This is the part where I take a moment to ask for your help.
This is the part where I tell you how much I need you.
Seriously people…. I need some inspiration. Give it up. Please and thank you.
I think I’ve found myself in a bit of a kitchen rut. What should I make? What do you want to see?
Hot? Cold? Sweet or savory? At what point will you stop putting up with my baking antics? How much cranberry juice is too much cranberry juice to drink in one day? What do I do about this giant blemish on my chin?
Ok… I suppose you should only answer the first few questions above. Send me some inspiration. Send me a dozen eggs. Send me a punch in the skull. I need your creative kitchen juice or your closed fist punches. Let’s be a team about this. I need you… but please don’t actually punch me. I was kidding about that part.
Update: You all are the most lovely people a blogger could ask for. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for all the inspiration. I’ve already got a list working from all your suggestions. Keep em coming! I think you’re dreamy!
Aaaand another update: You lovelies have blown me away. Thanks for all the inspiration. Amazing! Let’s hug. I’ll be in my kitchen this weekend and be back next week with some pretty fabulous treats for you. Thank you. One the real…. thanks.
Mama JJ
Go ethnic. Take a break. Showcase other blogs. Start telling more stories. Up the savory and decrease the sweet. But above all, do what interests you and only that; otherwise, what you have to say won’t hold water. Good luck!
jonquil
oohh! i like the kitchen torch suggestion! how about a piece on local farmstands/food markets! the sights are beautiful–the colors are gorgeous–just the thing to kickstart the mind.
Shushmi
Hey Joy,
I was in Edinburgh for the weekend and had a delicious rhubarb creme brulee there. It was so yummy with a crispy hard sugar top that cracked satisfy-ingly on impact with the spoon! COuld you make some kind of variation maybe? A summer inspired creme brulee? maybe with mint or passion fruit?
And your blog is always so much fun to read – a real ray of sunshine! :)
Beth
Baked Alaska! Or something involving a kitchen torch!
Susan
Mmm – I can relate. Well, I love everything you post, but to be honest, lately some of my favorites have been your interesting breakfast ideas (i.e. the polentas etc.) I’d love to see more things like that!
Sarah
Eggs Benedict (drool!)
Lemon Cupcakes
Pretzels
Some kind of super refreshing drink made with Papaya
Yum! I love your blog, Joy. I love to cook and bake and reading your blog keeps my creative juices flowing. Keep up the great work!
Sarah
Ontario, Canada
jenny
I also have a giant blemish on my chin right now. Totally throwing me off. Just a sidenote.
I suggest getting out of your rut with some hearty, wholesome bread-baking.
The precision of the ingredients and the forced patience are always therapeutic for me. Not to mention the whole beating a ball of dough repeatedly — cathartic, fun, and can be called a workout. I wouldn’t argue that fact at all!
Crusty, freshly-baked bread, still warm from the oven and smothered with butter and jelly (or nutella, no one said bread can’t be dessert) should be just enough to pul you out of your funk. And if the loaf doesn’t do the trick, you’ll have an excuse to make bread pudding or french toast!
Good luck! And if you figure out how to remove an unsightly growth from your chin, do share the secret!
jenniti
Homemade tim tams!!!
Andy
Joy, how about some home made Mayonnaise for all those yummy salads?
2 eggs
1/2 cup malt vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp Coleman’s mustard
pinch salt and pepper
Mix all ingredients. Put on top of double boiler. Heat and stir until thick. Serve when cooled. Beautiful!
Lily
Well, the weather is crummy here and i just got a new crock pot…. but I’m not sure how best to produce bread pudding… thoughts? I LOVE your site…
also, anything I can do with quarts and quarts of fresh squeezed lemon juice? we just made limoncello..lots of rinds… leftover juice.
Melissa
Joy, if it helps, for one whole half of the world it’s not summer. In fact, I’m cuddling up with a nanna knee-rug and the heater on ‘high’. I could really use some pudding. Something hot, and squishy, and sticky, and yummy. I’m sure you could write up something that would be inspirational for both those wintering and those summering!
Caitlin
Oo, I vote ethnic. Pick an ethnicity, make something savory & something sweet from it. And I will never get tired of your baking antics – it’s a bright point in my day, guaranteed to make me smile.
Verbenabeth
Ok, first question…. PEACH PIE!!!!! I neeeeeeeeed to see that. As for inspiration, take a look at the cookbook by Marcus Samuelsen The Soul of a New Cuisine. It’s absolutely beautiful, has incredible photos of food and Africa, and the recipes are really devine. My favorite? Crab Burgers with Papaya Ketchup.
Also inspiration? I look to your blog to retain my sanity with 2 girls 4 and 7 going on 13 and 16!!!! :)
Evan
Since you love eggs so much and apparently eat them every day, why don’t you do something with that? What is your favorite way to prepare eggs? Scrambled? Fried? Sunny-side up? Omelet-style with bacon and cheese?
Amy
What about a challenge? Make a yummy dessert with only 5 ingredients!
…well, I guess that would only be challenging to me.
Come on. You know you wanna.