Proof That Passion Rises: How a Stranger Shaped My Dream
The Baker Who Brought the Science and the Spark
When I think about what gave me the courage to open Cooks & Books, one name always rises to the top: Baker Bettie. She’s more than just a recipe developer or internet baking star, she’s a teacher in the truest sense of the word. Her approach to baking isn’t just about making pretty cupcakes or viral-worthy cookies. It’s about understanding the why behind the ingredients…the science, the technique, the method. She breaks baking down so simply and beautifully that you can’t help but feel empowered to try something new. It sticks with you.
Recently, I attended a training called Base Camp at the University of Idaho, a professional development event for Family & Consumer Sciences educators. The sessions were led by the Home Baking Association, and they referenced Baker Bettie’s resources and methods during their workshop. I think I gasped a little quietly, of course, and smiled a lot! It felt like this full-circle moment, like someone had just handed me a nod from the universe. The fact that a national association saw the value in her teaching style, the same way I did? It made my heart incredibly happy.
Before Cooks & Books was ever an idea, I was a teacher, a baker, and a curious home cook who loved learning the “why” behind the recipe. That’s probably why Baker Bettie caught my attention so quickly. Her approach wasn’t about perfection; it was about knowledge. She made baking feel less intimidating by teaching the science behind it. Suddenly, things like gluten development, creaming method, and leavening made sense, and that kind of understanding made me feel more confident, both in the kitchen and as an educator.
I used Baker Bettie’s materials in my high school classroom. Her science-based lessons helped me explain the mysteries of baking to students who were just starting to fall in love with the kitchen. I’d print her guides, reference her tips, and show her videos. And I always reminded my students: “You can find her online. Even after you graduate. Even when I’m not around.” She became an extension of the classroom, a resource my students could go back to, long after they walked out the door.
Now, as I step into this next chapter, building a space where people can gather, learn, bake, and create, I carry that same spirit with me. Baker Bettie helped shape my philosophy as a teacher and inspired me to believe that I could build something of my own. Cooks & Books is a product of that belief, a place for hands-on learning, joyful messes, and baking that makes sense.
It reminded me that the best teaching comes from people who are passionate and willing to share what they know freely.
I’m excited to continue sharing her influence in new ways. This fall, I’ll be gifting her cookbook to members of my Baking Club, because I want them to experience the same sense of clarity and excitement that her work gave me. It’s more than just a book; it’s a guide, a mentor, and a reminder that baking is for everyone.
I hope one day someone sees what I’ve built and feels the same spark she gave me.
XO - Alicia
July 12, 2025