December 16th, 2022

Winter is the perfect time to bake. A warm oven in the dark hours of 5 pm, gingerbread men, cinnamon buns, any kind of cookie your heart desires; you can have it all. Although you may not enjoy baking, you sure enjoy eating baked goods. Let me give you a guide to the best winter baking season yet. 

 

To begin, there are some winter staples everyone should have in their kitchen. These include spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin spice. However, the key is to use anything your heart desires, make your kitchen your own!  Next, All-purpose, almond, cake, and gluten-free are all great flours to include in your next shopping list if you wish to expand your baking capabilities. Other great baking essentials to stock up on are vanilla extract, powdered sugar, cookie cutters, and butter. 

 

However, baking is never about having the fanciest pantry. Baking is a relaxing way to enjoy the holidays and spread love through food, it never has to be expensive. Anything you have in your kitchen will work. Online you can uncover hundreds of recipes, you are sure to find one that works for you, and you can always adjust recipes to fit your needs. 

 

Baking, especially during the holidays, is a great way to spread love and enjoy your time during the cold. I use baking as a love language, I enjoy sharing my baked goods with family, friends, and anyone who is willing to try them. Although we may not think of it, people with allergies often feel left out during this fantastic time. 

 

My household is a gluten-free household: I am allergic and the rest of my family consumes very little of it. For me baking is always gluten-free, sometimes even vegan. Although it may seem difficult, confusing, and time-consuming, do not get discouraged from trying some gluten-free or vegan recipes. 

 

It may not be as straightforward as baking without restrictions, but it certainly is more fun. It adds some challenge and the reward of knowing you accomplished it is even sweeter. So if you have a friend who has some dietary restrictions, or even if you are just up for the challenge, make sure to try some fun recipes this winter. 

 

A few of my favourite gluten-free sources are Insanely good, Gluten Free Blogger, and Gluten Free Bread Co. 

I encourage all of you to spend time this winter finding your taste, exploring recipes, and learning what you enjoy as a baker. This is a great hobby to pick up and I am sure you will all find enjoyment in baking! 

 

By Milica Kolovic

Categories: Editorials