I love to bake, but I try not to do it just anytime the urge strikes. That way I don’t make (and eat) cookies every single day. I figured that by joining the Daring Bakers, I could get that urge to back out of the way every month. And I might make some new and exciting stuff along the way.

Since October, I’ve made pizza dough (fantastic); caramel cake (oh my stars so good); a Buche de Noel (definitely a once-a-year undertaking); Tuile cookies; a flourless chocolate cake; and the most delicious cheesecake ever. I can’t reveal to you what this month’s challenge is, but I can tell you that (a) I haven’t made it yet and (b) I’m a little afraid to try. Next Wednesday is the Big Reveal Day, so you should pop back over then if you’re curious.

Last month the Daring Kitchen expanded its purview. I tend to get into cooking ruts, so I’m very excited about the Daring Cooks challenges. I say that even though I never got around to doing the first challenge, Ricotta Gnocchi. This month’s challenge is particularly exciting. Again, I can’t reveal what it is yet. Check back on June 14 for that one.

All of this is to say: The Daring Kitchen’s challenges work for me. They help inspire and challenge me in the kitchen, and that’s a great thing when you start to feel a bit blah about slapping together the food for your family.

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