“What are you doing?”
“I’m making a cake.”
“What do you mean? We get cakes at the store.”

The above was an actual conversation when two young women saw me doing a cooking demo. The concept was all the more confusing to them as there wasn’t a box in sight as I was using raw materials to bake the cake from scratch.

Another time when I said I was going to make bread, again from scratch, confusion erupted as to why wouldn’t I just go to the bakery if the grocery store offerings where insufficient.

Why indeed.

Now it is more popular to know what is actually in the food that we are eating, then the key was convenience. Both are useful. Yet more than both of these, I like to bake. I learned at my grandmothers’ sides. They were both amazing bakers. My mouth waters at the memories.

At a book signing, Julia Child, my hero, asked me if I was a baker.

YIKES!

When a respected mentor asks you a question, your answer had better be right.
Gulp!
“Yes, I am a baker”, I replied to Julia.

“Oh, that is WONDERFUL! I am not and I so admire those who are,” said Julia, the great cook, teacher and world changer.

She too was WONDERFUL and I fully admit my bias.

Sometimes when you are different or misunderstood because others don’t have your same passions and visions, it is important to have a mentor or coach to support you, to help you see who you are and that yes, you are wonderful.

Seeing a cake made from scratch may not have totally changed the world for those two your women however it did change and widen their perspectives and options. The French bakery in town did make delicious baguettes from the imported French flour. I miss it to this day. The oatmeal bread from my grandmother’s recipe allows me to share the love and memories with those dear to me.

Is there something you want to do?
Whatch doin?