In the dark recesses of my cookbook cupboard sits a copy of the Woman’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book. It has twice survived the purging of moving house despite not being used for at least two decades. Why? It evokes special memories. When I open the pages, I remember the occasions and my children’s sweet reaction to a cake that hardly resembled the photo and would never win a prize in a CWA competition, but in their eyes, it was the best birthday cake ever. Today’s busy lifestyle dictates the necessity to outsource traditions like making our children’s birthday cakes. Yes, something created by a professional might look perfect, however, it doesn’t say “I love you” quite as loudly as an imperfect home created version.

All across the world, food is an expression of hospitality, affection and even intimacy. Creating something for a loved one to eat says, “I care for you.” Home-baked items like desserts and cakes are not necessarily everyday treats for most of us, so receiving something indulgent from someone can feel like a warm hug. “Baked With Love” is an initiative in response to the recent Queensland floods. Regional communities came together to bake goods for those who were flood-affected. The founder, Trina Patterson, said, “Baked goods not only touch the belly, but they can also really touch the heart. To receive a cake or batch of biscuits with a note that they are thinking of them and wishing them the best really lifts the spirits.”

When we bake something for someone else, we start to feel better about ourselves too. Donna Pincus, professor of psychological and brain sciences, says: “Baking for others can increase a feeling of wellbeing, contribute to stress relief and make you feel like you’ve done something good for the world, increasing your meaning in life and connection with other people.” The act of baking also involves all five of our senses and puts us in a state of mindfulness, something that we often lose in our frenetic, loud, and busy lives.

Baking together can be a wonderful way of forming closer bonds with family and friends. When MasterChef was at its peak in popularity, we invited two friends for dinner. On their arrival, we had a ‘mystery box’ of ingredients for each course, complete with team aprons. They hadn’t expected that they would be responsible for cooking one of the dinner courses, but we had a heap of fun, and we still reminisced about it. In primitive communities, people came together to produce food, spending hours crafting nourishment together – a custom that kept bonds tight.

It’s a fact that we don’t have the same luxury of time in the realm of the kitchen. However, a packet mix made by adding water and egg provides an easy end result, and no one will know the difference. Whether you are cheering someone up or bonding with loved ones, baking is a great way to express love. Why not get out the measuring cups and start loving on someone today?

Linda Gray
 linda@relationshipsanctuary.com.au
 0401 517 243