I am fascinated with obscure holidays. At one point, I planned to spend a year observing as many as possible and write a book about it.
Then my family got a “National Days” calendar. It was the kind where you tear off the current day to reveal the next and it featured one or two unusual holidays for every day of the year.
I started out strong and enthusiastic, excited to see what each new day would bring.
Inevitably, I started forgetting about it for long stretches of time. By the time I remembered, I had a discouraging pile of missed opportunities to go through. National Hug a Drummer Day for example. I live with not one, but TWO drummers and I happen to love hugs.
April 6th could’ve been epic as well. It offers up the opportunity to celebrate National Burrito Day, National Acai Bowl Day AND National Caramel popcorn day. Alas, I had neither burrito nor bowl that day. Not even a kernel of popcorn.
I’ve accepted the fact that I will never write that book. I obviously don’t have the discipline. Also, it’s unnecessary. There are calendars and an entire website dedicated to all the best Days of the Year.
It’s been done and it’s been done well. Not a lot of room left for a hot take.
I’ve changed tack. Because, what does remain, believe it or not, is room for more holidays! There are endless random frivolities to get excited about.
In the spirit of fabricating reasons to feel festive,
May I present to you : National Befriend A Baker Day.
When is National Befriend A Baker Day? It’s today! It’s tomorrow! If you manage to find a baker to befriend, it’s that day! The point is, I made it up. You can just take the idea and run with it.
What inspired me to add this holiday to a world full of holidays no one cares about now?
I am a mediocre baker. I enjoy baking. I can produce a decent dessert when I feel like it.
But the best thing I ever did as a baker? Befriend a better baker. Not because she shares her recipes or teaches me her ways. She does try, but i’m not interested…because now, instead of baking, I just eat whatever she bakes. It’s amazing.
I chose to befriend this baker because she is, simply put, the best. She makes the lightest loaves and butteriest biscuits. Her cakes are fluffy and her cookies are crisp. You name it, she bakes it.
Full disclosure, the baker in question is my mom. It’s every bit as sad as it sounds. But you know what? Your mom can be your biggest fan. Why can’t she also be you friend…..with baking benefits. I mean…..
Here’s why should embrace National Befriend A Baker Day….
First off, it’s a win win situation.
We already know what the befriender has to gain. But what about the baker?
Well…bakers love to bake. Duh. Bakers be baking. And while it seems harmless, I assure you, all that baking causes problems.
Exhibit A : Who will eat all these baked goods?
If you are someone who likes to bake (and I mean really likes to bake) your desire to bake, and the frequency with which you do it, will far outweigh your ability to consume what you produce. Family helps, but they may not be up to the task either.
I go through phases where I bake frequently and my husband once told…neigh, pleaded with, me to cut it out. And I quote “Babe, I cannot eat a pie every day”
This is where you come in! Make yourself available for the excesses of an overzealous baker. Their family, and their waistlines, will thank you.
Exhibit B : Guinea Pig Mode
Bakers love to try out new recipes and they need feedback! Are you willing to weather an ill advised ingredient here and there? Or a frighteningly failed experiment?
More often than not, the outcome will be delightful. You won’t have to suffer….much.
In the past year alone I have given my seal of approval to apple cider donuts, pumpernickel bagels, soft/salty pretzels and brown butter pecan cookies. I honestly can’t think of anything my mom fed me that wasn’t delicious.
Before you get any ideas…don’t even think about befriending my mom. She’s my baker. Go get your own!
Okay, let’s flip this switch.
What if you’re the baker? Are you ready to receive all the friends who will be seeking you out after this newsletter? Apron up and get ready. They’re coming.
Here’s are a few new recipes to add to your arsenal. You can refresh your line up and scratch that experimental itch. They aren’t mom’s recipes, but if you’re down for some pretty okay baked goods, give these a try. If any of them don’t turn out as good as you might of hoped…point your recipients to Exhibit B and move on to the next one.
An entire website full of baking Recipes! Sally has NEVER steered me wrong
Double Tree Chocolate Chip Cookies
Once you taste these, you will make them all the time. You've been Warned.
I’ve made this cake a few times now and it turned out perfect every time. The flavor and the texture are just right. It’s easy to make. All it needs is a little homemade whip cream and fresh berries. A household favorite for my family!
Paula Deen’s Not Yo’ Mamma’s Banana Cream Pudding
Admittedly, no baking involved. But if you need friends..make this, refuse to share the recipe and promise to bring it to the next gathering you're invited to. Sit back and watch as the invitations roll in.
This pie is unique and delicious. I did screw it up last time I attempted it. The apples were crunchy. Everyone loved it anyway. In the words of my pregnant sister in law, “OMFG!!! It tastes just like a caramel apple sucker..but better!! I’m not sharing!”
That’s all for Now
Happy Befriending! Or Baking! Whichever route you choose, you can’t go wrong. Just try to find a willing baker to stalk. The goal is to come away with fresh baked goods, not a restraining order.
Northroad bread game is ruled by Sis!