Lessons from baking

Historically my success with baking was very poor. There were times where I fantasized about making these beautiful and delicious birthday cakes for my husband only to produce a dry,  crumbly mess worthy of a #nailedit post on Pinterest (if it existed back then).  I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong and eventually I gave up stating emphatically, "I love to cook, but I'm not a baker". Desserts from that point on came from the grocery, bakery or a friend. Things have shifted in the last couple of years, however, and I have a few treats in my baking repertoire.  I have learned if I repeat the mantra, "I am a baker, this will turn out to be delicious" and I breathe and follow the instructions carefully (and measure properly), I can actually turn out some pretty good breads and simple baked desserts. 

Recently, I have been working on a chocolate chip cookie recipe that I just can't get quite right. The taste is there, but not the texture. Last night I made a batch and didn't follow the instructions and ended up with an oily mess that I knew wouldn't turn out. Baking these cookies produced a pathetically flat and crumbly cookie that actually tasted pretty good. If only I slowed down, and read through everything and followed the very simple instructions.

​It's a lesson for my life, really. Taking time, slowing down, paying attention. I find myself grateful for these lessons in baking.