Remembering the Smell of Love

Fall in New England - a time to enjoy the beautiful colors of the foliage, feel the sun warm our face on a cool day, and smell fresh baked goods wafting through the house. All of these things bring to mind memories from my childhood.

My mother is a great baker, and there were always fresh baked goods in our home. Growing up we knew that even after a tough day at school we would arrive home to the delicious aroma of cookies, pies, cakes or whoopie pies. All of our friends loved coming to visit because they were not used to having these treats at home and thought we were the luckiest kids in the world. I'm sure that we tended to take all of this for granted as it was commonplace in our home. Every Saturday night my mom would make homemade pizza and our closest friends would try to make sure they were present for this weekly indulgence.

Fortunately I learned from watching my mother as she created all of these great homemade treats. Once I had my own family they too would come home and know that there would be fresh baked goods even though I worked outside the home. That is what I had growing up and I wanted my children to have the same experience. It was one of the ways I could show them my love.

As I have aged, cooking and baking has become the hiatus from daily life that truly brings peace to my soul. During this time I am free to let my mind wander and think of all the great people I am fortunate to have in my life. I am happiest at my kitchen counter preparing these delectable delights to share with family and friends; hoping that they too will always remember the smell of love.