Around this time last year, I didn’t think that I “could” bake. This year, I’m in the midst of creating an ebook filled with holiday cookie recipes…and I’m working with Breville on this post regarding 5 holiday baking tips. You might be wondering what happened to cause such a change. Basically, I applied a principle that I practice with my kids…don’t be so quick to say, “I can’t”.
When I started my food blog last year, I knew that I could cook basic and southern foods. However, I wasn’t confident in my ability to consistently make “healthy” recipes or desserts so I hired some amazing contributors. Life happened and my contributors’ schedules became full with other great things so I needed to make a decision. Should I hire new contributors or just learn to prepare those types of food myself? Obviously, I chose the latter. It has been fun to learn that I can make (practically) anything…and so can you. That’s the basis of my tips.
Tip #1: Set your mind that you CAN bake. If you start off with a trusted recipe and follow the instructions, you will be fine. Baking does not have to be complicated. As Henry Ford said, “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.”
Tip #2: Make baking a family affair. Holiday baking with kids is such a bonding experience. Not only do the kids get to see the direct result of their work, it’s also a great way to teach academic topics (i.e. math and science) in a fun way.
Tip #3: Stock up on your baking supplies. The best way to effectively follow a recipe is to make sure that you have all of the ingredients and baking tools ready before you start. (I’ll admit that before I became serious about learning to bake, I would often get to the middle of a recipe and realize that I didn’t have enough flour, oil or eggs.) Now, I take out all of the ingredients, measuring instruments and any other necessary items before I even preheat the oven.
Tip #4: Share the (baking) wealth. When I bake, I usually think of who else would like what I’m preparing. That helps me to be even more mindful of what I’m doing so that the recipient will enjoy the gift. It also makes sure that all of those calories don’t stay in my home…
Tip #5: Have fun with it! You may never be a “process” baker – someone who bakes simply for the experience of baking. I probably won’t be that type of baker either. It is totally fine to be a “results” baker – someone who bakes because they (or their family and friends) enjoy baked goods. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, find your personal joy – whether it’s in the baking, the eating, the giving or any combination of the three.
Breville has released new, time saving products such as the Smart Oven, just in time for the holidays! Take the guess work our of holiday cooking with the Smart Oven, the oven that does the thinking for you. Check out their website for more information on this product and other great gift ideas.
And don’t forget to reply below for two chances to win your choice of amazing Breville products either for yourself or as a gift to a loved one: YouBrew, Tea Maker and Smart Oven products ($250 ARV)
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Breville. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules