If in doubt, bake a cake...

One of my followers on Twitter saw this picture and thought of me.

How very appropriate - my sentiments exactly!

Now, baking cakes isn't going to solve all of life's problems, by any means.  But in our family, a cake brings us together - we create cakes and bakes with the children, getting them involved in the preparation, selecting of ingredients and the mixing.  We share cakes with our family and friends - we invite them over for a cuppa and a catch up over a slice of homemade cake.  Every birthday is marked with a homemade birthday cake - the variety is made as per the specifications of the person celebrating their birthday.  My husband and the children make a cake for me on my birthday each year! 

I have fond memories of baking with my mum as a child.  Standing on a chair, wearing my apron, helping my mum with the baking of cakes, biscuits, traybakes and other sweet delights.  Getting involved, cracking the eggs, mixing, breaking up the chocolate - and always, always licking the bowl, spoons and any other utensils afterwards!

I'm in my thirties now and I'm creating these types of memories for Lizzie.  She helps me in the kitchen, too - we put on our aprons, wash our hands, and bake.  Very little has changed in the way I bake to the way my mum taught me - even the equipment I use and the techniques I opt for, as well as the recipes I favour, are all very similar to the way my mum and I baked in the 80s.

Lizzie loves to be involved and hands on.  And I love to see the pride on her face when she's made something in the kitchen.  Here she is getting to grips with a piping bag.

If in doubt, bake a cake.

Best wishes
Debbie