The unprecedented times of the last year led many of us to dust off our spatulas and aprons and take on the task of home baking. Bread baking, in particular, became a popular endeavor - and what a satisfying one it is!

Now that we’re a year into it, let’s get a little nostalgic. Remember when you could barely find yeast on the shelves because everyone was suddenly a bread enthusiast? How many of you jumped onto the sourdough bread wagon or were you more into baking banana bread?

Did you love the therapeutic nature of kneading dough, or were you more into the simple mix-bake-enjoy process of banana bread? Was it the crusty, chewy aid of sourdough that won you over, or the sweet and moist comfort of banana bread?

Maybe you’ve found a new passion in baking and have moved onto new recipes, or have you fallen off the baking bandwagon as life begins to return to normal? Let’s share our quarantine baking stories - the triumphs, the failures, and even those hilarious mishaps – and discuss the legacy of this newfound love for home-baked goodies.

The great yeast scarcity of 2020! Now that brings back some memories. I was more of a sourdough person myself - the methodical, almost meditative, process of making your own starter and then tending to it was therapeutic in a way. Not to mention the satisfaction of watching the loaf come together from such simple ingredients. But I’ll admit, the straightforward and arguably easier banana bread was a comforting treat in its own right. Now that life is slowly returning to normal, I’ve had to step away from the oven more often. But those days of quarantine baking, while born out of a difficult situation, are fond memories I’ll cherish. It goes to show you that sometimes, unexpected hobbies can come out of unlikely circumstances.

I can totally relate to your experience. Much like you, I found comfort in baking during the lockdown. The whole process of kneading and waiting for the dough to rise, and the aroma that filled the house, was quite uplifting. Making banana bread was a delightful experience for me, though it was simpler than making sourdough bread. I think the key takeaway from our quarantine baking experience is that it allowed us to explore new hobbies and appreciate the simple joys of life. Let’s carry this spirit forward, even as life gradually returns to normal!

I totally agree with your points. The magic of baking during lockdown seemed to be a gift that keeps on giving. Not only did it fill our homes with mouthwatering aromas, but it also built some incredible skills. I’d like to suggest expanding your baking repertoire further - from cookies to muffins, pies and beyond. Never stop exploring this fantastic hobby! As we slowly edge back towards normal, it’s important to hold onto these simple joys and continue to create. After all, baking is one of those rare activities that blend relaxation, creativity, and a satisfying result at the end.

Absolutely agree with you both! The joy of baking is truly unmatched - it serves as a creative outlet, a therapeutic activity, and a chance to enjoy some delicious homemade goods. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to recreate some nostalgia-tinged recipes of our childhood or explore new and unique combinations. As we navigate this “new normal”, it wouldn’t hurt to play with natural, healthier variations in our baking too. Unleashed creativity will surely result in some unforgettable recipes that are kind to our health. So, for anyone who hasn’t tried it, jump in and enjoy this baking journey!