Betties Buns

About 3 years ago, I developed a curiosity to learn how to make bread and work with yeast. I am naturally a creative soul, and I love to work with my hands - and doing so helps clear my mind and release stress. I was walking through a season of burn out and needed to find something creative to help me through it.

Mom and my Grandmother had always said they were "afraid of" yeast - but they lived in the eras of WWI and WWII, surviving The Great Depression, so they were very mindful of waste - and were very careful with what they made in the kitchen. But I was curious as to why they found it to be such a mysterious ingredient that kept them cautious about using it.

I read a few blogs and watched a few videos on beginning to bake with yeast and I chose to make pizza crust - 4 simple, inexpensive ingredients to make with very little expense or risk to learn something new. And it just seemed like something fun to do!

My first attempt was pretty much a failure -- tasted awful and looked worse and could have broken any window if thrown. But something intrigued me about this mysterious little living organism - yeast and I decided to try again.

The second attempt was more "cracker like" and tasted ok, but it was attempt number 3 when the angels sang and the room lit up! It was terrific! My husband, James even said that I was glowing when I presented my masterpiece -- and I was! It was so good and we ate the whole pizza!! And with that, the obsession started.

I found out later that one of my dearest artsy girlfriends, Danielle had also challenged herself to make bread! It was so fun to have a companion to share this experience with and talk to about our successes, failures and favorite recipes. She even gave me a sourdough starter, that I later killed...we won't go into that right now.

My dear friends have been so generous with their recipes, wise counsel, prayers and encouragement along this journey. I will share more about them as this site develops, but they are truly the spirit and encouragement behind this journey. I would not want to do life without them in it - I know this for sure!

Betties Buns came to life out of a lot of practice and time spent in my little kitchen - but the personal growth and blessings continue to grow with every new chapter and recipe -- If you want to read the rest of the story - please click the "Who's Your Baker?" section for the full story.

This little bakery exists because my love and passion for baking and I am so grateful the Lord has brought me to this chapter in my life and for a family lineage of great cooks, my dear friends who inspire me to be creative and because of all of you - Thank you!!