Baking joy

I woke up in the middle of the night to feed Rafael and the thought of waking in a few hours brought on a feeling of dread. It was the end of the week, we were low on groceries and the gallon of milk had run dry. Trying to scheme up a good breakfast for my children can be a challenge when we have so few options. I wasn’t ready for the crying and complaining. 

But then I remembered. 

I had dough rising on the countertop to make cinnamon rolls. An honest and deep sigh of relief came over me. The mere thought of sweet, gooey, frosted rolls gave me an inspiration lift and all of a sudden made the morning feel bright and uplifting. Just the remembrance of that dough gave me a boost of energy. 

Waking up around 5:30 didn’t feel so heavy. I loved rolling out the dough as the sun slowly rose into the cerulean sky, scattering rays of light into my cozy kitchen. Rafael curiously watched as I stretched and shaped the rolls in his high chair. The anticipation helped push me through any ounce of exhaustion. This was my first time making sourdough cinnamon rolls and the novelty was not lost on me.

They turned out divine and delicious and everything you would hope a cinnamon roll would be! Some mornings just need a cinnamon roll to change the narrative of the day. 

———————

All this made me realize yet again the joy of baking. In my opinion, joy is the best way to describe it. Baking is enriching, fun, and cathartic. It’s almost as if something deep inside is fed as I stir up the batter or roll out the dough. For me, the process is where it’s at (and of course that first bite!). Each step is enjoyable for me - pulling out the ingredients from my cupboards, measuring and stirring, cracking the eggs, and all the rest. 

Honestly baking has been not only a life-force for me during these intense years of pregnancy and motherhood, it’s been a life-line.. a sanity saver of sorts. To make something tangible and edible with my own two hands - in the midst of all the noise and mess is so satisfying. Most hours of my day are thinking and tending to the needs of my children and home. So to step off that track and do something totally different and creative has really brought me such joy. 

So here are my steps and finished cinnamon rolls, in all their sweet, gooey, glory. I hope this post and these pictures serve as a reminder - if it’s a rough morning or just another day of to-do’s - bake, and the joy will follow.