In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Jan Smith, a culinary expert with 17 years of professional test kitchen experience, who is launching her own food lab and studio, 'Square Biscuit.' Jan shares her journey of resilience, overcoming personal challenges, and her passion for Southern cooking.   Our conversation delves into her career at Southern Living, memorable cooking experiences, and her inspirations behind Square Biscuit. Join us as we celebrate Jan's courage and creative spirit, and get ready to be inspired by her stories and delicious wisdom.   Mentioned in this episode:   https://www.squarebiscuitstudio.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@squarebiscuitstudio https://www.instagram.com/squarebiscuitstudio https://www.facebook.com/squarebiscuitstudio     Hermit Bars The Story: Y’all, this is my most-requested recipe! I do not know how many times I have shared it with others. My mom started making these years and years ago and they are easy and have that perfect blend of bright spiciness! Ingredients: ¾ cup butter, softened ½ cup sugar ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 large egg, beaten ¼ cup molasses 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger ¾ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup raisins Vegetable cooking spray Additional sugar   Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°. Beat butter at high speed of an electric mixer in a medium bowl until creamy; gradually add sugars beating well. Add egg and molasses; beat well. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients in a medium bowl; stir well. Gradually add to butter mixture, mixing well. Stir in raisins. Coat fingers with vegetable cooking spray. Press mixture into an UNGREASED 15-x10-x1-inch baking pan. (Recoat fingers with cooking spray as needed.) Sprinkle top with additional sugar. Bake at 350’ for 11-14 minutes or until very golden. Let cool. Cut into bars. Join The Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie   Connect with Host Heather Pettey: Email: hpetteyoffice@gmail.com Private Coaching with Heather:https://www.ourmidlifemoxie.com/heatherpetteycoaching Speaker Request HereInstagram @HeatherPettey_Facebook: @HeatherPettey1 Linkedin: @HeatherPettey Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller) Connect with Dr. Carol Lynn: Linkedin Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxieWebsite: www.ourmidlifemoxie.com Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice!   *Quick Disclaimer- Heather Pettey is a certified coach and not a therapist. Always seek the support of a therapist for clinical mental health issues. *As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Please note that this does not affect the price you pay for any item. The cost to you remains exactly the same, but using these links helps support our community and the resources we provide.               00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:49 Meet Jan Smith: A Journey of Resilience 02:20 Jan's Culinary Adventures and Inspirations 13:44 The Birth of Square Biscuit 15:31 Challenges and Triumphs 26:25 Future Aspirations and Final Thoughts 28:17 Closing Remarks and Disclaimers