Welcome to Keep it Sweet! My name is Lauren and I am a 20-something female living in New York City, just trying to Keep It Sweet. I work full-time and am constantly aiming to balance my busy schedule with friendships, family relationships and me-time. The best way I know how to do all of this, is through baking.
I grew up watching my mom bake often, always eager to help crack the eggs or lick a spoonful of fresh cookie dough! Years later, I find that baking is more than just pouring ingredients into a mixing bowl or reading directions from a recipe. It is putting together something delicious that I know will bring joy to friends, family and even myself. It is drumming up the perfect dessert for whatever occasion; whether from a cookbook, my favorite blog, or a list of recipes handed down from my mom. It is choosing a dessert that I think will bring the most joy. It is evaluating ingredients and measuring them for the mix. Sometimes, it is finding that I missed a step in a recipe and scrambling to figure out if I can fix my mistake or if I need to start over. The best part, however, is giving the finished product to someone and watching with anticipation for a reaction. Knowing that I can put a smile on someone’s face through the simple act of baking is why I Keep It Sweet.
At this point in my life, I am also trying to find myself. This blog will reflect my life as I try to do so and perhaps, along the way, the perfect dessert. I’ll provide you with snapshots of my life and how I balance homemade sweets with healthy eating and exercise. I’ll show you how in some desserts, real butter and sugar are worth the extra calories, while in other instances, substituting whole wheat flour or applesauce can build a dessert that leaves you feeling a little more wholesome.
You will get to read stories of my first baking memories and the first dessert I baked for my now husband, Matt. You will see that baking in a small NYC kitchen IS possible. I even plan to provide video how-tos and participate in reader-requested baking challenges.
I hope that you enjoy your stay here and find you are able to Keep It Sweet along with me!
My People
The Husband/Executive Taster- Matt and I met in college at Emory 6 1/2 years ago and have been together ever since. We got married on June 12th, 2010. I think he may have married me for my mini oreo cheesecakes.
The Sister- My sister Jessica is the main reason I finally started a blog! She is always reminding me to do what I love and challenge myself. She also makes it her business to keep me from becoming an old married lady too early. Jessica lives in NYC as well and will be featured often on the blog. Actually, I wonder if I should rename my blog “Just Jess”.
The Mom/Original Baker- My mom Debbie is the reason I developed a love for food and a passion to Keep It Sweet. She makes an excessive number of desserts for any occasion (oh right, so do I) and is my favorite partner in crime for eating half-baked desserts. Yes, half-baked is often better.
The Dad/Chemist- Thanks to my dad, I have worked hard my entire life and will always strive for new successes. If I bake crispy cookies, they will be for him.
Keep It Sweet 
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s the most perfect thing ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love your idea. I can’t wait to try some of your new recipes. Let me know if you need someone to do a taste test for some of your goodies. I am available at a moments notice.
I am proud of you Lauren. Looks like a fun project and I wish you all the best with it. I liked how you included healthy eating and exercise. Do me a favor…I know sugar and butter work when everything is balanced but add some healthy alternatives (like you mentioned with the applesauce and whole wheat flour) so maybe one day I might try to cook and try your recipes 🙂 Have fun!!
butter and sugar are always good in moderation:-)
OMG OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! now I sound like your Mom. You are so right about sweets bringing joy to the people you love. I grew up baking with my best girl friend. We would always try to make something chocolate. Best of luck with this and happy baking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i can’t wait to use this as an excuse to try the cookbooks you bought me!
Love it!!!
Lauren, I applaud you.
Finding the time with your BUSY schedule and new HUB …
to do what you LOVE – how lucky are all of we that it’s
DESSERT!!! Is that the best or what???
Keep in coming!
Wow! Lauren this is wonderful. I will look forward to all the recipes so that when I am off this “diet” I am on I will be able to try some of the low sugar low fat ones. I can definately hear the OMG in Debbie (AKA – my Doobie Lip). Good luck Laur, I know this will be a great success. GO FOR IT!!!
I am most impressed! This is wonderful Lauren, and I give you so much credit for following up on your plan. Good luck!
I saw a blurb on tv this week about adding beans to brownies, so they are healthier, but the taste was still delicious. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!!
i have been wanting to try that for a while… may have to test it out soon!!
Bring it on, Sweet Niece!!!!!
So proud of you and so excited to see where you take this! Oh and also to taste everything…
Great blog Lauren! I bookmarked it and can’t wait to try your delicious recipes!
Is it true that eating your desserts are not fattening if you beat the ingredients by hand?
obviously!!
How creative you are and I look forward to future bloggs.
Are you sure you you’re not related to Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray? I can’t imagine how have the time to do all these wonderful experiments with baking. Can’t wait to see what is coming next!
Thanks, Lenore!
Just found your site… so excited to start following! Your recipes look delicious =)
thanks! i hope you try some out!!
Hi! I just came across your blog today, and I love your blog’s name 😉 It’s so cool that you bake alot, I only wish I could make drool worthy desserts.
Hoping to read more!!
Vivian
thank you! i do love baking – some of the desserts are really easy and i am sure you could make them too!
Love ‘meeting’ other New York City bloggers – especially those who share a love of baked goods! So happy I found your site!
same! good to know i’m not the only new yorker constantly using my kitchen:-)
I love your blog! 🙂 I’m similarly trying to find the balance between the buttery, sugary things I love to bake and the granola-y, healthy things I usually eat (and that I think are better to be consumed in large quantities…)
Looking forward to reading more! 🙂
Loving the blog! I’m trying to find a balance in my life too … so many sweets and so little!! 🙂