Debbie laughing holding bear claw pastry

Hi, I’m Debbie,

Welcome to my Kitchen Corner, where baking isn’t just my passion—it’s my happy place, therapy, and sometimes a hilarious mess of flour and fun. Whether it’s kneading dough at 4 a.m. during my early bakery days or creating heartwarming recipes for busy families, I’m here to share my love of cooking, baking, a sprinkle of humor, and delicious creations to inspire your culinary adventures.

A Love Affair with Baking (and a Little Cooking Too!)

While I love cooking—especially quick, easy, and delicious meals for busy families—baking is my true love. There’s something about the precision of measuring ingredients, the joy of kneading dough, and the magic of pulling golden-brown pastries out of the oven that just makes me feel at home. From cakes and cookies to warm loaves of bread, my recipes are all about bringing joy to your table.

But let’s not forget the savory side! I’m also passionate about creating family-friendly recipes that are approachable, comforting, and perfect for everyday life. My hope is to inspire you to whip up something delicious—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend dessert.

My Baking Roots

My love for baking started back in Stuttgart, Germany, where I grew up watching my grandma and mom work their magic in the kitchen. My mom taught me to cook early on, and I spent countless hours learning and laughing with her as we prepared meals together. By the time I was 12, I was spending my summer and winter breaks working at the local bakery, waking up at 4 a.m. to knead dough and fill shelves with fresh bread and pastries. Not being a natural early riser, I quickly learned that the smell of freshly baked goods was the best alarm clock.

Fast forward to 1996 when my husband, Manny, and I packed up our lives in Germany with our two kids and moved to Florida. I spent six glorious years working at a bakery on the beach, perfecting my craft and sneaking bites of pastries when no one was looking. Those were some of the happiest years of my life and solidified my love for all things baked.

Life, Love, and a Lot of Laughs

My family is my biggest inspiration. Though my two kids are grown and married, they’re still regular visitors—usually with specific menu requests. I’m pretty sure they think I’m their personal chef, but I don’t mind. It’s the ultimate compliment when your kids still crave Mom’s cooking and baking.

Today, Manny and I live just outside of Portland, Oregon, with our two dogs, Milo and Pepper. Oregon’s rainy days provide the perfect excuse to fire up the oven and bake something cozy. My tiramisu cake (made for my daughter’s bridal shower) was the first recipe I ever shared, and I haven’t stopped since. Now, I’m here to share all my tried-and-true recipes with you—mistakes, laughs, and all.

Fun Facts About Me

  • I’m a Coke enthusiast (it’s basically my lifeblood), and I’ve been collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia for years. Yes, my kitchen has its fair share of Coke-themed décor.

  • I’m a collector of Volkswagen Beetles—both the actual cars and the miniatures. Someday, I’ll have my dream red ’67 Beetle parked in my driveway again.

  • I’m a drummer! I started playing as a teenager and still love rocking out when I’m not whipping up treats in the kitchen.

  • Video games are a family affair here. Manny and I spend way too much time playing Animal Crossing and decorating virtual houses.

  • I used to hate coffee, but living in Oregon changed that. Thanks to Dutch Bros, I’m now firmly on Team Coffee.

Debbie Hauck collage with drums and coffee and VW Beetles

Why I’m Here

My goal is simple: to help you feel confident and excited about cooking and baking at home. Whether you’re here to find an easy dinner idea or to learn how to bake a show-stopping cake, I’ve got you covered. And if you make a mess or burn a batch, don’t sweat it—it’s all part of the fun.

So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s create something amazing together!