Homelife's Living Life

Hobbies Series - August 2023

At Homelife Stairlifts, we specialise in providing stairlifts that are custom-made to suit you and your home. Our mission is to help you live better, forever. We take pride in understanding your unique needs and delivering personalised solutions that make a lasting difference.

Aside from stairlifts, we enjoy offering insights into supporting a healthy active lifestyle, this month’s focus is on hobbies. See below for our special on Baking!

Baking offers more than just delicious treats; it can greatly benefit your mental and social well-being.

Here's why baking can be so valuable for you:

Baking Can Boost Your Confidence and Creativity

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a budding cook, baking is a great way to showcase your creativity in the kitchen. Trying new recipes, adjusting, and enjoying the results can be a source of personal growth and satisfaction. The confidence boosts a perfectly baked pie can give you extends beyond the kitchen, positively impacting your overall outlook on life.

Baking Helps Relieve Stress

Baking can be a stress-relieving and therapeutic activity. The process of kneading and mixing ingredients requires focus and mindfulness, allowing you to immerse yourself in the present moment and find relaxation. Taking the time to bake for yourself can serve as a much-needed break. Furthermore, the delightful aroma that fills your home as you bake can have an uplifting effect on your mood. The comforting scents of freshly baked goods can trigger positive memories and feelings, promoting a sense of contentment.

Baking Enhances Social Interactions

Baking is a social activity that can be enjoyed alone or with loved ones, making it a perfect opportunity for you to connect with others. It's a great way to invite friends or family members over to your home, or even to participate in baking classes or workshops where you can meet new people who share a similar passion for baking. As you bake and share delicious treats, you'll find that it brings people closer together and creates memorable moments that you can cherish.

Show off your culinary creations

To your loved ones and receive their appreciation and admiration. Sharing the goodies, you've baked can be a source of immense joy and pride, as it allows you to showcase your talent and creativity in the kitchen. Whether it's a beautifully decorated cake, a batch of warm cookies, or a loaf of freshly baked bread, the act of sharing your culinary creations fosters a sense of generosity and warmth among your social circles. The appreciation and positive feedback you receive will further encourage you to explore new recipes and techniques, making baking not just a delightful hobby but a means to strengthen the bonds with those around you.

A nostalgic bread and butter pudding recipe to spark your senses.

Ingredients

• 250ml full-fat milk

• 300ml double cream

• 1 vanilla pod, halved and seeds scraped out, or 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 whole large eggs, plus 1 egg yolk

• 3 tbsp golden caster sugar

• 8 slices of day-old white crusty bread

• 50g slightly salted butter, softened plus extra for greasing

• 75g mix sultanas and currants or other dried fruit

• zest ½ lemon

• 2 tbsp demerara sugar

Method

STEP 1 - To make the custard, heat the milk, cream and vanilla pod with its scraped out seeds (if using) together in a saucepan to just below boiling point. Meanwhile whisk the eggs and yolk with the caster sugar in a jug. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture, including the vanilla pod, over the eggs, stirring constantly until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract now if using.

STEP 2 - Lightly butter an ovenproof dish approximately 20cm x 25cm x 5cm. Cut the crusts from the bread slices, then butter both sides of the bread and cut into triangles. Lay half of the bread slices in the bottom of the dish so that they are slightly overlapping. Mix the dried fruit with the lemon zest and sprinkle half of the mix over the bread. Layer the rest of the bread on top then sprinkle over the remaining fruit.

STEP 3 - Heat oven to 180C/160C/gas 4. Remove the vanilla pod from the custard then pour the custard over the pudding. Leave to soak for at least 30 mins, or longer in the fridge, if you like. Sprinkle over the demerara and bake for 35-40 mins until golden brown and puffed up.

* https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/bread-butter-pudding

*Image and recipe taken from original page

Homelife Helpful Highlights:

• You'll experience a boost in your sense of self-confidence by following a recipe.

• Baking is a soothing and therapeutic activity, that helps you relieve stress.

• Show off your culinary masterpieces and your recently installed personalised Homelife Stairlift to your loved ones and friends.

Experience freedom and independence with Homelife Stairlifts, tailored specifically to you and designed for your comfort.

For more information about our stairlifts, please visit us at www.homelifestairlifts.co.uk or call our expert advisors on 0808 175 4400.

Homelife Stairlifts - Helping You Live Better Forever.

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