Baking as therapy

Winter has finally sunk its claws into New York, and I don't think there's any hope of a break for months.  A quick summary of recent weather patterns goes a little like this: snow -> freezing rain -> snow -> rain -> some unholy mix of rain and ice (forming bottomless puddles masquerading as deceptively firm patches) -> Cold, cold, and more cold -> fields of ice glazing the sidewalks.  These are conditions that would send even the heartiest grizzly bear running for hibernation.  In other words, this was perfect baking weather. 

Now what on earth could have made me draw that conclusion, and moreover how in the world could baking relate to TBI?  Now, as any one who has experience with TBI can tell you, just as every person is unique so is every head injury.  No two people are affected the same way and no two recoveries are identical.  Much of the time well-meaning care givers will put survivors in standard therapy programs (occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy ... etc).  These therapies do help, don't get me wrong, but unfortunately they aren't always as effective for TBI survivors, and can only take them so far.

For me, the chief obstacle to going further in my cognitive therapy was my anosognosia - I thought I was fine and viewed going to therapy as a waste of time and money.  Thankfully, I was more than happy to participate in other activities (like horseback riding, music, cooking, and recreational therapy) that helped my recovery immeasurably.   While doing research for my book, I was surprised at how many activities can be used to help further recoveries - even playing video games can help!   You just kind of have to find the right thing for you - it doesn't have to be color-in-the-lines standard therapy, either.  Do what you love!  Have fun with it! 

Even before the brain injury I loved baking and cooking, but I think are particularly great methods of therapy, because they provide a sense of accomplishment.   That said, I hated occupational therapist's "home ec" boot camps. Though I definitely needed supervision, (I shudder to say that have forgotten to turn the oven off as recently as this year) I was determined not to take anything away from occupational therapy, and stubbornly relearned how to cook later with supervision from indulgent friends and family members.

Though I'm not really using baking as TBI therapy in the strictest sense anymore, the creativity, combined with the routine makes it a wonderful form of stress relief, not to mention the added benefits of warming up the apartment and making it smell delicious.   Last night's chilly weather spurred me to the kitchen, and after another round of "fun with chocolate" - dipping all varieties of fruit and nuts, I tried my hand at shortbread.  What came out was quite possibly the best shortbread I have ever tasted - five stars for this recipe.  

Children, do try this at home (with help from your parents):

Shortbread

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1 c. cornstarch
• 2 c. flour
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 sticks (1/2 lb) butter or margarine

You will need:

• Food Processor
• ungreased 8X8" glass pan

Preparation!

1. Preheat oven to 325 
2. Cut butter or margarine into chunks 
3. Put all ingredients in food processor.
4. Blend until butter is cut through, but not a paste ( a minute give or take 30 seconds)
5. Turn crumbly mixture out of food processor into pan and press down
6. Bake for 40 min at 325
7. Reduce temp to 300 and bake an additional 20 minutes
8. Take out of oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes
9. Cut into squares and allow to set an additional hour or two