While it started as a simple weekend activity, baking quickly turned into a favorite hobby for Erin Zupka (9), which has been filled with sweet success and memories.
“I first got into baking because of my mom. Growing up, I always watched my mom bake delicious desserts and I always loved helping her. I started to always see recipes for things I would want to bake, and I decided to start baking myself,” Zupka said.
While others spend their free time on their phones or watching TV, Zupka finds peace in mixing batter and decorating delicious desserts.
“For me, baking isn’t just making food, it’s a way for me to relax, be creative and make people happy,” Zupka said.
Between the sounds of the mixer and the smell of vanilla filling the air, baking has become something that allows Zupka to unwind after a long day and find joy in every recipe she tries.
“When I’m baking, I feel calm and focused,” Zupka said. “It allows me to step out of my head and focus on something else.”
For Zupka, the kitchen has become a space for error and lessons, filled with both laughter and the slightly burnt crusts of a cookie.
“Baking has taught me patience and creativity. There have been many times where I have messed up a recipe and had to stay patient and try again. It has also brought me closer to my friends and family because I love sharing what I make with them. It’s given me lots of confidence, too,” Zupka said.
Zupka feels that the smell of something sweet in the oven makes home feel more cozy. And for her, every batch brings its own sense of comfort and excitement as the timer slowly counts down.
“My favorite thing to bake is cookies. There is such a wide variety of cookies you can make and you can always create new flavors. It is also the thing I make the most and what my friends and family love the most,” Zupka said.
Finding time for hobbies can be difficult between school, homework and after school clubs. But for Zupka, taking a moment to focus on the smaller things can make all the difference.
“At this point in my life, I see baking as a hobby for myself. Maybe in the future that could change, but right now, I see baking as a hobby that makes my friends and family happy,” Zupka said.
Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a simple get together, food often has its own way of creating memories.
“Baking is special to me because it’s something that always brings people together. Seeing people smile after trying something I made makes all the effort and time worth it,” Zupka said.
Not everything in life can go as planned, and that includes the time spent perfecting recipes. Even with the best intentions, a small mistake can quickly turn into a lesson.
“My biggest challenge has been when recipes don’t turn out the way I expect. Sometimes things burn, taste off … Although it can be disappointing at times, it helps me learn from my mistakes and fix them,” Zupka said.
Zupka believes that in a world where perfection mostly matters, there’s something comforting about taking the small steps first.
“Start simple and don’t be afraid to mess up. Every mistake teaches you something new. Also, always measure your ingredients properly and make sure to read your recipe carefully,” Zupka said.
Achievements are often celebrated with memorable moments that last forever. For Zupka, she takes the moments that she truly loves and that she finds genuine happiness and joy.
“My biggest success while baking was making a two layered cake for my mom’s birthday,” Zupka said. “It took lots of time and practice, but everyone loved it, and it made me feel very proud.”
