It's funny how some people like to bake and some people like to cook, but very rarely do people enjoy doing both.
I, for example, like to bake. I don't really like cooking. That's not to say that I can't cook; I just find it tedious and it always feels like a chore to me. Baking, on the other had, is actually fun for me and I find that the end product is always so much more enjoyable. Let's face it, given the choice, I think we'd all rather have cupcakes for dinner than some "proper meal". I also prefer baking because there is no creativity really required. You just follow the recipe and 99% of the time you will end up with some pretty tasty treats. I will admit that I am a stickler when it comes to following recipes. If it calls for a pinch of salt, I will actually pour some salt into my hand and pinch some of it out to put in the bowl. This is where some people go wrong with their baking; they deviate from the recipe too much. That can lead to all sorts of problems. The real fun of baking happens afterwards; when you get to decorate those sugar cookies, cupcakes or layer cake. I actually took a cake decorating course a few years ago and learned a few tips and tricks. I'll never buy cupcakes again now that I can bake them and decorate them myself; they look and taste just as good, if not better, than any that you would buy.
Now I understand that we should all eat healthy and have "proper" balanced meals, so this is why I do cook when I have to. I can cook stir-fries and spaghetti and a few other standard meals. I've even cooked a few turkey dinners over the years. I think what I dislike about cooking is that there are usually so many things you have to deal with (side dishes, main dish, prep work, all those pots and pans). I don't mind doing stir-fries because everything just goes in the one pan and that's it. There is; however, all that chopping and slicing that is required...ugh. I do enjoy using the slow-cooker too. Just dump everything in there in the morning before work and it's all done when I get home. But once again there is that prep work to do.
I have invested in a new cookbook, so I'm hoping that I will become inspired and some day learn to love cooking. Until that day comes, I will continue baking and enjoying the treats that come along with that.
