As much as I love eating out and trying new restaurants, it can be expensive and not always the healthiest option. Lately, I’ve been feeling the urge to practice my cooking and baking skills, especially as I get ready for college. I want to save money, eat better, and become more independent. So, last weekend, I decided to start learning how to bake, and I kicked things off with cake pops.
Finding the recipe online was easy, and I was surprised by how affordable and simple it was to make. The ingredients were basic—just three eggs, cake mix, frosting, canola oil, and, of course, sprinkles. I made chocolate cake pops with chocolate frosting (because who doesn’t love chocolate?). Even though I’m not a pro baker, we followed the instructions and ended up with perfect cake pops! The recipe was broken down into four simple steps: bake the cake, mix it with frosting, let it sit for four hours, then dip the cake pops in chocolate and sprinkles before letting them set. Beyond just learning a new skill, I enjoyed the experience of baking with my mom, reinforcing what I love most about cooking and baking at home.
Cooking is more than just making food—it’s an experience. From mashing to peeling to taste-testing, you actively create something rather than just picking it up at a drive-thru. From mixing ingredients to taste-testing along the way, cooking is about creating something from scratch, which is way more rewarding than grabbing fast food. Even better, cooking brings people together. I often have dinner with my grandparents, mom, and dad, and the best part of the meal is the time we spend together. When it came time for dessert, I proudly served my homemade cake pops, and my family loved them. My grandpa even said he accidentally dropped one but picked it up and ate it anyway because it was so good!
If you’ve ever thought about learning to cook or bake, I highly recommend learning to bake or cook. It’s not only a valuable life skill, but it’s also a fun way to bring people closer and try something new. Plus, you’ll save money and be able to eat healthier meals made with your own hands. (My cake pops were much cheaper than the $4.55 treats you can buy at the Starbucks near school.) So next time you’re craving something sweet or want to impress your family, give baking a try—it’s easier than you think!
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