As a little girl, one of my most cherished happenings, was the appearance of our Nanny at Christmastime. In flurry, she would sail in, take over the kitchen, and within two days the entire house would be filled with Scottish shortbreads, Queen Ann Tarts, brandy snaps and macaroons.

Christmas music filled the air, everyone of us lingered around the table, nibbling and chatting with a festive joy. I’m sure that this is where my love of all things cookie-like began…and the inspiration for leaping out on my own into the world of creating both cookies and the communal pleasure that they inspire.

This is the heart and soul of my continued life with cookies. As an artisan by nature, I must create! Instantaneous gratification is the gift for all, when I deliver my goodies. I never tire of the enthusiastic delight that they impart, and the stories that they conjure up. People chat when they’re happy and they share. My cookies have been a vehicle to experience others’ worlds in a warm, intimate way. They seem to conjure up memories and feelings that don’t otherwise come to the surface. It’s an honor and a joy for me, as well as simply creating smiles.