Baking is a beautiful art. It is a form of worship. When I bake, not only do I think of the ingredients I use, but I think about how this will make the person eating the pastries happy. I reflect on the abilities that God gives each of us as individuals. When baking, I feel this peace and it feels like an escape. I am able to talk to God. I get to express myself in the form of a cupcake or even a cookie. I put all my effort to make the product a perfection because it helps me connect to God and see how he takes his time to create us. Like the potter working on the vase, I use my hands to create something beautiful. Coming into baking with this mentality, it makes it an even more unique experience. Baking has allowed a door to open for me to minister to people that do not necessarily know God.

Coming up with new recipes takes a lot of trial and error. Before I begin, I take time to pray and ask God for wisdom on which direction I should take. I look at my surroundings and think “how will this fruit, or drink taste in cupcake form?” I take time to imagine the flavors and then I put myself to work. I take my base recipes and infuse them with the chosen flavor. I also ask people for their input on new cupcake flavors.

I currently have 26 different cupcake flavors, which include my newest creation, “Second Breakfast” cupcake, inspired by “The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy.” It is a french toast cupcake, filled with vanilla pudding, drizzled with maple syrup and frosted with a light maple syrup chantilly cream, and garnished candied bacon. I also see myself finding inspiration on the newest trends or what I see my friends liking. I have a whole section on nerdy cupcake inspirations. The video game “Legend of Zelda” inspired my “chocolate bomb” cupcake. Each flavor is made of the same base, but still ends up with its own unique flavor. We can compare it to creation: we are all created in the image of God but still have our own unique look and personality.

I got into cupcake making after I came back from Japan. After working at a patisserie in Kanagawa, Japan, I was able to take what I learned there and implemented it into my own baking. With the technique it allows a nice harmonious balance in the pastry. It is not too sweet or too bland. Just like our walk with God, loving God with our hearts, mind, and soul, I encourage everyone of you to find something that will help you find solace.