One of the biggest influences in my life was my grandma, Kay (Catherine) Kelley. A spry, spunky, funny, energetic, wise, creative, giving, thoughtful, lovely woman who had a big heart, who could do pretty much anything she put her mind to and could bake the best damn apple pie. She taught me so much about baking and cooking–from making raspberry jam, to making a pie crust from scratch. Some of my favorite memories involve me and Grandma in the kitchen. I miss walking into her house and smelling something baking in the oven.

She died of liver cancer on January 10, 2001, she was 81.

She is always in my heart and usually on my mind when I bake, as I use some of her baking utensils, a red plastic flour scoop and a timer. So, I think it’s fitting today that I’m making some Browned Butter Toffee Blondies (a Martha Stewart recipe) for a cookie party that is to be held tomorrow at work.

I miss her and appreciate everything she taught me, not only about baking, but about life. Thank you, Grandma.