Eek.

Note: not a single picture in this post came from my camera or belongs to me in any regard. All pictures are from the Attribution License Flickr stream, and are simply for representative/example purposes. Credit has been given where credit is due and all pictures are linked back to their respective owners.

I just joined the Daring Bakers and the Daring Cooks, as a means to stretch out my usual repertoire with new and interesting dishes and desserts. The Daring Kitchen is sort of an online phenomenon - hundreds or maybe thousands of food bloggers and non-bloggers alike participate in a monthly challenge to recreate the designated recipe exactly as-is, and post their successes or failures, along with photos and thoughts on the recipe - good or bad.

A little fear has set in, I must say. There are strict deadlines and guidelines, for starters, but some of the past dishes are a little intimidating. For a few examples, The Bakers have tackled:

 Croquembouche

http://www.flickr.com/photos/orangelimey/

Chocolate eclairs

http://www.flickr.com/photos/misbehave/

 Cannoli

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37601286@N06/

And macarons, the thought of which make me shake in my stilettos.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10918289@N07/

The Cooks have taken on:

Greek Mezze

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32356625@N00/

Vietnamese Phở

http://www.flickr.com/photos/m500/

And Gnocchi (The Cooks are a relatively new inception; I couldn't find nearly as many examples).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcofedele/

Just slightly intimidating, no?

Thank you to my longtime friend and perpetual supporter Angela for the inspiration that led me to joining the group! I can't wait to share some new dishes and desserts with my friends. Wish me luck as I muddle through this new adventure, and please stay tuned for Daring Bakers and Daring Cooks posts - I'll post one of each every month among my usual posts. Maybe you'll be inspired to play along also!