Whip up Something New

My friend Elise recently set up a blog challenge called Whip up Something New for those of us who have lists, links, books, and stacks of recipes we want to try but haven’t had the time or energy to do so. I am definitely one of those people. I stick to a lot of staples when we’re busy during the week, and generally only venture out for parties or get-togethers. (Not the best time to try new recipes, right?)

If you want to, join the challenge by trying one new recipe a month and posting about it, either on your main blog or a food blog. I’ve had a food/craft/experiment blog setup for about the past year but have been really bad about updating it often. I always seem to forget to take pictures when I’m in the middle of cooking or sewing.

I’ve never really told anyone about it because it's just for my journal (and there are so.many.craft blogs out there) of the things I’m learning to make, but it will be a good place to post these recipes. I’m going to try to be better about updating it (http://shan-made.blogspot.com) this year, and this challenge will be the perfect kick in the pants.

Luckily, I’ve already made a new recipe this month, for a baby shower last weekend: Ina Garten’s Coconut Cupcakes. I’d heard so many heavenly things about this recipe over the years I was almost scared to make it… for fear that I would eat all of them in one sitting. Luckily at showers I can bring them all (or most of them) to give away and just keep a couple for sampling.

I'd also note that in the reviews some people omitted almond extract—I think that would be a mistake. It really makes the flavor rich. I actually added extra so it would taste more like marzipan. Mmmm.

Do it too if you need a push to make some new recipes!