...that I even attempted this Daring Bakers Challenge!
After continuing to see Daring Bakers challenges posted all over I decided to see what it was all about. I joined, and conveniently the first challenge fell around this time of craziness in my life - with vacation, move into the condo, etc.
Despite all of that, I trudged on and Sunday attempted the first challenge - Filbert Gateau with Praline Buttercream from Great Cakes by Carol Walter. I was all ready to bake, had my new kitchen all organized, ingredients lined up and ready to go.
Preparation only took me so far, because the baking gods weren't smiling down on me. The cake just didn't rise up the way I had expected and it was tough, uneven and thin. I'm not positive about what I did wrong, but I think it may not have been mixed as well as it should have been, so it wouldn't rise.
From the point I pulled the cake out of the oven, I knew I was doomed. I actually was ready to cut my losses and stop there, deeming myself not ready for the Daring Bakers, but Steve made me continue on. Continue on to a horrendously ugly cake that I am embarrassed to post. I even encouraged Steve to "accidentally" help the cake meet it's fate - maybe it could fall off the counter? Or one of the cats could inconveniently jump on the counter and place a paw in the middle? No dice. Steve continued with the planned photo shoot, helping to ensure I always have memories of my ugly cake.
On the upside, I've never made Swiss buttercream before, so that was a new technique learned, and it turned out fabulous! I was so proud. I will definitely use this method again as it was tasty and fun to prepare (if whipping eggwhites and sugar over a hot stove can be "fun").
So please enjoy my failed first baking adventure for my first Daring Bakers Challenge...can't wait to amp myself up for next month's challenge...and maybe buy some backup ingredients, you know, just in case...
After continuing to see Daring Bakers challenges posted all over I decided to see what it was all about. I joined, and conveniently the first challenge fell around this time of craziness in my life - with vacation, move into the condo, etc.
Despite all of that, I trudged on and Sunday attempted the first challenge - Filbert Gateau with Praline Buttercream from Great Cakes by Carol Walter. I was all ready to bake, had my new kitchen all organized, ingredients lined up and ready to go.
Preparation only took me so far, because the baking gods weren't smiling down on me. The cake just didn't rise up the way I had expected and it was tough, uneven and thin. I'm not positive about what I did wrong, but I think it may not have been mixed as well as it should have been, so it wouldn't rise.
From the point I pulled the cake out of the oven, I knew I was doomed. I actually was ready to cut my losses and stop there, deeming myself not ready for the Daring Bakers, but Steve made me continue on. Continue on to a horrendously ugly cake that I am embarrassed to post. I even encouraged Steve to "accidentally" help the cake meet it's fate - maybe it could fall off the counter? Or one of the cats could inconveniently jump on the counter and place a paw in the middle? No dice. Steve continued with the planned photo shoot, helping to ensure I always have memories of my ugly cake.
On the upside, I've never made Swiss buttercream before, so that was a new technique learned, and it turned out fabulous! I was so proud. I will definitely use this method again as it was tasty and fun to prepare (if whipping eggwhites and sugar over a hot stove can be "fun").
So please enjoy my failed first baking adventure for my first Daring Bakers Challenge...can't wait to amp myself up for next month's challenge...and maybe buy some backup ingredients, you know, just in case...
14 comments:
congratulations on your first challenge , Laura! You know if you learn even one thing from a challenge that in itself is totally worth it. Besides, your cake is irresistable with that chocolate glaze!
Very well done! Congratulations on your very first challenge!
Cheers,
Rosa
As another newbie, I too felt my finished cake wasn't what I hope, but I learned a lot. Congrats on your first!
It's not a failed attempt! You had fabulous buttercream.
Too funny! Glad you continued on. Great first challenge.
Congrats on completing your first challenge. This was my first month, too, and my cake is hideously ugly. I actually like yours better. :)
Faith
http://chauceriangirl.wordpress.com
Congrats on getting through your first challenge! Well done!
Congratulations! I didn't like my cake at all, but I was still glad I attempted it. I think the best part of DB is that we get to learn so much from our crazy challenges. The baking Gods will reward you for your perseverance.
It's not just about the end result, it's also about the learning process. So congratulations for persevering!
Welcome to the Daring Bakers!
Christina ~ She Runs, She Eats
Welcome to the group :)
Well, a challenge isn't a challenge if it's super easy to complete. I think your cake looks lovely, and you did a great job on your first ever DB challenge :) You rock for sticking with it!
Your cake looks great! Part of being a daring baker is getting challenged, and if you did that, made it through and have a nice cake to show for it, then I'd say that you did good.
Thanks, all! I appreciate the thoughts of wisdom and encouragement :) Now here's on to the next challenge (and hopefully more baking in general, life has been so hectic!!).
backup ingredients?! that's a good idea..i always forget tht i shd have prepared such things before my massive baking failure.
anyway congrats on joinin the challenge. i backed out last year when i realized it was a monthly thing - i have no faith in myself. lol. this still looks pretty amazing though. keep at it sweet! i can't wait to see more from you..everything's always so yummy :) x
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