Some find baking of this magnitude tedious, but I loved it. After all, the cook must sample her wares. Just to be sure they are not poisonous mind you...
As I said, up until recent years, I would typically bake double batches of eight to ten different types of cookies, two or three different types of breads and a cake or two. While I'm not much on decorating (I have the decorating talent of a rock) I do enjoy the baking. I love creating delectable treats to be enjoyed by those I love. I liked when one of my boys took an interest and would bake with me for a short time. That time spent in communion with my child was priceless. On occasions I would get together with a family member, or loved friend and share the baking (occasionally accompanied by a beer or three) and just sharing thoughts and feelings with each other to pass the time. The enjoyment of those hours also are priceless, and after three beers some of our cookies turned out quite... interesting.
I have not done this kind of marathon baking in 4 years. The schedule I kept over these last few years did not present the opportunity of dedicating an entire day or weekend to this creativity. I briefly considered doing it this year, and on a very small scale did some baking. Without someone to bake with, and enjoy the hours immersed in friendship and love, it is just not the same.
I'm hoping in upcoming years, I will find the time to re-establish this activity. My boys are getting older, and involved in more activities, but I may be able to squeeze in an evening or two, and possibly even one weekend day with them for baking. I'm pretty sure I can even talk some loved ones into coming up for a weekend of baking cookies and drinking beer (hint-hint Frannie!). I might even be able to coax Hubby into joining me in the kitchen (I will dangle Crisco and chocolate syrup in front of him...) in the future.
Of course I will have to wait until after finals week!