But no, Im sorry to say I am just in no mood for this doughy bullshit right now.
(She plated them too early so they all cooled into one gooey, chocolatey mountain.
It was great.)
Hsyncoban/Getty Images
I was someone who knew all of their favorite flavor combinations and brought them cupcakes on their birthdays.
I played around with melting and, yes,temperingchocolate to make cookie decorations.
I found that homemade pie crust, surprisingly, came pretty easily to me.
On a college budget and without an electric mixer, I whipped cream by hand more than once.
But sourdough, as many people are now finding, is challengingand rewardingin an entirely different way.
The combination of organisms is what helps the bread rise and gives it that classic tangy flavor.
I guess I wanted a little more ownership of it?
Really, I think I wanted to be able to say I did itallmyself.
My first loaves were not pretty, but theyroseand that was exciting enough.
My subsequent ones have been consistently fine and seem to get a little tangier with every try.
Did you know that freshly baked bread crackles when you take it out of the oven?
Im not totally sure why.
I think it has to do with the crust and things expanding within it.
Plus, baking bread introduced me to a lovely, unique community on Instagramincluding anew concert buddy.
I want to bakeof course Iwantto bakebut it just isnt happening.
The stress Im dealing with now is different, obviously, and its all-consuming.
Sourdough just cant compete with the existential dread of living through an actual, for-real pandemic.
And the Instagrams, dear God, the Instagrams!
I cant help but compare my loaves to other peoplessome who literally just started baking.
The competition, entirely fueled by me and my own lame insecurities, is just inescapable.
I made some half-hearted biscuits, sure.
I made some matzah for Passover, which was, well, matzah.
Specifically, the ones my mom used to make.
Ive made and devoured two full boxes so far.
Without the possibility for those interactions, making bread doesnt give me that sense of accomplishment I crave.
It just reminds me of how lonely and hopeless this moment truly feels.
If learning to make bread is a quarantine activity that brings you joy, that is wonderful.
Maybe try making a starter of your own!
The fudgier, the better.
