Baking Myself Out of a Bubble

For years, I baked as a form of therapy, a way to escape the stresses of daily life. Baking brought me peace, but I kept myself in a bubble, convinced that it was just a hobby. I was my harshest critic, undervaluing the skill and artistry that I poured into every cake, every pastry.

Like many home bakers, I made the same mistakes repeatedly: overbaking, underbaking, using too much frosting, or experimenting with flavors that just didn’t work. But instead of being discouraged, I treated each mistake as a lesson. I invested countless hours into perfecting my craft, practicing, experimenting, and learning. Over time, I saw the improvement in my work, but it took me years to understand the true value of what I was creating.

What I didn’t realize then was that people weren’t just enjoying my baked goods—they were creating memories with them. My cakes became the centerpiece of birthdays, weddings, and celebrations. Eventually, I understood that my baking was not only worth appreciation, but also worth being compensated for. It wasn’t just a skill I had picked up—it was art. And people were willing to pay for that.

Stepping out of that bubble and embracing my worth as a baker was life-changing. If you’re a home baker who struggles with the same self-doubt, remember that your art is valuable. Your cakes, pies, and cookies hold more than just ingredients—they hold love, passion, and happiness in every bite.

Easy Baking Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup softened butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 ½ cups flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. Cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar.

3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well.

4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips.

7. Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

8. Cool on a wire rack, then enjoy!