It seems as though summer has just ended yet we are already nearing fall and the holidays again. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it feel like we are in a time warp, but despite this, our second fall whilst living in our new world is already here! School is starting to pick up and these times are stressful. One way to both welcome the new season and destress is with food. Specifically baking. This seasonal hobby allows students to slow down for a second, relax, and unwind.
As Honors students, our workload can feel like a lot at times. With jobs and other commitments, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Therefore, it is important to make time for ourselves and truly relax, even if it is for less than 2 hours a week. Taking this time for self-care can help us recharge and therefore do better academically, socially, and physically. Baking can be that outlet. All of the recipes below are not time-consuming and are feasible for a college student. Time is precious for us at the moment!
I interviewed Crystal Hoang who is a Pre-Psychology major and in the University Honors Program. She is in her second year at California State University Long Beach, so she understands the workload and effort it takes to attend a university during a pandemic. She has a YouTube channel, CrystalLivesLife, and has actually made a video on her favorite, easy, and healthy banana bread recipe! It takes less than an hour and a half and you only need a few ingredients. Plus, her video has step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions. Banana bread is delicious and almost synonymous with fall weather, so it is the perfect place to start for baking beginners.
Another awesome recipe that Crystal has on her channel is for oatmeal and walnut chocolate chip cookies! Again, her ingredients and instructions are easy and not at all time-consuming. Crystal has compiled a list of her favorite Pinterest recipes as well, so you can continue to dive into the world of baking through one student-run resource. I hope that this fall, Honors Students consider baking and exploring these recipes. Right now, it is important to remember that you are the priority, so make time for yourself, and bake!
Some of Crystals Pinterest recipes:
Awesome article Ariel!! 🤩😍