorite food blogs I visit often are pastry chefs, Marilyn with simmer till done, Helen with tartelette and Aran at cannelle et vanille. I have not had the chance to meet them, but they have a wealth of information and are so giving with sharing their love of pastries. When I'm in a crunch or don't understand something they eagerly give me guidence as a friend would do. Visiting their blogs are worth the visit just to look at their photos.

My cupcakes and muffins have come along ways from when I first stated baking, just ask my family.

"Food is our common ground, a universal experience."

James Beard

Enjoy your day and make it a golden one!

xoxo