Maxine Hansen was born in an era of abundance of the late 1920s, but in her early years she grew up during the Depression era, and World War II. Her parents became farmers after the War, and lacking wealth they lived off what they could grow, and made a living off berries from their farm. Her mother, Viola Johns, was a very good cook, and taught her to become one as well. Maxine's specialties became candies and deserts, but she was capable of cooking numerous recipes, and she soon became somewhat notable in the community for her cooking abilities.
In midlife, Maxine was diagnosed with MS, and began a strict dietary regimen that changed the way she lived, and cooked. Many of her recipes reflect those changes, and some do not....but she continued to cook many candies and whatnot that she was determined not to eat, but gave away freely to those who were infatuated with her cooking.