Stressed Desserts: Fake It to Make It?

[Harry and Sally discussing holiday baking]

Sally Albright: Most women at one time or another have faked it.
Harry Burns: Well, they haven’t faked it with me.
Sally Albright: How do you know?
Harry Burns: Because I know.
Sally Albright: Oh. Right. That’s right. I forgot. You’re a man.
Harry Burns: What was that supposed to mean?
Sally Albright: Nothing. It’s just that all men [and women!] are sure it’s never happened to them, and all [of us] at one time or other have done it so you do the math.

…You all know that famous scene from When Harry Met Sally, right? It introduces this quite post nicely (with minimal changes and a little artistic licensing, of course).

While I’ve posted a simple and easy recipe for homemade gifts and treats, it hasn’t slipped past this smart cookie (preferably a ginger cookie this time of year!) that most of you don’t see DIY baking as a time-saver. Rather – to the true hearted yet culinary-clueless individual, it’s a time-sucker and stress inducer to say the very least (…and who really does have the ability to plan, prepare, and execute properly – unless you’re a professional like myself, with a 24/7 fully stocked pantry and kitchen?)
Repackaging, recutting, and redecorating those store bought goodies to pass off as your own this holiday season? Then the term “fake baker” applies to you! You’re not (feeling guilty or sheepish) alone; the recent article in the paper has spurned a slew of hesitant comments from women everywhere, the secret of their homemade success a secret no more.

While I’m of the mindset that teaching you to prepare, mix, and bake your own cookies (etc.) from scratch goes a lot further than just giving you the ready-prepared and packaged goodies (that whole “teach a man to fish” thing) – sadly, I realize that this isn’t always convenient and possible at this time of year, especially during the Christmas crunch that we’re all on the cusp of. SIGH. For me, it’s about inspiring hidden creativity in each and every one of you over cutting culinary corners and advocating that you cheating your way through the creative process. That being said – baking is an art driven by an ineffable fiery passion, and if it just ain’t so for you or your schedule (HUGE SIGH, yet again) – here are a few tips on how to fake-bake it through your holiday events, virtually stress-free.

What’s your stance on “fake baking” during your holidays? Can you tell when someone else is a “fake baker”? Does it matter to you if you get a “fake baked” homemade treat, and what are your reasons for cutting a few corners and doing it (not) yourself?

(By the way …I whole-heartedly agree with article contributor Tina Bacon, of The Pink Spatula – it is quite the compliment when clients and customers have revamped my treats as their own; I’d much prefer my wholesome goodies appear on their plates, satiate their guests’ or gift recipients’ palates and tummies over the mass-produced chemical-laden weight & health problem-inducing commercial alternatives out there…!)

[ ...not that I'm advocating doing this, just for the record ]