Ah...Baking
Ah...baking... What a relief, I can bake again. I just came through two agonizing weeks without an oven. It started with a little fire. Luckily, it was not the 911 kind. It was the kind that set off all of the smoke alarms, as the house is filled with black smoke. Of course, the fire shorted out the element and caused enough other damage to make the oven unusable. Note: if you don't want a fire in your oven, pay closer attention to the overhang on your piecrust. A little too much overhang and poof; no oven for two weeks.
Being without my oven has caused me to do a lot of thinking. I've discovered the reasons why I, and people like me, bake. It's as important as breathing is to our survival.
Baking is relaxing. My dad is a case in point. He used to be a realtor and would get very frustrated. That's when he started making bread. He took all of that frustration out on kneading dough. When I'm having a bad day, I just put on some good music, and start baking. I make whatever I can with the ingredients I have on hand.
Baking is creative. It is taking things and putting them together to make something. Although, baking is an exact science certain ingredients must be in the correct amounts and yet... you can do some manipulation to create something different. It's molding and shaping. Anytime you can use your hands it's creative.
Baking is soul lifting. The smell of baking alone can lift your soul. The since of accomplishment you get when you present one of your creations is also soul lifting. Being creative lifts your soul.
Baking is something you can do for others. There's no doubt about it; people just can't resist homemade baked goods. It is a definite crowd pleaser. When there's a family in need with a new baby, an illness or a death, what do you do? You take them a baked good to lift their spirits; show them they are not alone.
Baking is something you can do just for you. Just creating something warm and fragrant from the oven, can lift your spirits, too. You never need an excuse to bake; just do it. It can be a gift you give to yourself, because you're worth it!
Well, I don't know about you, but I'm ready to bake something wonderful. I don't know what it is yet, but I know it'll be wonderful.
Enjoy!
