On Baking

If we can't, as artists, improve on real life, we should put down our pencils and go bake bread.
— Barbara Kingsolver

I confess that I am always surprised to find myself at the oven doing anything.

I have always considered myself a mediocre baker but lately it seems, I've gotten better. In the past, my baking has resulted in gooey dough but lately it's really scrumptious. The ingredients have not changed but my approach had. This weekend, I had such a blast baking with T. and K. and going to an international student potluck and making cookies. So, much dough, so much love.

In the past, an day in the kitchen would have bored me to tears. I would slap my ingredients together with little care. These days, I am more apt to bake in an intentional way. Below are some tidbits, I've honed from the journey.

Key Lime Tarts made with T. and K.

1. Pay attention. In my experience, I need to read the recipe a few times before I dive in. Trust, me knowing the flow of a recipe can save you a lot of grief. Once, I was making a almond butter cake and needed to separate the egg whites and yolks but did not realize this until much too, late. Needless, to say nobody got any cake that night.So, read the instructions and pay attention to the flow.

2. Gather. Searching through your cabinets for missing ingredients can be distracting. After, reading the recipe I like to bring all my ingredients and tools to my work station. Plus, you know, if you are out of an ingredient. Finding out in the middle of executing a recipe that you are out of something is not so terrible but it can result in something unsavory under your nose.

3.Measure carefully. Baking is really a science. Precise measurements typically mean good results.

T. and her homemade "dollies".

4. Don't be afraid to break the rules. I know, this seems strange{after what I just said} but you can break some rules for substitutes. However, research before you do. You often can substitute dairy products but depending on the recipe, there are specific ways to sub.

5. Ask and share. For the longest time, making bread was a challenge for me. Then, I mentioned this to my friend, J. We had a few bread baking dates and I got the hang of it. Plus, I got to bond with my friend on a deep level as we baked.

6. Trust. When your prepping for baking it can feel crazy to think that some flour, butter and milk can become anything but it can. Sure you may have to tweak, prepare and even start over a few times. Don't give up. Trust that even if the outcome is less than perfect, you can gain something useful  from the experience of baking.

J's pizza

Recalling my baking journey has reminded me how anything is possible. More importantly, as Kim reminded me baking is a great metaphor for life. It can get messy, you may need to knead it for a while, let things incubate and go through the fire.However, if you use good ingredients and prepare your dough with care, it's more than likely to rise.

What's your favorite baking memory?