A ninth-grader dreamed of a mixer — and the baking community delivered
This is why I like a
When I posted a note on Instagram (@sheryljulian) telling the
Advertisement
Then the meanies came in swinging. Here's the
A simple Lemon Olive Oil Loaf Cake (see recipe) is one that novice bakers can make in a bowl without a mixer.
Sheryl Julian for the Boston Globe
Nonsense, says Suzanne Lombardi, a professional baker who has only ever used a KitchenAid. Lombardi is the founder of
At one of her first professional kitchen jobs, there were 20-quart and 60-quart mixers, but also a 5-quart they could move around easily. That's when she got the idea that she wanted one.
Lombardi is self-taught. When she was coming up, 'there was no internet, so you couldn't just Google something or watch it on YouTube.' She wants to pass on some things to help the young baker. Her list of essential books and equipment (see related story) is short, and includes mastering simple techniques for cookies, loaf cakes, bars. That will dictate what size pans you need.
Advertisement
Miller (
Her advice for novice bakers: 'Go to trusted sources. There are so many recipes on the internet, but if you're starting out, you don't know if you have a good recipe or a bad recipe.' She offers a simple Lemon Olive Oil Loaf Cake (see recipe) that novice bakers can make in a bowl without a mixer.
Laura Raposa of
Bakers she follows include Joy Wilson (
Advertisement
At her Foodsmith shop, Raposa has hired many young bakers in the decade she's been in business. Everyone in her shop must use a scale, rather than measuring cups, for its precision.
Hanna Feldman, who writes the typefoodie blog, had a KitchenAid mixer she wasn't using and donated it to a 14-year-old girl who is teaching herself to bake.
Sheryl Julian
You'll find both cups and weights on the popular blog,
By day, she works in the pharmaceutical industry. In her sideline, she doesn't market herself as a low-carb or low-sugar recipe creator. If a cookie is diabetic-friendly, she says, it's because she knows what's in it.
Feldman got her first KitchenAid mixer as a college graduation gift from her sisters. It's part of the Artisan series, a 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer. When she moved to various apartments with roommates, she didn't want anything to happen to it, so it stayed in the box for years.
Once she got married and was in an apartment with her husband, Jake Feldman (her mother-in-law is
We met for coffee and moved the box from her car to mine. 'It's been sitting in my office for two or three years,' she says. 'I didn't want to sell it. I thought it would find its way somewhere.'
Advertisement
It's going to the 9th-grade girl who wished on a star.
Could she get by with a bowl and a spoon? She's doing that now. Is an expensive, second-hand stand mixer necessary to make simple cakes and cookies? Of course not.
But I don't agree with those who say she shouldn't have it. 'Everyone should support a youth's interest,' someone wrote on the Threads post. 'It's for the good of the village. I wish ppl would figure that out.'
Sheryl Julian can be reached at
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
2 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
Birth Order Quiz
Birth order has always fascinated me. So much so that when I meet someone for the first time, I often find myself guessing where they are in their family placement before I even get to ask, " you have any siblings?" And after reading a book about birth order ten years ago, it is something I think of so often that it has become my astrology. Of course, some variables can bring out traits in you that don't stereotypically fall into your birth I think I can still guess your family placement. Or maybe I'm just being a typical, confident, approval-seeking youngest. Let's find out... Some of us don't fit the classic mould of birth order. I know I don't. So if you're super fascinated by this kind of thing (like me), here is a fun fact that may pique your interest: The cool thing about birth order is that there are so many variables that can change your traits. Although there are stereotypes in birth placement, there are combinations that create the time. For example, certain variables can give "non-firstborns" the traits of firstborns — such as: So, although I am the youngest, I tend to exhibit many firstborn traits due to one of the previously mentioned variables. Although I am fun, carefree, and adventurous...I am also highly organized, reliable, and studious. So, in the comment, tell me what traits you have that are classic to your birth placement, and those that aren't. For more quizzes and more fun stuff, check out BuzzFeed Canada on Instagram and TikTok!
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
I Saw Myself as an Honorary Aunt. Turns Out I'm Actually the Nanny.
Good Job is Slate's advice column on work. Have a workplace problem big or small? Send it to Laura Helmuth and Doree Shafrir here. (It's anonymous!) Dear Good Job, Four years ago, I had some time off between work contracts and was connected with 'Claire,' a woman my same age, by a mutual friend. Claire had a 2-year-old and desperately needed child care, so I stepped in as a nanny and then frequent babysitter once I went back to work. Claire had a rough second pregnancy, so I dropped by twice-a-week to meal-prep and tidy the house for them. During those months, she was working from home a lot, and we got closer than ever as we had hours every day to chat in the kitchen. In the years since, I have started to refer to her two girls as my nieces, and they call me and my husband Auntie and Uncle. Claire and her husband always talk about how I'm basically like family to them. She has always insisted on paying me for my work, even when I just do a quick school pick-up or come over to help them move some furniture. About once a month, I take the older girl out for a special outing that is just us and don't take any payment. Anyway, I was feeling really good about this surrogate family and the way we all fit together, especially as I don't plan on having kids. But last week, something happened that really shook me. Claire made a series of Instagram posts about people who have really been there for her lately, highlighting her relationships with her friends and neighbors by name. She wrote how, after so much struggling through a lonely time postpartum, she's thankful to have a community and support. She didn't post about me. I'm trying not to take it personally and to feel glad she's hitting a flow state with her community, but being omitted makes me feel like maybe I am just the hired help and not a true friend like I thought. I just changed jobs about six weeks ago and have been significantly less available to them, although I've kept up my special outings with her oldest. I don't really have any idea of how to address this feeling or if I even should. What we have going has always been so positive and just felt like it worked. My best guess is that maybe we're at the point of closeness that she's taking me for granted the way I would take my sister for granted, compared to a friend. Just wanted to see what you think. —Auntie for Hire Dear Auntie for Hire, This must have felt like such a gut punch. I'm sorry. I've definitely had the experience of someone I thought was a close friend turning out to not feel the same way about me, and it sucks. It's always so destabilizing to find out that other people don't have the same impression of a relationship, whether it's a friendship, a romantic relationship, a pseudo-aunt, or a relationship involving work. Where I've made mistakes in the past, though, is that I've let these feelings fester and turn into resentment, instead of addressing it like a grown-up. So I'm going to suggest that you not take a page out of my book and ignore these feelings, and instead confront them head-on. I can't pretend to know what Claire was thinking, or how she really feels about you, so you need to sit down with Claire face-to-face and tell her how the Instagram posts made you feel. Don't be accusatory or put her on the defensive, but rather use 'I' statements ('I felt bad when I saw your Instagram posts'), which emphasize that you're not blaming her—you're just letting her know that this is your perception of what happened. Hopefully, you'll be able to have an honest conversation and your relationship will be stronger because of it. It's also possible she will tell you that she always approached your relationship as a friendly but professional relationship. That would really hurt, but it's better to know now—and it doesn't mean your relationship with her and her kids isn't genuine. Laura Helmuth and Doree Shafrir want to help you navigate your social dynamics at work. Does your colleague constantly bug you after hours? Has an ill-advised work romance gone awry? Ask us your question here! (It's anonymous!) Dear Good Job, I recently received a promotion and am going to be taking on a supervisory role in my organization. My current role will be backfilled. I know that 'Megan,' a part-timer in the organization, is extremely interested in taking it over. I feel pretty strongly that Megan would not be a good fit—and I will be the final word on hiring someone to fill this vacancy. From her inexperience in the field to persistent personality clashes that I have already seen arise around the office, I wouldn't feel confident in appointing her to a more central role in the organization. Maybe when I am more established as a manager I would have more patience for the hand-holding she will need, but at the moment, I'd feel much better selecting someone with more years of work experience behind them who will require less guidance. I know there's no guarantee that a different applicant would be the 'correct' choice, but I strongly feel that Megan would definitely be the wrong fit, at least right now. My question is how to handle continuing to work alongside her if she applies and is passed over for the job. She has a lot of her future plans hinged on getting this position, so it's safe to assume she would be extremely disappointed not to get it. She's shared things, unprompted, in office conversations like, 'When I get your job and make more money, my fiancé and I will be able to move out of our apartment, buy a house in town, and start thinking about kids.' I've responded with noncommittal replies or by changing the subject. Is there a professional and polite way to justify not appointing her once that decision is made? Should I wait for her to ask for feedback after the inevitable interview, or preemptively talk to her? I don't want to discourage her from pursuing her goals, but this is not the stepping stone for her, even if she can't see it herself. She is well-intentioned and competent in her current role, but she would do better to seek the advancement she's looking for elsewhere. Please help! —Application Rejected Dear Application, At an old job, I applied for an internal role that I felt I was more than qualified for. This was when magazines still had a dedicated print staff (remember print?) and a dedicated online staff. I was an online editor and the job I was applying for was on the print side. There were a few reasons why I wanted the job, not least of which was that my direct boss was consistently hours late for work. But I didn't get it. And I was really bummed! But the person they hired instead, who ended up sitting in the cubicle next to me, was great. I grudgingly concurred that they were right to hire her instead of me, even if it stung at the time. What I appreciated about the process, even though I didn't get the job, is that the editor who was hiring for the role told me face-to-face that I hadn't gotten it. He didn't avoid me, or send me an email. We had a conversation, I thanked him for his time and consideration, and got back to work. I would urge you to do the same with Megan, if she actually ends up applying (which she may not!). If she asks why, you can tell her (honestly, I hope) that there are other candidates with more relevant experience. But as her manager, I would also encourage you to discuss what, if any, a path of advancement looks like for Megan in your organization. If her current job is a dead end, she deserves to know that so she can potentially start looking elsewhere. Or maybe there's a world where, as you become more confident in your new position, you can start to envision a role for Megan that hews more closely to her strengths. And just a final thought: Management is going to be filled with awkward conversations and decisions that will invariably upset someone, so you might as well learn to get comfortable with them now. Dear Good Job, My raise is way overdue and I realize that I have to take the initiative with my boss. Any pointers? —I'm Worth It Dear I'm Worth It, Good for you for recognizing that you deserve a raise! I would start by writing down your case for getting a raise. Have you taken on more responsibility? Have you done anything at work that should be recognized? Start making a list of these, with dates if possible, and practice how you're going to talk about them. For example: 'Starting last September, I spearheaded a project across several departments that resulted in a 20 percent increase in sales.' When you have this conversation with your boss (in person if possible), having these specific metrics will help make your case. That said, saying your raise is 'overdue' is vague. Are you supposed to be getting yearly raises? Do you have performance reviews? Did other people in your organization receive raises, but you didn't? Regardless— if it's been six months, you're probably not overdue; if it's been three years, then yes, you probably are. Good luck and I hope you get that raise! —Doree I just returned to work after my 12 weeks of maternity leave, and I'm really struggling with leaving my baby in day care. Quitting my job is not an option, both because we'd have to sell our home and because I have a very niche job where positions don't come up often. Because of the nature of my job, I can't transition to part-time or work remotely. Here's the issue: My husband is entitled to take eight weeks of paid leave in our state, but he doesn't want to take it.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
15 Reasons Romantic Relationships Between Men And Women Are Doomed
Love in the 21st century—where your swipe right could lead to a love story for the ages... or just another chapter of heartache. As much as we'd like to romanticize the union between men and women, the reality is often fraught with challenges that can make us question if it's all worth the effort. Relationships can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, leaving you dizzy and wondering why you even got on the ride in the first place. Before you jump into the next whirlwind romance, let's break down some reasons why these relationships can feel like they're set up to fail from the start. You meet someone, and the sparks fly. You're convinced that this effortless chemistry means you're soulmates. But here's the kicker: actual compatibility requires monumental effort, contrary to the myth that it should just "click." Relying on this illusion can leave you blindsided when the honeymoon phase fades and real issues emerge. Psychologist Dr. Terri Orbuch, author of "5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great," points out that believing in effortless compatibility can be the downfall of many relationships. Her studies indicate that couples who buy into this myth are less likely to put in the work necessary for long-term success. So, while it feels magical when everything just flows, don't mistake ease for deeper compatibility. The truth is, the real magic lies in navigating the imperfections together. In this Instagram age, every couple wants to be #relationshipgoals. But behind each perfectly filtered post, there might be a reality that's far less than picture-perfect. Social media can create a distorted image of relationships, leading you to compare your offline reality to someone else's carefully curated online presence. This comparison trap is a slippery slope that can erode even the strongest partnerships. When you're constantly comparing your relationship to the glowing highlights of others, it's easy to feel inadequate. You start to question whether your arguments or mundane moments mean something is wrong. This can breed unnecessary dissatisfaction and insecurity. In reality, every relationship has its own rhythm, and not everything needs to be broadcasted to be valuable. Let's face it: being truly vulnerable is terrifying. Opening up to someone and showing them the parts of you that aren't all polished and perfect can feel like stripping naked in front of a crowd. The fear of rejection or judgment can often keep you from really letting someone in. Unfortunately, this fear can create emotional distance, even in close relationships. According to research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vulnerability is a crucial component of deep, meaningful relationships. Yet, many couples struggle to embrace it, fearing that their imperfections will drive their partner away. Ironically, this reluctance can prevent the very intimacy they crave. So, it's vital to push past the fear and take emotional risks if you want a relationship that's built to last. Blame it on Hollywood or those fairy tales we grew up with, but the expectations placed on romantic relationships are often sky-high. You expect your partner to be your best friend, therapist, cheerleader, and critic, all rolled into one flawless package. This is a lot of pressure for anyone to handle, and it's bound to lead to disappointment. When your perfect partner falls short, the disillusionment can be hard to shake. In real life, nobody can fulfill every role or meet every need. The sooner you accept this, the more likely you are to build a stable, realistic partnership. It's about appreciating the partner you have, not the one you imagine. Remember, the only person who can fill all those roles is you. Too often, romantic relationships are framed as battlegrounds between men and women, as if love is a zero-sum game. This adversarial mindset can seep into your interactions, turning small disagreements into major conflicts. The narrative of Mars versus Venus may be culturally entrenched, but it's not helpful. When you view your partner as the opponent, cooperation becomes nearly impossible. Professor John Gottman, renowned relationship expert and co-founder of The Gottman Institute, emphasizes that the most successful couples view each other as teammates, not adversaries. His research shows that a collaborative mindset fosters communication and mutual respect. By rejecting the battle-of-the-sexes narrative, you can focus on bridging gaps rather than deepening divides. Love is not a competition, and treating it as such is a surefire way to doom it. We all come with baggage, whether it's from past relationships, family dynamics, or personal insecurities. The notion that you should hide your baggage until you're "ready" can be more damaging than the baggage itself. When you don't address these issues, they have a way of manifesting in your relationship as unresolved conflicts or emotional distance. Pretending your baggage doesn't exist isn't just self-deception—it's unfair to your partner, who deserves to know the real, complex you. Being open about your past and your fears offers a pathway to healing and a deeper connection. Trust that your partner is capable of handling your baggage, and you might just find that it's not as heavy as you thought. After all, every relationship is a journey, and the best ones help you unpack along the way. At the start, everything is new and exciting, but eventually, the relationship can settle into a comfortable routine. While stability is vital, too much comfort can lead to stagnation. It's easy to fall into the trap of taking each other for granted, assuming they'll always be there. This complacency can dull the spark that once made your relationship electric. Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist at the Kinsey Institute, explains that novelty and excitement are key to maintaining passion. Her studies suggest that couples who continuously seek new experiences together report higher satisfaction levels. So, while the comfort zone can be tempting, stepping out of it is crucial for keeping the relationship alive. Don't let the ease of routine overshadow the thrill of discovery. It's the oldest advice in the book: communication is key. Yet, how often do you find yourself talking in circles, misunderstanding, or avoiding certain topics altogether? A lack of effective communication can create a chasm between you and your partner, leading to resentment, frustration, and emotional distance. Simply put, if you can't talk openly and honestly, your relationship is treading on thin ice. The irony is, many couples believe they communicate well and are surprised when things fall apart. Real communication requires vulnerability and active listening, not just talking. It involves understanding not just what your partner says, but what they mean. Without this mutual exchange, even the strongest relationship can crumble under the weight of unspoken words and unresolved issues. The "honeymoon phase" is intoxicating; it's all butterflies and giddy excitement. But when that initial passion fades, some people chase it like a drug, thinking its absence signifies a failing relationship. This pursuit of perpetual infatuation can lead to a cycle of endless breakups and new beginnings. In reality, a relationship that survives past the honeymoon phase is evolving into something more substantial. The key is to understand that love morphs from infatuation into a deeper, more enduring connection. It's not about constantly recreating the early days but about appreciating the new phases of growth and intimacy. Romantic relationships are like seasons; they change and develop over time. Accepting this truth allows you to find beauty and excitement in each stage. In a culture that glorifies independence, the idea of merging lives with another can feel stifling. You're taught to be self-sufficient, to chase personal goals, and to never rely on anyone else for happiness. While independence is important, it can sometimes overshadow the value of interdependence in a relationship. Balancing self-reliance with partnership can be a delicate dance. The fear of losing oneself can prevent you from truly committing and opening up to another person. However, a healthy relationship involves a fusion of two individuals, each enriching the other's life without losing their own identity. It's about finding strength in togetherness, not seeing it as a loss of independence. When done right, the union enhances who you are, rather than diminishing your sense of self. Perfection is an illusion, yet many enter relationships with a checklist of ideal traits their partner must possess. This never-ending quest for the perfect partner can lead to a series of short-lived relationships, each ending when reality doesn't match the fantasy. The truth is, no one is perfect, and seeking perfection is an unattainable goal that sets everyone up for failure. It's essential to recognize that imperfections are what make someone uniquely themselves. The quirks and flaws are part of what you'll come to cherish. Letting go of the need for perfection allows you to appreciate the beauty in imperfections and to love someone fully. When you stop chasing the impossible, you find joy in the beautifully imperfect reality. Entering a relationship with the mindset of "fixing" your partner is a recipe for disaster. It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that your love can change someone, but this is a dangerous illusion. Attempting to mold someone into your ideal partner only leads to frustration and conflict. No one wants to be treated as a project or constantly reminded of their shortcomings. True love means accepting someone as they are, flaws and all. It's not about changing them, but about supporting their growth and evolution. Your role is to be a partner, not a fixer. When you embrace this mindset, you create a space where both of you can thrive and grow together, rather than apart. Every person carries a history, and often, that history includes unresolved emotional baggage. If left unaddressed, these past experiences can cast a long shadow over present relationships. Lingering insecurities, trust issues, or past traumas can resurface, threatening to derail the connection you've built. Without confronting and resolving these issues, they can become a ticking time bomb. The key to overcoming the past lies in open dialogue and mutual understanding. Sharing your history with your partner and working through it together can strengthen your bond. It requires patience and empathy, but the rewards are worth it. By facing the past head-on, you can build a future that's free from its lingering influence. In a world filled with options, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing there's always something better out there. This grass-is-greener syndrome can lead to dissatisfaction, even when you're in a stable, loving relationship. The constant temptation to seek out something new and exciting can prevent you from appreciating what you have. It's a mindset that can sabotage even the best partnerships. To combat this, focus on nurturing what you have and recognizing the unique strengths of your relationship. It's about watering your grass, not coveting your neighbor's. When you invest in your relationship, the rewards are infinitely more fulfilling than chasing after illusions. Remember, the grass is greener where you water it. People change, and this is both inevitable and essential for personal growth. However, change can also be a source of tension in relationships. As individuals evolve, their needs, desires, and goals may shift, sometimes in directions that are incompatible with the partnership. Without adaptability and open communication, these changes can lead to growing apart rather than growing together. The challenge lies in embracing change as a natural part of life and relationships. It requires flexibility and a willingness to support each other, even when paths diverge. Instead of resisting change, use it as an opportunity to deepen your understanding and connection. When both partners commit to navigating change together, it becomes a catalyst for growth, rather than a roadblock to overcome.
