My Story

Hey there, my name is Anna Claire. Thanks for visiting!

Avenley Brianne Photography

Having been raised in a small town in Alabama, I learned to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, whether it was enjoying picnics beneath the towering sycamores at our farmhouse, dancing to the Nutcracker Ballet in a tutu while my older siblings were off at school, or learning from my mom how to prepare German ‘stollen’ bread at Christmastime, among other incredible family recipes that have been passed down for generations.

As a student at Auburn University, those simple pleasures are still being enjoyed, just in a slightly different way. I am experimenting with new ingredients and techniques, swing dancing religiously, and soaking up every ounce of beauty and opportunity that The Loveliest Village on the Plains has to offer.

So why pie, you ask?

It all started in 2009 when I watched a Martha Stewart episode featuring Thanksgiving recipes. Pecan pie was the star, and I was absolutely mesmerized. I grew up with a fondness for pies, but I never attempted to bake one from scratch until that cool November day. I rolled up my sleeves, made her pâte brisée pastry dough, whipped up the luscious pecan filling, and was immediately hooked.

From that point forward, nothing could separate me from my apron and trusty wooden spoon.

For me, the process of baking anything is just as fulfilling as eating it–that’s why pies aren’t the only thing I have up my sleeve. You’ll find an assortment of all of my favorites, old and new.

Join me as I continue eating, dancing, writing, traveling, picture-taking, whimsically wandering, reading, and, you guessed it, baking.