Fearless Baking: Cornmeal Thumbprint Cookies

Gluten-Free, Vegan Cornmeal Thumbprint Cookies

In life, there may be many things that scare us.  Job interviews, dogs, heights, relationships, darkness - you name it, and someone's probably terrified of it.  But with rare exception, the reason we fear these things is not because they're inherently scary.  Rather it's the uncertainty, and the risk of doing something unfamiliar with an outcome, good or bad, that we can't predict.  Simply put, we fear what we don't know.

Project: "Better Baker" - My Search for Leavening

My Three R's

As I mentioned in a previous post, one of my big goals for 2012 is to become a better baker.  Of course, I realize that "better" is one of those adjectives that can mean just about anything to anyone.  But for me, being a "better baker" means taking more risks, allowing myself to make more mistakes, and emphasizing learning and improving rather than avoiding failure and trying to be perfect.

For Cupid: Radicchio Cups with Roasted Mushrooms, Lentils, & Carrots

Radicchio Cup with Pea Tendrils & Roasted Mushrooms, Lentils, Carrots

With Valentine's Day just a few days away, I am thoroughly excited - giddy even.  While the day often highlights boxed chocolates and long-stem roses as acceptable (and even obligatory) tokens of love and romance, I've always been a believer that one of the most convincing ways to show someone that you care is through a beautiful and thoughtfully prepared meal. 

Gluten-Free Panzanella for the Beginning of Spring

Gluten-Free Panzanella in a Meyer Lemon Maple Vinaigrette

 Ah, the beginning of Spring.  That turning point in the year when days start to gain again in length, when trees, plants, and animals start to rouse from their slumber, and the energy in the air around us starts to crackle with anticipation of warmer weather and the year ahead.  Of course, "warmer weather" is completely relative, as this past Winter here in Austin has consisted of desperately needed rain, and beyond a handful of truly cold days, temperatures that hovered in the 70's.  But no matter where you live or what the weather may be, you can still feel that palpable shift, like a rollercoaster just reaching the top of a hill, ready to descend.

Ratio Rally! Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Cinnamon & Star Anise Popovers

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cinnamon & Star Anise Mini Popovers

I know I'm not the only one when I say that the beginning of the year is a "busy time."  It's actually quite a laughable understatement.  But alas, it's when I'm at my busiest that I've learned that slowing down is the best way to keep up.  Counter intuitive? Yes.  Counterproductive?  Anything but.

Which brings me to the subject of today's post: the Gluten Free Ratio Rally.