Some of you may be asking, "What is 5412" and why is it the baker's number? Well, 5412 was my address for 13 years in Charleston, South Carolina. For me, baking is therapy. A place where I can relax and just create something extraordinary with just a few ingredients. 5412 is that place for me as well. I was able to explore a fanstastic world just outside my doorstep with just an imaginary Green Lantern ring, bicycle, slide and a hill of dirt.
I lived on a street that dead-ended into a dirt circular path next to the railroad tracks. [Note, on the other side of the tracks were woods, not better (or worse) homes]. My friend Phillip and I would go to the top of our street and race down as fast as we could without holding onto the handlebars. We would go on the 'bike path' and jump the hills of dirt while saving the world with our super hero powers. Green Lantern was always the best because he had the most powerful ring in the universe. We would also go in my backyard, climb my slide and jump off or 'run down' the front. It gave us "Flash-like" powers.
One summer we would be making a whirlpool in my above ground pool late into the evening when we'd see a weird brightly lit plane in the sky. We were convinced it was a UFO (seems we looked for them more back in the 70's than we do now) and would scream for our parents to come and see [less we be taken to meet their leader]. It has been almost 33 years since I left 5412 Marie Street but I remember those times as though they happened yesterday.
Oh yeah, back to the baker's number. 5412, the baker's number, represents a peace that can only be achieved by doing something great with imagination. I worked in the corporate world for over 21 years and while I liked it, I must confess that I didn't love it. This past year has taught me, through trials, that it's time to do what I love and then try to find a way to turn it into a living. Hence 5412.
I am daily learning to make new things. Life today is much different to my 70's life on 5412 Marie Street. Back then my mom stayed home, made every meal (yes, even nasty salmon cakes) and would be my gateway to a life unimaginable. Today's parents are working 2 or 3 jobs just to pay the rent and thus unable to come home and prepare a fresh, homemade meal for their family. I would love to open a bakery or dinner supply service. I prepare the meals and you just come pick them up.
I am working on getting my Food Management Licence (hopefully this will include food handlers certification as well) and will keep you updated.
So, my butter should be at room temperature now. Baking a chocolate-almond pound cake and then will work on making homemade hot pepper-lime jelly. Later today I'll start on making salt rising bread. Yes, there is such a thing.
Until next page,
ScottR
