the first post.

In lieu of my first post for "something to munch on", I have decided to start out my blog using my first "fun-writing" essay. Since the theme is "soul snacking", here's a short essay I feel will appropriately introduce myself to my few buy, hopefully, loyal readers. Bon appetite!

A True Fatty

Smooth. Rich. Delectable. Sweet. Savory. Every individual finds a different and unique meaning from these words. For me, these words paint a picture of cakes, cookies, brownies, and chocolate. Not the packaged sweets or ready made cookies, I love to bake my own desserts and try other homemade delectables. As the French might say, I am a true gourmande. In other words, or just plain English, I love to eat and to eat well. I’m not one to give up an order of fast food fries, pizza, or even a few Oreos with milk but if I had to choose between picking up Wendy’s or making my own meal, especially my own dessert, I would choose the latter.

I cannot remember the first time I was in the kitchen, developing my love for baking while feeding my tummy. I do remember, however, school nights when my parents would leave us kids with Mrs. Owen while they went out. After homework, dance, piano, and swim team, Mrs. Owen and I would preheat the oven to 325 degrees, set out the butter, roll up our sleeves, and get to work. Every time she was over, without fail, Mrs. Owen and I could be found working away in the kitchen. It was with her that I learned about packing down the brown sugar, adding an extra drop of vanilla for that surge of sweetness, and to set out the butter well in advance so that it was soft enough for the dough. Though we never ventured far from the traditional, yet always favored, chocolate chip cookie, this experience harvested within me a passion: baking.

Mrs. Owen sparked a flame which has continued to grow into a love for making, and most importantly for eating, desserts of any kind. My love for being in the kitchen continues. Among family and friends, I am known as “chef” or the one who brings food for any occasion- everything from parties to studying to just an opportunity to eat. There is a unique and special bond among those who love to cook, love to eat, and love to be around food. My good friend Lindy and I share in our love for creating goodies. We often talk about opening a bakery together so that we can dive daily into sugar, share our creations with our neighbors, and earn a living doing what we love. Holidays with the family offer the ideal time in the kitchen- cooking with my grandmothers, aunts, and mother. I love exploring old family favorites with my grandmother, Sita. Every time I visit her, we try a new recipe, cook homemade meals, and go out of our way to make fabulous foods. Sometimes it is as simple as chicken noodle soup made from scratch and other times as unique as cherry cheesecake or homemade jam.

In the kitchen, I am comfortable, safe, in control. Maybe I like to bake so much because I do have control there. With my spatula in hand and the oven set, I know things will turn out how I want them. If not, I am at fault and must be the one to fix it. Nobody but myself can change what I bake or tell me how to make it. Whether I am measuring out my dry ingredients or stirring my melting chocolate, I am able to control what goes on while anticipating the final product. From Italian Cream Cake to double chocolate cookies, baking is my gift to society: from my hands but, most importantly, from my heart.