In 2012 I challenged myself to improve my bread-making skills. While I did most of my baking in the first half of the year, I really enjoyed the challenge and feel like I learned a lot. Specifically, I learned what adjustments I need to make to account for my altitude, and I feel more confident kneading and handling the dough. I no longer feel intimidated by the idea of making bread and am ready to try branching out a bit.
For my 2013 challenge, I want to do something a little different. 
This is the type of book that I might enjoy looking at and dream of using, but potentially not get around to making many of the recipes. To ensure I actually use this beautiful book, my challenge for 2013 is to make one recipe from Bouchon Bakery per month for the entire year.
There are 1o chapters in the book that contain recipes:
- Cookies
- Scones & Muffins
- Cakes
- Tarts
- Pate A Choux
- Brioche & Doughnuts
- Puff Pastry & Croissants
- Breads
- Confections
- Basics
I will make sure to hit each chapter at least once during the year.
Do you have a copy of Bouchon Bakery? Would you like to join me in this challenge? I will share my results the last Tuesday of each month, and will announce the following month’s recipe at the same time. Feel free to join in and share your results each month!
For January 2013: I decided to keep it simple this month and will be making Banana Muffins (pg. 81). I will post my results on January 29!
From Scratch 
I saw this book at Costco before the holidays and it is such a beautiful cookbook. What a great idea and challenge, Karen. If I get a copy of the book I would love to join you. I haven’t been able to keep up with some of my other groups especially the weekly ones, but I do like the idea of baking from a new book and baking a recipe once a month is very doable!
Hi Karen,
We’ve exchanged emails in the past (last summer I went out to the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, etc.) and I subscribe to your blog, which I continue to love.
Anyway, I am planning or thinking of planning a trip this August out to the Seattle area. I remember that you said that you were from that area originally. Do you have any recommendations for foodies in that area? Could be anything as my trip is up in the air at this time. I do know that we will probably be out there for around a week. Anything you can add would be greatly appreciated.
BTW, I would join you in your challenge but I’m already cooking through several other baking books. One of these days, I am going to go to one of Thomas Keller’s restaurants, probably Per Se in NYC as that is closest to me.
Hope you are doing well, and thanks for any info that you can provide me.
Your friend in making things from scratch,
Pat Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
I also got the book for Christmas! What I especially like about the weighted measurements is how much easier it is to halve the recipes. I might have to catch up with you.
I also like that there are fewer dishes to wash!
Haha Karen! I found the first post in your Bouchon Bakery series!! I’m totally joining in! I’m just going to have to wait for the book to come in – how exciting! 🙂
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