Every year during the holiday season, baking becomes an event for many families. Grandmas’ old recipe books are taken out of the back of the shelf and multiple generations gather around to decorate cookies and cakes. Although this year, families might not have the ability to be close together and in person.

Throughout the past six months, people’s new hobbies and interests have filled Instagram pages, Pinterest boards and Facebook walls. For many, baking has been a new hobby. Without having to go into work or out to sporting events, it was the perfect time to try out a new recipe.

Baking is more than just a way to fill up time. There are benefits to one’s mental health while baking. “When the task allows you to create something to nourish yourself and your loved ones, it can be a very powerful experience,” creator of Culinary Art Therapy Julie Ohana said. Since baking requires one’s complete focus, it is a great way to distract the mind and calm down.

There is a large interest in baked goods, but Americans are not taking on baking in their own home. The American Bakers Association Economic Impact Study estimates that by 2021 households will be spending over 375 dollars on baked goods annually. Shows such as: The Great British Baking Show and Nailed It have come into popularity within recent years also.

Buying baked goods might be tasty and watching baking shows might be entertaining, but actually making baked goods adds to an important aspect of life. Just like paintings and pottery, baking is a creative activity. In an experiment done by University of Minnesota Department of Psychology member Colin DeYoung found that increased creativity has a positive effect on people. People who exercise creative activities are more likely to be more productive, be in a good mood and have a more positive attitude.

Within the coming weeks, weather conditions will shift to cold and snowy, Orono high school students will go on Thanksgiving break and fall flavors of foods will be highly marketed. With extra time out of school and less to do outside it is a perfect opportunity to try out some new recipes. Check out these recipes compiled by Spartan Speaks staff and try one or all of them.