Here in eastern NJ, there are very few areas of high elevation. Translation? There's no excuse not to bake with your partner! (For those of you who don't know: higher elevations can make baking a difficult chore for the uninitiated.)
Baking dates back to ancient times, predating even Egyptian society. While the Babylonians may not have had donuts or challah bread, they did manage to cook dough over hot coals to form a bread-like baked food. Ever since, bread has been an integral item on nearly every culture's menu.
Unlike many other chores, baking can be very therapeutic when performed in pairs. It requires excellent teamwork and builds communication from measuring dry ingredients to kneading dough to baking in a hot oven for the precise amount of time. I'd be willing to bet: couples who bake together almost always stay together!
If you're looking for some inspiration, go no further than Central New Jersey! Newark and the surrounding towns have a number of excellent bakeries. Metuchen's Mona Lisa Bakery is a great place for pastries and breads, and Newark's Calandra's is a bakery and caterer of epic proportions. Once you're inspired (and full of delicious sweet treats), decide which goodies you'll recreate with your partner.
Decide together on a recipe. If you like sweet treats, pick something that you both enjoy eating and which you'll also have fun making. Pastries with jam are great for those who like moist sweets while elephant ears and other dry pastries are excellent for those who like a good crunch. Beer breads are tangy and flavorful while sourdough breads are a bit more rugged for sandwiches and dipping in olive oil. Take turns sifting the dry ingredients and measuring the wet ingredients, and try kneading bread recipes together. For those who enjoy competition, have a contest to see who can make the same recipe faster. Don't forget to have fun--throw a little flour around, sample a little dough and make sure to sample your creations together.
Do you and your partner ever bake or cook together? What do you like making? Share with a comment below or by e-mailing relationships@alexseise.com!
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