Page 58 - Phonebox Magazine September 2016

Can Baking Make You Happy?
There have been several studies on the relationship between baking and happiness, and many have found a signi cant connection between being creative and wellbeing. Clearly an afternoon spent rolling out icing, kneading bread or melting chocolate can, in fact, not only satisfy our tummies, but also our minds.
In fact, baking itself is becoming extremely popular in the media and on television. With The Great British Bake Off drawing in millions and millions of viewers every year, baking is clearly an increasingly popular hobby.
It has been said that baking alleviates stress, anger and even depression through the progression of turning ingredients into something tasty, and embracing our creative side. Baking is methodical, and often completed by following the steps of a recipe, which gives our brains some time to concentrate on something organised and structured rather than other stressful thoughts and feelings whirring through our minds. Following a recipe helps us focus and almost certainly guarantees a successful
result. Therefore we can be sure of what will come of our afternoon spent baking: a beautiful homemade cake, for example, or a freshly baked loaf of bread.
What’s more, the result of baking also allows us some time to enjoy food and re- cooperate. After presenting your friends and family with your newly baked goods, you can indulge in the sugary goodness! Eating a chocolate brownie or a wedge of
lemon drizzle changes our brain chemistry, triggering the release of insulin into the blood which clears out amino acids in the bloodstream, all except for tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin in the brain. In turn, this hormone often makes us feel happier and satis ed.
So, if you’ve got an hour or two to spare, grab your apron, bake something delicious, and reap the bene ts!
Luscious Lemon Cake
Zesty recipe for gluten-free success
Sometimes recipes can get far too complicated and all you want is a set of simple instructions that let you live out your dream of being a fantastic gluten-free baker! This recipe is perfect if you want something fun and easy to make which tastes delicious too.
You will need:
• 100g butter
• 100g caster sugar
• 2 eggs
• 125g potatoes
• 2 lemons
• 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder
Method:
1. Start by preheating your oven to 180C and grease a small tin.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together, gradually adding the eggs
one by one.
3. Peel, boil and mash your potatoes, folding them in to the butter, sugar and egg mixture slowly. Ensure the potatoes are fully combined with the mixture.
4. Zest the two lemons and fold in the zest along with the baking powder.
5. Pour the ingredients into the tin and bake for 20-25 minutes. 6. Leave it in the tin for 8-10 minutes before turning out onto a
rack to cool further.
7. If you feel like your cake isn’t quite sweet enough, cream
together some icing sugar, butter and a splash of lemon juice for a tangy topping!
58 Phonebox Magazine | September 2016