New year resolutions are a rite of passage. Here are some tips and tricks to formulate the perfect baking related resolutions.
The new year is almost here and it's time to think about resolutions, the things you want to achieve and leave behind in 2024. There’s a general tendency to let go of these promises made to the self in a few weeks. So we suggest you think of general, open ended, year long goals instead. While your work, health and other aspects will probably find a place on your list of resolutions, here are some tips to make baking related resolutions as well. After all, spending time in the kitchen, being mindful and creative, is an important aspect. So here’s how you can figure out how to formulate goals related to your baking. Remember, as you introspect, be thoughtful and have clear, achievable goals that will be easy to follow through with.
The first thing you want to do is reflect on your current skills. Think about what you’re good at, what you’re in the process of learning, and what areas need improvement, across techniques, flavors, decorating and other aspects of baking. Make a list of the items you like to create best and the ones you wish you were better at. Accordingly, set relevant and achievable goals. Instead of just saying ‘i want to bake better chocolate cakes’ say ‘i want to create a moister cake’ or ‘i want to understand how to create a glossy and smooth ganache’. You might also want to create more specific goals like promising to try out that recipe that's been in your bookmarks for months or planning to perfect a challenging technique. Also think about different categories. For instance, if you normally bake cakes, decide to try your hand at cookies or souffles. Not only will you acquire new skills over time, you’ll also find that your baking journey is exciting and fun - remember, you don't want a monotonous routine that it would be easy to get bored of.
The next thing you should reflect on is how you'll actually go about achieving these goals. There are a host of online and offline courses, workshops, baking clubs and communities and even how to books about baking. You have to figure out what mode of learning and which resources are best suited to your learning style. Ensure you're carving out time, and other resources if needed, for your baking. It's important to make time and show up for the things that matter to you. If, for instance, you're joining an offline baking class, then attending an hour long class once a week isnt enough. You need to make time for at home practice baking too.
Another trick, especially for those who love the process of planning and list making, is to create a calendar for yourself. Figure out one new dessert recipe or baking technique you want to try your hand at each month, essentially giving each month’s baking endeavor a theme. Not only can this be exciting, it also stops you from overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed later. It’s important to see your year’s plan in front of you so you know what you want to do next. In the realm of planning, you might also want to keep a baking journal to record your progress. For each month, make a note of the things you achieved, the challenges you faced and the lessons youve learnt along the way. This will keep you motivated, encourage you to reflect on the process, and essentially make you a better baker. To add a fun element, take pictures of your creations and stick them in, creating a crafty and artsy journal.
One of the best parts of cooking or baking is the joy you feel when you can share your creations with your loved ones and they relish every bite of it. Share your baked goods with friends, family and fellow bakers. Be accepting of the feedback you receive and based on those, tweak your future goals. Simultaneously, keep in mind that not everything you bake will turn out perfect. There will certainly be deflated cakes and burnt cupcakes. Mishaps and mistakes are part of the learning process. But the feedback you receive and mistakes you make are all opportunities to tweak your resolutions or goals to better suit your progress. Be positive, and importantly, celebrate the small victories that come along the way.