One of the things I've wanted to learn how to do (like learn the technical stuff) is bake. I've always had an interest and a knack for baking. When I was a child/teenager, I would LOVE the winter holidays because it meant I would get to bake. I'd look through cookbooks for recipes, create a shopping list, and then go crazy in kitchen making treats galore.
As an adult, I don't generally have time to bake. But recently, a research assistant of mine mentioned "The Great British Baking Show" when I shared that I enjoyed watching "Chopped" on Food Network and "Sugar Rush" on Netflix. After one episode TGBBS, I was hooked. It was like a crash course in baking, introducing me to things like proving dough and lamination. I fell in love.
And I told myself at some point, I'd take some baking classes. As a matter of fact, for Christmas, my husband purchased a class in croissant making for me. Unfortunately, it's been cancelled for the time being, due to the pandemic.
So then I thought: why not just bake. Now. Just because.
And so I did.
I found a recipe for French macarons (my favorite dessert) and raspberry buttercream. And then baked and baked and baked!
I gathered all of my ingredients...
...prepared the shells, tapping the air out and letting them sit...
...baking them accordingly, waiting for a rise and the appearance of "feet"...
...and preparing the buttercream with raspberry syrup.
And here they are! Not perfect, but I'm happy with this as first attempt. I'm excited about what I learned from Attempt #1, and already have an idea for Attempt #2.
Preparing my favorite cookie was therapeutic. Being creative and exploring with ingredients and flavors was so much fun!
This was also a nice reminder that even something seemingly complicated, like a French macaron, is just a bunch of pretty basic ingredients + patience.
Going to share Attempt #2 soon!
In a time of need...baking definitely helps me.
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