Taylor Aks
By Jaime Vining
Both the number of positive COVID-19 cases and social media posts about quarantine baking projects are on the rise across Florida. Homemade banana bread has become the unofficial comfort food of the Coronavirus pandemic. In fact, a recent CNN article explained that spending time in the kitchen can help manage stress, increase self-esteem, and teach mindfulness.
Fifteen-year-old Taylor Aks has spent the past few months “cooking” up an idea to raise funds for SOS Children’s Villages, Florida, which offers support services for foster children.
The Cypresshead resident and rising sophomore reached out to her closest friends and family and asked for copies of their favorite recipes.
“During this quarantine period, my family has created a lot of memories together, especially in the kitchen,” said Aks. “Both my mom Pam and dad Brett love to cook. And it just so happens that I love to eat their food!”
This week, Aks released the digital cookbook Cooking With Love During Quarantine, a collection of 86 different recipes. Her favorite recipes in the collection include Pad Thai, Cinnamon Roll Quick Bread, Old-Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Wild Rice Dressing, submitted by her mom, aunt PJ Ortiz and grandmother Pat Frigo.
Within four days, Aks raised over $800 from sales of the cookbook. All of the proceeds from Cooking With Love During Quarantine will be donated to SOS Children’s Villages, Florida.
“Every child deserves love and SOS Children’s Villages Florida creates stable, loving families for orphaned and abandoned children,” said Aks. “They are a wonderful, loving organization.”
Copies of Cooking With Love During Quarantine can be purchased for $10 on the honor system here. Payments are accepted via Venmo and credit card.
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