I decided it would be a good idea to come up with some baking resolutions for 2012. Just like with any other resolutions, I wanted to write them down and make specific goals. Here’s what I came up with.
1. More International Desserts. Since my blog is titled Desserted Planet, I decided it would be fun to incorporate more desserts from around the globe. My goal is to do one per month and I can’t wait to start with one that I’ve been meaning to make for a couple of years now, Brazo de Mercedes. It’s a Pilipino treat that was introduced to me by my brother-in-law and his family (who are from the Philippines). It’s a type of rolled cake (sometimes referred to as jelly roll) made from a sheet of soft meringue with custard filling, sometimes flavored with lemon. It was love at first bite for me. I can’t wait to try my hand at it.
2. More Classic Desserts. I often get asked if I have great recipes for classic desserts such as Coconut Cake (see pic above), Pumpkin Pie, Carrot Cake, etc and I’m ashamed to say that I’ve not made a good deal of classic, tried and true dessert recipes. That’s going to change! I’ll be incorporating one per month from here on out.
3. More Challenging Desserts. In other words, I can’t just throw it in a pan, shove it in the oven and BAM! It’s done. Now I do love those kind of recipes (and there are many good ones), but I want to stretch myself just a bit and try things that require a little more patience and methodology. I’m thinking more French pastries, baklava, soufflé, etc. Again, one each month.
4. More Healthy Desserts/Baked Items. I LOVE healthy baking. I know, shocker. But I used to do a lot of healthy baking and love the challenge of finding suitable, all-natural substitutes for uber sugar-laden and fat-heavy sweets. I’ve already got one under my belt, my Healthy Banana Bread, and plan to do lots more, think desserts, breads, muffins, etc…one recipe each week! I’m very excited about this.
Did you have any New Year’s resolutions?? Baking or otherwise? I’d love to hear them!