By Benjamin Roehlke, Staff Writer
On Nov. 13, the Center for Academic Achievement held another Adulting 101 session titled “The Cookie Dude: Baking Hacks.” For this session, baker and business owner Dan Macarthur lead the class on proper baking techniques and life lessons.
Informally known as the “Cookie Dude,” Macarthur lead the class of about 10 students through his baking techniques while offering tips along the way.
One thing that Macarthur stressed is that baking is a sort of coping mechanism, and can help with anxiety and help relax the mind.
Macarthur told those in attendance that there are studies that support the claim that baking helps anxiety, and encouraged baking as a form of stress relief. Much like knit- ting or running, Macarthur believes baking can become a form of expression and release for those going through stressful situations, and encouraged all to try it and learn something new.
During the session, Macarthur offered many different pieces of advice and fun facts. Some of these pieces of information were as small as using a scale while baking, to much larger things such as where different types of vanilla beans grow around the world. During the presentation itself, Macarthur baked cookies.
Macarthur offered advice on improving ones baking skills, and said it is best to re- move cookies from the oven just a little before they are done, as well as to never over mix the cookie mixture, as it can change the overall outcome of the cookies.
Finally, he told those in at- tendance that if they want to bake with raisins, it is best to presoak the raisins in rum so they retain their flavor.
In all, Macarthur offered a lot of valuable advice and facts during his presentation. One thing he did touch on was his experiences running and opening a new business.
He talked about the different types of people he meets through his business, and the need for those who go into the business industry to remain open-minded to those they meet.
When asked about Adult- ing 101, Macarthur said that this was the first time he had
ever been asked to be a part of a program like this since he opened his business.
When asked how he felt about the program in general, he said that he felt this type of program is very important for college students, for it gives them experiences they may not have gained through the traditional classroom setting.
He felt that there are certain things everyone should know during their lifetime, and the Adulting 101 program is one way for college students to learn those skills. Macarthur said that the Adulting 101 program is very beneficial for all, and everyone should give it a try before graduation.
In this program, Macarthur was able to relay his passion to the students in attendance, as well as assure those who may be looking for a new way to relieve their stress that baking is a great way to channel their energy.
The Center for Academic Achievement offers several different programs to support students throughout the academic year.
The programs offered: Academic Skills, Math, Writing Center, Language Tutoring, STEM and Business review services for students.
The Center for Academic Achievement is located on the second floor of Fisher Hall. There is a lounge for students that includes a refreshment table and a room for studying and tutoring sessions.
The center is open from Monday to Friday and also take appointments. They are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
