Charlotte Bronte Jane Eyre and me!

The other day I was invited to present the Bronte Society and Charlotte Bronte with a birthday cake. I know the lady in no longer here but I think I need to reflect on just what this meant to me.

I have done a few things now as part of  ‘Sandy from Bake Off’ and where ever I can I link what I’m asked to do with young people and the public in general with the message to ‘just have go’. But this request was very personal.  If you’ve read Jane Eyre you’ll get what I’m talking about if you haven’t I suggest you do. I don’t think there is a book out there that combines ‘girl power’ and the ‘power of love’ more. Yes I know I’m an old romantic and I don’t care, give me an open fire, glass of red and good old black and white film any day even more so when its cold outside.

Let me get back to the point and baking!  My baking is straight forward and direct, I’m ok with that. I cannot do elaborate and technical works of art. I bake and cook to feed the ones I love and I show I care by giving my efforts. I play and experiment and sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t but that’s just the way it is. Yet! go a little deeper and the contents is rich full and passionate. I cook and bake from the heart and the flavour is reflects this and I’m proud of that.

Charlotte Bronte a small unassuming girl, Jane Eyre a small unassuming girl, me a not so small unassuming girl, shall I add YOU to this list?  But open us up and what is there? A rich full and passionate person who has something to offer.  I think that this scenario belongs to each and everyone of us. Why should passion belong solely to the beautiful. As the quote from Jane Eyre ” Do you think because I am poor, obscure, plain and little I am soulless and heartless………” I have full as much heart and passion as anyone………”

I could write and write for every about how we must show our inner selves to the world at times, yet difficult to know how to go about this. So bake and cook and let your passion be visible through your food. Your message will soon be understood and you will be seen as “no caged bird” and “no net surrounds you” You are an “independent person with and independent will!!”

COOK AND EXPRESS YOU HAVE THE RIGHT!!!

Sandy xxx