KEEP CALM! and Put Your Apron On
““If baking is any labor at all, it’s a labor of love. A love that gets passed from generation to generation.” - Regina Brett”
I am at my best when I am baking. And, I will use any excuse to get the oven pre-heating. Whether it’s to bake a cake, try a new brownie recipe, or make my husband’s favorite - chocolate chip cookies - apron on - let’s bake. But for me, it is more than creating something sweet to eat, it’s my meditation. No matter what goes on, I keep calm and put my apron on.
Baking requires your full attention. You have to focus on being present with what you’re creating. No cell phone, no TV. It’s the act of mindfulness in that present moment that can result in stress reduction and a tangible reward at the end.
Learning to bake is beneficial at any age and an important skill for kids. What’s learned in baking goes far beyond the kitchen walls. Kids learn the science of baking, introduces them to life skills, teaches independence, and gives them confidence. They learn there is an order to things and everything you do in the kitchen matters.
Everything in the kitchen matters:
Pull back or cover your hair up and wash your hands
Wear a clean and pressed apron that is both comfortable and properly fits (see information on my apron below)
Having clean kitchen towels at the ready
Maintaining a clean work area at all times
Psychologists say baking reduces stress and anxiety
Baking, according to psychologists, triggers our senses of smell, touch, taste, and then, finally seeing our end result. They say having something tangible to show for your work will bring a feeling of accomplishment. In fact, the word stressed backward spells out desserts, and it may be more than a coincidence. So…Keep Calm and Put Your Apron On
I share my love of baking by teaching adults and the next generation to bake. Contact Terri at terri@terribakes for adult and next-generation-baker classes.
NOTE: I got my apron from Crooked Brook, the atelier division of an art studio where they make everything from custom buckwheat pillows to Nudie Suits and Hawaiian shirts. Since 1989 they have designed and manufactured lab coats, aprons, and chef jackets for the world's most distinguished and discerning professionals. Their women's lab coats and chef coats are worn by some of the most recognized women in the art and science of medicine and gastronomy. All Crooked Brook branded garments and accessories are proudly “Made in the U.S.A” to order according to the customers’ style, fit, and fabric specifications. They also offer decorated apparel and accessories including, but not limited to name brand polo shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets, hats, and fleece blankets. Crooked Brook ships worldwide. Contact them at info@crookedbrook.com or call 315-733-1992, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST, seven days a week.
I just placed an order for one in medium denim. If y’all need an apron that fits and looks good, Crooked Brook is the place to shop.
