Divinely Domesticated: 1950s Style

I’m aware the 1950s was an era which had its downfalls and there is certainly a reason we have left all this in the past. But I like to think we can garner inspiration from all periods of history, and for the 1950s, I’m choosing to follow their commitment to the home. Albeit scaled right back.

We have to admit: the domestic sirens of the 50s had the whole “perfect family, perfect house, perfect you” thing down-pat. If only that perfection had extended past the home. And allowed for some enjoyment in life. Nevertheless, I often go through little 1950s phases, where nothing makes me feel more content and like perfect wife material than feathering my nest. 

I love to bake, if for nothing more than filling my house with a heavenly and delicious aroma. A nice, scrumptious smelling house is so appealing, warm and inviting for guests or other members of the household, and it’s a fragrance that is difficult to mirror with scented room sprays, candles or diffusers (although I am a massive fan of those as well).

Of course the delicious delights that await at the end of the baking procedure – cupcakes, muffins, slices, brownies – are also nice too. I first began my love affair with baking after reading Nigella Lawson’s cookbook, ‘How to Be A Domestic Goddess’.

I love Nigella. Her food is sweet, rich and comforting… and she unashamedly admits to a penchant for unbridled indulgence. 

There is something deliciously reassuring about cooking and it certainly appeals to the maternal side of me. I love being able to make something yummy to give to my loved ones. Perhaps this is why the whole 1950s housewife idea appeals to me. She is a woman who always seems perfect: always perfectly coiffed, with a frilly little apron wrapped tightly around her perfectly cinched waist; a perfect batch of freshly baked cookies in one hand, and a perfect smile plastered across her face. Could you imagine a happier existence?

Hmmmm….

I have to concede, that another reason I love baking is because others are truly impressed by it. Baking is an important skill to have and one that others admire and envy: everybody loves freshly baked sweets but not everybody feels capable of cooking them. Most people assume that baking requires copious amounts of time – although in reality, it certainly doesn’t. Another benefit is that if you bake, people assume you have superior time management skills. It makes you look like you can “do it all”. A vane theory I know – but true. Being able to bake is secret to faking perfection.

I’m all for simple cooking though – like most people, I’m time-poor. And there’s no need to make things unnecessarily difficult. No doubt I will have many, many more posts in the future with baking recipes, but for now, let’s keep it simple. A Grade One recipe.

If you’re pressed for time and wondering what to bake, like this pretty lady, then maybe try this blueberry muffin recipe. It’s basic, healthy (relatively) and very multi-purpose – you can eat these muffins for breakfast, pack them in your children’s lunchboxes, or bring the whole batch into work to leave your colleagues appreciative – but wondering just how you have the time to bake from scratch and fit everything else in.

Another bonus? This is recipe is a perfect example of baking that quickly fills the house with a delicious aroma, evoking the vision of a domestic goddess (you!).

Blissful Blueberry Muffins

1 Cup of Blueberries (I prefer cooking with the frozen ones, they hold their shape better)

2 Cups of Self Raising Flour

¾ Cup of Brown Sugar

1 Egg

¾ Cup of Buttermilk (I make my own version by squeezing a little lemon into skim milk)

½ Cup of Rice Brain Oil (or Vegetable Oil – Rice Brain Oil is healthier though)

Preheat the over to 180 degrees Celsius. Then, simply mix all of the above ingredients together, very well. Make sure your mixture is of a creamy, smooth consistency. I add the blueberries last so they don’t get beaten up too much. Pour into muffin wrappers* and pop into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden. Voila, super easy, delicious treats!

*I like to invest in pretty muffin wrappers (and cupcake wrapper) – makes the whole thing look just a little more special and professional!