We’re back again with our 8 Weeks of Connection series!
For the 8 weeks leading up to the new year, PPR highlights different team members as they share how they’re building connections into their holiday season!
Today, PPR’s Social Media Coordinator, Kayla Sherry, explores how reconnecting with baking has become a grounding activity that sparks creativity and builds connections with others.
Take it away, Kayla!
Making things from scratch is a simple way to slow down and create something meaningful. As the chill of winter settled in this year, I found the perfect opportunity to reconnect with a craft I’ve always loved: baking!
I might’ve missed the sourdough craze during the pandemic, but I’ve recently been inspired by home cooks who are sharing their baking journeys online. While down the rabbit hole of sandwich bread and dinner roll recipes, I came across a video of someone making fresh bagels—and a lightbulb went off in my head. Store-bought bagels rarely match the fluffy, chewy perfection of the kind you’d get at a café, so making them at home just made sense!
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that bagel dough isn’t as complicated as I’d thought. With just a few basic ingredients, some mixing, kneading, boiling, and baking, I was on my way to enjoying fresh bagels at home. A few batches in, and I saw that this wasn’t just a one-time experiment; it was becoming my newest hobby!
With each new batch I make, I find different techniques and recipes to make the process easier and more delicious. So far, I’ve tested out five flavor combinations, with jalapeno cheddar being my personal favorite!
Looking back, my love for baking started early. From box cake mixes to homemade holiday cookies, I found joy in transforming basic ingredients into delicious treats. While creating something tasty is always rewarding, the best part of baking has always been sharing it with others. This bagel adventure has been no different!
Another benefit of this ongoing bagel experience is the connection I make with others. Sharing photos of my first creations on Instagram sparked unexpected connections with friends who were—to my surprise—also into baking bagels. I received so many compliments, questions, and recipe suggestions that I felt inspired to keep experimenting.
Baking these bagels has reminded me that food is a way to bring people together. As I continue my bagel journey, I’m looking forward to trying new flavors and, most importantly, sharing them with the people around me!
Are you a fellow home baker or a bagel enthusiast? Share your story with us! We’d love to hear from you and keep building those personal connections.
P.S. Hungry for a savory, chewy bagel yet? Click here to download the recipe for my favorite jalapeño cheddar bagels!
