Hey Y’all! I’m Crystal.

Or the Modern Betty.

Raised in Austin, Texas, I learned two things, Y’all is the most controversial word that I love to use, and bigger is always better. The latter is always true when it comes to cookies!

I grew up baking from a very young age. My earliest memories were baking chocolate chip cookies from the back of the Nestle Toll House bag. While my recipes have evolved a bit since then, the memories remain.

I’ve discovered that there are few things more soothing than the sweet scent of cookies in the afternoon. With a crazy schedule, it’s truly a gift to make a meal from scratch. The process of baking is peaceful and satisfying on so many levels. Not to mention the enthusiastic reactions of friends and family after they have tasted something fresh from the oven are heartwarming.

My personal journey has taken me all over the United States, from the West Coast to East. This journey has allowed me to cultivate some of the best parts of baking and cooking from around the country and put them into my recipes.

I currently reside in Gilbert, Arizona with my husband, our twin boys and our two dogs.

“I was 6 years old when I pleaded with my Dad to let me have an Easy-Bake Oven for Christmas. I could picture myself making little cakes and brownies by the glow of a lightbulb.  It was all I dreamed about in the lead up to Christmas…

Sadly, I didn’t get an Easy-Bake Oven for Christmas. In fact, I never received one. Instead, I received a set of pale blue mixing bowls and measuring cups. I didn’t know it at the time, but this was the best gift I could have ever received.”