Hosting Without the Stress: Finding Calm in the Kitchen

The Pressure of Hosting

As someone who loves hosting guests, I’m not ashamed to admit that it often triggers my mild social anxiety. The pressure to ensure everyone’s comfort, entertainment, and happiness can be overwhelming. My mind starts racing with worst-case scenarios, and I can become frustrated or withdrawn.

The Power of Distraction

Recently, I stumbled upon a game-changing cinnamon roll recipe that has become my secret weapon for hosting without anxiety. The process of making these sweet treats has a calming effect on me, and the end result is always a hit with my guests. I’ve found that focusing on a task I enjoy helps shift my attention away from worries about entertaining.

A Recipe for Success

My go-to recipe involves pouring heavy cream over the cinnamon rolls before baking – it’s a game-changer! With the extra dough and rolls frozen, I can whip them out whenever guests arrive. The 10-minute prep time is just enough to distract me from my anxiety, and the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air.

 Heavy Cream Cinnamon Roll Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup of warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Heavy cream for brushing

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a bowl.
3. Add warm milk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough and spread with butter and cinnamon.
6. Roll up the dough and cut into 12 pieces.
7. Place on a baking sheet, leaving space between each roll.
8. Brush with heavy cream before baking.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Breaking the Ice

As I begin mixing, kneading, and rolling, I find myself relaxing, and my guests start to engage in natural conversation. They ask about the recipe or offer to help, filling the silence with ease. I no longer feel pressured to be an entertainer, and the process gives me much-needed space to breathe.

A Lifelong Struggle

I used to think social anxiety was just a phase of adolescence. But as I entered adulthood, I realized it was here to stay. Accepting my anxiety has allowed me to find creative ways to cope. And to my surprise, baking cinnamon rolls has become a trusted strategy.

Practicing Perfection

If you’re new to baking, attempting a recipe while hosting might seem daunting. I recommend practicing the recipe at least twice beforehand to get a feel for it. Freeze some of the remaining dough, and you’ll be ready to go when guests arrive. The outcome will be just as delicious, and you’ll feel more relaxed knowing your go-to solution is waiting in the freezer.

By incorporating this simple strategy into your hosting routine, you can say goodbye to hosting-induced anxiety and hello to a more relaxed, enjoyable experience for everyone involved.