I like to bake.

I wouldn’t call it therapeutic. My reason for baking is the joy it spreads when people eat what I’ve baked, whether it be cakes, cookies or brownies. I made these tonight for tomorrow, it’s a colleague’s birthday and I thought to surprise her. I made two batches and even a smaller batch (gluten free) so everyone gets at least a piece. I’ve made these brownies so many times, that it is perfect, if I do say so myself. However, it’s what others have told me. I do not have much of a sweet tooth so I’m not the best judge when it comes to my own baking. I’m always curious to see how people will react when they have their first bite. The brownies I make are gooey in the middle, slightly crisp around the corners…dare I say, it’s a recipe for perfection.

Up until two years ago, actually three, I would rarely bake. I had just moved back to Abu Dhabi from London and I made some new friends. It’s funny in hindsight, Abu Dhabi is where I’ve spent most of my life and all of my close friends have moved away from there. When I moved back to my home town, I felt like I was starting over in a place which was supposed to be my home. Anyway, on one of the occasions I took brownies for dessert to a house gathering we were having. I didn’t know if it would be good or if anyone would like it and when people tried it, their eyes widened and they turned to me. It was as if Cupid’s arrow had struck them and they were in love, not with me but the brownies, I can’t possibly try to compete with that. That’s the reaction I’ve gotten everytime someone tries it or even when they’re having it for the 10th time.  I love those moments. 

Since that first time, I realised that I like to bake. I don’t love it because it is not the act of baking that I particularly enjoy, it is the after effects that I love. I love to spread joy and what better way can I add sweetness to someone’s day than to offer them brownies. All’s well that ends well. 🙂

Selectively Curious©