In recent years the value of baking and cooking from scratch or at home has been shown to help improve mental health and well-being (1,2,3,4). Helping individuals learn to bake, while creating recipes that yield small portions was the focus of two programs offered by the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service. “Baking Basics” (four weeks)  and “Baking for One, Two or a Few” (three weeks) were two hands-on series focused on creating baked goods based on the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension curriculum “Super Star Chef Kneads a Little Dough.” Cakes, cookies, quick breads, and yeast breads were discussed and prepared in the sessions. The three-week “bake along” program was conducted virtually and the four-week series was held in-person. Forty adult participants from the general public took part.  

Each class session focused on a specific ingredient and its role in baking (e.g., type of leavening agent, flour, fat, yeast). Samples of products made with varying types or levels of the focus ingredient were provided for evaluation and discussion. Participants then made a recipe that yielded servings appropriate for one or two adults.

A survey (45 percent returned) conducted eight months after the conclusion of the series revealed:

92 percent better understand the function of basic ingredients in baking. Some have used that information to make their own recipes a healthier.

85 percent have done more “from scratch” baking at home

80 percent have decreased food waste because they are now preparing smaller amounts of food while 60 percent indicated they have saved money because they are making small portions and wasting less.

56 percent have successfully decreased the yield of their favorite baking recipes

Several participants shared that they are more confident in their baking skills, and changed their measuring techniques. One individual shared “Now I can bake more often, the baked goods don’t get old and I don’t feel like I have to eat it fast which means overeating.”

 (1) Andres, L.W. (May 4, 2017) How Cooking Dinner Helps You Bounce Back from a Tough Day https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/minding-the-body/201705/how-cooking-dinner-helps-you-bounce-back-from-a-tough-day

(2) Kaiser Permanent (October 4, 2022) 4 Ways Baking can Help Support Your Mental Health at https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/healtharticle.baking-for-mental-health

(3) Thomson, J.R. (March 31, 2017, Updated September 27, 2021) Psychologists Explain the Benefits of Baking for Other People at https://www.huffpost.com/entry/baking-for-others-psychology_n_58dd0b85e4b0e6ac7092aaf8

(4) Culinary Art Therapy at https://www.culinaryarttherapy.com/

Participants in the Baking Basics program making a brownie recipe that serves 2.

Submitted 6/20/2023