To me, baking is more than a hobby. It’s something I turn to when I’m stressed or need a reset, or to show appreciation for my friends and family. Whether I’m baking for events, family or late at night when I’m in my head and need relief, baking is my therapy.
Some people might find baking stressful, but to me, it’s the opposite. Baking is calming. It gives me something to focus on and helps me in different ways.
It’s also a creative outlet and a way for me to have control. Because of this, I prefer baking alone. I like controlling the measurements, timing and final look. When others join, it can get stressful, so I tend to keep it an individual activity. I’m very aesthetic-driven so I take great pleasure in the presentation process.
One of the other great things about baking is being able to do it for others. I love giving what I make to friends and family and it feels good when people enjoy it. When people show appreciation, the positive reinforcement puts me in a good mood. The rewarding feeling of being “known” for a skill has built up over time and helped me create special moments.
In early high school, my friends had favorite items that I would make for them during special occasions. For instance, my friend Maddie had her “Maddie Bread” (pumpkin bread). And Connie had her “Conniedoodles,” (snickerdoodles). When people share it with their families, it becomes even more meaningful.
Baking has also been a way for me to grow and learn from my failures. Not everything always turns out right. Cakes are harder because they require more precision and have to be cooked through. Failures don’t stop me; they just make me want to try again. The success feels more rewarding after waiting and retrying. I often go through phases of perfecting recipes, especially my chocolate chip cookies. I’ve finally settled on one I really like, crunchy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside.
One of the best parts of baking is how accessible it is. It’s easy to get into once you start and you can make such a wide variety of things, cookies, pumpkin bread, snickerdoodles, cakes, and more.
I started baking with my mom and I’m so happy she introduced me to it. Over time, I’ve transitioned into doing it alone and the responsibility has been passed down to me.
Baking is my therapy and a source of comfort for me. It’s solace in hard times and a showing of appreciation during the good. It’s something I’m known for and something I can give to others. It’s something I can always come back to, no matter what stage of life I’m in.