May Horoscopes: A Stress-Baking Recipe for Every Sign
Is “stress-baking” right now, in these strange, unnerving times, just...regular baking-baking? All we know is that kneading dough, watching cake batter spin in a stand mixer, and the smell of cookies never hurt anybody. This month, your May horoscope comes with a stress-baking recipe to get your mind off things for an hour or so. Preheat the oven, take butter out to warm up, and try to remember where you put that parchment paper. Let’s bake.
Photo by Laura Murray, Food Styling by Susan Spungen1/12Aries: No-Knead Focaccia
You’re looking for outlets for your frustration (better out than in, Aries). You’re calling representatives, posting long screeds on Twitter, and demanding ACTION, per usual. We get you, fiery Aries, which is why you need to channel that indignation to your focaccia dough. Spongey, garlicky, and lower maintenance than sourdough, this is the kind of bread you can handle, impatient Aries. Find calm in the part where you play piano on the stretched-out dough.
Photo by Laura Murray, Food Styling by Susan Spungen2/12Taurus: Billionaire Bars
Oh sweet Taurus, we can always rely on you. You’ve gone above and beyond for others during this crisis. Or maybe this pause has been a valuable opportunity to take stock of how you spend your time and energy. Regardless, this month you’re realizing your worth (a lot!!!!). Which is why you’re baking gooey-wonderful, decadent and stacked Tahini Billionaire Bars. You’re worth it, luxurious Taurus.
Photo by Laura Murray, Food Styling by Susan Spungen3/12Gemini: Sticky Buns
You’ve managed to keep yourself busy for the past several weeks tinkering on a few projects, recording TikToks, and sliding in on various House Party hangouts. But burnout happens to all of us. When your brain is feeling glazed over, fight it with literal glaze: Cinnamon-Date Sticky Buns. This recipe will keep you busy and let you unwind at the same time.
Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Kate Buckens4/12Cancer: Chocolate Chip Cookies
You’re in your feels this month, Cancer, and we can’t blame you. The outside world isn’t very warm and fuzzy these days. You need to stay inside and take care of yourself, and while we’re not doctors, we find a prescription for a tall glass of milk and BA's Best Chocolate Chip Cookies has its benefits, no matter what state you’re in. Let the smell of brown butter fill the house—aromatherapy, right?
Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Kate Buckens5/12Leo: Apple Tart
How can anyone expect you to NOT be dramatic during these crazy times? You miss your social life, mindless shopping in actual stores, livestreaming from concerts, and experimenting with your hair color. Give yourself space to pout, but count your blessings this month. Celebrate all the good in your life, expressive Leo, whether it’s your health, the roof over your head, or the ability to bake in the nude. Make this Naked Apple Tart to keep it on-theme.
Photo by Stephen Kent Johnson, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski6/12Virgo: Sesame Tea Cake
You’re a natural problem-solver, but not all of the world’s problems are within your reach this month. Focus on those you can help in the short-term, whether it’s mowing a neighbor’s yard or bedazzling homemade masks for the entire block. Life is chaotic enough—don’t let your worries take over. This Swirled Sesame Tea Cake looks like the inside of your mind right now, you might as well lean into it.
Photo by Chelsie Craig, food styling by Alison Attenborough7/12Libra: Cardamom Bread Pudding
Artistic and charismatic Libra, let this extra downtime spark your creativity. Inspiration has led you down some weird and unexpected pathways—how’s that knit yoga mat coming?—but that’s okay. We’ll get you back on track with this comforting Cardamom Bread Pudding. This dessert has all the calming spices you need right now. Let your problems (and your toast) soak in heavy cream tonight and know that everything will be better tomorrow.
Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boytsova8/12Scorpio: Tarte Soleil
Even the strongest have their moments of weakness, ever-resilient Scorpio. You’re getting stir-crazy and you could use some extra sunshine this month (well, maybe this is all of us). Good thing we know right where to find it, no matter what the weather: This sunny Spinach and Feta Tarte Soleil is a bold, savory pastry that’s certain to elevate your mood.
Laura Murray, styling by Anna Bilingskog9/12Sagittarius: Pão de Queijo
This month, relationships are your area of focus. Whether your partner is driving you insane, or a long-distance relationship is testing your ability to stay inside, you have needs. And few things can fill that void. Except maybe cheese. Which is why in this time of stress, you’re baking Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread). Let this cheesy, airy (and hey, gluten-free!) bread be your ideal companion for now.
Photo by Gentl and Hyers, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Nina Lalli10/12Capricorn: Crème Caramel
You’re doing your best to hold it together, organized Capricorn. Look at you—wearing pants! Few things are more satisfying than being the most put-together on the Zoom call…except maybe this Coffee Crème Caramel. Yes, you wish the rest of your life were running as smooth as this caramel, but for now, take the custard. May this melt-in-your-mouth eggy dessert let your troubles slide right off.
Photo by Emma Fishman, Food styling by Pearl Jones11/12Aquarius: Crumb Cake
Whether or not you are still able to work right now, May illuminates some unknowns in your career. This month, you’ll be prioritizing what really matters in life, like family, sunset bike rides, and extra crumbs on your coffee cake. When the stress hits, bake this Double-Crumb Crumb Cake because life is too short for any other crumb ratio. It’s simple and sweet with notes of ginger and cinnamon, and juuuuust over-the-top enough for you, innovative Aquarius.
Photo by Heidi's Bridge12/12Pisces: Margarita Pie
You’ve never been bothered by spending time by yourself, dreamy Pisces. Your vivid imagination is capable of taking you far, but by now, you’re getting antsy. You crave the ocean, sand in your toes, and the smell of Banana Boat. Bring those fantasies to life with Frozen Margarita Pie. It’s exactly what it sounds like—tangy and limey and creamy—with a graham cracker crust. Bake in your bathing suit for full effect.
Catherine Urban is an astrologer from Cleveland, Ohio and the author of Your Astrological Cookbook: The Perfect Recipe for Every Sign. Connect on Instagram @astrocatherine
