Comforting Times: Exploring Old Recipes and Baking During Lockdown
Lately, the world has seen many of us experiencing tough times, similar to the lockdown period. Because of these challenges, it's natural for people to turn to comfort foods, baking, or creating new recipes inspired by old classics. Whether you're cooking or baking at home, it's a wonderful way to pass the time and create something delicious while traveling back in time with old family recipes. Let's explore how lockdown impacted our culinary adventures and how we can revive nostalgia through the art of baking.
From Stressed to Comfort Food Enthusiast
During the lockdown, my stove was out, which initially made my family curious about what I would do. They wondered if I could still cook anything, given that I usually prepare meals for them. As a person who likes to cook, especially comfort foods, I found that the lack of a working stove forced me to think creatively and budget wisely.
I vividly remember my family's reactions when I informed them that I couldn't cook anything. Being picky eaters, their curiosity turned into concern. However, with time, I managed to incorporate various ways of cooking that didn't rely on my stove. Throughout the lockdown, I experimented with different recipes and cuisines, branching out even further from my usual menu.
Exploring Sweet Treats and Old Recipes
During the lockdown, I started baking a lot more, particularly twisted recipes that added a touch of sweetness to my daily routine. One of the delights I discovered was cooking and baking a variety of sweet treats, such as pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and pasta dishes. I also started experimenting with different cuisines, trying to find joy in the act of creating meals that were not only comforting but also delicious.
Sweet Recipes from My Instagram
If you're interested in more of my sweet treats, you can find my recipes on my Instagram page in the highlights. I've been sharing a wide range of desserts, including:
Chocolate Babka Cinnamon Twists Braided Mana’eesh Good Sauce Steak (the French method)Reviving Old Family Recipes
Apart from trying out new recipes, I spent a lot of time searching for and cooking old family recipes. One of the standout dishes I cooked was my grandmother's applesauce cake, a go-to recipe when I needed a sugar fix. This lockdown period has been a great opportunity to explore other classic dishes and refresh my culinary skills.
When my daughter asked me for an old recipe, I decided to revive the art of baking oatmeal shortbread. Additionally, I ordered some delicious gingerbread rosemary cookies from my local farmer's co-op, which have brought a little comfort to my daily life. The urge for sweet treats has been quieted for a while, allowing me to focus on other baking endeavors.
Reading and Reflecting
Since both my husband and I are retired, we haven't been too affected by the lockdown. However, it's still a period of reflection and self-improvement for us. I've been reading about cooking and nutrition, particularly M. F. K. Fisher's How To Cook A Wolf. This book has encouraged me to delve into the works of other skilled cookery writers like Elizabeth David, who has taught me how to apply good cooking practices in tough situations.
Sitting down with these books has been a great way to keep my brain sharp and engaged. Despite the challenges, I'm finding ways to enjoy my time at home by exploring old family recipes, baking new treats, and rediscovering the joy of cooking. Whether it's the comfort of a home-cooked meal or the nostalgia of a family recipe, these experiences have been invaluable during these times of uncertainty.