I call my bakery Prof. Pastry because my approach to baking is informed by my background as a Cultural Anthropology PhD. Back in academia, I would use food as a way of introducing my students to different cultures since cuisine is, for many people, their first contact with another society. The act of preparing a meal can be meaningful, both on a personal and communal level. It’s an opportunity to carry on the tradition of an old family recipe, or start a new tradition with your own ingredients, utensils, and kitchen space.

Baking is a meaningful activity to me, on both an individual and social level. The focused nature of it inspires mindfulness to an almost meditative degree. The opportunity to experiment with varieties of flavor is an opportunity for creative expression. Baking is also a sensory experience - the feel of kneading the dough, the smell of a good bottle of vanilla extract, the sound of an eggshell cracking against the rim of a bowl and the sight of its sunshine-yellow yolk dropping into the batter. And then, of course, there is taste.

Sharing the finished product with my friends and family is its own reward. It helps me feel as though, in my own way, I am building community and strengthening relationships. Furthermore, baking for others, feeding others, is a way for me to express my love, appreciation, and care. When I emerge from the kitchen with a cake or tray of pastries and see the eyes of my guests light up with anticipation, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment and communion.

Thank you for letting me share my love of baking with you! Be sure and keep an eye on this site for future offerings.