Bake

The smell of fresh cookies float through the air in sophomore Alina Susani’s home. On her counter lie delicious sablé cookies piled high on a plate. In junior Kennedy Coats’ kitchen, it’s the enticing smell of chicken tetrazzini that sits on the stove waiting to be eaten. 

These two students are using the extra time granted by the shelter-in-place order to bake and cook for their families and for themselves.

In her spare time, Alina has been baking desserts and pastries such as cookies and muffins. Not only are they delicious, but cooking gives her something to focus on besides school and the coronavirus pandemic.

Spanakopita made by Alina Susani

sablé cookies made by Alina Susani.

Pear frangipane tart made by Alina Susani.

Linzer cookies with blueberry jam made by Alina Susani.

“It’s really calming for me,” Alina said. “It takes my mind off deadlines. It helps with managing stress, and coping with the situation that we’re in right now.”

Alina is not the only one to benefit from her hobby. She has been working on fancier baked goods, and for Mother’s Day, she made her mom some Linzer cookies.

Alina suggests that beginners start with easier items, such as oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip cookies.

For Kennedy, cooking has always been a part of her life. Before the shelter-in-place order was in effect, she cooked for her family and friends all the time. The stay-at-home order has given her more time to develop her cooking skills.

“I’m always hungry. And now, bored as well,” Kennedy joked.

After two weeks of sheltering-in-place, Kennedy began posting cooking videos on her Instagram (@chefkwithdasauce). In the videos, Kennedy shows herself making treats such as blueberry muffins or banana bread, as well as meals like chicken pitas and couscous. 

Chocolate Soufflé by Kennedy Coats.

Chicken tetrazzini made by Kennedy Coats.

“I figured I would do a cooking show type thing,” Kennedy said. “I really love watching cooking shows, so I figured, why not?”

Kennedy realized that since her family can’t go out to eat as often during this time, cooking is a nice way to help around the house and pass the time.

“I just happened to grow up cooking, and grow up watching cooking shows. So it all just kind of worked out that way that this is a time when I need to be cooking a lot, and I also enjoy it,” Kennedy said. 

For beginners, Kennedy suggests making mini corn dogs and chicken tetrazzini. 

 “[The chicken tetrazzini] is a really good one because you can make a lot of it at once, and it’s pretty simple,” Kennedy said. “And, it’s still really good.”