Home Baking, the humble act of combining ingredients and popping it in the oven, has become a solitary act. Past generations gathered in one kitchen, each woman bringing the produce of her garden for a day of preserving, baking and friendship. Baking was done en mass; the gathering being as important as the ingredients used. This time of community building was anticipated with much excitement. Women returned home with full mason jars and equally full hearts.
In more modern times, the link between cooking and connection is thin. Perhaps an attempt to reconnect is best seen in the endless photos on social media of homebaked treats. However, digital affirmation is not quite as effective as a day of chat, sympathy and laughing with friends.
Television shows like “Great British Bake Off” are one more step removed as the viewers don’t participate in the cooking. It is a purely visual experience of watching someone else’s skill (or not). Bake Off is interesting, as the celebrity bakers exchange banter, advice and, at times, help each other if it’s all going badly. Proof perhaps that baking is meant to be done communally?
When I was working in London with a group of migrant women, cooking together completely changed the group dynamics. Suddenly, these women who felt all at sea in a large city, disconnected from their culture, language and communities, revealed their expertise. Their family recipes were second nature to them. Teaching skills to others brought out a confidence and cheekiness that was not seen in their English language classes. Joy and laughter reigned supreme in the kitchen as women came together to cook.
Perhaps there is merit in cooking dinner together as a couple, or a family. Would mothers and teenagers benefit from an afternoon of baking? One couple I know made tomato sauce with their grandparents and gave it as bonbonniere gifts at their wedding. The passing down through the generations of expert knowledge and skill strengthened their relationship. It provided untold value in the form of memories made, opening the way for future support and enriching all of their lives.
Establishing good mental health is more than managing distress. It includes preventative interventions as simple as cooking together.
