When at home and bored, feeling like there’s nothing to do, a sweet activity could be to head to the kitchen and start baking!
Baking can be a creative way to blow off some steam and actually relax. “Activities like taking a bike ride or stress-baking a pan of cookies give people a sense of accomplishment and control,” notes science reporter Sarah Harrison through Wired.com. “While they’re exercising or cooking, they can focus on the smaller tasks at hand and take a break from stressors like social media or the news.”
Harrison goes on to cite the rise in baking as a sanctioned form of therapy, as well. “Julie Ohana runs a practice called Culinary Art Therapy, where she uses cooking to help clients improve communication, manage stress, and improve self-esteem.”
Senior Olivia Fullhart couldn’t agree more. “It’s a stress reliever, and I have been baking forever.” Starting as just a hobby, Fullhart now hopes to turn this talent into a career. Here at Elkhart High School, Fullhart is completing her second year in the culinary arts program. While her first year focused primarily on the art of preparing full meals–meats and vegetables–this year’s objective is to explore the science behind baking.
Fullhart also interns with the culinary department at the University of Notre Dame, where she literally creates thousands of the same item to serve the hungry students and staff on campus. “I have been baking forever.”
Yet, when the day is done, Fullhart continues to find gratification in baking with family and friends. She notes that baking is an excellent way to help people bond, and it can create a shared joy over what sweet treat comes out of the oven, whether it’s cupcakes or brownies or even a multitude of Christmas cookies.
While baking can be a nice and relaxing time, that does not mean that nothing could go wrong in the process. In fact, there are often mistakes or accidents–forgetting a recipe or adding the wrong ingredient in the bowl. Laughing over it now, Fullhart recalls the many mishaps she’s had. “I remember when I was little and at my grandma’s house we were baking, and I had flour literally all over me!”
However, she also notes that there is great learning that comes through error. “There can be ups and downs while baking, because baking is like science: If you add the wrong thing and mess it up, it makes a difference.” Cookies fail to rise. Icings fail to thicken. But, success can be achieved by learning from one’s mistakes.
“Don’t try to rush, take your time. Also don’t try to start with something complicated, try to start with something easy.”
