How Home Baking Helped Me During Sick Leave (Butter Rice Cake & Glutinous Bagel Story)

Home Baking During Sick Leave

During my sick leave, I found comfort in a simple hobby — home baking.

When I was working at Coupang, I used to share what I baked with my coworkers. Now that I’m resting, I don’t have many people to give them to. Instead, I share them with my sister’s colleagues or my mom’s acquaintances. Somehow, desserts taste better when shared.

Why Home Baking Feels So Meaningful

I once dreamed of opening my own café. It’s still a vague idea, and it doesn’t necessarily have to happen. Baking at home is enough to make time pass quickly.

But home baking is not easy. Do you know why bakery goods are expensive? Because they include time, effort, and care.

Freshly baked bread tastes the best. But bread the next day, slightly matured, has a deeper flavor that’s hard to forget. That’s why I keep baking.

Butter Rice Cake and Glutinous Bagels

Recently, I made butter rice cake again. It was my second attempt, and I used up all my glutinous rice flour.

I had also made glutinous bagels the day before, so the ingredients ran out faster than expected.

One thing I realized is that bakeries are expensive not only because of labor but also because of ingredient costs — flour, sugar, milk, and eggs all add up.

The Texture Difference with Glutinous Rice Flour

Glutinous rice flour creates a unique texture.

Compared to regular wheat flour, it adds chewiness and elasticity. The bread stays softer longer and doesn’t dry out as quickly.

I’ve tried almond flour and whole wheat flour before, but glutinous rice flour gives a texture that’s hard to replace.

Small Changes in Life

While baking, I also started preparing for my hospital stay. Hospitals can be very dry, so I ordered a humidifying mask and bendable straws.

After being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, my perspective has slowly changed.

Maybe this experience is telling me to slow down and take better care of myself.

A Small Bakery at Home

Home baking always ends with cleaning. After organizing the messy kitchen, I carefully pack the desserts I made.

For a moment, my home feels like a small bakery café.

That’s why I continue home baking.