My love for baking stems from warm childhood memories of a kitchen filled with the tempting smells of vanilla, chocolate and cinnamon from my mother's delicious homemade cookies, cakes and other goodies. Over the years and far away from home, I yearned to bake similar delightful sweets on my own, but most recipes seemed overly complex and daunting. Disappointed with expensive store-bought options that focused on looks over flavor, I turned to a small collection of my mother's treasured recipes. Relying heavily on memories of how she baked and completing missing instructions for her specialties, I measured and mixed, tested and tasted, reviewed and revised. This book is a culmination of that journey. It features a collection of my mother's recipes some completed from her notes and others refined over time alongside my own creations. Each recipe embodies the spirit of her baking- straightforward instructions, wholesome ingredients, and focus on pure flavor. Do you want to bake with confidence? With these recipes, you can conquer your baking fears and create authentic, classic treats that will satisfy your cravings and evoke wonderful memories. Even if you're a complete beginner, you'll find everything you need to get started. So, preheat your oven, grab your whisk, and let's bake something awesome together! Happy baking and stay sweet!