Grits and Grace- Laura Baber

Chief Financial Officer Laura Baber expresses the joys of baking Despite her busy schedule with being a mom and the Chief Financial Officer for the Benton School District, Laura Baber still makes time to bake. Whether it be cakes or a turkey, Baber enjoys cooking for her family, especially with her ovens. “You can cook multiple things at a time and it always makes the house smell so good,” Baber says happily. Baber has three ovens and can cook a full meal using all of them. “Food brings people together. Sitting at a table and visiting with family is so important. It’s about connecting with your family. We have table rules: no phones and no television,” Baber explains. Baber also enjoys cooking together as a family. “I enjoy my daughters helping me, or me helping my mom. It’s a way of communicating. To me, it’s bonding,” Baber says while she paces around her kitchen. Baber explains that eating at home is much healthier than eating out, and the food tastes better: “Dining out is more expensive than eating at home. People will tell you that it is cheaper to eat out, but it’s really not.” Baber has peace at mind knowing who has prepared her food and also knowing the cleanliness of the kitchen. “A clean kitchen is important to me. When we go out, I don’t know who is touching my food or how clean the kitchen is and that bothers me,” Baber exclaims. “I have always loved cooking. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to feed my family. You can also get creative with cooking. The first time you use a recipe, you follow it; but the second time, you mix it up a little. I can sit on the couch for hours and read cookbooks, especially ones that have stories. They’re so calming to me. Trying new recipes are always fun, and so is making my house smell great. I thank the good Lord for blessing me with this passion.”