The reason my childhood best friend, Wren, and I became such close friends was simple: we both love to bake. Pretty much every time I was over at her house, we baked cupcakes, fudge, or cookies together. Often, we would bake desserts for no reason at all, other than to bring smiles to our classmates’ faces when we carried twenty-four perfectly iced cupcakes to school. No matter what we were baking, we were loud, crazy, and happy. I remember chasing Wren around with sticky hands covered in marshmallow creme, artfully creating a giant M&M cookie that sprawled across an entire pan, and rolling delicious truffles in dishes of cinnamon, powdered sugar, and crushed peppermint. I remember her teaching me that life is too short to not lick the spoon, cutting fondant side-by-side with great precision and care, and searching for our first vegan cookie dough recipe together (her early transition to veganism inspired me to follow the same path years later). Our moms often asked us why we didn’t bake something healthy every once in a while, but they, too, could not resist the tempting, warm scents that emerged from the oven every time we hung out.
With a friend, mistakes in the kitchen do not seem so terrible after all. Wren and I had our fair share of scalded chocolate, and one time we even twisted an electric mixer’s metal whisk beyond repair (don’t ask us how). We laughed over each mishap and found solutions without complaint or stress. The kitchen was a sanctuary for our creative spirits and hungry bellies (it still is), and by baking together, we infused our sanctuary with joy, confidence, and love. Although it has been nearly a year since I last baked with her, every time I pop a tray of cupcakes or fudge into the oven, nostalgia overwhelms me. Last year around the time of Thanksgiving, I heard an advertisement on Pandora that encouraged people to cook together to decrease the stress of preparing Thanksgiving feasts. I wholeheartedly agree with this tip. Perhaps the best part of cooking with my dad is he chops all the onions! Communal cooking also eliminates tediousness and encourages bonding. And the more positive energy you put into your mixing bowl, the more delicious the final result! Seriously; check out this University of Maryland study that explored benevolent intentions and corresponding sensations. So, next time you are looking for something to do, or you are dreading preparing dinner alone, consider spending some time in the kitchen alongside a loved one or friend. Your mind, soul, and belly will thank you!
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