bake

This term evokes the warmth and domesticity of a kitchen, carrying a connotation of patience and precision. It is distinct from roasting, which typically involves higher temperatures and savory meats, whereas baking is most strongly associated with flour-based goods and sweets. In a non-culinary sense, the word describes an intense, oppressive heat that feels as though it is drying out or hardening a surface. This is often used to describe landscapes under a scorching summer sun, suggesting a state of dehydration and stillness.