Stressed? Bake it off — the continuing popularity of stress baking

Whatever your politics, let’s just note that the number of people doing something called stress baking — and experiencing stress in general — began to rise in 2016. Draw your own conclusions.

In May 2017 the American Psychiatric Association released its annual report, reflecting on anxiety in America. It was reported that two-thirds of Americans are nervous about health care and safety for themselves and their families; one-third are more anxious than they were at the same time in 2016.

Not surprising then, that over the past several years there’s been a rise in things that can help us relax. Unsurprisingly, baking is on the list. I mean, is there anybody left who doesn’t know that stressed spelled backwards is desserts?

Being creative is one way to deal with stress and baking can be a quick, easy way to be creative without leaving home — or without leaving home for longer than it takes to pick up ingredients.

There are other reasons stress baking is popular. Baking is cheap, for one thing. If you have some of the basics on hand — unbleached flour, sugar, salt, eggs and maybe the milk — you can buy any remaining ingredients and make a batch of cupcakes for less than $20. Maybe less than $15. Or $10. Depends on what you want to put in and on the cupcakes…