Baking Is More Than a Sweet Treat

It’s aromatherapy

“The smell of good bread baking, like the sound of lightly flowing water, is indescribable in its evocation of innocence and delight.”

– M. F. K. Fisher

Baking is one ingredient towards a more positive mindset.

Baking has always been a love of mine. We were all born to love everyone, and it begins with filling ourselves up first. Baking is a way that I enjoy expressing my love.

When I was little, my grandma spent a lot of quality time with us in the kitchen. Even writing about it brings me tears of joy.

And when we weren’t in the kitchen, we spent a lot of time in our playroom at my grandparents’ home.

I loved playing house and dreaming about being a mom one day. The only gifts I ever wanted for my birthday were dolls, stuffed animals, grandma’s red velvet cake, and anything for my Easy-Bake Oven.

To you, this might look like just a vintage toy, but to me, it was my best friend. As a young girl, my mom and dad divorced, and I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. I had many emotionally challenging years while growing up, and even as a child, playing with this tiny kitchen was life-changing!

I even made pizza in this thing. Pizza is the ultimate baking experience for me. Or is pizza considered cooking? Anyhow, I love the smell of baked bread, and then when things heat up a little bit, the garlic, sauce, and cheese mixture is aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy

Cooking and baking are both therapeutic, but I love the experience of baking and measuring like a scientist. I never measure anything when cooking; it’s a little of this and a dash of that, but baking is a different story.

There is something about the clanking of measuring cups, spoons, and the electric mixer that transports me back to my grandma’s kitchen.

“I would definitely recommend getting a decent electric mixer. A good quality non-stick baking mat is also essential for creating those impressive desserts.”

– Adriano Zumbo

I certainly enjoy the short break after a recipe is in the oven. I remember being a kid and turning on the light and gazing into the oven, taking in the beautiful transformation along with the heavenly scent.

I now enjoy sitting in my favorite chair after quickly cleaning up the kitchen while the creation is in the oven.

I love closing my eyes and slowly inhaling and exhaling; while enjoying the present moment in time. The aromas are soothing.

I’m always thankful for the experience and the gift of baking. The love that fills me during the baking process and once baked is priceless.

Nothing says love like sprinkles and sharing anything baked completely brings me great joy.

Everyone has their gifts, talents, and passions. Baking, for me, is an art form.

“I’ve always loved baking – it’s a huge part of who I am and what I do.”

– Elizabeth Chambers

Creativity

I love watercolor painting, writing, reading, and baking. Being creative is a stress reducer.

Creativity also lessens anxiety and depression; aren’t these reasons enough to add some fun or baking into your days?

Being creative can help us cope with life traumas. Everyone is different, but it’s never too late to start a new hobby or turn one of your hobbies into a side hustle. I used to decorate cakes and have recently thought about a cake business.

Studies have found that writing helps people creatively manage their emotions. Writing about baking is always a double layer of healing for me.

Painting is relaxing and helps me express those challenging emotional experiences in life.

For me, baking soothes my emotions depending on what I’m creating. It goes back to aromatherapy. I think this is why I love candles so much.

Ding, the timer, thank you

Perfection, every time! So, I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane and into the kitchen.

If you have a slight case of cabin fever, I highly recommend a sweet dose of aromatherapy in your kitchen today.

Maybe an old family recipe or a new one that you have never tried might be the best medicine for those feelings that you can’t express.

The love that comes from your heart mixed with sugar transforms every time. Baking a treat for someone can express love like no other. Who might you bake with or for soon?

Thank you, Lorena, from Sharing Randomly for this delightful writing prompt at Thank You Notes Publications. While writing about baking and my childhood, it was a triple layer of therapy. Writing, baking, and childhood memories, thank you.

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