So recently I’ve been joking that the only hobbies I have that are discernible to my children are: drinking coffee, doing groceries, and being sarcastic. I aspire to be a runner and a knitter but lack discipline among other things. But, I do really enjoy cooking. I learned a lot from loitering around other people’s kitchens, especially my mother, Phil and Eleanor Rogers’, and my old roommate Ingrid. In the fall of 2008 when I was assembling my tenure package, a terrific family friend, Lesley J. mentioned this on-line group of bakers. After some searching about I discovered the ‘Daring Bakers’ (www.thedaringkitchen.com). To join you must take a vow of secrecy and cook the baking challenge that is posted on a membership-only message board on the first of each month. You have until the 27th of the month to post. Mid-tenure package it was too much of a commitment – I didn’t want to feel as though I adding yet another item to a never-ending to-do list. But then in 2009, I got tenure, weaned my last child and joined!
The challenge this month was to make nanaimo bars using homemade graham crackers. Here’s a pic of mine, it’s the second last one left in the tray. They were much too delicious on a cold winter’s day with a yummy coffee. I made the batch on Saturday night and was glad I wasn’t using the time to grade remedial essays from our first year students. Being in the ‘Daring Bakers’ is fun in a different way than I expected. By February 1, the message board for January will be public. Take a read under the ‘January Challenge’. There are some wacky and snide comments about whose variations ‘count’. I never thought people would do some of the things they did but heck, every time I go to the ‘One of Kind’ Craft Show in Toronto I am struck that not everyone shares my taste!
Maybe the new ‘magical and revolutionary’ iPad will have a scratch and sniff or taste function so you can share in this monthly fun. Until then, whip some up!
