I’ve started a series called Confessions of a Nutritionist . Today is all about baking
I love baking so much! So what?
I’m not really sure how much of you are interested in this post, but this one I was thinking of long time, I’m trying to avoid it, because its sounds unhealthy.
Before when I cut out desserts almost completely, it wasn’t hard. I was working out so much, I tried to do new things to distract myself, and not having enough time to bake!
Years ago, I wanted to take a course for cake decorating with Tavola and Wilton . I was feeling jealous, when I saw friends or food bloggers or random chefs that can decorate amazing stuff. Why can’t I? I even bought basics tools, and tried them. I watched a workshop on creative life . It wasn’t easy at all, it depends on the consistency of your cream, and the weather. Especially if its humid, I have humble experience, not so good (cant post them here really!).
Isn’t this beautiful!
But I stopped doing that, because its so ironic that I’m a nutritionist, and taking a cake decorating class!
Do I bake much? Not Really! When is the last time I baked?
Oh pumpkin whole wheat bread casserole with pumpkin spice. Nah this is not a real baking, this is a casserole. And oh a blueberry banana muffins. While it has fruits, I prefer butter in muffins instead of oils, so it’s not so healthy. I do use vegetable oil sometimes like this one
Oh ya I baked healthy cookies, almond butter and moalsses . I liked them, but cookies aren’t my first love. I made them to have healthy snack on, not for a treat.
I had lots of baking mistakes before. Like when the muffins, or cake rise beautifully in the oven, and then hop down when you got it out. I know this means too much liquid in the batter, but not sure how to solve it!
I was not taking notes when something wrong happened, because I took pride in myself that I don’t need to take notes. People who do take notes are not smart enough like me (silly me).
I tried baking with healthier substitutes
- Greek yogurt, in cheesecake it’s good, but it doesn’t taste like real cheesecake
- Flax seeds (great addition for omega 3, and other benefits), but even if it does have the consistency like eggs, I don’t see them fit) I don’t mind it add to baked goods, but not as replacement for eggs.
- Whole wheat flour in cakes in mugs, wasn’t very successful trials that’s why I don’t have photos.
- Coconut milk ,uh no no ! It’s the canned one. Before, I used the powder. Its much more better in flavor, and texture, but I cant find it now, I should go to a special store!
Don’t get me wrong, I see food bloggers creating masterpieces with healthy ingredients, but in my humble opinion, healthy baked treats doesn’t taste like desserts.
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Zucchini, carrots, pumpkin, beans are great additions, and yogurt too. But muffins are definitely better with butter! (I know what you are thinking, I should try coconut oil)
We can argue on taste, but I don’t know some people really don’t see a difference. I can taste the difference, you know if its so healthy, why I need it after all?
I mean why can’t I eat a salad made with carrots, and zucchini? Or eat a whole apple instead of 5 or more apples in a form of concentrated sugar like apple sauce? (fructose, natural sugar, but its still sugar) It’s better if I eat whole some food.
I love eating carrots, and zucchini lightly sauteed with some olive oil, and spices. This is much more better than cake with them that doesn’t even taste like a cake.
People are making healthier treats, because they are so much used to eat treats, its like eating dinner, A MUST! Why we need treats everyday?
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So what is the confession?
The first thing pop up to my mind when I hear the word baking is fat, cream, butter, and sugar. Those gooey cake, flaky pastries, smooth puddings and pies oh..my!
I want to make scones,macrons, croissants, pies, and brownies. And whatever dessert that I didn’t try yet!
Macrons are so cute! Aren’t they?
I don’t bake so much, because
- I think it’s safer not to do it, I can’t get my self to bake healthy goods. I want the sinful ones, and please don’t judge and say no food is bad. I don’t say it’s bad, but eating a cream pie everyday is like a sin. Because it can be really harmful for the health.
- Also, I think baking is expensive, because you need different molds,tools, and pans, different kind of flours, high quality chocolate, and much more. You really need them to get the shape, and the consistency you need for your baked goods.
- Also, what’s is holding me back is , accuracy and precision. I’m not so good at these. I really think bakers are so great. So patients that they can wait for the right period of time, and can take exact measurements. They are brave!
- And the real reason is, I’m lazy. It’s time consuming, so many dishes to clean.
It’s the conflict i live in between baking unhealthy treats, and not wanting to try healthy ones. I said I tried not to bake, and it worked before, and still do.
But will I be a professional baker someday? Who knows!
Do you bake often? Do you use healthy ingredients? Pleas share your experience, I would love to hear from YOU!
photo credit: Christmas cake – No 1 via photopin (license)
