The Story of a Cookie-aholic

I have a question for you: Is there something in your life that brings you so much enjoyment that you find yourself daydreaming about it in every spare moment? Is that something beyond just a pleasurable hobby? Has that something become the ultimate creative outlet for you?

I don’t know about you, but that something is baking for me. 

Before we go much further, allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Amber. I am a twenty-year-old student who currently resides just outside of Toronto, Canada. I have a lovely family who encourages me in everything I do. I wear way too many scarves, think tea tastes better when you drink it out of a flowery teacup, and endlessly doodle my name on every piece of paper I can find. List making is one of my favourite pastimes, as is sewing, drawing, and daydreaming. You are more likely to find me curled up on my couch with my kitties and my knitting on a Friday night than anywhere else. I’ve attempted pickling and taken hip hop classes, but failed miserably at both. I’m obsessed with flowery patterns, instagramming, and frozen yogurt. But perhaps most of all, I am addicted to baking.

My love for baking started at a very young age. I used to beg my Mom to let me bake chocolate chip cookies. I’d pull out the church cookbook, find the cookie section, and slowly make my way through the various recipes. My Mom taught me most of the basics about baking in those years. I didn’t understand the difference between teaspoons and tablespoons or baking powder and baking soda. I’d ask lots of questions and eat lots of cookies.

Although I always loved experimenting in baking, my true passion for the art was discovered when I was in high school. I took a food and nutrition class and began learning more about the theory. Simultaneously, my passion for visual arts intensified and I decided to head down that path academically. But that wasn’t a fork in the road between my two passions–it was a starting point. As a result, I caught myself delving deeper into the artistic side of baking. I took a huge interest in sugar cookies. They allowed me to expel my creative energies and fulfilled my obsession with aesthetic beauty in my baked goods. And so began the diary of a cookie cutter.

At some point in my baking journey, I began receiving various custom orders for sugar cookies for all occasions. I would slave over dozens of cookies with icing in my hair and (sometimes) tears in my eyes. But I learned (and continue to learn) so many things through experimentation, trial, and error. I have acquired quite the collection of cookie cutters and still feel passionate about each little cookie I cut. The only difference from the day I started is the confidence I have in my creations. The passion is still strong and the enjoyment is still there, but my confidence and knowledge is improving with every bowl of batter and swirl of frosting.

I have recently been experimenting with cupcakes and other baked goods. I appreciate the endless flavour combinations that are possible with cupcakes and the beauty that they possess after being topped with some tasty buttercream and special decoration. I look forward to expanding my knowledge in different directions, from cupcakes to muffins, and pies to breads.

I am thrilled to be sharing my very first post here in my new virtual kitchen. I used to have a small and very limited “kitchen” on Tumblr, but have decided to upgrade to a place where there is more freedom for me to create a site that is easily navigable for you! You are welcome to look around and explore. Perhaps you are interested in viewing my personal photo gallery of all my baked goods, past and present. Or perhaps you are interested in contacting me with either a baking question, order inquiry, or simply just to say hello. Or maybe you’re just looking for some different recipes to try. Regardless of your purpose for visiting, I’m glad that you came and I hope that you are able to find whatever you are looking for.

I look forward to filling up this blog with lots of content. However, since I just made the move to my new cyber kitchen, I am still settling in. Please bear with me. Until then, feel free to check out the previous Diary of a Cookie Cutter (hosted on Tumblr).

I appreciate you joining me on this journey. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to comment below or email me at amber.m.wideman@hotmail.com. I will be happy to answer you!