From muffins to mud cakes, there's no doubt many Australians have been busy honing their baking skills while in lockdown.
Luckily cooking and baking have lots of benefits, both physically and psychologically, especially for seniors says Sydney nutritionist Kathleen Alleaume.
Here she explains the reasons creating dishes in the kitchen can have such a postitive effect, while also sharing her favourite Anzac biscuit recipe.
Brings back memories. The familiar aromas experienced when baking can trigger distant memories, which is important for keeping the mind sharp. It also helps to create meaningful connections to family recipes that may have been passed down many generations.
For example, baking treats like Anzac biscuit is a great way to remind adults (and kids and grandchildren alike) about the significance of Anzac Day and the history of the Anzac biscuit recipe. It's also one way for people to commemorate the day indoors.
Reduces stress. Research has found that people who often take on small creative projects, such as baking, reported feeling more relaxed and happier. Why? Any activity which steels your attention, especially if it's simple and rhythmical can be a mindful practice that reduces unpleasant thoughts and feelings.
As you immerse yourself deeply in the methodology of measuring, pouring, mixing, and rolling - the end result is a sense of accomplishment, less tension, and of course, a rewarding treat - which in turn increases 'feel-good' endorphins.
Sharpen the mind. Just as we need to do physical activity on most days of the week to stay healthy and strong, we also need to exercise our mind. From problem solving, to processing skills, to managing several different steps in a recipe, baking requires many different activities that stimulate the mind in many different and explorative ways.
This helps to keep the mind in tip-top shape, which is important for preventing cognitive decline.
Stimulate an appetite. As we age, taking care of our body becomes more and more important to living a long, healthy life. However, a diminishing appetite is a common part of the ageing process, and is an important one to address to ensure we are still eating a balanced diet.
Cooking and baking appeals to all five of the senses, which can help trigger a reminder of enjoying food, thereby promoting the desire to eat.
Anzac biscuit recipe
Anzac biscuits are delicious, full of fibre-rich oats, and easy to make using staple ingredients from your pantry. Here's an age-old traditional recipe you can try:
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 12 minutes
- Makes 15 biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups plain flour, sifted
- 1 cup Uncle Tobys Traditional Oats
- 1/2 cup caster sugar
- 3/4 cup desiccated coconut
- 150g unsalted butter, chopped
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup
- 11/2 tablespoons boiling water
- 1/2 teaspoon bicarb soda
Method
- Preheat oven to 170°C.
- Place the flour, oats, sugar and coconut in a large bowl and stir to combine.
- In a small saucepan place the golden syrup and butter and stir over low heat until the butter has fully melted.
- Mix the bicarb soda with 11/2 tablespoons boiling water and add to the golden syrup mixture. It will bubble whilst you are stirring together so remove from the heat.
- Pour into the dry ingredients and mix together until fully combined. Roll tablespoonfuls of mixture into balls and place on baking trays lined with non-stick baking paper, pressing down on the tops to flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
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