I absolutely love baking. It's fun, exciting, challenging. In a strangely intense way, it's relaxing, almost meditative. Active meditation I believe is the term.
But a lot of people love baking! you say. They don't all own bakeries!
This is quite true. Perhaps we should explore this further...
Are you cut out for the bakery business? (Bakers)
1) Do you like baking?
Yes. Good. That will come in handy.
No. Hmm... Perhaps this is not the right line of work for you. Unless of course you're interested in the business aspects of the project, in which case there is still hope. However, you should probably go find your own survey. It will likely be titled something along the lines of "Are you cut out for the bakery business? (Business or financial-type people)."
2) Do you REALLY like baking? Like, a lot? Enough to skip going to a party in order to try a new recipe or make sure your cookie dough cools appropriately?
Yes. Excellent! If you have any doubts, turn back now. Beyond this point you're pretty committed.
No. Not a fatal flaw. A social life is a good idea, after all. If you think you're going to combine party and baking, maybe think again. Or at the very least, don't eat those strange-looking things sitting on top of your oven in the morning.
3) If you had to, would you bake all night?
Yes. Strong work ethic. Good. That will come in handy around holidays.
No. Well, you know, sleep is good. And sleep-deprived baking can be dangerous. But sometimes an all-nighter is just necessary. Surely, if nothing else, uni taught us this?
4) If you had the opportunity, would you CHOOSE to bake all night?
Yes. Really? That's pretty cool. As long as you have enough caffeine to keep you alert. Loud music helps too, if you can get away with it.
No. Probably not many people would. It is, however, one of those quirky things that could come in real handy if you wanted to, you know, own a bakery.
5) When is the best time for baking?
Morning. Getting an early start. Good thinking. Now you have all day to get things mixed, cooled, baked, or set. Or all of the above. And no matter what, by the end of the day, you will have something to show for your work. Though, you should know that most bakeries open in the morning. So it's usually better to have things done before then. Baking in the morning might look a bit last-minute. Unless your bakery opens at night. Hmm... There might be something in that...
Afternoon. This is a good time for making quick things. A treat for after dinner. Awkward timing for any longer recipes, though.
Evening. Good opportunity here. Got a recipe that needs to chill or sit overnight? Start it now, go to bed, or whatever, then finish it in the morning! It's much less frustrating than having to wait around, conscious, for hours on end. Let your dreams fill the time!
Late at night. This is the ideal time to start an all-nighter. Or if you just want to surprise people in the morning. Either way.
Graveyard shift. Huh. Well... either you've stayed up this late, in which case, why didn't you just bake earlier? Or you specifically woke up this early in order to bake. In which case... what the hell is wrong with you?
All the time! Right. Enthusiasm is good, but you do know there are other aspects of life, right? Vegetables, for example.
6) Do you enjoy experimental baking?
Yes. Cool. You can build up a repertoire of innovative recipes that will give your bakery a uniquely-you feel. Just make sure that other people (customers) like your experiments as well.
No. Sticking with the tried and true is okay. But bear in mind that small businesses have a higher fatality rate than... something with a high fatality rate... and if you don't have anything to distinguish you from every other bakery out there, it could make for hard going. Maybe you should find someone to experiment on your behalf.
7) If an experiment fails, how do you react?
Cry. It happens. It probably means that you've been at it for too long, without enough sleep or sustenance. Eat a fruit or vegetable of your choice, order in (Chinese is good), and fall asleep watching your favourite movie. Leave off baking until you feel up to it again.
Laugh. Good for you. Way to shake it off. Though if your laughter is maniacal, it might mean that your experiment-gone-wrong has turned you into a super villain. If this is the case, you must find a super hero, for whom you can be an arch nemesis, as soon as possible. There are probably agencies.
Sulk. Look, you really don't have anyone to blame but yourself, and no one wants to hear your whining. Find your book of favourite recipes (surely you have one?). Read through it while eating a pint of your favourite ice cream. Now snap out of it.
Become violent. Because a tantrum is the way to solve all of life's problems, right? Either take some anger management courses, or find a new career. Perhaps caber-tossing?
Make people eat it anyway. This is called sadism. You may be interested in the works of the Marquis de Sade, whence comes the term. Also, you should probably get out of the baking business before you get arrested. Or become the target of various plots for revenge.
Try again immediately. Good job getting back on the horse! Your failed project could be spreading some bad mojo, though, so make sure this isn't a vengeful rebake. Those will generally turn out even worse and/or end up killing someone.
Try again eventually. That's ok. Give it some time. That way you can be certain whether it was the circumstances or if the recipe was really that crap. And act accordingly.
8) If an experiment succeeds, how do you react?
Cry. Tears of joy, right? Or relief? Those are acceptable. Otherwise... you may want to consider a serious change in lifestyle.
Laugh. An expected response to success. Now, quickly, write down everything you just did. Then share your success with others. And maybe have a small gloat. Small.
Become violent. Happy violence? Or you were hoping to fail? Either way, these nice people in white will take you somewhere comfortable and quiet. Come on, into the van.
Well there you have it. Let's just assume that I have drawn a conclusion of some sort, and skip to the next question. Does anyone want to help me open a bakery?
19 November 2008
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2 comments:
I would buy your baked goods.
Yes. Let's bake until we're famous writers.
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