What About Baking?
I have been through more flour and sugar this year than I have before. I've dialed back a bit on pandemic baking, because well, it turns out eating a lot of sugar and moving less means less sleep for me. It's a lesson I have to learn a lot. I am someone who has baked in my life, but am not by any means an expert baker. But there is something very satisfying about combining a set of ingredients, setting them to bake, letting the place begin to smell delicious, and then getting to eat the reward.
It's been an interesting result of the pandemic that people have turned to baking. It can give you a reason to be away from your devices. To go do a thing for a bit, and have a clear result.
It also reminds us that - time and money permitting of course - we have control over some of the items in our cupboard. I have whipped up a quick batch of crackers and been able to eat them that same day. Am I only ever going to eat homemade crackers? No. But there is something very nice about fresh from the oven crackers.
The weather is getting cooler, but I often make things in my toaster oven. Since I am feeding only me, the sizes required for such things work well. You can freeze dough and/or do math to make smaller batches if this appeals to you. If there are more people in your household or quarantine bubble, you may have different needs. Also, I have turned fruit bread recipes into cupcakes and vice versa with no adjustment. I'm sure there are differences in the super professional kind, but it's worked great for me. I already had in my possession, silicone cupcake or muffin cups, which can make the clean up a little easier. If having specific serving sizes works better, that's an option.
A couple of parameters - I do not have yeast, and have not spent any effort finding yeast. I am willing to put in some time, but tend towards recipes that involve combining ingredients in some sort of order, minimal manipulation, and baking. I generally use wheat flour, but have tried a few of these with oat flour and they worked great. Also, I sub out honey and sugar all the time. The quantities are not exactly the same, but google can help you if you need specifics. I basically never have buttermilk on hand, so either use kefir milk, which I lately do tend to have on hand, or the citrus and milk trick as a substitution.
Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal - This has become a staple for me. I skip the bananas, although I'm sure they would be a nice addition.
Cinnamon Raisin Quickbread - I have made this a bunch of times. Feels right on the yummy but healthy border to me.
Oatmeal Whole Wheat Quickbread - Simply and easy.
Peanut Butter Bread - This was yum.
Honey Bread - So yum.
Cinnamon Pecan Scones - I subbed in cinnamon for the sweet bits, and it made them darker but super delicious. Also, I do not have a cinnamon problem. I just like it.
Crackers - Great use of sesame seeds if like me you have a whole container.
If you have some favorites, feel free to share.