Home baked or store bought: Is one more considerate than the other? That depends on your perspective and your assumptions.
Since my Mom was a great homemaker and a superb baker I always thought that home-baking showed love and care whereas store bought screamed “shameful last minute”. But recently I’ve been challenging those assumptions. First, I don’t always have time to bake and the point is to get together and celebrate, not a contest of some kind. More recently, a friend whose daughter has allergies noted that when she goes to a potluck she can only choose from items that have a full ingredient list so she prefers store bought for the peace of mind it affords.
Hmmmm…
- Where else is my background contributing to a firm conviction that there is a “right” way to do things? (P.S. My husband may not comment on this post)
- What’s the cost of these assumptions (time, guilt, dissatisfaction)?
- Are there multiple ways to achieve the same outcome?
- Have I asked others about their needs and perspectives?
I’m going to enjoy a cupcake while I think about that.
Accolade Communications 
Yep. and can I say that prepackaged mixes (like Duncan Hines…) are easier, tastier and safer for her than my making it from scratch?
Your post does make me wonder what people’s assumptions of me are when I gravitate to the prepackaged desserts for my kids… not that I REALLY care but I’ve never thought about it before. I know why I do it but they don’t…
We can’t control what others think but thank you for helping me challenge my underlying assumptions. Your intention is far more important than anyone’s opinion and when anyone’s intention is to be considerate, to share, to participate in a community gathering then there is no “more” considerate. The answer is “both”. I think you pointed out for me that I may have been judging based on old and incomplete information and assumptions. Sincere thanks.