• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
My Cookie Journey
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
    • Fall
    • Holiday
    • Cheesecake Bites
    • Chocolate
    • Fillings and Jams
    • Gluten-Free
    • Kid-Friendly
    • No Nuts
    • No-Eggs
    • Nuts
    • Shortbread
    • Spring
    • St Patrick's Day
    • Summer
    • Valentines Day Cookies
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About Me
    • Recipe Index
      • Fall
      • Holiday
      • Cheesecake Bites
      • Chocolate
      • Fillings and Jams
      • Gluten-Free
      • Kid-Friendly
      • No Nuts
      • No-Eggs
      • Nuts
      • Shortbread
      • Spring
      • St Patrick's Day
      • Summer
      • Valentines Day Cookies
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home

    About Me

    This Photo was taken by Quinn Staley (LNP Staff photographer) for an article in the Lancaster Newspaper's Balance Magazine Fall 2022 Edition. I was both humbled and proud that I was featured in the magazine. Mary Ellen Wright wrote a wonderful article showcasing how I went from an IT computer person to baking and a cookie blog.

    Image of me Barbara Hall for the about me page.
    Jump to:
    • Welcome to My Culinary and Visual Odyssey!
    • Career and Retirement Career
    • A Humble Start
    • Graphics Web and Training Experience
    • Sharing Cookie Recipes

    Welcome to My Culinary and Visual Odyssey!

    My name is Barbara Hall, and I have always wanted to make great-looking and tasty cookies. But jobs, kids, and life always seemed to make that an impossible dream. So, when you have a daughter standing in the kitchen crying because she forgot to tell you she needs a treat for the whole class the next day, you grab the cylinder-shaped Toll House cookie dough out of the refrigerator and start slicing and quartering it right on the pan.

    That is about all the time I had to learn how to make cookies. Wishing my cookies were the envy of my daughter’s grade school class this would have to work in a pinch.

    Career and Retirement Career

    I used to work in Information Technology for over 20 years, but I retired in July 2021. Now, I have plenty of time and knowledge to start my own blog. I decided to focus on making cookies and writing about them because it's something I really enjoy.

    In my blog, I'll be dishing out tons of tips and tricks to help you bake the most amazing cookies. I've got recipes that use ingredients you can easily find, and I'll guide you on where to get them. Plus, there will be clear photos and step-by-step directions to make it all a breeze. And yeah, while I might not be the king or queen of fancy cookie designs, I genuinely admire those who have that talent.

    So, I'll be sharing my experiences with making cookies and trying new things. It'll be fun to see how they look and taste, and I hope my step-by-step instructions will help if you need it!

    A Humble Start

    Some years ago, I had a dream of making delicious cookies that would make everyone want more. I was really curious about baking, so I started with simple recipes and a lot of excitement.

    At first, things didn't go so well. I made many mistakes, and my cookies didn't always turn out that great. Some were too hard, and others were too soft. But I didn't give up. I learned from my failures and realized that baking is a bit like a science experiment. You have to get the right balance of ingredients and use the right techniques to make the cookies just right.

    As I practiced more and didn't give up, I got better at baking. I started trying different types of cookies, like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and peanut butter. It was like being an artist because I could add my own special touches to each recipe.

    But it wasn't just about making yummy cookies. I have always loved learning new things, like reading baking blogs, watching videos, and learning about all the little tricks that make cookies taste even better. Also, I found out that you can swap ingredients sometimes and still get a great cookie, and I learned about flavors that go well together.

    Showing how to fold and seal the kolache cookies.






    As I kept going on this exciting baking journey, my cookies became more than just something to eat. They brought happiness to the people around me. When I shared my cookies with friends and family, they smiled, and we talked about how good they tasted. It made me feel really happy to know that something I made could bring joy to others.

    So here I am, still on this wonderful baking adventure. What started as a simple dream has become a mission for sharing cookie recipes. I keep trying new things, learning from my mistakes, and enjoying every moment. And as long as there are cookies to be baked and things to learn, I'll keep going on this amazing journey, savoring every delicious moment.

    But I need to show you how to make the cookies, entering the wonderful world of photography.

    The Discovery of Photography

    I used to take pictures with my Nikon D70 camera, which my husband gave me a very long time ago. It was great for capturing delicious-looking photos of my cookies, even though I was still learning and considered myself an amateur.

    Unfortunately, my Nikon camera stopped working properly after a short time. Over time, my pictures started to get darker and even editing them couldn't fix the problem. So, I had to find an alternative while I figured out what to do next.

    In the meantime, I used my iPhone to take pictures and continued researching my options. Then, during Christmas, my husband surprised me with an amazing gift. He gave me a check to buy a new camera, and I chose a Sony a7 III mirrorless camera. It's fantastic and has become my go-to camera ever since.

    My Sony A7iii camera and camera bag.

    To take those close-up shots of my cookies, I also bought a special lens called the Sony 90mm Macro lens using the money I received from my tax return. It's perfect for capturing the tiniest details in food photography.

    I wanted to make sure I knew how to use my new camera properly, so I decided to take some classes at our local art college. These classes taught me how to get the most out of my camera and were definitely worth the investment.

    Overall, even though I had to say goodbye to my old camera, I'm now enjoying the benefits of my new Sony camera and lens. It has helped me continue my passion for food photography and capturing the deliciousness of my cookies.

    Graphics Web and Training Experience

    Starting in 1995, I wanted to learn all the cool software for graphics. Back then, the company was Macromedia, which included Flash, Director, and Dreamweaver, to mention a few. It was my first taste of editing for a website. Adobe acquired Macromedia in 2005.

    I obtained a Bachelor's in Computer Information from Albright College in Reading, PA. I received my Master's in Training and Development from Penn State University in Harrisburg, PA.

    While working in the IT field, I set up training classes for the employees to use different software. But then the younger generation came along, and they were so software-savvy that I did not have to teach them much of anything at all.

    My professional work has created a solid foundation for bringing my expertise to my blog. My background allows me to create a user-friendly web page, train a newly inspired cookie baker with step-by-step instructions, and give seasoned bakers new flavors for making their own new cookie recipes.

    Sharing Cookie Recipes

    So, check out my blog as we embark on a sweet and tasty journey through the world of cookies. Let's bake, taste, and share the joy of homemade treats together. Get ready to discover new flavors, techniques, and ideas to make your own delicious cookies at home.

    Together, we'll create mouthwatering delights that will leave you craving for more. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and let's dive into the wonderful world of cookies!

    Please join me on my blog as we explore the wonders of baking and photography: My Cookie Journey

    Primary Sidebar

    Barb the owner of my cookie journey head shot.

    Hi! My name is Barbara Hall. I am a retired IT professional who wants my next career to be fun. What better way than by sharing cookie recipes that I make in my kitchen, taking photos, and showing you the results? My goal is to provide cookie recipes you can make at home that look great and taste fantastic!

    More about me →

    Sign-up

    Yes, I want free cookie recipes...

    Fall Cookies!

    Fall cranberry orange shortbread

    What's popular...

    • Stacks of PA Dutch Sand Tarts which are round with cinnamon sugar and a pecan half on top.
      Pennsylvania Dutch Sand Tart Cookies
    • Second single closeup of a traditional Sicilian Almond Cookies.
      Traditional Sicilian (traditional Italian) Almond Cookies
    • Stack of Cardamom Orange shortbread cookies with slices of orange skin.
      Cardamom Orange Shortbread Cookies
    • Single Bourbon Maple Syrup with bacon cookie on parchment paper.
      Bourbon Maple Syrup with Bacon Cookies
    • A stack of Cherries Orange pistachios cookie on a wooden cutting board with nuts, cherries around the base.
      Cherry Orange with Pistachio Cookies
    • Oatmeal cream filled cookies in a stack of five on a white plate.
      Oatmeal Cream Filled Cookies

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Sign Up! for free cookie recipes
    • Contact

    Copyright © 2023 My Cookie Journey