Hello, I hope you are having a good day. Why do I love baking?
Firstly and above all other reasons, I find it really relaxing. I’m constantly amazed that I really can have a batch of cookies, a cake or loaf of bread baking in the oven in literally minutes!
Secondly I’m always surprised when recipes turn out well. I’m not sure why this is – as I do have a tendancy to ‘interprete’ recipes, as opposed to following them strictly.
Thirdly, I have learnt, over the many years of baking and cooking to trust my nose. Following on from my bad habit if not entirely following recipes to the letter, I also very rarely time things as they are baking or cooking! I know, sooo bad. But, since I’ve started my blog I’m getting better. It’s a work in progress!!!!
Next (fourthly didn’t sound quite right?!) I love the smell emanating from the oven as something is nearing it’s cooked stage. In fact it is this very thing that stops me from timing how long something takes to bake. My nose alerts me, with alarming accuracy!
As with planting a seed, caring and watering the plant that grows, then picking the produce or flowers, so too, in all types of cookery and baking, the ‘magic’ of turning a wet, lumpy mess into moist, delicious muffins never, ever fails to thrill me. Yes I make mistakes, but I am all the better for it, tweaking ingredients, methods etc. It’s fun!!
Once cooked, cooled and sliced looks like this…,.
Baking and cooking allow me to explore the creative side of my nature and I am never short of taste testers who give me the honest feedback I value.
Lastly and following on from the previous point, I get to share! l love the reaction from anyone I share my food with, whether it be the latest homemade ice cream flavour, devoured by our children and their cousins, or an individual portion of lasagne, given to one of my best friends, after a days serious walking (we’re talking 6-10miles here people!!!), knowing, she not only doesn’t have to think about what to have for dinner, but half an hour in the oven and a home cooked meal is ready.
Sharing is such an important part of who I am and so it naturally translates to my baking and cooking.
Many people’s diet is restricted by the fact that they live alone. If I’m making a Chilli for five of us it’s not any bother to make it for 6 people and it is always greatly appreciated.
None more so than by me. The week following our eldest daughter’s birth, neither my husband or I cooked. Family and friends brought round a main meal, everyday of that week. Now I can honestly say we’ve probably tried every single type of Shepherds pie ever made! But do you know what? To a nursing mum (me) and a severely sleep deprived couple, who had absolutely no idea of what parenting was all about, each evening meal was truly wonderful. I was constantly hungry and my gorgeous hubby has never, ever been a fan of cooking and our needs were met.
I have never forgotten the love and practical kindness shown to us, during the earliest days of parenthood (where bathing the baby would take over an hour – I’m not joking!!!).
My aim is to now show that same practical love to others and in doing so encourage others to also share.
It’s amazing how many people you can make smile, just because you take a moment to notice them and share with them!
Try it. I’d love to know how you get on?
Sammie xx