Where have I been?
I ask myself this because I realize with a start how long ago my last post was–and how much I’ve missed blogging–now that I finally have the chance to do so.
I realized this week that the true nature of a cook/chef/baker is in the nurturing that food gives. It’s been a busy week, especially after work when I should have had the time to blog. I’ve been spending time with friends and family–feeding them in one way or another–with hugs, a listening ear, by making a pavlova for Father’s Day, cooking porridge for a friend who just had a root canal or making quesadillas for another friend recovering from surgery. At the back of my mind, I kept thinking, “Gah, I need to blog,” but all it took were yummy noises from everyone for me to postpone writing yet another time.
So, today, I made the decision to spend time for me, getting back into the groove of MY days. And the best way I knew how was to…bake. Just for the heck of it. To get butter out of the fridge, heap flour into measuring cups and level them off, to break eggs cleanly into the mixing bowl. It seems odd that I regroup by making something for other people to eat. But when I’m alone in the kitchen, with nothing but the hum of the KitchenAid in the background and the feel of dough in my hands, I am most myself.
And so, armed with a batch of Snickerdoodles and an armor of cinnamon sugar, I am ready for another week in the world. There’s nothing like the sort of courage that comes from cookies, and I’m ever thankful for it. Have a piece or two now, will you? 
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:04 am
i know exactly what you mean. there is something about mixing all those unrelated ingredients and sliding them into an oven. partly playing God with just how much of this or that to put in (yes, jay, sometimes it’s ok NOT to measure) knowing that whatever comes out light and fluffy is because of your hands and your stroke around the mixing bowl. Always make time to bake, i say. in some odd way, i think this is what you were put into this earth to do. (seriously.)
“Get leave to work
In this world — ’tis the best you get at all
For God, in cursing, gives us better gifts
Than men in benediction.”
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:05 am
We’re all so blessed to have you as a friend. The meals and sweets are just a perk.
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:54 am
Welcome back Johari!!!
These look yummeh!!!
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Ross
- Don’t get mad at me, but is that from Emily or Anne? (And I’ve always wished I can bake by feel, like you. I’m too scared!)
Jen
- I hope your tooth isn’t giving you grief!
Via
- Hallo. Thanks for the warm welcome. You can have Snickerdoodles from me anytime.
June 24th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
How I wish I were your neighbor. Then you can give me all the extra treats you bake! Haha!
June 27th, 2008 at 12:25 am
hey J! those look real good!
i want to make cookies too! I’m trying to find a choco chip recipe that agrees with me. hehehe
June 30th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Toni
- You’d get a batch or two every now and then, for sure.
Caryn
- Ah, the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe. I have yet to find mine! Let me know if you come across one that’s absolutely yummy!