This is the first time I’ve managed to start writing an SOL post since school began. Where did all those good intentions go? Clearly they are not paving the path that I’m on, as the bumps and ruts remain numerous, requiring focus, swerves, and detours as I move along my way. Not to mention time to pull over and rest my eyes!
Last Friday we had our first Lattes and Lit meeting, which is our monthly before-school staff book buzz group. We come and share what we’ve been reading, swap books, and basically wallow in book talk and book love. It’s delightful! We started this a little over a year ago and it’s quickly become one of my favorite things. Usually I try to bake something to share and add to the festivities.
Last Thursday night though, I was in bed by 7 pm and asleep by 7:30. I hadn’t packed my lunch (always a night before in my life!) and I had even forgotten to put in my retainer. Exhausted doesn’t begin to describe it. Needless to say, I hadn’t baked anything. When I woke up around 4:15, I felt so much better. I knew I was already behind though–Friday’s planning had some large potholes in it, the group meets in my room at 8:00 which means my morning work time was truncated and I still had emails to respond to, lunch to pack and lots of other odds and ends to tend to. I got up and started the day.
At about 5:30 I came up for air. A sudden thought intruded. You know I could probably still make a batch of scones if I got moving. My mind hurried through the steps and the time involved. If I got the scones in the oven by 6, they’d be out by 6:15 or so and I could still head to work at 6:30. I debated with myself for a few moments. Did I want to rush? Did I want to make a mess and clean up? Did I really have the time?
Within moments, I had made my decision. I turned on the oven, grabbed flour, sugar, salt, butter, and baking soda and a mixture of baking cups. I dug out the chocolate chips, the dried cherries and the turbinado sugar. I lost myself in a whirl of measuring, chopping, mixing, etc. I was in baking flow, and it felt so good! Within 20 minutes or so, my scones were in the oven, the smell of baking was in the air, and I was smiling.
Hmmmm….could I make another batch? I mean people like having choices… I calculated. If I left home at 6:45, I’d still be at school by 7:15 which would give me a solid 45 minutes to get ready. I ran through the day in my head. Could I do it? Throwing caution to the wind, I optimistically decided I could. I mean, everything was already out! So, I zested some lemons, chopped some ginger and the next batch was soon ready to go.
As I baked, I realized how good it felt to be doing so. I absolutely love to bake, and don’t do so much these days as I simply don’t want to eat it all. For me, baking is both relaxing and fulfilling. It calms and centers me, and I also love to share what I’ve baked. It’s a win-win for sure! Making scones was definitely the right choice last Friday!
side note: When I searched my blog t to see if I’d already written about Lattes and Lit, I found a post entitled Baking. Clearly I have linked the two in my mind. As I reread it, I discovered that I was once again realizing something I’d already realized before, but somehow managed to forget. This time around there was a bit more rush around the edges, but still, the basic tenet was true: Baking comforts and connects me. It’s also a lot of fun.
In my decision to cut back the calories, I’ve also cut back on a source of joy. I think I need to reconsider this one.
Scones are a particularly wonderful treat. I just made my first, and might I add, heavenly batch of gluten free ones yesterday. Will power!
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Scones are great because you also need to eat them quickly since they don’t age well. It’s a built in excuse for gorging! I have a favorite recipe, but I did try some gluten free ones last year and they were yummy. Did you use almond flour?
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Three cheers for baking! I made bread today!
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Oh, yum! I haven’t made bread in ages, though I enjoyed some miche from a local baker with dinner last night. Do you have a go-to recipe? For all of my baking experience, I can still run a bit yeast-tentative…
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My go-to recipe is my Grandmother Hahn’s recipe! It’s the only bread in our house these days. Don’t be afraid of yeast…it’s fun!
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Scones have a way of making me feel as if the calories are worth it! I don’t have scientific proof of this, but I am sure you put a lot of smiles on faces and some pep in some steps!
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My favorite thing about this recipe is that it’s made with buttermilk (or regular milk with a bit of lemon or vinegar), not heavy cream like so many are. I can enjoy them without feeling too gluttonous. I definitely had a smile on my face 🙂
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I need your scones recipes! I didn’t realize they baked up so quickly. I too love baking and haven’t done it in a while. Maybe I’m due this weekend 🙂
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Baking’s the best! If you message me your address, I’m happy to share the recipe I use. 🙂
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Just messaged you on facebook!
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How delightful to squeeze in an activity that fills you with such joy. I bet you had a bounce in your step all day! 🙂 Love the title, Lattes and Lit, and am already searching for a scone recipe. 🙂
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Lattes and Lit is such fun, and baking for everyone adds another joyful layer. I got such a lift from making scones that morning! I’m going to try to build in a bit more baking. I can always share the results rather than consume them all at home. That’s one of the big pluses anyway!
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It’s true. I love to bake as much as you and love sharing with others, too. 🙂
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I wish I could love cooking of any kind, but it’s just not something I love to do. I usually am missing some ingredients and something else I hate to do is go to the grocery store.
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I am NOT a fan of cooking (other than soups) but baking is joyful to me. I have a very well stocked (overstocked?) supply of baking ingredients, so I’m always good to go when I get the urge to create.
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Wow! I’m super impressed that you were able to bake not one, but two batches so early in the morning. Good for you for going for it! Love your Lattes and Lit idea. What a sweet way to build community—made sweeter by scones.
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In for a penny, in for a pound, right? I’ve been baking for so long that it’s pretty stream-lined for me. Also, Lattes and Lit is the best! I love being surrounded by book-loving colleagues and sharing books and recommendations.
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Molly, your speed and dedication to making scones for your meeting is remarkable. I love to bake and always think ahead. Would I have time to create a new cookie?
Your line, “Baking comforts and connects me. It’s also a lot of fun,” is what I also feel! Hurray for you!
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I guess baking is one more thing we have in common, Carol!
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Lattes and Lit! Slice of Scone! You lunatic…but we have to make time for the things that sustain us, whether we actually eat them ourselves or not. Not being a baker, I would have Not-Sconed; instead I would have maybe gathered a nice tablecloth and some cloth napkins to make it special. Love every bit of this!
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Isn’t it lovely that there are so many ways to make things special?
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“throwing caution to the wind,” you made those delicious scones… and 2 different flavors! Thank you for making joy a priority last week. It was contagious (and delicious!)
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Yes, it’s time to rethink that dietary choice. Your kindred spirit in York feels your pain, your gain, and your oneness.
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