Every morning, I awaken with a sense of dread as I glance at my phone for news updates. Reports of rising illness cases, tragic discoveries, and social media outrage flood my screen, and I can hardly keep up. The world feels like an unmanageable dumpster fire, and my instinctive reaction is to exclaim, “Fuuuuuuu… fudge.”
In moments like these, the only remedy I know is to dive into the kitchen and whip up a decadent triple chocolate fudge torte. I’m envisioning layers of bittersweet mousse, a thick ganache, and perhaps a swirl of raspberry jam. Or maybe, I’ll indulge in nostalgia with a classic sour cherry pie, complete with a hand-rolled crust and a crunchy streusel topping. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face.
Baking has become my refuge. Each day, I grapple with the challenge of balancing the necessity of self-care—like avoiding news overload—with the obligation to stay informed in a world that often feels toxic. Ignoring reality is not an option; it feels irresponsible. Instead, I seek healthy ways to manage the anxiety and anger that often overwhelm me.
Recently, I crafted a rosemary and sea-salt focaccia from scratch. After an hour of mind-numbing cable news, I found solace in the kitchen, slicing strawberries for a buttery shortcake and preserving the rest as homemade jam. Once I finished, I leaned against the counter, wiping flour from my forehead, and felt a wave of relief wash over me.
For years, I’ve dubbed this practice “stress-baking,” creating what I affectionately call “anxiety pie” and “disillusionment muffins.” It turns out, I’m not alone. Many others turn to baking as a productive and enjoyable way to cope with life’s challenges. In a society rife with negativity, baking allows me to create something beautiful and nurturing. The rhythmic act of stirring, kneading, and rolling helps to calm my anxious thoughts. It transforms my fear and anger into something positive and hopeful.
Sharing my baked creations brings me joy. I often give treats to family, friends, neighbors, and even yoga class members. In times of need—be it a funeral, a friend in distress, or a new baby—I rush to prepare comforting baked goods. This act of giving not only nourishes those around me but also fosters a sense of community that combats feelings of loneliness and despair.
My kitchen is my sanctuary, a space where I feel empowered. Despite the chaos outside, baking provides me with a semblance of control over my environment. The structure of recipes offers comfort, and nothing ever starts with a negative outcome when it begins with “cream together the butter and sugar.” The familiar measurements and processes yield the same treasured banana bread my grandmother made for me as a child.
Baking connects me to cherished memories and essential culinary traditions passed down through generations. Even if I never met many of my ancestors, I find happiness in recreating the same cakes and jams they once made. I still craft the same slippery dumplings that my great-grandmothers prepared, and I cherish an apple cake recipe from my Canadian lineage that dates back to the 1800s. I intend to pass this legacy on to my daughter.
Ultimately, baking is my go-to therapy. It grounds me and bridges me to my community while reinforcing my heritage. Recipes awaken fond memories, and the act of baking becomes a creative outlet that channels my anxiety into something tangible and delightful. While life may be difficult, I remind myself that at least my quick breads turn out tender.
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In summary, baking serves as my therapeutic escape in a world filled with uncertainty, allowing me to create, connect, and find balance amid chaos.