Helen Goh, a psychologist and the head recipe developer for Yotam Ottolenghi, has recently published her baking book titled "Baking & the Meaning of Life." In an interview, she shares her passion for the aromas and memories evoked by baking, exemplified through simple comforts like Focaccia and chicken pies. Goh passionately describes how cakes and pastries often carry deeper emotional significance, beyond just being delicious treats, as they can symbolize shared moments and personal memories.

In her professional background, Goh emphasizes the therapeutic effects of cooking, citing how it can alleviate stress and offer a methodical way to approach difficult emotions. Her insights reveal that baking provides not just a culinary joy but also acts as a form of psychological therapy. The structured nature of recipes and the satisfaction derived from creating something tangible can be deeply fulfilling.

Goh's new book is not just a collection of recipes but also a reflection on the intersection of culinary art and mental well-being. By sharing her experiences and the stories behind the dishes, she invites readers to explore their own connections to food and to understand how baking can create happiness and foster emotional healing.