Baking and Brioche
Brioche Sticky Buns
It seemed like a good idea… a baking master class that Peter and I could take together and complete a few days before Christmas. The first week we learned the art and chemistry of baking cookies, which went well. I knew it would, I am pretty experienced at cookies and have always believed that they hold a special power for good in the world. I happily posted my pictures to the class website and basked in the positive reviews from the teacher.
The next week, Pie, also went well. I learned a few things although I am absolutely leaving the pie making to Peter who seemed to effortlessly make the most amazing crust.
Then came Brioche Sticky Buns. This was the week I learned, or at least was blaringly reminded … how little patience I have! Did you know that you have to beat the butter in stages for up to 13 minutes to make a good Brioche? It takes FOREVER!!! Then the dough has to refrigerate for up to 6 hours. I get so impatient I mess it up and have to begin again. I’m telling you, it has been torture . . . and it really got me thinking about my natural state of being in a hurry, a hang-over habit from a life of hustling around ALL THE TIME.
Brioche, which I can honestly say has never been a part of my life, is teaching me to slow down, to be more purposeful and present and to catch myself when I am hurrying for no reason. (which I must say I do a lot more than I realized). Hurry is a state of being, just as calm and patient is a state of being. One creates clarity, while the other creates stress. It isn’t the 13 minutes of mixing that is the problem, it is what I think about the 13 minutes of mixing. When I decide that 13 minutes is too long, my brain hears… “something has gone wrong”…. Or “this is a problem that needs to be fixed”! I’ve actually created 13 minutes (or more) of frustration and anxiety for myself.
It never ceases to amaze how powerful our thinking is in creating our experience. Did you know that a calm and peaceful life is totally within your control? It really is. Something to think about in the New Year.
Let me know if you want to learn more or if I can help!