Do you ever get anxious about asking a neighbor for some random baking ingredient you don't have, but need right away? Or are you the type who just doesn't ask for help? Well... I may have brilliantly solved your problem!
Introducing... THE LITTLE RED HEN THEORY!
I'm sure you've all heard the story of The Little Red Hen, right? Here's a sum-up.
The Little Red Hen is trying to bake some bread, and she asks all the other farm animals for their help. Each one says, "Not I," and comes up with some excuse as to why they cannot help. In the end, The Little Red Hen has baked the bread all by herself, and asks who will help her eat it. Of course, all the animals want to eat the bread. But she tells them that since they didn't help out, they can't have any. And next time, they are each very eager to help out however they can.
The End.
And now I tell you how I have solved your problem. {See... I sometimes struggle with a little anxiety, so I know how it feels.} But this is the thing. When you borrow an ingredient from someone else, in the end, they have in fact contributed to whatever it is you are making! So just Little Red Hen yourself back over to their house and give them a piece of whatever it is you have made! Vallah! No guilt involved, just say, "Hey, thanks for the {whatever} here is some {whatever} that I made with it!" And I assure you, they will always be willing to help you out again!
I cannot tell you how many times our neighbors say, "Hey, those {whatevers} were so good! You can borrow a {whatever} anytime, if it will turn in to that!" Or, "I love how when I give you a {whatever} it comes back as {whatever}! Let us know next time you need anything!"
So please, help yourself to a little Little Red Hen Theory sometime! It will brighten your cooking mood! I actually have some Little Red Hen-ning to do today! Lucky neighbors will be enjoying some French baguette before the day is through!
