Baking vs. Cooking

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.