I'm kind of a shy person. I tend not to say much unless I'm sure I know what I'm talking about. I'm generally very cautious. I make lists. I plan. Let's face it, I'm also a control-freak. It scares me a bit to put myself out there in this blog for all the world to read. I worry too much about what other people think. But it's good for me to get out of my comfort zone sometimes. And today I gave myself a big push. I joined not one but two baking groups. One is quite large--The Daring Bakers. I've got some time to get used to the idea of that one, since I won't start until March. The other is much smaller and is focused on a single cookbook--Tuesdays with Dorie.
Part of me thinks that I must be crazy to commit myself to a weekly baking event. What if I don't have the time? What if I can't find anyone to eat this stuff every week? =) What if I don't have the equipment I need? What if I don't like the chosen recipe (which is almost guaranteed to be the case if it has coconut)? As you can see, sometimes I get so hung up on what ifs that it's hard to convince myself to do something. But eventually I get past it. I'll find the time--after all, the point is that I want something for to do for me, so I'm not always thinking of myself as somebody's mom or somebody's banker. I'm sure I can find someone to take baked goods off my hands if we can't eat them all here at home. I guess I get to go shopping, since I've already discovered that I need a 10-inch springform pan this week (it'll keep the 8 & 9 inch pans company). And hey, maybe I'll try sometime that I wouldn't have otherwise and actually like it.
So glad you've joined us! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, my first comment! Thanks for the welcome.
ReplyDeleteok, this was like reading a conversation i might have with myself and i certainly understand all of your hesitations about joining a group.....i'll be making a apple brown sugar cheesecake today with ingredients I don't even like in a springform pan I had to buy....but i'm so excited about it and I know i'll find someone who will eat it! I hope your experiences prove to be exciting and worth stepping out of your comfort zone. welcome!
ReplyDeleteI am the same way, which you may not realize from reading my blog, if you have read my blog. I feel a lot safer spouting off from behind my laptop than I do in real life. But one thing at a time, right?
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you joined us. There are bound to be recipes you may not like. Ill be honest, I am not thrilled with this week's. I love cheesecake, I love apples, but the combo is what bugs me. We shall see. I am procrastinating as usual and may not have it done again till Tuesday. Thats my style. ;)
Mary - It's nice to know that others feel the same way. =)
ReplyDeleteSlush - I know what you mean about the combo. I like apples, but it would never have occurred to me to put them in cheesecake. And I seldom buy golden delicious; I prefer tart apples. We'll see how it turns out.
So great to have you along!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry if there's something you don't like in the recipe, if you're like me you'll replace the icky with the good (which, I admit, doesn't always work out and your cake slides off it's... you get the idea). The recipes often have Playing Around substitutions and such, this week Dorie suggests apple butter instead of apples. D isn't a fan of "apple pie apples" as he grumbles, so apple butter it is.
It's funny, but I'd bet most of us are on the shy side. Ignore any mentions of my random conversations with strangers.
I'm with you and Mary - I could have written something really similar when I joined. I'm getting a real kick out of seeing how my efforts pan out and that I'm not the only one having issues as the weeks go on.
ReplyDeleteAnd I learn something from each person in the group. Sometimes it's a presentation idea (seriously, these women are phenomenal at coming up with ideas) or a baking tip or even just the freedom that they feel to substitute willy-nilly (man, who knew I was still such a rule-follower?!)...
Welcome and I hope you have as much fun as I am!
Thank goodness - I'm not the only one! I'm glad we both got over our initial worries :)
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