Slice of Life: It's a Piece of Cake

I've never considered myself a baker.  It's just not my thing.  Baking takes time --- and patience.  I'm not really someone who has either of these things --- at least not in the kitchen.  I'd much rather cook than bake.  In office potlucks I hope to be assigned sides instead of dessert.  At family gatherings, I cross my fingers someone will ask for cheese potatoes or broccoli casserole.  I'd rather cook the entire meal than be asked to bring dessert.

My sister-in-law is a baker.  She makes glorious cakes that nearly reach the sky.  She makes cookies that are never too brown and always the right height.  I have baker friends who inspire me with their tales of cheesecakes, pies, and biscotti.  Despite all of the experts in my life, I've limited my baking to chocolate chip cookies and cake mix boxes.

Recently things have changed.  Maybe it's the fact that I have more time on my hands.  Maybe I've just decided I don't care how it turns out, I'll give it a try.  Maybe it's the "maker thinking" taking over my mindset.  Last month I decided to try an Oreo cookie cake that turned out edible, if I do say so myself.  When my daughter asked for a chocolate cake for her birthday I decided I would make it from scratch.  I searched recipes, asked for a little advice from baking friends (coffee in a chocolate cake?), and gathered the ingredients to make my own cake.

I've never considered myself a baker, but maybe I'm starting to think we can do anything if we are determined enough to give a try.

It's Tuesday so I'm joining the Slice of Life Challenge hosted by Two Writing Teachers.