Baby steps.
I need to take baby steps when it comes to gluten-free baking.
Maybe the flours confuse me. Maybe I have no idea what guar gum is. Maybe arrowroot is intimidating.
… It’s just that I know exactly what all-purpose flour is going to do when I combined it with baking soda and buttermilk… it’s going to make me delicious, fluffy pancakes. I like knowing that.
But I’m being a brat. A total brat. I like the sound of coconut flour. I learned that arrowroot is just a thickening starch that comes from a plant. I can still use eggs in gluten-free baking, and I’m totally on-board with agave nectar.
I made gluten-free cupcakes. I was a brat for thinking that it would be torture. Considering how delicious these are… I’m totally done being a brat, probably until the next time something challenges my sensibilities.
There’s a new book in my collection. Gluten-free cupcakes I can get down with. All of the recipes are made with either coconut or almond flour. They all have agave nectar, sometimes coconut oil (yum!), and arrowroot. I was amazed at how sweet coconut flour is. Seriously… amazing. And boy is that stuff absorbent! Crazy. Yes. You’re watching me learn new things. Bare with me.
I’m stoked on this book, Gluten-Free Cupcakes. Elana has made gluten-free baking feel not so daunting… not to mention that these cupcakes are totally delicious. Her recipes have as little as three ingredients, usually six or so. Totally do-able. I want one of you to have a copy of this book. I also want one of you to have a bag of coconut flour and a bag of arrowroot powder. I’ll send those along too. Get started! There’s nothing that should stop you from gluten-free goodness.
Leave a comment with this post. Tell me what you’re doing this weekend that might me just slightly outside of your comfort zone. A winner will be chosen on Sunday night and announced on Monday. Get on it!
UPDATE: Winner! Kerry Edwards! You randomly won the Gluten-Free Cupcake Book! I’m stoked! I hope you are too!!
It’s strawberry time.
I’m totally ready to perfect my strawberry dice.
Listen… sometimes pictures of batter aren’t as glamorous as you want them to be. Well… most time they aren’t.
But there is some coconut flour and arrowroot magic going on here.
This recipe called for 4 large eggs and half a cup of coconut flour. I said… no way. And yet… way! These cupcakes turned out tender, moist, cakey, and delicious. Fan.
I topped these little cakes with agave sweetened Cream Cheese frosting. I am absolutely amazed at how simply delicious these are. I think I just got 46 times more popular with my gluten-free friends. I’m just sayin’.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Cupcakes
makes 8 (or 9) cupcakes
recipe from Gluten Free Cupcakes
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 large eggs
1/2 cup agave nectar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries (plus more for topping the frosting)
Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line a cupcake pan with 8 or 9 foil or paper liners. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together coconut flour, arrowroot powder, salt, and baking soda. If the coconut flour has a few stubborn lumps in it, make sure to whisk them out.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, agave, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients, all at once, to the dry ingredients and whisk together. You can do this by hand or with a handheld mixture. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined. You’ll feel the mixture begin to thicken as you stir.
Fold in the strawberries.
Scoop batter into lined cupcake pan. Fill papers to two-thirds full.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing from the pan to cool completely on a wire rack. Once completely cool, frost with cream cheese frosting.
Cupcakes will keep, in an airtight container in the fridge for up 2 or 3 days.
Cream Cheese Frosting
makes: enough to smear 8 or 9 cupcakes. If you’d like to pipe this frosting, I suggest doubling the recipe.
1/3 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons agave nectar
dash of pure vanilla extract
In a large bowl, whip heavy cream into stiff peaks using a whisk or a handheld mixer. In a separate large bowl, whip the cream cheese, agave, and vanilla together until smooth and pliable. Using a rubber spatula, fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Fold until evenly combined.
Spread onto cooled cupcakes or place in a piping bag to pipe over cupcakes. Sprinkle with small diced strawberries.
Frosting will keep, in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 or 3 days.
Rajiv Kumar
Nice recipe Thank you so muchhhhh. We enjoyed with this. It was too Delicious!!!!
https://www.cakengifts.in/cake-delivery-in-noida
Miriam
I tried these out, substituting agave nectar for equal measure of honey (Gozitan, delicious, look it up:))
The result was delicious, smelled divine but alas too sticky to get off the cupcake papers. I’m still going to be eating them and giving them away though. Probably next time less honey, or I’ll try them with sweetener.
Leung
These gluten-free strawberry cupcakes are the dreamiest cupcakes I have seen. I love the idea of the nutty and creaminess of coconut paired with the sweet brightness of strawberry. I wonder if this will work with frozen strawberries since strawberries are out of season in the East Coast? If not, I will just have to dream some more for these darlings!
Jan
The cupcakes are absolutely gorgeous cupcakes! They look so tasty and yummy.
I can’t wait to make these for my family. Great cupcake recipe!!
Glory
A good friend of mine has been following your blog for a while and turned me on to it and I am now hooked as well. We decided to take on this recipe and had such fun making it together. We did them as strawberry rhubarb and strawberry coconut flake. I felt like they were more like delicious breakfast muffins than cupcakes but wow coconut flour is amazing. We didn’t have cream cheese so we made an improv buttercream and put strawberries into the frosting. Next time we will have to try the cream cheese! Love your photos too!
joythebaker
LOVE this!
Kory
Sounds delicious!
**FRIENDLY REMINDER….not all cream cheeses are GF. Check the label. I am some friends that are seriously celiacs, and have reacted to cream cheese that have been contaminated.
joythebaker
Ooh!! Good reminder. I did not know!
Carly
Kory thanks so much for the heads-up! I am making these for a children’s birthday party and that would have never crossed my mind. Definitely checking the labels when I get home!
Nina
Seeing “gluten-free” in your post title made me all sorts of happy! You’ve got a growing fan base in us Celiacs!
Custom Prom Dress
Wow! Those look so delicious!!! I will have to try them sometime soon!
alanna
So I saw this recipe and thought: that’s what I can do with that bag of coconut flour in the cabinet!
I’m currently not eating any processed foods of sugar of any kind. Well, except for fruit. I’m doing really well (surprisingly well considering the disgusting amount of sugar, cookies, ice cream and junk that I usually sustain myself on). I have both coconut flour and agave nectar – neither of which I use, so I thought I’d give your recipe a whirl. If you’re anything like me, you bookmark a thousand recipes and maybe make 10%, if you’re lucky. So I was excited to give them a try. You should know that I have a hard time sticking with recipes. I always tell myself that I’ll make it as written the first time, then I can improve it…never happens. So here is how I ruined your recipe:
I was freaked out by the full 1/2 cup agave nectar, so I only put in 1/4 cup.
I don’t like strawberries in baked goods (or really any fruit unless it is pureed), so I subbed out apples and cinnamon. I added more than the 1/2 to try and replace some of the sweetness from the agave.
I also throw in a bit of ground flax and ground chias seeds, for healthiness.
Then I added a teensy bit of milk because I was afraid the flax/chias would suck up too much liquid and the batter looked a little dryer than your pictures.
Instead of frosting, I sprinkled them with a tiny bit of tubinado sugar and cinn.
SO…they turned out surprisingly good. They’re alittle bit too wet inside. Maybe they needed another min in the oven or maybe a little less apple sauce.
I highly recommend this recipe for anyone trying to avoid white flours, not just gluten free, but do yourself a favor and stick with the original recipe.
Joy – I’d love some more recipes with whole grain flours. I’d constantly experimenting, but usually failing.
Nutella Love Affair
These sound sooooo good! And being gluten-free, I should probably try making them too. And I’ve never used coconut flour, so I might give it a go :)
Michele
I’m volunteering with a dog rescue group and I know NONE of these people. Should be interesting.
Also, the boyfriend has agreed to have dinner with my mother, brother, aunt, and uncle Saturday night at a German restaurant. Good ol’ family time!
Pray for us.
Julia
This weekend I did a half ironman triathlon. With a wicked cough. Somehow I don’t think that’s what you meant when you said outside your comfort zone. Regardless, I am gluten free, so I am totally stoked about the cupcakes. I think I deserve one, don’t you think??
Annie
I’m so excited to make these cupcakes. I’ve been able to adapt a lot of your recipes to gluten free, they always turn out perfectly. Especially the chicken pot pit with the chive biscuits! *Swoon*
Thanks so much!
Gina Marie
GF cupcakes yummmm :) Food is a big part of our culture and the way we interact with each other. Ever since I was diagnosed with Celiacs (after a sudden critical amount of weight loss and inability to keep food down) I have a great appreciation for the tools ( aka GREAT recipes) that enable me to be included and participate in family, work and school gatherings. It is so much more fun than feeling denied while watching everyone around you partake. My test for a recipe is making it and serve it to gluten eating individuals…if they are surprised when you tell them it is GF than the recipe is a true success!!! I have a good feeling about these cupcakes, they will be a wonderful addition to the toolbox. Thank you for sharing :)
This weekend hmmm…what an adventure!!! I actually rely on a wheelchair for mobility but several years back before my life changed I was a ballet dancer….this weekend I had the joy of being invited to join a professional fully able bodied Dance company http://www.odcdance.org/ and perform on stage it was AMAZING to reconnect with my body in that way. I applaud the vision of the choreographer to incorporate my manual wheelchair into the piece. It was a thrill to be whirling around
to the music almost like an ice skater and my partners’ confidence and years of performance experience added the perfect balance to our number. Sooo, while that was a little outside my usual comfort zone it was very rewarding. My weekend than was rounded off with the Walk Ms fundraiser at Legoland, church and a lesson in archery given to me by my boyfriends’ 9yr old nephew. FUN STUFF!!
Kerry Edwards
thank you again, from both my sister and i! <3 joy the baker!!
Amielle
Definitely going to bookmark this recipe for when I see my friend who can’t eat gluten. He’ll absolutely love these! As, I’m sure, will I. :)
This weekend I went out and worked on my first non-assigned story that I’m hoping will be picked up by a newspaper. Yeah….just a bit scary. :)
Sarah
My mom is allergic to gluten. I will totally be making these this weekend for her for mothers day!
<3 Sarah
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com
Jenny
I’m pretty sure I’m too late, but I wanted to share anyways. This weekend I made new friends at my new job. Sounds lame, but for an introvert like me it’s pretty great.
Oh yeah! and I made an amazing (-ly easy) crust for a quiche with just spelt flour, oil, water and salt for a gluten-sensitive friend who can handle spelt flour in small quantities.
Emma Hsu
These look divine. I plan on making them this weekend and taking them with me to the Himalayas for a picnic if the weather is nice.
Or maybe just Central Park. It’s closer.
Matthew
It’s probably too late for the contest for me, but I wanted to say I am excited about the gluten free recipe — one of my co-workers has an allergy and was so glad that I made your peanut butter cookies and brought them into work. She said it was the first time in a LOOOONG time that she got to participate in the joy of homemade baked goods!
As for this weekend, furthest out of my comfort zone was trying to buy art for my place at a fair. I don’t know how to talk to artists at all!
mindy in co
too late to post? I sunbathed on a nudi beach earlier today… not in my comfort zone!!
A.
For once I didn’t listen to other people’s advice and got what *I* wanted. :)
edna murga
This weekend my parents are coming to visit me from Los Angeles…i hope they fall in love wit Portland,OR like i did…Thanks for the chance to win…e*
Mandi
Today I tackled cinnamon buns and almost made something delicious happen (almost.)
I know that baking takes attention (of this I am often short.)
There was a newspaper on the island right by the oven (just a quick peek at the headlines.)
Hmmm, that timer should’ve gone off long ago….
Ah, and so it did.
3 hours and 12 flour paperweights later, I’m ready for gluten free.
Casie McCarthy
Unfortunately, this weekend, I’m taking care of my injured bf. So lot’s of hanging, watching tv, baking for him (he’s so spoiled) and eating out when we can wobble out of the house. Luckily that led to Bi-rite creamery in SF, not too shabby :)
Gill
I just learned that Osama Bin Laden has been killed and his body captured. It’s blowing my mind and making me feel all sorts of things. I came here to give my brain a bit of a break before our Prime Minister Harper comes on to talk about the announcement.
JessicaF
They look yummy! but I’ve had my fill of cupcakes this weekend, I baked some coconut cupcakes and topped them with dulce de leche
Anna Daoud
played a great match of rugby down in New Zealand, then went to find some alpacas!
Katie
I went camping!
Garland
Getting a dog! Never had one, always wanted one, now’s the time and we found the perfect one.
Andrea Cox
Ooh! I wanted strawberry cupcakes for my birthday. I still enjoyed way too much decadent layers of a chocolate truffle cake coated in ganache, but this is exactly what I want…right now!
katie steege
yum!! this weekend i took a class on how to build an earth oven for baking bread, wood-fired pizzas, etc. so very fun to play with dirt and dream about baking in it!!
Katie
i love elana! i’ve been following her blog for quite awhile now. this weekend i taught a yoga class of 40 people! i was SO nervous but they were all amazing and i had such an awesome time!
Raven Elise
Yesterday, I went to my very first non-birthday party at my best friend’s house and I danced for the first time. In fact, I won a little 10 person dance-off we had!
Then today, I made your Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart bread(my first time baking by hand!) and my family and I munched on that while we watched our monthly wrestling Pay Per View. :)
Stephie
This afternoon I graduated from college.
Without a job.
If that isn’t outside of my comfort zone, I don’t know what is. But this cookbook sure would make my unemployed life a lot more delicious!
jen
i’m horrible at planning and worse at directions…this wekend I’m planning a surprise dinner and dessert for my husband. I’ve successfully booked reservations but now I’m now I’ve got to successfully find the restaurants AND parking in downtown DC.
Gwen
After a stressful but fun new business pitch on Friday, my ad teammates and I spent a weekend at a friend’s lake house — which was, of course, even more fun than the new business pitch.
Rita D
I spent this entire weekend with my mother-n-law as well as my father-n-law, my husband, and our 10 year old son. Yes that’s right 5 of us all jammed into one car on a road trip to Savannah, GA for a wedding! 4 1/2 hours one way from our home town and amazingly we all survived. If you knew my mother-n-law you would understand why this is such an amazing accomplishment.
P.S. I would LOVE this book. I have a friend who recently found out her son has Celiac Disease and must eat gluten free. I’d love to be able to share some yummy treat with her that are safe for her son to enjoy!
Meg
Ran a 5k with my sister on Saturday and celebrated an old friend’s birthday! Weekends like this make me say mmmmlife:)
Karen Krzyzewski
I must make these little beauties for my GF daughter when I visit her later this month. She would love the cupcakes, and the cupcake book too ;-)
Taryn
I am going to make my own camera strap slipcover. And….I don’t own a sewing machine or really know how to sew. So, I’m going to push myself with hand-stitching because I love the fabrics I bought last night. :o)
Susan B.Yerkes
Yummy !! This recipe will be great for my friends Autistic grandson
Christina
I loove cupcakes!
Tracy M
Ughh..I’m staying in this weekend to study. Definitely not my comfort zone. Haha.
Ashleigh
These cupcakes look INCREDIBLE! I may foray into gluten free baking just to try these out at home.
As far as going outside of my comfort zone this weekend: I started graduate school applications. SUCH A NIGHTMARE! I don’t remember applications being this hard when I applied to undergrad…I feel like I’m applying to get into the CIA or something.
Baking up some ‘gluten-free goodness’ would certainly help soothe my frazzled nerves, as well as serve as a worthy procrastination activity ;)
karin
gluten free anything slightly scares me….but the cupcakes look darn good for sure!
Sunday is my DAY OFF at work, well Wednesday is, too, but that’s a weekday and doesn’t count – but anyway Sunday is my DAY TO GET IT ALL DONE. bake a huge meal from scratch! weed my garden! take my dog down to the river! And guess what I did today….I slept until late afternoon. Ha!
I have some lingering guilt about the frozen pizza for dinner/panting dog giving me dirty looks/weeds peeking out of tomato pots…but ya know, it really kinda felt good to sleep all day!
Jessica
Oh my gosh, these look beautiful. And delicious. I want to have one hundred of them formed into the shape of a person so I can hug it and cuddle with it. Yes…
As for the comfort zone thing, well…I hope this counts. I’ve lost approximately 56 pounds, and sometimes the mind doesn’t always transform with the body. So I went to a fancy celebrity dinner gala thing, which is outside of my comfort zone in itself, but I wore a dress without sleeves that hits a couple inches above the knee. ARMS AND LEGS WERE BARED. I was a little uncomfortable at first, but I knew my new body was ready to show off a little more than my old body was. And I got tons of fabulous compliments.
And I’m glad I did it. Woo.
Let’s eat cupcakes.
Anita Stafford
This weekend I am baking banana nut bread loaves and white bread rolls.
Randi Lynne
I will be working and hanging out with my husband! :)
Anna
oo me me me me me!! this weekend i am making black truffle oil with truffles from the farmer’s market! definitely something i haven’t done before. pick me! pick me!
Katie @ The Well-Fed Newlyweds
I went to a party at my husband’s boss’s house – and I’d never met any of his coworkers before, let alone the vice president! (It was actually really fun.)
This book looks fantastic. My dad has celiac, and I’d love to be able to cook some of these recipes for him! Thanks for the great giveaway!
Devon
This weekend I went to a training seminar for my volunteer group. I was super nervous that I would not be at the same level as everyone else but it turned out to be great! Just like your cupcakes! Unexpectedly delicious.
Jordan McEntaffer
This weekend I went shopping online which is something I tend to stay away from because of my over weight size.
Catherine
Those cupcakes look adorably scrumptious. :p
I like the purple floral dishware…
This weekend, I’m living by myself in an apartment for the first time in years…
Jessica
There was a weekend??? I helped my husband with lots of church events. And let me tell you why I need this cookbook. My mom has celiacs and I don’t know where to start with making cupcakes. We want to do the pink-or-blue-icing-inserted-into-cupcakes thing to announce the gender of our baby when they come visit next week. Pweese?
Kendall
I am playing my first game of Soccer ever! I am incredibly nervous…. but excited about getting out there and meeting new people and challenging myself. So fingers crossed i dont end up face first in mud :)
These cupcaked look yum – i know a little boy with celiac’s who would love them :)
Judy
Those look so tasty! I’m a workaholic so I was at work this weekend.
Becky
I’m staying the night at my in-laws…by myself. Please pray that it’s not awkward : )
keri
playing a round of par 3 golf, definitely not easy or comfortable, but a couple of cocktails should help a bit… i hope.
Chaya
These look delicious. I bet my hubby will love them.
That sounds like a great cookbook. I have followed Elana’s blog since I started blogging.
Kerry Edwards
In order to live outside of my comfort zone I am finally learning to live as who I am, without the help of medication, and to say that it has been a difficult weekend is an understatement. But the real woman I know that lives out of her comfort zone is my sister, Brook, who I would love the chance to give this book to as a gift from one of our favorite people. My sister went gluten free this year and she is working out of her comfort zone to try and manage her Celiacs disease and I am so proud of her. I would love to make gluten free cupcakes with her that we can eat with a good bottle of wine.
Joy, I think it is amazing you did a gluten free recipe. I know that my sister, a lover of all things bread, pasta, and cake, has had such a hard time giving up gluten in order to have a better life and I love to see her struggles recognized by our favorite bloggers. No matter what, please keep the gluten free recipes coming! Thank you for showing your support. <3
Sarah
This weekend I went for a long walk outside when I just felt like staying in instead.
And this giveaway would be great for my gluten-free dad.
Lauryn
this weekend went by way too quickly! Out of my comfort zone…well I wore 5 inch heels to a dinner last night for no reason in particular….those were certainly far from comfortable. Buy they looked damn good…that is, until it got to the point where I was limping. Your strawberry GF cupcakes look amazing!!!!
Amanda
This weekend, I made it a point to say “yes” to every invitation a friend gave me. I can be a little bit of a homebody (which is less than attractive at the age of 19.) It’s kind of like that movie “Yes Man,” but not involving Jim Carrey. The result: fun a-plenty. And exhaustion. And a mad craving for those strawberry cupcakes.
Kalmia Hockin
This Weekend. Hm. Well! This weekend i’ll be acting a light operator for a theatre festival. Why is this out of my comfort zone? Well, i’m usually the one onstage, and never, ever have i designed lights or operated lights for a theatre.
Slightly daunting task!
<3
Taylor
Cutest gluten-free cupcakes ever, Joy.
This Sunday I poached an egg for breakfast…
For the first time! And, after three failed attempts.
It was the best tasting poached egg I have ever had, and I finally conquered my fear! Turns out all it involves is a litte hot water, an egg and some Aretha Franklin tunes.
Elle
This weekend? I’m going to try to maneuver through the crazy/cool/crowded/cobblestone-filled streets of Rome in a wheelchair and get to the Trevi Fountain so I can throw my coin in! No joke.
Wish me luck? :)
roni
I made eggplant without murdering it! Dinner for family went over smoothly…whew!
lcwhitty
Just back from an awesome weekend at La Costa Resort by San Diego – spa, tennis, pool, shopping. Ahhh!
Amanda
Joy,
What gorgeous cupcakes! This week I’m baking with white flour, which believe it or not is outside my comfort zone! I hosted a book club brunch with mimosas, a Spanish tortilla with romesco, citrus salad, and lemon ricotta muffins. The muffins were a total hit. Now it’s back to chickpea flour and whole grains…
Amanda
Ok seriously, these look delish! I have been researching Fruit/Veg Co-Ops today and was excited to see your pics with fresh strawberries!! Goes right along with all the pics I’ve seen on the Co-Op websites!!! YUMMMMMMMMMY!!!!!
Kendra
I promised my neighbors who are out of town on vacation that I would dogsit their two corgi-mixes for them. Out of my comfort zone? Totally! I’m a cat kinda girl ;)
Jacquetta Gillespie
I’m graduating grad school and entering the career field for the FIRST time EVER…Scary
P
Throwing a masquerade party at my apartment
Andrea P
Making Starbucks my second home and stuyding there all weekend for finals.
Jenn Williams
My husband and I went whitewater rafting with the in-laws! My father-in-law even FELL out of the raft! All in all though, it was a good time. :-) But…gluten-free baking might scare me even more than raging rapids!!!
Elissa
Baking for a customer for the first time – not a friend, not family, a real-life paying customer. Hope they liked the coconut cake!
Manette Gutterman
I ran 5 miles this wkend instead of my normal 2-3. My back isn’t thanking me today, but I maintained my mile time:)
Abby
Met a potential friend for coffee yesterday–that’s always scary. What if you don’t have anything to talk about? But it went well!
Also, I made your cinnamon pull-apart bread last night and am totally, utterly in love with it. Yum.
Amy
Man now I am super upset that I ate my strawberries instead of turning them into delicious cupcakes…
miss stacy
babysitting.
Lord help us all.
marya
This weekend I decided to make the switch and become a vegetarian. TOTALLY out of my comfort zone. Chicken, I miss you already….
Michelle
This weekend I am trying not to FREAK OUT while I finish an application. Back to work I go…
Shannonberry
YUMDIDDLYICIOUSNESS! Will be making these once I return from a family trip to Boston, Maine, and NYC. :)
Julie
Maybe I will step out of my comfort zone and make gluten-free cupcakes for a pot luck this evening.
Sarah
Tonight, I’m meeting my dad at a restaurant. We haven’t talked for years, and he just got re-married. There’s going to be a lot to say.
Dar
I made some margarita popsicles. They didn’t freeze really well and I was afraid that I failed, but 24 hours later they popped out of my rocket shaped pops. They are awesome.
Sarah
Love the cupcakes and the plates you put them on. I have been out of my comfort zone for weeks as we are trying to buy our first house and things aren’t going so fantastic with it right now. I have been over indulging in treats to make up for the madness—could use some new recipes to distract me! Bring on the gluten-free baking!
Karissa
This weekend I spent trying to bake, but realizing I have an ant infestation in my apartment. I was up until 9am yesterday, finding swarms of ants in disturbing places. A basket in my living room that holds a lot of my books, papers, and “can’t go anywhere else” things were being attacked by ants. Being the baby that I am, I spent the morning screaming and bringing my belongings out onto my back porch to get them out of my place. Then yesterday after waking up and continuing to clean, I was bringing out my infested garbage pail in a very fast manner with one hand, while leaping over a (small) box and talking to my boyfriend from the other room all at the same time…and destroyed my knee by banging it into the edge of the wall…very hard. I fell to the floor, apparently screaming loud enough to cause my neighbors to turn down their extremely loud “it’s nice weather today” music and probably listen in on me. And I also made brownies.
Robin
I have a hard time having fun. Today I made myself stop working so I could sit and blog surf. I’m still working on guilt management, [which means at least I’m working on something….]
Megan
I’m going to a museum by myself…doing things by myself is def. out of my comfort zone.
Carrie Tucker
I will be making a baby quilt for my new grandbaby (coming soon).
katie v.
I painted outside yesterday morning by the May River in S.C. I feel outside my comfort zone painting when people are around to watch. It was beautiful out though, and well worth it =)
Meredith
I, an extremely introverted creature by nature, am going to a cast party with my equally extroverted boyfriend. Talk about outside of my comfort zone; it’s so far past my comfort zone that I can’t even see it anymore.
Monica
2 weeks ago I moved 3 states away from where I was. And now I’m a house-guest with a very nice couple, but being a house-guest nothing is set up in the kitchen how I’m used to, and all my pots and pans are packed away still. I tried making crepes yesterday morning and it was quite difficult with a stove I’m not used to and pans that I’m sure have never been used before (these people almost never cook for themselves lol).
Ann
Joy, thank you for the gluten-free recipe… would love to see more!
I just applied for a job this morning, which is way out of my comfort zone! Good way to start a Sunday, I think. :)
sheila
went to a wedding surrounded by a bunch of people I dont know. but i was with my hubby and at least i know him and had a good time with just us haha
Gwen
staying home from church with sick kids.
Katie
I’m so impressed with all the things commenters are doing this weekend!
This Friday, I went on my first date in like 2 years (and probably like the 3rd I’ve ever been on). I was really nervous, but it turned out alright!
Alexandra
Oh Joy,
Thank you so much for posting this recipe! I love strawberries, especially baking them into the top of a vanilla bunt cake :)
But this was the perfect recipe for me this week because…
My fiancé, Rob, has been getting ill every time he eats or drinks for the past year and a half and we have been trying to figure out why! Right now I am moving out of my current apartment and last night we went over to my aunt’s house in VA to drop some things off and have dinner (which always turns into a fight over politics; this time it was about international vs domestic adoptions). During dinner we were discussing the concern we had over Rob’s constant nausea and sickness. Suddenly everyone all at once just said Celiac Disease! So, we are waiting to find out if he is in fact going to need to go gluten-free, but I think I’ll be learning the ways of gluten-free cooking and baking very soon.
Cheers,
Alex
Toyia
I left my old job that was fine, but only fine, to embark on a new life practicing & teaching the art of herbalism!
Luz
My weekend plans have been filled experimenting with gluten-free baking as well—which both baking and gluten-free are both out of my comfort zone! Last night, I attempted peanut butter flour cupcakes and making my own sugar-free chocolate frosting from scratch. Let’s just say the the cupcake part turned out edible. :) I’d love to get my hands on that cookbook to get more specific guidance in order to move from “edible” to “delicious”!
Tammy N.
All about comfort this weekend. I am in the part of the country that has had nothing but horrible storms, I am entitled to some comfort. I just started with a slice of pound cake for breakfast.
Ben
I’m graduating, giving a speech in front of my closest family and friends, and then moving to a foreign country for five years. Whew. Probably should make a cake and relieve some stress.
Tiffany Wheeler
Working for my parents for the first time since I moved away and got married….uncomfortable!!
Xoxo Tiffany
Choclette
Have no problems using different flours, but I do have problems making fiddly things. Pastry comes into the fiddly category. Today I made little chocolate tarts, outside of my comfort zone, but phew, they weren’t so bad.
Heidi Slack
This weekend I have to give my computer away for a week to get a tune-up. No laptop for a whole week!! I am really not comfortable with that but we do what we must. Plus I am learning to be friendly with my ex-husband for the sake of my children. I take a few minutes each weekend to say something nice. So there are to things I am doing that are out of “the zone”.
Charlene M. Haddad
I made a full-spread tea party for six people. Funny considering the subject of your post: someone I had never met was coming to the tea party, and suddenly the thought, “What if she has a gluten allergy?” popped into my head. I determined that pretty much only the soup and the macarons would be GF. Crisis averted: she was fine with gluten. : )
Laura
I have three out of comfort zone experiences this weekend:
1) I graduated from university (Canadians finish in April!)
2) I moved back home for the first time in four years
3) I went out for dinner with my fiance, my parents, AND his parents, the four of whom decided it would be funny to pretend they were drunk from all the wine tours they had done that afternoon when they met us at the restaurant. Funny yet mortifying. I think that one was the most out of my comfort zone..
Needless to say, I am now lying sick in bed today :(. But you strawberry cupcakes (and cool cookbook) brightened the day!
LauraK
Elmeka Henderson
First, I would like to say I love your blog! I absolutely LOVE cooking and this site is amazing. My husband has recently transitioned from Vegetarianism to Vegan. So, no eggs or dairy. Loving baking, I attempted to adapt my baking to vegan baking….it was horrible! Confused with egg replacers, if I needed an egg replacer and the thought of “vegan butter” frightened me. Still, I tried to make cupcakes and they were more like delicious looking hokey pucks. So this weekend, I’m fighting my fear and attempting to make your Vegan Chocolate Avocado Cupcakes. I’ll let you know how the Super-Vegan approves :)
Brooke
I am attending a meeting tonight with 45 people and sharing a little about whats’s been going on in my life for the past two years (much revolves around celiac disease) and THAT is out of my comfort zone. The rest of the weekend I have been immersed in gluten-free baking in my little kitchen and that is wonderfully in my comfort zone :)
Natalie
Today, Sun. May 1st, I’m coaching soccer to kids with disabilities. Coaching kids challenges me to think of fun, creative activities/games to keep the kids engaged, smiling and feeling good about themselves.
Becca
I live in a foreign country….everyday is living outside of my comfort zone….but loving it! :-)
Tammi
I’m so excited about this! I read your blog consistently, and although I’m gluten free, I often make your delightful treats for my friends on Happy Tuesdays. My out of comfort experience was when I went on a tri-borough adventure on Saturday night. Through parts of Queens that I’d never been, trains I never take, and people I don’t know. It was wonderful!
Erica
This weekend I’m preparing for a phone interview. Interviews, needless to say, are definitely out of my comfort zone.
Carol Farnsworth
I watched “Bag It the Movie” and am going to try and rid my life of plastic. Wow, I had no idea the impact it has on all of us.
Megan
This weekend I’m eating pancakes.
Erin in PA
This weekend I am turning 33 – so that is something I have never done before! I am also trying to conquer my fear of sourdough by taking care of a starter, and I am going to make my first loaf today! :)
Kathryn S.
I’m attending a Church service in Spanish, in Spain.. hope I can keep up!
Rivki Locker (Ordinary Blogger)
This weekend I’m trying to cook with lentils. I don’t use them an awful lot but they are cheap and healthy and very tasty.
Karen Pridham
I’m running in a 10 km race.
Kendra
I re-caulked my shower by myself. That was a little bold and crazy. I’ll also admit to eating a can of Chef Boyardee for dinner last night because I couldn’t imagine anything more delicious. Bold? Probably not. Crazy? Absolutely.
Roushanna
Hey Joy,
Thanks for your awesome blog. totally addicted! At my tiny tea garden in Cape Point (South Africa) I only serve wheat-free cakes..made with a mix of rye and rice flour or ground nuts. Going out of my comfort zone? Writing a business plan this weekend for starting a farmstall with an indigenous and edible plant nursery attached. Eek and yay all at once… :)
Karen
I will be bringing my two young kids to a wedding in a wide open park and then to a fancy restaurant! I am brimming with anxiety, but thinking I can include one of these cupcakes in a bribe for good behavior… YUM!!!!
Marisa
Outside of my comfort zone? Hmmm, hanging with the in-laws?
Gene
I had prom last night! Wore really high heels. Definitely not comfortable but it looked great. Would like to eat a cupcake right now, as I won’t have to worry about being able to fit in my dress anymore ;-)
Jordan
Relax: play some games with my man, hopefully get my laundry in order, cook a nice dinner, and take a walk ’cause the sun’s coming out in the Pacific NW!
Debbie Fowler
Joy, The cupcakes look amazing it is so hard to believe they are gluten free. My husband has been on a healthier diet and says he will only eat desserts that are gluten free. I have never baked anything that is gluten free before, so out of my comfort zone for my wonderful husband this weekend I am going to attempt these cupcakes since I ran accross them tonight and he has been requesting something like this. I try to do what I can to make sure he is happy since he is gone so much, being he is in the Army I want to make his time at home as wonderful as it can be, and I have to respect the fact that he has dnoe such a grat job with his healthier diet, not even eating anything sweet since he started two months ago. I thought he deserved a sweet reward that would be good for him. I hope I can find the ingredients at the local commisary on the post here to make them for him thoght. Wish me luck I think this is the scariest thing I have ever done, that says alot given that I decorate all of our families cakes for special occasions. thanks again for the yummy looking gluten-free cupcakes :)
Marie Baars
This weekend (well tomorrow) my husband and I will be going to a new church in a tiny little town we just moved too. Its a big change and we have zero friends here. I am definitely uncomfortable with this! (but kinda in a good way..)
Debbie
I spent the day making (150!!) cake/cheescake/cupcake pops. I’m a stick-to-the-recipe to the very last pinch of salt, but today I mixed two recipes! It was a big step for me. Luckily, it turned out quite nicely :)
Verelle
Applying texture to my bathroom wall. Not comfortable with this spray can AT ALL! Hopefully it doesn’t turn into one big glob!!!
Megan
This weekend I was in charge of a bridal shower. It was a stretch for me, but with help from some of my craftier friends, we pulled it off and it was gorgeous.
angela
Meeting strangers for nachos.
Alexis hilgert
This weekend my husband and I attended a Parrothead party. I’m extremely shy so doing anything with a bunch of people I don’t know is torture. I was brave though, and chatted with a bunch of people!!
Jenni Smith
I’ll be dancing on a stage at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. This is definitely a bit out of my comfort zone!!
Merage
Beautiful! So do you think I could substitute rice flour for the coconut flour? I have it on hand, and I’ve heard it has similar fluffiness qualities.
Lisette
This weekend I am attempting to make butter! I love butter BUT I haven’t the first clue how to make it! Talk about scary!! But the thrill of trying something new is like an adrenaline rush to me!! I am also attacking all of my grading that has to get done! Now that is almost scarier than making butter!! My therapy? Baking!!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking
I’m baking cinnamon rolls for the first time tomorrow! I REALLY hope they turn out well!
Chelsey (Cookteen)
picnic in central park tmrw! so excited :)
Marlene
This weekend I have been totally out of my comfort zone…my husband is in intensive care at the hospital after going in for a simple rutine test and I have spent most of the time running up and down on elevators and getting lost in a big hospital looking for my way back to his room. Out of my comfort zone for sure…I will love the little comfort of a gluten free cupcake!
Alyssa Goodnight
I’m switching out all my flours to gluten-free… (seriously) :)
trez
This weekend i happen to be hosting 2 families from Malawi , Africa.
They are here to teach us how they eat!! THey are making a traditional
African meal and i am going to try everything they make, including Kale
& collard greens with peanut butter in it, their white grit-like staple ANd
beans stewed with spices and tomatoes. hmmmmmm, sounds interesting.
It will be an
experience!
Happy Spring.
tali
this weekend? making the OG red velvet cake… with BEETS! oh yeah, and making the frosting pink too… with the juice! that’s what happens when you agree to bake for an organic hippie plant sale… wish us luck!
Nicole
I’m savoring the final days of my vacation…sigh…cupcakes make everything a little bit happier though!
Lori Boyd
I am making my daughter’s wedding invitations this weekend…100 of them! Cutting, cutting and more cutting, glueing, stamping and embossing. Ahhhh! Love your blog…truly. You are amazing!
Madeline
I am going surrey biking (4 person biking) and having a picnic at the beach.
Then skinny dipping when no one is around! shh don’t tell! :)
Kristin @ FoodFash
I went to Sketch & Sip with my mom where we painted hideous art, that will have a permanent home in a sealed box, amongst strangers.
Wendy
The cupcakes look delicious! I am gradually getting used to cooking/baking gluten free, since discovering that I was gluten intolerant several months ago. This weekend, I am cooking collard greens, which I have never done before and is a bit out of my comfort zone.
Mamasue123
Hmm these look delish, have been considering to try gluten free baking, and this just might be where to start! I’ll be spending my time at an arena watching an English horse show. My daughter is just getting into it, we just leased a horse for her(who knew you could do that?) and we want to see what it is all about….help!
Jamie G
I hiked a new 10-mile loop trail, solo, in Shenandoah National Park today. I saw a black snake! And walked obnoxiously way-around it! And I took a photo for four Japanese tourists! I get confused with navigation, but it was a loop trail with markers, which is why I made it home safely to look at these awesome cupcakes.
Naomi
Joy, I love your site…recently discovered you and think you’re great. :-) I am, assuming I can motivate myself (quite an assumption), running statistics for my dissertation. Boo.
Carley
I am a professional cook and it just so happens that this week I took a giant leap and catered desserts for Gluten Free/Vegan clients! I make Vegan desserts and meals almost everyday but Gluten Free put me in a tail spin! I pulled it off though and the clients were extremely happy! Would LOVE this book as I feel my confidence may still be lacking!
Molly
I am spending this weekend selling home made ice cream sandwiches on a tricycle at a jazz festival. I made the cookies for the ice cream sandwiches, and being a baker that part of the process was comforting. Selling them though to lots and lots of strangers is going a bit beyond my comfort zone- though in a good way :).
Amber J
I will be making a three course mexican dinner for my dare-i-say-it boyfriend. We usually go out for dinner, but I decided it was time for him to spend some time at my place and my mouth offered to make him dinner before my head got in the game. So I’ve spent the day researching things to make, and just finished grocery shopping. The menu is: Salad, Mexican Chicken Lasagna, Mexican Rice, Beans, and a Mexican Chocolate Creme Pie. Scary! But, It will be worth it!
erin h
i’m hosting a baby shower at my house. we moved in 6 weeks ago. i’m in charge of drinks which is scary because normally i bake. and the momma-to-be is gluten free so i’d love to be able to cook desserts for her rather than just dinners like tacos or a slice of ham.
Sarah
I am finishing up the last few projects of my undergrad! I graduate next week. :)
Lynda M
I’m out of town for work over the weekend – I would definitely rather be home with my family!
Kristin
I am not going to eat potato chips this weekend and that will be a little out of my comfort zone for sure!
Scott Suehle
My wife and I delivered our first Wedding Cake today. It was well received.
Janine
I was skeptical of anything gluten-free and dessert-like, but I like the look of these, and I definitely like a six-ingredient average. So this weekend, due to the unfortunate credit crunch, I have to ask my mother to cosign my bar loan so I can continue to pay my rent and study for the Virginia bar this summer – very uncomfortable for an independent twenty-five year-old! I think that’s a little Debbie Downer…but definitely the most out-of-comfort-zone thing on the agenda for this weekend. Wish me luck.
Emily
Umm…I’m getting ready to have a baby. You know..preparing the baby “Stuff” and pretending I know what I’m doing (which, theoretically I should since this is my 3rd kid…but whose counting?). Talk about out of my comfort zone…how can you EVER be comfortable hugely pregnant and getting ready for a life altering experience? I’d say this is a weekend way out of anyone’s comfort zone ;-)
Suzette
I love to see what you are up to! Your photographs are wonderful and I can’t wait to see what wonderful things you share for us to try! How did you you know I have fresh strawberries today? I’m thinking I can do more than just short cake! Tho shortcake is so yummy! You do bring Joy to your kitchen!
Blessings…
Emma
Oh man! My best friend has Celiac’s disease, so she can never ever have gluten, one thing that makes her sadder than anything else is that she can never have a real, great chocolate chip cookie again– but i’m sure these cupcakes would cheer her up!
This weekend I am attempting to get an appointment with a doctor, who may or may not tell me that it is too dangerous for allergies for me to live with my cats :( that makes me all kinds of uncomfortable.
miss chels
Joy, I am actually hosting my first bridal shower for my best friends wedding! I made a two layer Italian Cream Cake, 5 loaves of Pumpkin Walnut Bread, and a heaping bowl of my Basil Walnut Chicken Salad. None of it was gluten-free, however my sister has celiac disease so I have been baking and cooking gluten free for a longgggg time! I absolutely love it, last week I made GF Hummingbird Cupcakes w/ a lovely Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting. They were made with almond flour and they were super moist! Love them and I follow Elena’s blog religiously. I would love her new cookbook!
Sarah
Tomorrow afternoon I’m going to my first community garden potluck. I think I am the only gardener under 30, and I have very little gardening experience. I’m excited to learn from more experienced folks, though!
Sonnet
Joy, what a great recipe! Today I did back-to-back spinning classes at my gym. Biking for two hours straight was definitely out of my comfort zone! But it was an amazing feeling afterward to know that I can bike 23 miles straight without falling over. Have a great weekend!
Hannah (Hannah Lives)
I’m filling out my food diary this weekend. It sounds lame, and it is, but it is totally out of my comfort zone. Having to record every single handful of chocolate chips, bite of muffin, finger of almond butter, is making me break out in hives.
Siobhan
I made a 3 course meal for the first time this weekend. And everything turned out delicious :)
Christie
I LOVE your blog! I actually made you Cappuccino cookies just the other night and all my friends were raving…and my 5 year old loved them!!! This weekend I’m stepping out of my comfort zone by taking my first knitting class!! YES!!
April
Joy! I moved out of my appartment and relocated to White Mountains of NH today where I will be living and working for the next three months conducting Ovenbird field research. Outside my comfort zone: making my new kitchen situation work…without all my favorite bowls, spoons, spices, flour, etc. boo.
Looking forward to bike rides and farmers’ markets though!
Thank you for this beautiful recipe!!
Amanda
I’m attending a discussion group on Sunday night with a bunch of people I don’t know… we’ll be talking about issues relevant to our peer group. I’m fairly certain that the discussion will breach my comfort zone, but I have a feeling it will be worth it! I have a couple of gluten-free friends that would be enormously glad to see this book in my hands… thanks for the chance to make them smile! :)
Erin
Hey Joy!
As usual great post! Last weekend I made gluten free pumpkin pie for easter, it was almost vegan as well (couldn’t not use butter though!) Anyway it turned out FANTASTIC. I think these cupcakes look superb and will be great for my babies first birthday smashcakes! Thanks for the idea.
Emma
I am waking up at 4 in the morning. Yes, four am. Why? to BAKE!!! (Four am is definitely out of my comfort zone, seeing how seven is an early hour for me.) I work at a little bakery on Nantucket called The Petticoat Row Bakery, and usually I am just a cashier. But this weekend is daffodil weekend! (Its a huge thing here, people dress up and wear big outrageous hat and even bring their antique cars out for a parade!) And that means the kitchen needs extra hands to make cupcakes, cookies, and every other scrumptious idea you can think of!
Terri
This weekend we get to enjoy 2 soccer games, the fantastic weather, and family time.
Lisa
This weekend we are transitioning to a primal/paleo diet. That means eschewing lots of things I adore. My husband is tremendously excited and so I am on board for the ride. But I can’t promise to always strictly adhere! :) Coconut flour is acceptable and I’ve been wanting to try it out so your post caught my eye…even if the frosting is a “no-no” for the new plan. Thanks!
Bea
My gluten-free sister-in-law came over for lunch unexpectedly today and I had nothing to feed her but bacon, eggs and a banana. I obviously need to get out of my comfort zone too!
Jen G
This weekend I am stepping out of my comfort zone and am trying on weddings dresses! I’m going to get all gussied up and try one some beautiful, slightly sparkly dresses. And it will be wonderful :)
Sarah
Lovely cupcakes! I am attempting to finish the last chapter of my dissertation, which is completely out of my comfort zone. Visiting my favorite food blogs makes me feel like I am sitting here accomplishing something!
Lauren Lobley
Joy! I’m getting into gluten free baking as well! I just bought the 2 Babycakes cookbooks (from the girl who opened Babycakes in NYC) – one is gluten free, almost sugar free, and the other is gluten free vegan! My new donut mold arrived yesterday (gotta love Amazon – is there anything you CAN’T get from them?) so tomorrow I’m attempting vegan donuts – I’m envisioning success and suspect there will be much laughter in the process.
Not sure if this counts, nor if it’s outside my comfort zone, but just found out Prince is playing $25 concerts here in L.A – WHAT? So making plans tonight to see him next week. Maybe it’s not outside my comfort zone, but it is RAD!!!
Happy Saturday, Joy!
Lauren
xxx
rachel
i ran nine miles this morning. NINE. (i’m training for a half marathon).
and after reading this post, i think i’m going to go eat a cupcake to celebrate!
elea
i’m writing a paper on dexter…it’s ruining me today.
Enid
I can’t remember if I made a comment about your peanut butter and pecan biscotti. They were amazing! Perfect texture–slightly chewy. Sounds of groans of pleasure came from each member of my family! I didn’t have pecans the first time that I made them–and they were still delish. A definite keeper!!
kelly Dwyer
Rode 100miles. At a pace that I thought was going to be out of my comfort level.
If I win this cookbook I will be baking for my gluten free friends, its always hard for me to come up with good desserts for book club for them!
Enid
These babies look just lovely and yummy. I totally trust your opinion if you say that they are good! I too am a bit skeptical when substituting flours to make gluten-free, but will now definitely tries these!
Karen
This weekend I am starting off by working, I am a nurse at the hospital near by. Being a nurse is a 24hr job! I am also hoping to finish painting my bedroom! This is the first room I have painted all by myself and it has been a blast. Definitely hard work, but I am in love with the color I chose, Colonial Blue. I think my roommate could use this book, she just found out that she can’t have wheat :( So far she has taken it on with great gusto and she keeps telling herself she can still live a normal life! Plus she loves the gluten-free peanut butter cookies I make based off your recipe from a while back!
Jackie H
My out of comfort zone experience was adapting a recipe for Pizzelle cookies to gluten free. I used tapioca flour and a little xanthan gum in place of all purpose flour. I have never tried to adapt one of my own recipes and have always relied on the web or cook books. It was very rewarding to have them come out well!
Sarah
I am spending my weekend doing almost a semesters worth of work …
Rachel
I sell bread and pastries for a french bakery at local farmers markets. My booth is next to a cute farm boy that sells goat meat and eggs. There’s not too much down time to small talk or get to know each other. The awkwardness of how social to be vs. how social i want to be is working itself out. How do you do that? I’m deciding that giving him free goodies is the way to go!
Yay!
Julie
I planted some edible plants in my backyard – I’m comfortable with eating them, but not sure about raising them.
Rebecca
Today I made my first ever blog post! (and linked it back to Joy the Baker!) I have been (and still am) so nervous to make my own blog, but I decided to take the plunge today because of you, Joy. So, thank you for encouraging me (however unconsciously) and hopefully I keep up with it!
Celeste
Tonight I’m going to my COLLEGE Senior Formal. I’m a bit more of a wall flower, so getting on the dance floor will definitely be out of my comfort zone!
Terris@FreeEatsFood
A thousand miles from my comfort zone= going backpacking tomorrow with my two young kids for the first time. Yikes! My husband and I are going to be loaded down like pack llamas.
Regarding the cupcakes: I am a gluten-free baker and I still still can’t believe how coconut flour recipes work! I mean, 4 eggs and a 1/2 cup of flour in an entire batch of cupcakes??? Crazy business.
RL
I’m studying for an exam — my last exam ever! I’m out of my comfort zone thinking about how I’ll be out of my comfort zone when I’m no longer in school.
Rachel
I’m going to Tao for sushi this weekend. It’s comped so I’m willing to try it once.
Emily Spangler
I’m having lots of family over for my mom’s birthday. Always fun but also overwhelming!!
Jeanette
Well, what I just did was DEFINITELY out of my comfort zone, though it was not planned. Remember when I shaved my 17-year-old nephew’s legs while he shaved my husband’s armpits, just for kicks? Um…don’t judge us, okay?
Mia
This weekend I am attempting to make my first homemade pie crust
domestic diva
I’m taking a very, very long bike ride….
Thanks for the chance.
Emily
I have a solo in a big-deal end-of-the-year orchestra concert. Did I mention that I sit front and center on risers?
Meg
You won’t believe me, but I am actually LOOKING for gluten-free recipes for my sister who just discovered she has Celiac. I have to bring dessert to a family party, but I don’t want her to be left out! Thanks, Joy, for bringing her joy!
Too silly? Okay.
Jeremy
I am preparing for finals and celebrating a friend’s graduation!
Becca
I’m going on a date with a Fireman who drove me in an ambulance when I got into a Scooter Accident…
xo!
Alexis
I am going to a hip-hop dance class by myself. i cannot dance. and am totally self-conscious about the other people and the mirrors. also, i really can’t dance.
Sasha the One Armed Wonder
Ok, so this isnt a normal outside-my-comfort-zone kinda thing Im about to do. In fact, its so far outside its more of a discomfort zone. Probably pain-zone, if Im going to be realistic. But bear with me – heres my tale…
I am a professional ski patroller. And I am supposed to do a Rope Rescue Certification Test tomorrow morning, which involves things like jumping out of chairlifts, belaying people down cliffs, and other badass ropework. Herein lies the rub: I had surgery a few days ago. My friendly surgeon removed a big ol’ plate and six screws from my elbow, which is totally awesome cuz that hardware was causing me oodles of pain and suffering. BUT! Now I must attempt being airborne (and handling other airborne folks) WITH JUST ONE ARM! Discomfort Zone Alert!
Have I mentioned that Im a lactose-intolerant grain-free vegetarian? Its true. So, as a Pro Ski Patroller burning around 6000 calories a day, I have to do a lot of eating. Ideally lots of high-calorie/no-dairy-or-grains baked-goods-eating. By now you probably see where this is going, dont you (youre a smart cookie, after all)… I clearly need this cookbook so that I can fuel myself for death-defying feats and reward myself for saving lives! (not to mention dulling the pain Im going to incur upon myself tomorrow). Cuz nothing says “I didnt kill you! or me!” like grain-free cupcakes. Right?
TracyLea
We were invited by friends to go out on the ocean tomorrow. I’m taking my 15 month old out on a boat. I’m nervous.
Rebecca
Your giveaway is perfect because I am actually attempting to cook for my husband’s family this weekend! Both his mother and brother have celiac disease and baking for them is always so tricky. I managed to make a gluten-free tart for Easter though and this weekend I’m trying gluten-free brownies!
elle why
I am letting my 7 yr old ride around the neighborhood without me! First time! I trust her and the kids, but it is still scary in this day and age! Trying to give her some independence! I love being a mom and this is part of it-but it is hard!!!
Love that you cook vegan and gluten free foods frequently. I used to be vegan and I am not gluten free but am reducing my gluten to see if it helps with some issues. these look sooooo good! Can’t wait to try them!
Love, love, love your blog!
~L
CJ
going to a “hot dog feast”. Yup, hot dogs creep me out.
PS- Joy! Thanks so much for taking on that gluten-free cookbook! I’ve made of few of your gluten-free goodies, and I’m so excited to hear that there may be more coming!
jdnnifer (savor)
I am speaking in public this weekend at Camp Blogaway.Heard of it?
J.Cro
Congrats on your foray into gf baking. It’s really not that daunting. The key is to make a flour mixture you like and then make lots of it and store it in the fridge. I personally like a mix of coconut, sorgham, buckwheat and quinoa. Also, don’t forget to add the xantham gum – 1/4 teaspoon for every cup of gf flour. Arrow root or tapioca are good starches for sure.
Yesterday I surfed for two and a half hours… There was such a current I spent the majority of the time paddling to try to stay in one place. I’m exhausted now and I had to work today and I have to work tomorrow. I’m a massage therapist, there’s no slacking off. I’ll be super exhausted by the enf of tomorrow.
I’m looking forward to trying out this recipe. Thanks for the post!
elizabeth
Even though strawberries won’t be in season here for a few months, I can’t wait to try these. They look delicious – and the cream cheese frosting must make them even better.
Mary
I’m tutoring some special needs college students — 1 week before final exams!
Leah Stark
I will be helping my daughter get ready for prom!!!
A.K.
Practicing my frosting techniques…a sweet sugary rose would look good, hopefully.
Teresa
I plan on taking a walk, which doesn’t sound like a daunting task, but like you I feel like a brat since I’m a runner and walks usually feel too slow for exercise. But due to stuffing myself silly last night as if food were going out of style and crazy wicked winds outside a walk actually sounds much more enjoyable than a run…thanks for making me get over my brattyness!
Kristen D
Silly but true… trekking out of my morningside heights stomping ground and heading off to adventure and explore brooklyn!
Linda
I made beaten fudge for the first time this afternoon. Not a complete fail, but next time should be better.
Wiosanna
I saw the herd of allow deer. They are walking freely in park in Dublin. They look like Bambi.
Alyssa
I am running a new experiment on machines in lab that I have never used before. And I am going to attend a concert for the a cappella group I got rejected from when I auditioned. Comfort zone, prepare to be messed with!
ZoeDawn
Unfortunately I will just be sad. My cousin took her own life the other day. It just rips me up inside thinking about it.
Dani
This is my first time on your blog :) I am gluten free and vegan so cooking/baking can sometimes be a little challenging! But I’m up for it! This weekend I’m going to a friend’s bachelorette party and I don’t know that many of the girls and we have to sing karaoke! I’m excited to meet new people and to test out my vocals. I just hope I’m not that off pitch, haha!
Heather H
I am going to start running on my treadmill rather than just walking.
Christina M
Out of my comfort zone….Well that would be NOT eating the last piece of cake. I made it for the hubby for his birthday. I find comfort in cake. I cant eat the last piece of HIS cake. That would be wrong…*sigh*
Lizzy
I’m attempting to make your Lemon Meringue Cookies, ‘cept I’m without a piping bag and tip. Summon giant Ziploc bag to the rescue.
Did I mention I’ve never ever made meringue before? It’s sticky stuff. Sticky stuff in my oven. Pray for me, Joy! (Or pray for the cookies, at least.)
Anu
Going to a party tonight and going to be on the dance floor the whole night!
Ayala
I’m moving in with my boyfriend! :)
Adi
I made Alton Brown’s gluten free chocolate chip cookies this weekend. I added tons of chocolate chips, afraid of all that brown rice flour, but they turned out awesome! Highly recommended.
Dena
JOY!!! Thanks for the lovely GF post!! As a gluten-free girl who LOVES to bake, I am always looking for fun, new, kitchen-adventures. I have yet to try any baking with coconut flour OR arrowroot…so this should be fun! Looks delicious :)
As for my weekend, I have the pleasure of watching a group of super talented high-school students perform a musical which I choreographed. After years of not dancing (following an injury), this is the first production I have EVER choreographed on my own, and I couldn’t be more nervous/excited!!!
Blessings as you go about your weekend :)
Lexi
My boyfriend’s quiet and introverted sister is coming to stay with me and I’m taking her out to show her what college life is really like on the weekends!
Alissa
I might try to caulk a bathtub. Or not. It sounds hard and messy and like something you probably don’t want to mess up……
Sarah R
I’m getting ready to leave for Spain, where I will be totally outside of my comfort zone, trying not to make a fool of myself. I’m pretty sure I’ve forgotten more Spanish than I’ve retained. Sra. Meyers would be ashamed…
Ann-Charlott
Not this weekend(where I will only be a sloth watching tv and eating triple mousse cake), but in the coming week I will start a new job. I will have the main responsibility for a project, a small local museum that has been run privately, now taken over by the public, where I will rework the whole museum program, tours and everything for the summer season. And I will only have two months! It’s my first real adult job too, so alot out of my comfort zone…
Andrea M
I went to a retreat with about 30 women..not a huge group…many of them i have never met in my entire life. All of us are from the same church …ready set mingle…uh?? yeah, but it was much better than i thought :) that’s always a great thing!
lauren muscarella
yummy yum yum! these look fab. this weekend im going to a birthday cocktail party and the attire is hats & fascinators, in honor of the royal wedding!
Carol Adams
Totally unrelated to baking, cooking etc…not really out of my comfort zone.. just is.. ha ha Picking out a new TV…. Woo Woo… lol
Georgia
I’m working on a project due on Tuesday….. I just went for a walk and boy, the weather is perfect and I couldn’t enjoy it for more than 15 minutes!!! A book could make me feel better ;)
Laura
This weekend I will be repairing a section of scratched off paint on my car. So that means going to an automotive store to get sandpaper, paint, a respirator, etc. Knitting and cooking crafts are my comfort zone so I will be far out of that zone in the automotive crafts. Figure I should expand my DIY philosophy to a new level. If all goes well I can reward myself with cupcakes!
Jennifer Sherman
Hi Elana, I love your first cookbook. I loved to bake before going GF. Now it is challenging, but I know that with persistance I will succeed. Yesterday, I attempted to alter a recipe for Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownies. I experimented with Tapioca flower and added too much. They turned out spongy. Fortunately the extra chocolate still makes them tolerable. Try, try again. :o)
Joy (another one!)
This weekend I’m hosting TWO parties at my house. Next weekend I’m presenting a paper at a conference in front of thousands…for the first time! The weekend after that I’m graduating with my masters and the weekend after that I’m getting married. How’s that for outside the comfort zone?
Also, my fiance is a paleo eater, and I have found some devilishly delicious waffles that beat regular waffles hands down. Seriously!
http://www.whatrunslori.com/2010/08/perfectly-paleo-almond-coconut-waffles-and-a-side-of-wod/
Aubrey
In a month I will be leaving my current job (due to being burnt out) and am challenging myself to look for jobs I’ve never done before, where I would have to learn completely new skills…yikes.
Also, yay for coconut oil! I’ve recently become addicted to adding it into everything! My favorite right now is belgian waffles..i bought the krusteaz mix but switched it up to make it healthier (flax meal and wheat bran replace 2 of the 3 cups of waffle mix) and I replaced the oil with coconut oil. DELICIOUS. You should try them!
Rebecca A E
Those cupcakes want my face… wait. Sorry, that’s weird. I’m going to a tacky jean party. I’m going to look like a loser and the more of a loser I look like the better it is. Weird.
buffy c.
I’m taking my two little girls, ages 7 and 3, golfing with me Sunday morning. In the cold. Possibly in the snow. And I haven’t gone golfing in over 10 years. I’m mosly hoping I won’t make a total fool of myself in front of my daughters and co-workers/friends.Luckily there will be beer… and probably some BenGay afterwards! xxoo, buffy
Rebecca Lucas
I would like to make these, because this is definitely outside of my comfort zone! I don’t know how! But I think you would do a seriously excellent job at these delicious sounding bad boys
http://ivoryhut.com/?s=tiramisu+pancakes
Alli
I’m going to try to find some tofu-substitute noodles and attempt to make a new tofu noodle dish! Totally nutritious and hopefully delicious!!!
Laura
crap. prom. . . need I say more?
Dvora
I am going to try to clean my closet – now that’s a challenge. I am also trying to expand my gluten-free baking repertoire, so this giveaway could not come at a better time!
Julia B.
I’ve been foraying into the world of vegan eating, and this weekend I’m going to attempt some vegan cooking. I like meat. Meat likes me. We’re friends. But I’m not even using chicken stock? Nervous it will be a disaster. Positive it might. What’s life without adventure right? Eek!
Rachael
I am attempting to prepare a beautiful breakfast for my entire School of Biblical Studies School that I lead to demonstrate the meaning of hospitality…I always envision myself serving someone and it landing in their lap too. I am pretty sure I have done that before, doesn’t really show hospitality unless you then try to clean up the mess and offer to do their laundry, which might be awkward depending what you are offering to wash.
Carol G
I am going to Roller Derby! Thank you for the chance on winning this book :)
Anastasia
I am going out for the first time without my 4 week-old.
Chia
This weekend will involve a lot of reading/writing for my thesis… :-(. Actually, that’s probably all that it will entail, along with a drive to my local cell phone carrier’s office to fix a problem with my service… pretty humdrum. Luckily, it looks like the weather will be nice so at least I might be able to read/write outdoors :-) Of course, winning some goodies from JoytheBaker.com would only make things infinitely better :-) I hope you’re having a splendid weekend!
Molly
Bowling–haven’t done it since I was 16. And it happened last night. I bowled a 32. No lie.
Rachel
My cousin and her 5 month old are staying in our one bedroom apartment with us for the weekend. Not uncomfortable, just different having a little one around, as we don’t have kids yet. :)
Marisa
I’m taking my 6 month old to a fancy restaurant (and hoping she doesn’t make a scene). Could be a total disaster.
Cheryl
Meeting my boyfriends parents for the first time… AWH nerve racking..
Caitlyn
I’m planting vegetables in my newly composted community garden because I have vowed to live sustainably this summer (something I have never fully done before).
Erin
I’m going to start my thesis, and I have no idea where to even begin!
TinaS
Well this weekend I might have my first baby…if he decides to grace us with his presence.
Kelli
Let’s see….I’m going to see Water for Elephants at the theater, eat pizza, and study, study, study for finals in two weeks while drinking vast amounts of coffee!!!! Not too shabby of a weekend I guess!
Laura
I have to present my sister with an award in front of 350 people this weekend! So scary.
Sarah
It’s not this weekend, but it’s the second weekend in May…I’m having a murder mystery party for my 18th birthday, and it’s western themed. It should be fun, but It’s still going to put me, and my friends, out of our comfort zones.
AnnaD
I’m going to a new member class for church… where I don’t know anyone.
Katy F
I’m going to ride a roller coaster…Yikes!
Andrea
Paintballing – the welts afterwards will definitely be outside of my comfort zone, but it should be lots of fun! :)
Sarah Rachel
I have to write an essay on religion for my sociology class and I don’t know what to do!
Emily
Hmmm…This weekend I have to play piano in church:/ I am scared to death! But I sure would love to have some cupcakes to make me feel better! HAHA:)
Kehly
Ah those look so yummy!
I just got out of a bad three year relationship and I finally realized that it is for the best. I’m finally okay with being on my own and learning to be independent. Something out of my comfort zone: a first date with a new guy. Eep! Haha.
Stephanie Bird
This weekend I plan on braving the non-stop wind we’ve been having lately (allergies!!!) to start planting my summer garden because last summer my husband and I developed an addiction to cucumber salad and I think he will divorce me if I don’t figure out how to start growing them en masse ASAP.
I love the idea of this book. I have been gluten-free for over 6 years and most recipe books use potato or corn starch in their flour mixes, neither of which I can have. I have a great love for coconut flour though and have been making a white chocolate/almond/coconut cookie with some added to a gluten-free (and potato/corn-free) flour mix made by Namaste, but the cost of that is adding up, so I’m looking for a way to make my own. BTW – here is a link to that recipe if anyone is interested, they are amazing! http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=137914506275094
Sabina Sophia
Tonight, out of my confort-snoopy-pink-fleece-slippers and in 8 inches high hells for a girl’s night out. Daunting. Cupcakes sound like a good way of fighting the fear of tripping though … :)
Juanita
I’d say you’re right about your popularity being on the ups with your gf friends —> these cupcakes do look great.
Weekend plan out of comfort zone? Start jogging again! :-)
Tracey
My best friend is gluten-free and we have tried baking together many times. However, we are rarely successful – this book would be awesome!
Amber
I would say I am going to start learning how to knit two socks at once, because I INTEND to do that. But what is actually going to happen this weekend is staying right IN the comfort/ nothing new zone, because I have a deadline and a bunch of articles to write, so it would be lying to say the knit-learning is going to start this weekend. Good luck to everyone though. Especially Margaret (subletting), Beth (bluegrass crush), Patricia (birthday at the ex’s house), and Erin (2nd grade lesson observation). One of them should get the book.
Elizabeth K.
I’ll be skydiving for the first (and probably only) time in… about 2 hours. I’m not sure it gets much more out of my comfort zone than that. Though, as my friend Sarah said “well, maybe if it were jumping out of a plane into a tornado… of snakes” to which I added “with jumping spiders riding on their backs.”
Hannah
I am making a birthday cake for my husbands 13 year old brother. And attempting to decorate it. I am a beginner baker and I am afraid the husband has exaggerated my abilities to his family. I hope I don’t embarrass myself!
Susan
I’ll be testing a pita bread recipe in the toaster oven. Definitely not very confident about the toaster oven part of it!
Erin
I’m writing a lesson for my 2nd graders that I’ll do on Monday–and will be observed by a lot of important people! Pressure’s on! But I will be baking your brown butter toasted coconut chocolate chip cookies to get me through the weekend!
jordan
So excited to try this recipe! It looks so easy and I am usually way intimidated by GF baking.
Here is my out of my-comfort-zone-moment-of-the-weekend: I am going to see the Disney movie “Prom” although I am definitely a bit to old to actually go to prom. The things you do for a good laugh…
morganmadeit
I’m experimenting with GF pizza crusts this weekend. If I win perhaps I’ll be experimenting with GF cupcakes in the near future :)
Sarah S.
It just so happens that I am a director. Well not just yet. But I hope to be someday. I guess that day might just be today. Tonight is opening night of my first solo directing show. It is so terribly nerve racking. Everyone is coming to see it. All of my professors, my family, friends, boyfriend. They are all showing up to support my dreams for an hour and a half. I am spending the day doing things that I like to hopefully keep my mind off of it. Baking cookies, going thrifting. I am not sure if it will work but here is hoping.
Break a leg with Gluten free baking, Joy. I am a part time nanny for a little boy with autism. He is on a gluten free diet. We are always finding new fun things to make. If you need any suggestions just shoot me an e-mail. Not that you need suggestions as these cupcakes look just scrumptious.
Sara
In my life in general, I’m packing everything we own and moving to a new apartment — the first time I’ve had to pack everything myself (my husband works all weekend and our friends are all busy busy busy).
In baking, I’m preparing to make my first-ever batch of gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan brownies (from Cybele Pascal’s “Allergen-Free Bakers’ Handbook), which will be baked, cooled, and eaten in our brand-new apartment tonight if I have my way.
Sue K
I’m taking my 10yo grandson on a road trip to San Diego.
I have recently gone wheat free and am on the look out for things like this to enjoy!
AliciaC
I am going to MC a live auction Saturday night. I haven’t done this before … I said yes after a friend asked me to help out at their art exhibit this weekend. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t disappoint!
iLDi
Yeah, sorry, I forgot to tell you that this weekend so far has been about doing yoga, walking, sunbathing…now comes baking and then I should focus on my university duties…
iLDi
Yummy, I love strawberry, can’t wait for the strawberry season to begin here in Hungary. :) I really would love to win the cookbook as I am really into gluten-free cooking and baking :)
Great pictures by the way :)
Just Jano
Well not only this weekend, but the next few years will be spent going back to school! That’s out of my comfort zone for sure….essays–oy!
Sam Stirek
This weekend I am at Miraval Spa in Tuscon, Arizona and I am going to be getting acupuncture on my foot in attempt to heal a broken toe…yikes!!
Brittany
I will be watching the hockey game with friends from home :) annnnnnd I am following your advice, making brownies for a boy. No big deal. Who can resist Peanut butter brownies! Thanks :)
Andrea Jayne
I am so excited! First, for the weekend. Beach and hiking, a long Sunday with friends and family. Second, for this recipe. Here’s the deal, Joy: I’m in love. Does that take me out of my comfort zone? Mm yes. Yes it does. I think we could both agree to that ;) Even more out of my comfort zone? Gluten-free baking. But it turns out I fell in love with a gluten-free boy, so this weekend is going to be spent with the loveliest forehead-kissing, love-song-writing, scooter-riding-partner I ever had, and I’m going to cook for him too. Because that’s what ladies in love do.
Kartik @ Bakeology 101
Apart from the usual, I’m attempting to sing a song in tune for once – ” A House is not a Home” – that’s a tough song. Also enjoying the brilliant weather outside in NorCal and listening to some Jill Scott (my favorite artist).
Stephanie
I wasn’t planning on doing one single thing outside my comfort zone this weekend… but that’s not how life works is it? I woke up early this morning to shape my bread loaves so they’d be done baking before I had to leave. Well, it’s not done with its first rising… and the bread must be obeyed. There goes my carefully planned out day! I’d better bake some cookies. That always puts everything right again!
Thanks for putting the occasional gluten-free recipe up. I think everyone has at least one friend or family member or coworker that is afflicted with CD or has chosen a gluten free diet. I like having some surefire recipes in my arsenal that they can enjoy too (plus it’s fun to experiment with different grains and flours).
Kelsey Galloway
Last night, I attended an MLB game…the Royals to be exact. Typically, baseball isn’t my thing but a group of friends [and family] got together to go to the game. I paid little attention to the actual game but just enough to know WON then game [after a long loosing streak]!
lisa r.
i am spending time with my hubby and friends! i’d love the book for recipes to make for friends that are gluten free!
Kelly W
I’ll probably just be doing some cleaning and such. I would love to win this and give it to my Aunt and cousin who are gluten free!
Kelsey
This weekend….I’m going hiking, kayaking….and attending a Slam Poetry-meets-Eco-Fashion Show to support my friends, who are apparently secret-Slam Poets and Eco-friendly fashion designers. All sorts of outside the comfort zone!
Cheryl
Working on some quilt blocks that are giving me fits! I guess that’s how it is when you learn something new…..no pain, no gain! Also, painting a bathroom. We finally have a nice day here in the rainy Pacific NW and I’m going to be inside. Better take my dog on a few walks.
Shannon C
I am about to go get my arm cast off (I was trying to ice skate) then trying to perfect the making of a lactose free ice cream recipes so that my boyfriend can have ice cream on his birthday cake on wed! Those cupcakes look delish! When ever I try baking with out gluten (i mostly do breads) it tends to have the consistancy of a melted skittle…..
Beth
I often go out to this winery and watch this bluegrass band play and I’m pretty in love with one of them. He’s got this Jack White/Avett Brother voice PLUS he’s a whiz with the harmonica. I mean, how can you beat that?
Anyway, I’ll sit in the front with my friends, watch, make awkward small talk, and run away.
I’ve decided I am (finally!) going to make a move on this weekeneds outing. Wish me luck!
I’m afraid of gluten-free baking as well. My male cousin has to be gluten-free due to allergies and he’s always looking for something sweet to munch on. This will probably do wonders for his sweet tooth (but a number on his pant size) : )
LibraryGirl62
I am intrigued by the notion of gluten free. I am a bread worshiper so I have not taken the step-yet. Bay steps involving cupcakes would make it easier :)
Sarah Wichmer
Does cleaning the house count for out of comfort zone? Well doing it from start to finish is out of mine so there you go…bleh.
Cate
I absolutely love cupcakes. Now, gluten-free ones? YES PLEASE.
Anyways, I am going to be participating in a state-wide music festival today. So all of this sugary goodness will come in handy.
Laura
Gluten-free + me = friends! I recently went GF for various reasons and I’ve been intimidated by baking. But this? This looks like CAKE. I will be making these for my delayed-viewing of the Royal Wedding with some friends. For my not-so-comfortable event this weekend? Weed-whacking my backyard with my new electric trimmer. It scares me. Then again, I probably should refrain from wearing my beloved flip-flops during this process. Oy vey.
Lotus Vele
It’s pretty amazing how many people are finding they are gluten intolerant… I may be one too! I would love a copy of this book. Please add me to your drawing!
As for the uncomfortable, I am a homebody and will be “forced” to attend a party tonight for my husband’s friend’s engagement. Totally uncomfortable, ‘cuz I don’t care too much for hubby’s friends… sigh. ; )
Lotus
lootsvele@yahoo.com
Patricia
I’m celebrating my son’s birthday at my ex-husband’s palce, totally out of my comfort zone. I’m baking a banana-strawberry birthday cake, with pink frosting. That makes me feel more comfortable.
Kylie @ A Hungry Spoon
This weekend I’ll be mowing our never-ending lawn…definitely outside of my comfort zone :)
But yay for gluten-free baking!
Emi Sorensen
I just made two dozen cupcakes for a baby shower I am co-hosting for the first time. It is in 3 hours. The cupcakes are darling if I may brag ;)
Athina
I’ve been looking for gluten free recipes, as the boy is debating if he has an allergy or not. His love of strawberries makes these sound like an exciting experiment.
This weekend, I will be finishing up all my projects on my way finish my masters degree. It doesn’t all make sense, and I’m winging far more than makes me comfortable.
Kelsey
The weekend is so up in the air…having no plans typically leads to something out of the comfort zone! Maybe today it will be running in the rain??
amanda*
I am volunteering at my local soup kitchen and teaching myself French!
Amber
I’m going to start my vegetable garden this weekend! I’m terrified…I started some seeds indoors and they died, thank goodness I still have extras but I’m super worried that they’re going to all die AGAIN outdoors. The promise of ripe juicy homegrown tomatoes is going to keep me inspired though!
Kate
I’m going to be planting my garden! Right now I have baby eggplants, broccolis, corn, and peppers growing on all of my windowsills and they are finally ready to be planted outside.
Oh, and spring cleaning…not quite as fun…equally outside of my comfort zone.
Meredith
Spring has definitely sprung … so yard work and more yard work will be first on the agenda! Then maybe I’ll sit down with this months magazines and relax!!!
jessicaisbaking
im studying to law school finals this weekend so you could say that is out of my comfort zone!
Brandee LeBlanc
WOW! Those look deeeeeelish!…. Especailly considering I am completing a 30 day cleanse in a couple of days! My little boy who is 6, has gluten intolerance, and has a birthday party to go to soon. I would love to be able to pick a fun recipe out of there and make him some great, special cupcakes he can take to his party instead of always feeling like he is deprived! He would be fired up to be bringin’ the goods to his little party! This weekend I am starting to participate in my first “walk for life” benefit. This is something I have always wanted to do, and am excited to get in the action! can’t wait to see what doors this opens for involvement in the future!
jackie
i am starting a detox monday so i will be cleaning out the fridge and stocking up on healthy goodness… my first detox but i’m psyched!
Kate R
I’m running a 5K tomorrow, my first race since having my third baby 11 months ago. I’m nervous but know it will be good for me to get out there and hit the pavement! I want to make these cupcakes!! :)
Rita
Just found your site and love it. Tonight I’m going to a friend’s house for some home brews and trying to decide what to bake for them.
Elyse
I bought an antique chair & couch that I will be restoring! =] First time!
I’m trying to get my husband to eat more gluten free- his stomach is really sensative… I at least have him taking fiber suppliments!
Jaime S
I have been wanting to try gluten free baking, hopefully I can win this and start right away!
Kaiti
I can’t wait to make these, I’ve been gluten free for a few weeks now but have yet to try true gluten free baking except to make flourless chocolate cake and your flourless peanut butter cookies! Which were totally delicious by the way.
As far as going outside my comfort zone this weekend I don’t actually have much time since I need to study for two final exams on Tuesday. Studying isn’t exactly ‘comfortable’ though so we’ll go with that.
Emily
This weekend we’re celebrating my boyfriends end of classes from law school! Just outside my comfort zone is spending the day shopping for towels and pillows and a nice trip to BJ’s…always makes me think of that scene from old school when we have days of shopping for the house…
Holly Sax
This weekend I am helping to plan a double surprise bridal shower with the ladies in my Bible Study for our leaders. Should be crazy, giggly, thrilling, and simply delightful.
Darja
I go to visit the 4 th market of domestic arts and crafts in Cerknica, in Slovenia. And I will try to prepare for dinner acacia blossoms for the first time.
Sherry Greek
I went to an art gallery crawl in downtown Pittsburgh! It was full of so may different people and types of art. I was so glad I went.
Amanda
This weekend I am going to be hiding inside and knitting…. 3-5 inches of snow is expected today…I guess that is what you get for living in North Dakota.
Rebecca B.
I have to teach Saturday school this weekend. I think this is out of everyone’s comfort zone, especially my students!
Mary
Finishing up my last year in college and moving out!!
Definitely jumping out of my comfort zone. . . Those cupcakes look delish!
Tamara
I am moving this weekend, for the 2nd time in 6 months….. I hate moving!!!!!
kelley
I’ll be wishing it wasn’t snowing……..that’s what I’ll be doing. SIGH……………….
Melissa T
My step sister and her man brought their jet skis to Arizona for the weekend so I am going to drag my 42 year old butt onto said jet ski this weekend up at the lake and hope I don’t drown in the process. It would be nice to hope for a future full of delicious cupcakes while I’m flying off the back and into the water and….not drowning. Definitely now drowning.
jen
Blech, I’m emailing HR directors about jobs. No thank you! I’d rather be baking! :)
Heidi
We’re taking family portraits… that, in itself, is not what makes me uncomfortable. It’s that I’m at that in-between stage of pregnancy where it could go either way (is she eating more or is she pregnant?) but our daughter will only be this size for right now and I don’t want to miss this chance :)
Jen (Jen and Company)
Gluten free baking scares me too, but this looks doable.
I’m running a half marathon this weekend so a cupcake to look forward to is very welcomed!
Amy W
Out of my comfort zone? Starting Sunday May 1st I’m going on a baking hiatus for the entire month of May. My dad’s, mine and my best friend’s daughter’s birthday all fall during this month and I bake like 59983432 things a week. (Okay, not that many.) I’m also going pescatarian for the month…
Louise
I am going to revise (which it totally out of my depth) in my bed (which is not) !!
Thanks for the great blog posts! :)
Karey Hideg
I am trying new “healthier” recipes that are meatless and this is a challenge as I am allergic to soy and wheat and my oldest is allergic to beans and diary and eggs – any help I can get with cooking outside of my comfort zone would be great!!
jenny
This weekend I am going to attempt to buy a dress. Easy peasy for some maybe, but clothes shopping is waaaay out of my comfort zone. All I seem to like shopping for is food. Go figure. I have never tried coconut flour, but Elana’s almond flour recipes were a revelation.
Rebecca in STL
I’m spending the weekend writing a 30 page paper on apocalyptic fiction for a graduate seminar. Sitting at my desk chair for the next 72 hours=WAY uncomfortable. I’m probably going to need a cupcake and a box of tissues at the end of it.
Ellen
I am going to ……um………not lay around and get something done?
Jane
These look amazing. Yum! Anything that involves making cupcakes healthier (and therefore less guilt-inducing upon consumption) is perfect in my books.
This weekend, I will be learning how to hold a handstand in yoga. Hopefully crash mats will be provided!
Thanks Joy — love your website. So much inspiration to be found right here.
Timi
Hi Joy,
This weekend I’m making pickles for the first time! I’ll be using sugar snap peas so it will be a new experience. I’m also attending a catered dinner with my husband that is a tad more “uptown” than I’m comfortable with, but at least I won’t be alone.
Best Wishes, Timi
Olivia
I’m trying to write a huge 20 page paper…. that’s outside my comfort zone right now. :P
Susan G
This would be a great gift for my future daughter-in-law, trying a gluten free diet to treat some health issues. I’m making a delicious gluten-free banana bread today.
Susan
susie.galasso@gmail.com
Kim
I want to make bread! That is outside of my comfort zone. I want whip up a loaf of bread just as easy as I can whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Baking bread is outside of my comfort zone–But that’s gonna change!!
I would love to expirament with some gluten free options :)
Chris
There should NEVER be a muffin/cupcake recipe that scares you when you need to take it G-Free! I’m going to tackle crepes next! Only it will be more of a challenge because of the extra allergy requirements…..which I refuse to let get in the way! No butter so will use coconut oil. No corn or rice either. More to consider but it will be worth it when I succeed!
My buttermilk pancake/waffle mix is simply THE BOMB! Just ask two of my kids! (Even my husband thinks the waffles are better than the old wheat way!!!) I’m jus’ sayin’…..!!!
I would LOVE to add more to the baking arsenal! Fingers crossed! GREAT give-away!
Kate
I have to work :( but cupcakes could cheer a grl up!!
Kristin
I am testing out a recipe for homemade ketchup today in preparation for garden tomatoes which will be available in a few months here in NH. I hesitated to use 28 beautiful Lady Round Reds from my garden last summer in case my recipe needs improvements. Today I will be starting with Lady Delmonte or Lady Muir Glenn….. I am not scared of gluten free flours, bring it on. I might even send you a jar of ketchup.
Laura
I often look at gluten-free recipes and think they sound like way too much search the supermarket for my liking! However tomorrow I am planning to make a batch of chai and chocolate macarons – which are gluten free (i think and hope!) and make the best gifts for my gluten free friends. Also I am proud of myself that I have worked out how to make macarons!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Janeth
Love it! I try to be gluten free but get frustrated so these recipes would be great! I am doing a 42 mile bike ride through the 5 boroughs of New York City tomorrow to get me out of my comfort zone!
Rebekah M
i am getting ready for a half marathon so today is going to be my long run, 11 miles, i will be ready for cupcakes after that!
Amy
This weekend I am running my first half marathon. WAY out of my comfort zone:)
Kate
Well..yes, doing something way out of my comfort zone this weekend. I’m trying to sand/paint/re do a tabletop and make it into a desk. Found the table top out on a curb for heavy trash pick up and got a vision for some new office furniture for my man. We’ll see! So far so good :) I’d love to try some gluten free cooking and I’m all about free stuff, obv. :)
Lia
Flourless pistachio cake… first time for everything ;D
Caoimhe
I’m running a 10 mile race here in Philly, straight down Broad Street. It will be the longest I’ve ever run before. Ever. But I keep telling myself ‘I’m pumped, yeah!’.
And I’m going to make braised short ribs tonight for the first time too, braised in wine/coffee over big noodles (you know, for the carbo loading!)…
Erica
So far out of my comfort zone it hurts: preparing to move cross-country with a six-week-old baby (our first).
A dear friend of mine (actually, the midwife who helped me deliver our son) is allergic to wheat along with a bunch of other stuff, but I don’t see anything in the cupcake recipe that she can’t eat. I’d love to have the book so I can make her some cupcakes one of these days. (I’ll have to find some alternate frosting as she’s also allergic to dairy, but one step at a time.) ^^
Frazer
I think I’m out of your mailing range for the cookbook!! But this weekend, I’m planning to start running to prepare for a marathon I’m participating in June! I normally bike everywhere; it’s faster and I like biking but I guess you got to run when you got to run!
Aaaaaaaand to energize myself I’m going to make one of those banana stuffed with chocolates and nuts dessert I’ve read on here. Now after reading this one, I’ll top it with some nicely chopped strawberries and syrup.
Merage
I planned a few things outside of my comfort zone this weekend… one, I went to an Opera… I was like thinking to myself, how am I supposed to understand this whole 3 hour performance when it’s in French. BUT little did I now that they have this awesome thing about the stage that basically provided subtitles.
Next move outside my comfort zone for this weekend… running. I don’t run. It’s just not something I do. I used to think I have exercise induced asthma. But tomorrow… I will run. For a whole 10 min… and work up from there hopefully.
Final thing outside my comfort zone. Teaching myself not to procrastinate. I need to get things done… and SOON. No more of this last minute stuff. It’s not going to work if I want to be successful!
:)
Wai Kit
I am trekking in the forest and craving for a plate of nicely-arranged, palatable strawberry cupcakes to fuel my energy! My children is also asking me how Strawberry Shortcake make her household strawberry shortcakes (it’s the same name, surprisingly). With the recipe I can make lots of cupcakes for my family!
Anita menon
I love you patterned plates. I think I have already said this several times on other posts. The cup cakes are sweet.. and topping looks beautiful
Magdalena
I’m going to the beach.
This might not sound too bad, but considering all the good foods I’ve been eating over the last year or so, wearing a bikini in public is way out of my comfort zone.
(Which is why i comfort myself by visiting your blog, which is so beautiful I’d like to eat it.)
Erin
I’m taking care of my best friend in the hospital this weekend…. and dreaming of all the baked goods I can make him when he gets out :)
Andy
Hi Joy, I have recently started following this blog and am fully aware this will be the millionth time someone has said this but…. It is such a great blog :) I have just started working in a high end restaurant in England as I want to pursue it as a career and this weekend I will be doing my first 12-hour shift in full. While there I will be doing challenging things that are totally foreign to me despite the experience I have already gained (I am only 18).
Last time I was in they had me make the white chocolate creme brulee from scratch which was so hard… I have never baked for 100 servings before.
Also, my dad is a coeliac and I am constantly having to make gluten breads and pastries for him at home, I found xanthan gum to be very useful in aiding the crumb and texture of most breads and desserts.
Anyway, thanks for blogging :)
Estee
We’re trying to get our son diaper-free. That’s way out if our comfort zone. sigh.
Margaret
Gluten free scares me, too. I wanted gluten free cupcakes for my sister’s birthday ’cause my cousin is gluten intolerant – I caved and bought a mix…
But my weekend will have no baking, gluten free or otherwise because I’m moving. That part’s not out of my comfort zone, but this time, I’m just subletting my suite. This means I’m going to have to trust a stranger (friend of a friend) with my space and a bunch of my stuff. This is way out of my trust comfort zone. Then, starting Sunday, for a week, I will have to depend on friends to let me crash because I still have to go to work as I don’t leave town until the week after. This is way out of my dependency comfort zone (I’m the “I can do everything on my own” type)
Once I’ve moved, though, I’d love to try to work on those gluten free recipes, so next time I don’t buy the mix! :)
Diane (Created by Diane)
Funny you should ask. An hour it so ago I offered you one of my cookies,you took a bite. I ran and didn’t even wait to hear if you liked it ;) Great hearing you speak tonight!
Christine saenz
I too am afraid of using different types of flours but certainly will try it soon after hearing how easy it is. So this weekend I am out of town with the kids…..without the hubby. The uncomfortable part is that I’m staying with his family that is completely skittish and paranoid about the kids making a mess or breaking something. They want every bowl cleaned practically before I’m even finished eating. This definitely puts me out of my comfort zone. I might be ready for this vacation to end sooner than expected. :)
Katie
I love coconut flour. And strawberries. Yum.
Jossie
This weekend, definitely gonna try some gluten-free baking of my own (; I’m gonna finally step out of my comfort zone and try whipping up a batch of macarons (:
Felicia L.
horrary a glueten recipe that doesnt call for 100 different flour alternatives! my sister is has gluten allergies and the babycakes book i got her recently has started growing spiderwebs. this weekend i am finally going to give my dog a much needed bath after i take her to the dog beach for the first time.
Somerset
ILl be painting the first room in our new house, the last time I painted anything was over ten years ago!
This book would be great for my good friend who recently started a gluten and dairy free diet to treat migraines. Did I mention she wants to open a bakery some day?
Jenny
Dear Joy, these cupcakes look delicious. I might just try making them. If I can get my hands on the necessary ingredients.
This weekend, I will buy my friend’s birthday present and attend said friend’s birthday dinner. I will share a (hopefully) delicious dinner and good company. I will clean my apartment. I will take out my recycling. I will make up my mind concerning my vote in the upcoming Canadian federal election this Monday. I will bake banana bread for my mother. I will read “On The Road” by Jack Kerouac. I will step out of the house to breathe in the crisp spring air mixed with pollution and remind myself how good it feels to be alive.
sheila @ Elements
Your cupcakes are so cute! I’d love to experiment with some gluten free cupcakes. I checked out Elana’s blog, and her desserts look so good!
What am I doing outside my comfort zone this weekend? Well, I’m gonna try some pilates. I tried it just once and it really hurt me…more than yoga does. But I think I’m gonna try it again just to see.
Weird how doing push-ups, lifting weights, swimming, etc. doesn’t hurt my but Pilates does. Go figure. :)
Kenna
I love your recipes! Always so interesting and yummy! And now gluten free?!? Awesome! As far as going out of my comfort zone, I’ll be making decorations and party favors for a college grad party, so not crafty, but I’m gonna fake it till I make it!!!
rosa
mushiness of baked strawberries was not very appetizing for me and my kids. the muffin itself was pretty good but personally I don’t like the mushiness of strawberries in any muffin recipes. I was hoping that coconut flour might hold the strwberries better but oh well…maybe I’ll try blueberries or cranberries instead.
kara
omg. this would solve all my gluten-free baking problems. at least, um, for now.
i’m newly returned from a trip, so this weekend we’ll see whether my age-old pastime of failing to unpack a suitcase for, say, weeks, can be broken.
Tara
Yummo!
My housemate’s cat has come to visit his ‘Aunty Tara’ (it’s almost his dinner time I see), but I think those cupcakes come very close to looking sweeter than this little ginger charmer.
Katie
Love the recipe…saw you lemon curd/honey meringues recipe…lot easier to make lemon honey in micowave…I freeze the amounts of lemon juice and zest.
Looking good down here in New Zealand
PS just melted credit card buying lots of cupcake essentials!
Reshmi
Interesting recipe! Hubby’s B’day and we are in the middle of transition from India to California – So am stuck with no Food Processor, no Hand Mixer or Whip; And just a FORK to make a Frosted Cake :)
This is definitely not my comfort zone, but then Love makes you do crazy stuff rite..Gee
Ellie@fitforthesoul
I love coconut flour! I eat it very often actually, and this recipe sounds fab~~ :) This weekend I am attending to all these different church services as lately I’ve been going through a lot of beautiful transitions. Transitions are different and unique, yet awesome. Life without ’em wouldn’t be life at all!
Deborah
This is an exciting giveaway particularly since I only recently learned that I am gluten intolerant. I just finished busy season (for any auditors out there) where we worked mandatory 11+ hour workdays. This results in terrible eating and absolutely no time for exercise, which culminates in a good amount of weight gain. I have been watching my food intake and upping my exercise considerably over the past few weeks and today was the first day I was brave enough to don a bikini – talk about going way out of my comfort zone.
Heather Myers
I’m taking the kids to Northwest Trek, a place where you take a tram through the likes of moose fields and polar bear meadows and even the habitat of some grizzly bears. Crazy. A bit scary. Hoping my kids love it and we all come out without becoming bear snacks.
Jessica
I’m not eating carbs this weekend…totally out of my comfort zone. I decided to try a low carb diet for a few days. I don’t think I like it!
Amy
I’m making vegan red velvet cupcakes WITHOUT red dye. Keeping my fingers crossed that those hibiscus/pomegranate juices will do their thing! ;)
Hannah M
I tried cooking with agave nectar for the first time yesterday…that was my daring feat of the week. I have coconut flour too, just need some ways to use it:)
Dana
I’m opening my show! Nervous, excited, worried!
Elizabeth Lesniak
Hi Joy! The cupcakes look deelish! But I totally get – not getting the whole gluten free thing until one day you just do! This weekend I am preparing food for 350. That is a little out of my comfort zone. I do work professionally as a caterer – but sometimes you can never be 100 percent positive that there is enough food for that many. What if they just don’t eat a thing before that meal – you know?
Amberlinn
These sound delicious, look yummy and totally eat a dozen while watching OC housewives scrumptious!!! I’m gonna venture out into palm springs and scour up some agave nectar and coconut flour in between trips to the pool and making some Tyler Flourence inspired curried veggies! I love your blog-you talk my language!!! Thx for taking so much time with your thoughtful pictures and witty commentary :)
Joy
First of all, Joy, I’ve made several of your wonderful baked goods and plan on trying many more. Every time I bring them to work, people rave about them for days. Thank you for that.
This weekend I plan to attempt a pie recipe. It’s my grandmother’s recipe, and I want to honor her legacy. She passed away a few weeks ago, three days before our wedding. I want to be sure her pie lives on in her memory, with all her children and grandchildren sharing it with as many people as possible.
Also, living in Alabama, my new husband and I are donating clothing, appliances, money, blood, and our time to help those in need in the state. I’ve never donated blood, as I’ve always been too nervous and scared of needles. But for the people of Alabama that need it, I’ll push aside my fears and do it.
Joan
My sister and I just recently had a mouth watering conversation about strawberry cupcakes (her favorite and since she doesn’t have a gluten problem gets hers at a local bakery). I was wallowing in self pity when I ran across (oh my gosh, gasp!) a gluten free strawberry cupcake recipe! So this weekend, I will for the 1st time in my life, attempt to bake strawberry cupcakes.
Amanda
This weekend we are packing up to move aways from our families clear across the country. So yeah, that is definitely out of my comfort zone. We are moving from Chicago to Orlando.
Christina Sims
Well we are heading to the 30th annual Toad Suck Daze http://toadsuck.org/ in Conway, Arkansas tomorrow. Although we don’t really suck on toads (heehee) we certainly have foodies all over the festival such as: Deep Fried Hershey Kisses, fried Twinkies, gyros galore, fried Snickers, alligator on a stick, some of the best lemonaid evah and much more.
This year I’ll be bold and force myself to chow on some alligator. Be brave!!!
Kristin
I have been traveling South America for the past 7 months and one thing that I am constantly surrounded by is food! However, during the past 6 months of travel it was really rough when I was having one of my crazy cake, chocolate, garlic and other amazing flavor cravings that I just can’t find in the Southern Hemi, I always check out your groovy recipes. I drooled over your photos, looking forward to the next time I would be around a kitchen. Well lucky me, this past month I have been living in Quito, Ecuador and have a kitchen!! A dream come true. Now all the photos and recipes I have been receiving in my email and craving for the past 6 months I can make! So thank you for always reminding me of home (California) and allowing me to indulge in your creations. So this weekend, as I sit inside because of all the rain and thunderstorms I will create a creation influenced by you and of course snuggle up in my alpaca sweater and watch a movie. Thank you for always making me feel at home (away from home). Un abrazo fuerte!
Hannah
I’m going to play soccer and maybe bake something with marshmallow cream (that would certainly be out of my comfort zone!)
Lelle
I rode my bike 80 miles this morning, and tonight I’m going dancing. Let’s just say, for me, the biking part is waaaay more in my comfort zone than the dancing part.
But I am going dancing to celebrate my the birthday of my friend, who is, incidentally, gluten intolerant. Bring on the cupcakes!
Susana I.
The cupcakes look really nice. Until now I´m just planning to go to the movies to see Thor, so, nothing out of my confort zone ^_^
Carrie
I am having 2 people over for dinner that I don’t know very well and don’t know each other very well. Yikes.
Dawn
These cupcakes look amazing! I have some people I like to bake for who follow a gluten-free diet and will guinea pig them once I have a free moment in the kitchen, and possibly when my strawberry plant produces it’s first berries.
This weekend my company is hosting our annual fundraiser. It’s USO themed. That means I have to style my hair in victory rolls, I usually do very styling to my hair. Wear a 1940s dress that makes me look and feel like a 13 yr old, it’s baggy in all the wrong areas but is provided by the company. And mingle with patrons and try and sell them lots and lots of things. I am not a salesperson. Talking to strangers and being a salesperson are two big out side of comfort things without the additional hoop-de-ha. The one good thing: free liquor and food at the end of the night!
Rose
My comfort zone is kind of non-existant right now. This profoud tidbit requires a little bit of background, so bear with me. I’m 16, and a Junior in a charter Arts academy in Arizona. But right now, I’m living on the beautiful island Chiloé, in Chile. I’ve been here since February and I’ll be leaving at the end of July. I live with an amazing family, go to school and wear a cute uniform, and try to flirt with boys in awkward Spanglish. Oh, and I eat way too much delicious Chilean food. Like empanadas de manzana. Do you know what an empanada is? It’s like a dough-y pocket of heaven filled with something delicious. Melted cheese, for instance. Applesauce-y goodness. Or meat. Hmmm, meat. Yeah. Meat is something that doesn’t exist in my ideal comfort zone. I’ve been a vegetarian since as long as I can remember. Well, I was a vegetarian. The Chilean diet consists of lots of meat. And bread. And avacado. The bread and the avacado I’m down with. I’m cherry freakin pie with bread and avacado. But meat…that was hard.I do eat meat now. And fish, lots of it. I actually had my first cheeseburger in Chile. And I liked it. It’s taking some adjusting though, like the whole part where I was ridiculously sick for 4 days and couldn’t eat or drink anything. Anyway. Back to the goodness: empanadas de manzana. And what they have to do with this anecdote: I fell in love with empanadas de manzana. There’s a bakery literally across the road from my school, and I go there every day after school (and sometimes sneak out during lunch or breaks) to buy one. They’ve become my Chilean comfort food. Because, honestly, being an exchange student is kinda hard. The whole not-speaking-the-language-thing and the accidentally-doing-something-totally-culturally-wrong-but-not.knowing-enough-to-be-embarrassed-about-it-so-instead-you-just-look-confused thing, yeah. I’m getting used to those. Those are a constant. So is just…generally not having any idea what’s going on. Which for someone who’s as much of a controlfreakVirgoface as I am, is not the easiest thing in the entire world. But somehow, empanadas de manzana, with their flakey yet somehow doughy shells, and that sweet apple pie sauce filling make everything ok. They’ve become my comfort zone. I actually learned how to make empanadas de manzana the first week I was here. And when I feel too overwhelmed or homesick or whatever, that’s what I do. I bake comfort. So, this weekend, I’m planning on going to my third Chilean Scout meeting, asking people to repeat things several times, probably doing something embarrassing and laughing my happy empanada fat ass off about it. Right now, I feel so disconnected from Arizona, from the United States in general that it doesn’t really feel like home anymore. But Chile doesn’t really feel like home yet, either. So I guess I’m just kind of floating somewhere in the middle. In my happy little empanada cloud of delicious comfort.
Thanks so much, Joy. Your blog is like sunshine.
yeni
This recipe sounds promising. Thanks for featuring it. I’ll be working on my recently planted small garden this weekend. It’s my first, and I’ve realized that certain vegetables need a little spanking every now and then. :)
yvonnew
Cool cookbook! I will be teaching a class with a lot of participants. It makes me very nervous!
Ellie
I asked a boy out on a date! This is totally out of my comfort zone and I am way excited!
Londa
This weekend I’m going to be test driving a Tahoe…hope I don’t run over anything too important! Yikes!
Amanda Thompson
I’m going to {try to} make a Tagine for dinner Saturday night. The recipe sounds fantastic but I’m nervous because I’ve never made anything quite like it before and I’ve never even tried Moroccan food! {I live in rural Northern California ~ we don’t have a lot of diversity in dining options.}
Marissa GF
This is so timely :) My mom and sis just made coconut cupcakes with raspberry puree frosting for her birthday this weekend with coconut flour, flakes and coconut oil. They are divine!
My little sis is the whiz in the kitchen (though I have to pat my back because the recipe they used for these cupcakes was a cooperative effort between myself and a good girlfriend). I have my moments and can completely relate to the uncertainty and overwhelm that settles in when items are mentioned like tapioca starch, arrowroot, xanthan gum, guar gum, etc. But I am exploring and experimenting. I just finished making a balsamic strawberry rhubarb crisp – yes balsamic (gf oats and quinoa flakes for topping) – it turned out great!!! the balsamic was a great addition :) Yippee!
Dinner was another experiment – “thai” stir fry. Fish sauce has always scared me and getting all those complex flavors to meld properly can be intimidating. Yet, ultimately, the sauce was great! Maybe a touch salty from the GF tamari and fish sauce (easily modified). I still overcook my meats (have to work on that) but the flavors were really nice and I can happily say I will keep playing!
Being that I work all day Saturday, today (friday) is the start to my weekend, so that’s my experimenting and venturing out of my comfort zone. :)
katey adams
You have no idea how much this book would help me, I work in a cafe/bistro that is within a cancer care unit and have many customers that would love love love to try some new gluten free desserts, love to pass this love along!
Janet
I’m going to a wine tasting party with one of my friends. I can’t say that’s out of my comfort zone unless they make me spit the wine out instead of drinking it like I plan to! :)
Anyhow, I love your blog (planning to make the Banana Bourbon Bread Pudding tomorrow) and I’d love to win the book for my friend who was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease. I might buy it for her anyway! Have a good weekend!!
Sarah
I’m going to grow some wheatgrass, okay, well start the growing of wheatgrass. But wheatgrass isn’t like tomatoes, oh please let it work out.
jenna
this weekend i am going to run a half marathon!! i will be pushing it while trying not to die of heat exhaustion. afterwards i plan to drown my sorrows or celebrate my success (depending on the outcome) by baking a cake or cupcakes (maybe these?) and drinking champagne. i’m prettyyyyyy excited about it.
ps- i <3 this blog.
Leslie B
These look amazing!! I have several friends that are gluten intolerant and I cant wait to make these for them! Not doing much out of my comfort zone this weekend…the hubby is working and I will be staying home with my 2 girls setting up our first garden and trying to get the house cleaned:-)
Jen L-N
I’m going stand-up paddling out in the ocean. Yikes!
Luna
I plan on trying my first Vegan cake recipe – a chocolate avocado cake! I really need the good fats and chocolate seems to be my pregnancy craving!
sara s
I have another one of Elana’s books and it is wonderful….now I’m ready for cupcakes!
Sherry Timko
Today I’m almost healed from a week of having a “bug” :(
This weekend on Saturday I’m helping my friend get ready for her son’s (my honorary grandson) birthday party which will be on Sunday. I’m helping to chaperon 14 – 5 and 6 yr old’s. Hope I survive! Since I am facing a grocery store birthday cake with trans-fat icing, these strawberry cupcakes are exactly what I need to have on hand for me! I already have agave that I use in my tea, so I just need to get arrow root powder and coconut flour. Thanks for sharing, I will definitely be making!
ellen
i am going to be studying for my ap exam next week and hopefully getting more sleep in as well! dreamin’ about breakfast, as usual :)
catherine
just came home from playing hockey with a group of women ages 35+ who are all new to the sport this year. what a riot!! so glad to have tried something outside my comfort zone. p.s. I have a gluten free mama who would love this gift!!
Allie
You know what I love as much as your yummy recipes and photos? YOUR BEAUTIFUL PLATES!! Where do you get these?!? I want them!!!
Kristi
I would very much like these cupcakes in my life. In my oven. Then in my belly. Nomnom. SO, this weekend, I am walking in Tucson Arizona’s annual fashion week for a local designer, and then Sunday I am walking in a charity fashion show to raise money for a high school’s special need program. I wouldn’t say walking in four to five inch heels is out of my comfort zone, per se, but parking downtown is. And so is getting dressed in front of strangers backstage.
Marni
I love strawberry cupcakes! I felt the same way that you did when I strated using agave nectar and gluten free flour but to my surprise the cakes always turn out really well. It’s good to mix things up a bit now and then. :0
I’m going to my Flamenco dance class and planning to make an avocado chocolate mousse!
P.S. I really enjoy reading your blog posts and trying out your recipes!
abby
I am running a ten mile race on Sunday! And carb loading tomorrow night in preparation :)
Cassidy W
I am staying home by myself this weekend, while my boyfriend is going to his family’s place. There is a benefit for my bosses family to help raise money to offset the cost of their granddaughter being in the hospital. I need/have to be here, but being alone can be a bit nerve racking.
R.
I was just diagnosed with Celiac disease, and I’ve already been experimenting with some of your other recipes using gluten-free flours (because let’s be honest–that chicken pot pie looked too good not to try). So bless you for saving me the trouble with these cupcakes!
Out of my comfort zone this weekend: putting an early, slapdash finish on two grad school papers so that I can find the time (and the chutzpah) to make dinner for this handsome-cum-fascinating boy I accidentally had dinner with last week…before he moves out of the state. I’m thinking my invitation will be something really romantic like, “So. I cook. Do you eat?”
Sandra
I’m running a 5K tomorrow with my mom and sister. It’s our first, we’re pretty much totally unprepared, and we’ve never done anything like it before. Despite all that, we’re gonna run it. For realsies.
Bree
My little sister is gluten-intolerant. I am ALWAYS looking for great gluten-free recipes for us to make together. She eats chips and salsa many nights because many gluten-free recipes are too complicated for when she gets out of nursing school in the evenings.
Thank you for giving me a nice way to make her a tasty treat!
I just signed up for my first marathon and will begin the official training regimen this weekend. Whew! Wish me luck!
Emily Cutsinger
I am cooking/baking for a baby shower. My second ever decorated cake for someone else! Just finished the fondant and marzipan decorative top pieces.
Staci
Of all the blogs I subscribe to, yours is always the first one I jump on when I see a new post. Yes, you are just that cool to me. I talk about you to the girls I work with as if you and I go way back. You might be an idol-okay, you ARE an idol.
This weekend, my husband and I are fostering a stray dog he found in Detroit earlier this week. This puppy unfortunately had to have part of his tail amputated today (from a horrible wound he sustained from who knows how long ago) and was neutered at the same time. My husband said it best when he stated that not only did he (puppy) lose his manhood, he lost part of his doghood all in one foul swoop. Then there is the cone of shame he is dealing with, so it’s been a rough day for him. My cats have been confined to my step son’s room for the weekend and are sporting some pretty impressive mohawks from the new sounds and scents of the weekend “intruder”.
Leah W.
Leaving my comfort zone is hard to do these days since I threw caution to the wind and threw a dart a map and moved where it landed. After moving to a place where I knew no one, had no where to live when I got here, and no job lined up, most things seem tame these days. But I will strongly endorse trying to stretch horizons because it seems like it totally worked for you with these awesome cupcakes, and it most definitely worked for me. Cause now I totally landed my dream job as a zookeeper and I stand next to a tiger and work on training a bear.
I love it when you go for different things. It was your avocado chocolate cake that got me hooked on your blog (and also baking in general). Speaking of which I think I’ll make one tomorrow. mmmmmm. Yummy.
Jessannaj
Well, where do I start? THIS WEEKEND: We are buying our first home. my husband graduates his police training academy (which up until this weekend, has left me ‘husbandless’ for 6 months, thus me single handedly wrangling our 4 children (ages 6 years old down to 16 months old) AND we now get to drive across the country with 4 young kids 6 and under- this weekend to move to our new ‘home town’- did i mention its across the country!? yes… and I’m packing my home at the same time hosting family for grad- in a house (across the country) Man, if only I had a gluten-free cupcake cook book to look forward to ‘settling down’ and baking once again!
Anna
Gluten-free goodness? Don’t mind if I do! This weekend? Wash my hair, then train into Glasgow and get lost on purpose. Ya know, the kind of lost that makes you wander and watch people and simply keep walking, because you don’t know where you’re going but you can’t stay where you’ve been. Make sense? Maybe I’ll stumble upon a park and plop myself down for a wee read. Who knows; the possibilities are endless . . . like a Ritz cracker.
Natalie
these look just splendid! this weekend i will be logging some hours of productivity in at the library (SO outside my comfort zone) before i finish off my freshman year of college (which i came to realize can now be in my comfort zone). oh, and trying these will surely be outside my comfort zone as well!
gentle reader
I’ve been daunted by gluten-free baking also. But I love Elana’s site, and her recipes always look yummy. This weekend I’m cleaning out my closets–definitely outside my comfort zone!
Stephanie
I’m taking a social work licensure prep class. I am totally terrified to take this exam! That and getting ready to finish my last week of Grad school!!
Emily Ayers
This weekend my husband, of 6 months, decided to take a weekend kayaking trip with his buddies. I’m home alone, for the first time. This is REALLY out of my comfort zone. Let’s just say the electric bill will be a little higher as I am definitely planning on keeping all of the lights and TV on. :)
Paige
Not doing anything exciting this weekend, but the sun is shining! This is good.
pbackholm(at)gmail(dot)com
Candice
love this recipe! this weekend I’m finishing up the work for my last week at college! graduating in two weeks! that’s deff out of my comfort zone
Megle23
Eh..Ill be working Saturday and Sunday ;/
Jenny
Hmmm…I’m going to a grown-up dinner party for the first time. Should be fun.
Ashley
I am going to try baking my first gluten free dessert this weekend. My friend was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease, so I am going to give this a shot. And, if I were to win the cookbook, I would pass it on to her, since she also loves to bake.
Ella @ The Single Girl's Kitchen
Well, my parents and grandma are in town all weekend, so I’m not doing much outside of my comfort zone. We’re hitting all the major tourist sites and eating a ton of great food. But I am currently outside of my stomach’s comfort zone, after eating fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, skillet cornbread, a steak, mashed sweet potatoes, and mushroom risotto. Yes that was all one meal.
Mary K
I’m gonna spend my weekend freaking out and spinning my wheels because I have to move my family in three weeks and I’m totally not prepared. Seriously, I’m going to try to do something productive to make it less daunting. And maybe throw in a little yoga to calm my nerves.
Krisla
This weekend, I will be going to my first jazz concert. Exciting times, my friend.
Mary Martha
Putting school on hold for the weekend to spend time with my cousin, her husband and their kiddos! I may be stressed come Tuesday but it will be worth it!
Summer
This weekend I’m painting my kitchen yellow, like sunshine. This puts me out of my comfort zone because I know that my landlord wouldn’t appreciate it. I think my kitchen will though.
Staci A
The cupcakes look amazing! I haven’t had any sort of cupcakes since going gluten free (and I miss them terribly!) I don’t have anything too adventurous or out of my comfort zone for the weekend. I will be picking up my things from a consignment sale and it’s always a pain, so I guess I could consider that.
Amy
I’m heading to Kentucky to see some of my husband’s family. I’m not expecting much out of my comfort zone…unless I hear banjos! Yikes!
This recipe looks great…I’ll have to give it a shot.
Deb in Indiana
No adventures this weekend, but I did help my daughter cook a vegan meal for one of her friends — we made your chocolate cookies for dessert.
Jen
I’m learning all about Nephrology…not! I’m making up clever mnemonics to help my husband study Nephrology. Lord help me!
LimeCake
I’m learning how to macarons! Those things are daunting!
Megan
Some important people in my life are gluten-intolerant, and they haven’t had a cupcake in a very long time. :) As for me, this weekend I’m tackling brioche for the first time!
Stacey
I’m giving up my Saturday routine to interview potential new principals for my school… I adore my Saturdays, I look forward to them every week, but some how this seemed more important!
kayleigh
going to a musical this weekend….not usually my style, but willing to give it a try!
Toki
Is it hard to find arrowroot and coconut flour?
This weekend, I’m dressing up as a clown and taking the subway, going to Times Square, Herald Square, and all other extremely crowded sections of New York City just to take pictures of myself all for a single school project. (It’s not everyday you see a clown walking the streets of New York City)
I’d say that’s going a significant way out of my comfort zone.
The Newlywed Chefs
Elana is the bomb! She has opened my eyes to the gluten-free world. This weekend, we’re doing laundry… which is always outside of anyone’s comfort zone, right?
Ada Ortiz
Wow, these look absolutely delicious! I’m going to try and make challah bread this weekend! I love to bake, I try to bake whenever I have an ounce of free time, but I usually suck at making bread and baking anything with yeast scares me half to death! I just got a new cookbook, the Martha Stewart Baking Handbook, there’s a recipe for Challah bread and it looks delicious! So, I’m going to attempt making it and although nervous of the outcome I’m also very excited of the fact that I just might be victorious!! Yummy…bread! I can see some delicious french toast coming out of that!
Amy beth
you got me on my one unexciting weekend, for real… i got nothing..tee ball, date with my husband, and spring cleaning BS…snooooze
Julie (Bananas for Bourbon)
I’m making jambalaya for the first time, so venturing out of my comfort zone a bit there!
Robyn
This weekend I am going to book a flight to MA. I am extremely fearful of flying, however my wedding shower is in MA and I live in OH. While I’m in MA I’m also going to do a cake testing, gluten free and dairy free! Just thinking about flying makes me sick, but I’m excited about seeing my friends and family!!
dawn p
Super excited for this recipe. I have a few friends that are gluten free, so it’s nice to have a recipe that is simple. Thanks!
heather
This weekend we’re moving out of our home (rented, lease is up) into a vacation rental on the ocean for that last two weeks of our station here, before we move to a new USMC base in North Carolina. Talk about being out of the comfort zone.
Cheers,
*Heather*
Marie
My cousin has an intolerance to gluten; would love to win it for her! ;) hmm, this weekend we won’t be doing anything too exciting.
darcy
Delicious!! I am glutton for gluten free cupcakes!!
Faye
I love trying new baking supplies! I’ve always stared at the coconut and almond flours at the grocery store but have never been brave enough to buy them (someone may think I know what to do with them!).
This weekend I am having some friends over to watch Harry Potter. Not a big deal for most people but I define the word ‘introvert’ so it is pretty exciting for me. I really want to go all out and make all sorts of Harry Potter styled treats but I think I will take it slow and just go for cookies this time.
Dennis
As one of the boys who reads this, my weekend endeavors are far less fancy than the girls. I will be, however, painting a dining room that has taken hmmmm…6 years to complete? Yeah, I know. Maybe someday I’ll get around to making these. They do look amazing and anticipate being diagnosed with some type of gluten intolerance so this would be a great starting point. Great blog by the way. You seem pretty cool. And rather funny. In a good way, not a weird way.
Jen DeMoss
This weekend I’m going up norht camping with some friends, which isn’t so uncomfortable. I’m just a little upset about the cost of gas to get there. Thanks!
Kat @ Cupcake Kat
These cupcakes sound fabulous!
I bake gluten free frequently so I would love to have a copy of that cook book. Its calling my name!
This weekened I am working at my new job. I have to make a bunch of coffee drinks and I’m not so used to that yet
Alicia W.
I’m not really doing anything outside of my comfort zone, just hanging out with my hubby! :)
Kristen
I’m going to figure out how to fix my leaky bathroom faucet! I’ve been ignoring it for way too long because I’ve never done plumbing before, but I have a book and a local hardware store and I’m going fix it!!!
Stephanie R.
garden clean out… out of my comfort zone because i have NO IDEA WHAT I’M DOING!
Misty
I’m performing in three concerts! Two of which I’ll be showcased in! Yikes!
Tonya
I just found out almost 2 months ago that my 8 year son is allergic to wheat… which is a big change for a kid! His birthday was a week after we found out.. and we scrabbled to figure out what to do for a birthday cake. We found a local bake shop that makes Gluten free items… and they were able to make a cake. But… that was one fix. I am now trying to find recipes that are good that he will like… so far… I have made a lot of Rice Krispie treats!…. and a lot with Gluten free Biscquick!.. My weekends consist of grocery shopping and work… nothing exciting… but it would make my sons day to help me make cupcakes again! This cookbook looks amazing… and I have to admit every recipe that I have found online are overwhelming… they call for things that are expensive… things I can’t find…. and things that I just have never heard of! Six ingredients… I could handle that! and this recipe you have posted looks sooooo yummy… I love the idea of fresh fruit in them!
Hope you’ll consider my son Bryce and I!
Blessings,
Tonya
Brittany
Hey Joy!
Those cupcakes look delicious & refreshing, they just might inspire me to turn my oven on again! I’m hating on this LA heat – I have a tiny kitchen with no A/C :(
I have so many friends that are GF & I LOVE baking for them. Challenges inspire me so when one of my friends who can’t eat gluten reminisces about something they miss from the white flour world I go out of my way to reinvent it in GF form.
Anyway – this weekend I plan on stepping out of my comfort zone & attempting to BBQ! I’m the master of my kitchen but Holy Fluffy Bunnies does the BBQ scare me. There’s stacking the charcoal, getting them properly lit, do I leave the lid on when I cook? Ahhhhhh! I’ll just use my stove thankyouverymuch but alas, it’s going to be perfect picnic weather in LA so I’ll try for the sake of my meat loving friends.
Denise
I love that this recipe doesn’t sound overly complicated with millions of different flours! This weekend I am stepping slightly out of my comfort zone and going to tackle making myself a jacket! I have only ever sewn simple things like dress and skirts before so im thinking this may be a bit of a challenge but we all need a challenge occasionally! :)
Nikki Burns
Welcome to the world of gluten-free baking :)
I was diagnosed with celiac disease almost 2 years ago and relied on store bought cupcakes and desserts. Since then, I’ve tackled gluten free baking head on, since I can’t stop at a cafe to buy a muffin :)
I have found (after dozens of failed attempts) that a mixture of brown rice, white rice, sorghum, and tapioca flours works well. I change the amounts based on the type of cupcake (more tapioca for a lighter cupcake, sorghum for a denser cake)….
I’ve never used coconut flour before. I should try these out!
Feel free to stop by my website too! I have taken quite a few recipes off (I’m trying to open my own completely gluten free bakery), but there are still a few up!
Nikki :)
Elizabeth
Well Joy, I’m not doing much out of my comfort zone but my daughter is auditioning for Glades tomorrow…I don’t know where she gets it from!
Emily
This weekend will consist of throwing out/donating almost everything I own. I’m moving to Europe in June and cannot bring most of my things with me. The five things that are must haves are, my kitchen aid, my clothes, my cookbooks, my laptop and my camera.
The cupcakes look very tasty. I once lived with a roommate who could only eat gluten-free, and at first I was skeptical but after trying a few of her dishes, I was actually quite impressed!
Jen Johnson
I made whole grain muffins with Whole Wheat Pastry Flour and Millet!!! That is definitely out of my white sugar and all-purpose flour routine. Results? Delish!!!
aubry
Pick me! Pick me! These cupcakes look absolutely scrumptious :) Thanks for sharing!
Jen-
I have gluten-free friends and I’ve used one of your delish recipes to give one of them a chocolate fix. She’s so bummed to be allergic to gluten and very negative…but after she ate my cupcakes, just floated home happy, full and with a gift box full of more cupcakes than she could ever ask for. I told her she didn’t have to share with her hubs….she didn’t. Not. One. Bite. Haha.
Thanks Joy. You are rightfully named…bringing joy to us all. *HUGS*
PS: I’d love that cookbook! But I promise I will share. ;)
Emily
This weekend I am having my senior prom! Fun right? I’m one of the five girls in my class (100 kids in my class) with no date. So, I’m determined to go and show everyone how beautiful I am, and what all the guys are missing out on. It’s gonna be great. :) Besides that I am struggling to land a job at a cupcake store. I’ve been going in every day for a week, and Saturday is gonna be my big break. I’m gonna go in, and introduce myself to the second manager (I’ve already met the first one), and tell her how much I want the job. So wish me luck! Also a gluten free cupcake recipe book could never go wrong in these baker-girl hands. :)
Melissa
I will be building a light box for a stained-glass “window” my dad made years and years ago. Hopefully it’ll light up the glass and give it a beautiful glow in my foyer.
JenTX
Oh YUM! These look wonderful. I’m also intimidated by arrowroot and agave nectar and yes, even coconut flour. I’ve never made anything with those ingredients but these look so good, I may have to go in search. I love strawberries and I can see me just topping these with some whipped cream….Mmmmmm. This weekend, other than making these cupcakes? I’ll be painting baseboards…..Ugh!
Rachel
These look pretty and delicious! I have a few friends at work who are gluten free…might have to make these to bring into work.
I am assisting with a walk a-thon on Sunday morning that will involve some public speaking…definitely reaching out of my comfort zone :)
Catherine
Well, I am planning on going to a Celtic Festival all day tommorow and taking tons of awesome photos of men in their kilts!! Ha! That should be fun. :) And I am definitly sleeping in after getting up at 4 a.m. to watch the Royal Wedding! Oh and these cupcakes look super delicous; today we just bought some fresh strawberries and I cannot wait to try this recipe!
Autumn
I recently realized that I have a gluten intolerance…so this recipe excites me! I can’t wait to try it. A lot of the recipes I’ve tried have been less than delicious. But I have hopes for this one! :) This weekend I’m staying in and cleaning. Not fun, but totally necessary.
Laura
Yum, those sound (and look) delicious. I love learning to use new ingredients. My husband and I have recently decided to eat organic/natural and vegetarian…so this week I went grocery shopping in a whole new way! It was completely out of my comfort zone, and this weekend I plan to use some of my new ingredients (like agave nectar). I love to bake, so I’m learning how to bake my usuals in more healthy ways! Thanks for your always-yummy recipes!
Lily Lou
Pretty boring weekend. I am doing my first juice cleanse. Inspired by your experience. That is outside of my comfort zone.
Maggie D
Those cupcakes look delicious!
This weekend, my plate is full – hitting up a flea market tomorrow, running a ton of errands, and then going to a baseball game with friends on Sunday. Going to enjoy the sunshine!
debbie
my nephew, 3yo, is strictly gluten free. this cupcake book would be WONDERFUL so his mom can make him some delicious sweets.
an “out of my comfort zone” event is happening tomorrow – I’m attending an open house/housewarming party that’s expected to have several hundred people in attendance.
Courtney
My mom recently decided to go gluten free after dealing with digestive problems for several years. She tested negative for Celiac’s but has experienced a HUGE improvement since going gluten free. It’s encouraged me to try some gluten free recipes and limit my gluten intake as well. Some recipes I’ve tried have been delicious, others have been flops. I’m excited to add another winner to the recipe file! We’re traveling this weekend so my out of comfort zone plans are leaving our dog in the care of some friends for the first time since we got him.
April Kofler
I plan on making friendship bread and taking some to our new neighbor and my husband just got me a new cookbook “babycakes” Gluten-free vegan recipes by Erin McKenna I have never cooked gluten free before. Then off to a ball game to take pictures for their little league yearbook. But other then that not much. :o)
Kmarie I have a super easy fondant recipe on my blog if you had not made your yet.
shari
I am experimenting with gluten free baking for a co worker but not much success so far. I can’t wait to try this recipe. Would love to accept this giveaway from you.
Out of my comfort zone this weekend by attending the local community college for a class. UGH!
Sarah P
I am using my dehydrator for the second time and being adventurous – two kinds of raw granolas, dried strawberries and smashed bananas as well as buckwheat crispies and walnuts. Sure hope it all turns out!
Heather Leiby
Delving into gluten free little at a time, this book would be great since I could live on desert alone! This weekend I’m spending time with my family, our last few weekends were super busy and hectic. So staying home, making desert, and chilling with my men! (hubby and two baby boys!)
laura @ glutton for nourishment
this weekend i am going to attempt to start gardening. we will see.
Angela S
I’m walking for MS on Sunday after spending the rest of the weekend preparing a project for class.
Beth Brooks
First of all, I’d just like to say that I stumbled across your website the other day and I. am. in. love. I can’t wait to use some of these recipes. Secondly, today I got put waaaay outside of my comfort zone: I had to take the MCAT. Just in case you don’t know what that is, it is like the GRE for medical school. I’m slightly freaked out. I have no control over this anymore and I have a month to wait for me scores. 30 days. Geesh. Talk about outside of one’s comfort zone.
Martha
Tomorrow I’m going to run a 5k for the first time in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure! It’ll be a challenge for me! But what’s scary is that I’ll be running with my boyfriend’s family and will be spending the day alone with them because he woke up sick today and can’t run tomorrow. I’ll definitely be out of my comfort zone.
Audie
I love Elana’s website and would love her book and some fun, new ingredients. I’m stepping out of my comfort zone this weekend by attempting to take my prenatal vitamins again. May not sound like much but after 17 weeks of nausea I think I’m about ready!!
Christie
I just started a new job coaching gymnastics. I have to attend a coaches meeting with all of the other coaches. Very much so out of my comfort zone!
CaitlinAnn
Out of my comfort zone – that’s basically my life now! Today was my last day of my undergrad studies and I am sooooo close to graduation! I don’t know what I’m doing next in life, but I am going out in the real world now and although its scary I am determined to face it with everything I’ve got :) And your cupcakes look super delish!
Elisa
Those sound delicious, even though I, too, am wary of gluten-free baking sometimes…
This weekend I will be teaching some Icelandic lessons. I don’t know why I agreed to that, since I barely speak the language at all after a few years of not practicing, but it should be an adventure. Definitely outside of my comfort zone.
Jen OConnor
I’m going to attempt to make macaroons. It is something out of my comfort zone. If they don’t come out right, will I cry? I don’t know but probably attempt it again in the fall—because I could just blame it on the weather, right? I don’t know. So, I guess I am baking something out of my comfort zone. If this works, maybe baked Alaska next?
Radhika
I plan to grill. First time ever…by myself!! Eeekk.
kmarie
i have until tomorrow morning to finish a 3 tier fondant covered cake for a birthday party. due to a little disorganization on my part, i have no fondant and no where to get any. i am about to leave my comfort zone and make fondant with marshmallows (melted in a microwave, to boot) and mixed with confectioner’s sugar. ’cause i have those things in my kitchen. oh yeah–i also have to make a monkey out of this homemade fondant to sit on top of the cake. with a banana. and a palm tree. and some flowers. oh my.
Elaine H
I’m driving my kids to their activities this weekend….orchestra practice, church, grandma’s house.
jennifer P
After being out of school for 17 years i finally decided to go to college…Started my first semester in january…Finals start monday, totaly out of my comfort zone and i have two little kids..could totaly use a happy ending to the semester!!! Cupcakes and 4 A’s go nice together!!!!
Mirtha
out of my comfort zone……….. maybe I could step out and try to bake gluten-free cupcakes! I have two bottles of agave nectar, unopened, in the pantry, just gotta find that coconut flour and arrowroot. I gotta make some changes in my diet.
RebeccaUtah
Oooh I can’t wait for this weekend…particularly to get it over with. I have my LAST long run before I run a marathon…If I survive it will be triumphant. :) I hope I win! Thanks for the opportunity.
James
couples counseling.
Taylor Gramps
I have a whole slew of things that make this weekend out of my comfort zone:
1. Tomorrow morning, I am going to wake up at an unsane hour to do a 5k with my boyfriend and little sister.
2. I am wrapping up my first semester of grad school, and this weekend I will be writing a case study FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME on an insanely cool non-profit org
3. Last night I made the spicy cornbread from smittenkitchen.com and it was crazy delicious
4. Commenting! I have never commented on your blog before, but I have been a loyal reader and fellow baker for years. THIS is my very first comment!
sarah b.
i just brought home twin girls from the hospital – right now everything feels a little outside of my comfort zone! :) this looks like an amazing cookbook – i bake with coconut flour all the time and love the results and so do all of my non-gf friends and family.
Megan
I am going to buy furniture – totally outside my comfort zone. I also just found out this month that I’m a celiac/gluten intolerant and will be trying new recipes as well…this book looks tempting!
Elizabeth Benotti
Hello, these look delightful and perfect for the upcoming strawberry season. I am a huge fan of coconut flour. The smell puts a smile on my face. I think I am baking up some gluten free cherry scones this weekend based off a recipe from a good friend of mine who is a baker…though his is not gluten free. I would love a chance to win this giveaway. Thanks
Natalie A
I am starting a running program… and I am definitely not runner.
Lena Goodwin
Out of my comfort zone….watching my oldest play baseball for the first time ever. 2nd grade little league can be brutal. Then we are building a greenhouse so the raccoons don’t get to me fruits and veggies this year. Me and hammers not so great. And of course I will bake something new, not sure what yet. But I push myself every weekend to try a new recipe. Maybe if I had some coconut flour I would try gluten free!
Grace
Personally I find all batters to be gloriously glamourous. There’s all kinds of magic happening in that bowl of love. There….I said it….
Early in the morning I will be gearing up for a scrimmage in Roller Derby with girls that are not on the same team as I. To me, its a little tougher to play because you aren’t as familiar with the girls you are playing with unlike the girls on your team. Its like working with ingredients you never used before, you know the outcome is going to rock but the ride may be a tad bumpy!
I have always wanted to try gluten free baking but was leery about the flavor of the finished product. These cupcakes would be perfect to try especially since I have amazing strawberries to use!
Renee, Your Sweet Tooth Therapist
So happy to see strawberries are back in season!! Out of my comfort zone? I’m converting many of my recipes to whole grain, including some gluten free. Yes, absolutely out of my comfort zone. But I’m a dietitian who sees patients who deal with diabetes, celiac disease, etc. So I’m working on changing my wonderful southern comfort sweet recipes to something a bit healthier that I can share with my patients. Thanks for this post. I’m encouraged and inspired!
Ellen
what am i doing this weekend? well, i’m cooking and eating a lot of gluten free food :) i do that everyday though, and i would love to add these cupcakes to my repertoire.
i am also working on research for my senior anthropology thesis. on food blogs. does THAT make you nervous?? ;)
Angel
I love your blog, and I have to admit these cupcakes look tempting – even if they are gluten free. I love cookbooks and cupcakes, so I’d love to enter your contest.
This weekend, I’m making an Elmo cake for my son’s second birthday party. -Totally out of my comfort zone. I enjoy baking and eating, but I’m not the best at presentation. I’m making red velvet cupcakes (Elmo is red) with red tinted chocolate buttercream icing. The real trick is going to be making the frosting tasty yet firm enough to use as decoration. Wish me luck!
Trish
I’m actually making gluten free bread this weekend! It’s out of my comfort zone, because I just started a gluten-free diet…haven’t tried too many desserts yet, but I would LOVE experiment. The cookbook would really help. ;) Hope you have a great weekend, Joy!!
Cori
I’m catering food for a store grand opening and I have to deliver it by myself. Pretty NOT comforting!
Faith Epp
I’ve been gf for about 3 years & my hubby was just told that he needs to go gf too. For him, it’ll be baby steps bcuz it’s a hard adjustment to make if you’ve eaten wheat based foods (cereal, bread, etc.) all your life – you guys all know that. This weekend we will be looking for gf recipes that he can try. He’s always been wary of my gf trip & only recently has he accepted it, now he needs to go on this trip – it’ll be nice to be doing it together.
Giovanna
I used to work in the week end (lucky me! I work in as a museum educator in a contemporary art museum in Rome and week end means work work work!). This week end not. Tomorrow I ask for a day off and sunday in Rome will be the Chaos: beatification of John Paul II. Can you imagine? So I’ll spend this week end barricated at home.
Rebecca
I have a friend and her daughter who are wheat-free and love making cupcakes. This cookbook looks like just the right thing for them.
This weekend I’ll be displaying one of my quilts in a local show. Scary!
Nico
ooh, these look yummy! This weekend I am fabricating chickens to improve my time … Chicken makes me squeamish but doing this will help me get a job in the future :)
Mika
looks delish.. my Mom eats gluten-free and baking one dessert for the whole family is often a challenge.. now just to change the icing to dairy-free!
Karen White
This weekend I’ll be writing up a CV for residency applications (I’m in med school). It is going to be scary.
Giovanna
I love the summer fruit… strawberries are a real gift form nature!
Kathleen
I tried to make gluten free banana cupcakes a few weekends ago, and they did NOT turn out well. I already did my thing out of my comfort zone — interviewed someone on camera for a school project. I hate the way I sound on camera, but I did what I had to do!
Eva
this weekend i’m eating a pie milkshake (yes, exactly what you’re thinking, a milkshake with an entire piece of delicious pie blended into it) from http://greenchilekitchen.com/chilepies/ in san francisco. that will undoubtedly be out of my comfort zone as my pants will be super uncomfortable after that shake. i’ll be in need of some gluten-free baking! : )
heather myers
It’s my birthday! I am going out with my hubby-kids are staying home with a sitter!
megan
I have instant and consistent success with bette hageman’s GF featherlite blend – I don’t remember the ratios offhand, but it has rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. Rice flours are tricky. The only good one I’ve found is from authentic foods. I substitute 1:1 and add a little xantham gum, a little less than a teaspon per 3 cups of flour mix. Leite’s choc chip cookies, david lebovitz’s gingersnaps and his jam tart – all awesome with this. If you really want a super special cake for a gf friend, send me an email. The recipe is too long to paste here, especially if you don’t care to have it!
Amy Elizabeth
After being self sufficient for the past 4 years of college, I am moving home this weekend….waaaay outside my comfort zone, but it feels waaaay right.
Monica
On Saturday I will be attending a Guitar Hero party…but am one of very few people to have never played!
Samantha H
I’ve just been told that I have to give up gluten and I’m devastated! I love fluffy breads, yummy cakes and pizza… I have found nothing telling me what I can eat, just things telling me what I can’t so this book has lifted my hopes! My fingers are totally crossed that I win this, it would be a great start to the daunting gluten free path ahead!
For doing something out of my comfort zone… I can’t think of anything! I am long-term sick so many of my days are the same at the moment! Although, if anything arises I will do it and think of this post :)
Thanks for the great giveaway! Samantha xx
Kaitlyn
This weekend I am doing nothing special…..but I really want to win this book so the “big” event is that I am entering a short story contest tormorrow. So….ya. Hopefully I am lucky!!
Rita
Usually my son has baseball games on the weekends but this weekend we get to relax. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Magpies Recipes
I so want that book! my one year old was tested with wheat allergies and I am having a hard time dealing with that because I want him to be able to eat my baked goodies so that I don’t end up snaffling everything that comes out of the oven!
Thanks for this lovely recipe! Will be trying it soon!
So what am I doing this week end outside of my comfort zone you ask:
I am/will be hosting THREE events on my blog that coincided at the same time, and I’m packing ( or supposed to be packing) to shift houses the next week end and I also plan to bake for a bake sale ( my second ever) as soon as I move!
Courtney
My out of my comfort zone thing I’m doing this weekend is going to trapeze school…that’s right i’m learning how to join the circus. It’s for the bachelorette party of a friend of mine getting married in May. She still doesn’t know what we’re doing because her sister (and maid of honor) chose it, we’ll see how it goes…..
I Wilkerson
Wow–even the batter is pretty. Since you’ve challenged me, I think I’ll try cooking with some lavender this weekend. It’s a new ingredient for me, though I see you’ve worked with it. I had an amazing lemon lavender cupcake last summer and it has haunted me since (not to mention my youngest won’t shut up about missing it).
irene
Well, I’m going to India in about a week and a half, so that’s waay outside my comfort zone. This weekend, I’m getting packed and getting to know my teammates, all of whom were complete strangers before we all decided to go to India!
Jessica
I’m making preparations to open a jewelry shop on Etsy, which is totally out of my comfort zone, me not being a business person in the least. Hopefully my preparations this weekend will allow me to open up very soon!
I would love to try the gluten free cupcakes! I’ve learned to love (store bought) gluten free cookies, and cupcakes are the next step forward!
Jodi
These look great! Thanks for the recipes & the contest. This weekend I’ll be trying out some new recipes and trying to develop a few of my own – def. new & rather daunting for me!
Kristi
I have been eating gluten-free for a few months now. I just found Elana’s website and LOVE it!
This weekend I am going house hunting. Definitely out of my comfort zone. Makes me feel old!
Megan LaBelle
I have a few friends who are gluten free, and I would love to make them cupcakes they could enjoy!!
annabel
I did something wayyyy out of my comfort sone today. I opened my first savings account! yep. And it AUTOMATICALLY withdraws from my checking into my savings once a month. SO SCARY. Its time to face the music and start acting grown up (at least grown up enough to make other people think I’m slightly responsible) since I still spend the rest of my days baking cupcakes and horsing around Boston singing in public.
Janette
Cool giveaway, thanks! I really enjoy your blog and your recipes, and baking is my comfort zone. What is definitely NOT my comfort zone is cleaning my house, but that is exactly what I will be doing this weekend — in preparation for dear daughter’s First Communion. Love the reason, DESPISE the work! Cheers!
melanie
Outside my comfort zone…I blew everyone off and got out of town
Gina, Mom to The Shoe
Two of my daughter’s friends have Celiac – as do both of their mothers who are friends of mine. This has made me much more sensitive to having GF goodies at birthday parties and other events. I tried doing a birthday cake from scratch and it was a disaster! So, I’d love a GF cookbook!!!! :) Outside of my comfort zone, I’m going to be attempting to draw a decent looking cupcake for my front door. (long story) Will draw and paint two matching cupcakes on kraft paper, spray them with laquer, put ’em together, stuff with plastic bags, cutiefy them (it’s a word in my head, go with me) and get it hung on the front door to celebrate my middle daughter’s birthday in a couple of weeks.
sunnysideupmama
Um, outside my comfort zone….attempting to bake gluten free goods for a dress-your-bike-up-ride-through-the-streets-and-fly-a-kite-parade with many children and moms and dads looking for a yummy treat after! Wish me luck. Gluten free is my new mandated necessity, and as such, the next culinary challenge (positive thinking) wink, wink :)
Lina
Woah. I don’t think I’ve actually ever made anything baked that was gluten free. My dad has gout, and his doc told him he can’t have a large amount gluten. But, he’s also fat, so it’s a good thing he can’t have any of my cookies and stuff. >:)
Cristine
Yum! I love all things coconut and the thought of baking with coconut flour is exciting to me. I can’t wait to try it! Last weekend was a very “out of my comfort zone” weekend – bought a new car, went on a blind date, dramatic dealings with family I haven’t seen in years – so I think this weekend the only thing thing that’s going to push me out of my comfort zone is watching 127 Hours.
Tammi
I am about to tackle installation of laminate flooring….waayy outside my comfort zone…give me baking any day over this:) Love the cupcakes, can’t wait to try them!
Channon
This weekend (hey the whole week) is full of culinary adventure. Today, I am serving a tofu dessert to my husband and his friends. I have made this frozen peanut butter pie before and love it. The crazy part is serving it to folks who don’t eat tofu. Will they just enjoy it? Or will they get freaked out? I think they are open to trying it and it’s what hubby wanted for his birthday, so I made it!
Tomorrow I am going to make from scratch Aloo Gobi, which I have never done before.
And earlier this week I made 5 types of Asian-inspired dumplings and some ravioli. Fun with WonTon wrappers!! I have never made dumplings but I just dove in and they are quite good.
And, last but not least, I started my own food blog after much persuading from my husband and friends. How’s that for adventerous?
Esther
I’m going to TWO weddings this weekend! Well, the first one I just watched on TV, but being English we put on such a huge party (with 5 types of cake to go with the champagne) that it felt like I was there. And at the second tomorrow I’m wearing a huge flower in my hair, which is slightly out of my comfort zone, but it looks rather lovely :)
Love your work Joy. Keep it up! x
Kristin Thomas
these look wonderfully different! i am reluctantly spending the weekend getting ready for the annual neighborhood garage sale- where my son now a freshman in college still sells hot dogs and baked goods~ i may try this recipe and see how they go!
Nicolena
Ohhh, those look delicious! I love cupcakes!
I’m going to apply for a new job this weekend …intimidating…outside of my comfort zone!
Annie
I’ve been gluten free for over a year now… unfortunately, I’m fifteen, and going to eat with my friends goes as follows: Me, salad, them, pizza. Yeah. Bummer.
I have zero gluten free baking recipes that taste good. My GF cookie attempt made the cookies turn out so hard, you could throw them at a wall and they wouldn’t break. Yeah. So this weekend I am totally going to try to make this! Funny thing, is that today I made strawberry cupcakes at work, (I’m a baker too!) and I’ve been craving cupcakes [=
As far as outside of my comfort zone goes… I’m leading worship at church. Lord help me, I’m the shy little girl that barely talks. Yeah. I’m already nervous.
Cyndi B
I recently started on some G-Free goodies & I have been so pleased! I had the misconception that flavor would be compromised, oh boy was I WRONG! These look supper yummy but I might substitute the strawberries for pineapple & toasted coconut. YUM-O! ;o)
Am I Scared??
Tomorrow, I will drop my 16-year old daughter and a 16-year old male friend off at the local mall. She swears they are only friends, and you know, I believe her! I know that some of you are probably laughing at me right now, but hey, this is my world, not yours! I will not be worrying. I know my daughter. This young man is a foreign exchange student at her school. It will be fine, because I believe I have done my job as a parent well. I am ready. And them? They will laugh, eat, shop, and be free from the worries of SATs and State Exams. They have earned this excusion.
Erica
YUM! These look awesome. Especially with fresh strawberries in season. I have been meaning to take a trip to the plantation down the road for some picking. I’d love this book. I’ve been meaning to try coconut flour for some time now. Something outside my comfort zone? Getting more pregnant by the day ;)….and also working on our plants in the yard. We’ve done some work out there before, but we’re getting serious now and focusing on fertilizing, etc so we can have a gorgeous yard. So far so good on the garden front!
drew
GF and loving is.
My weekend… In-Laws after a death in the family that no one can mourn due to a wedding. Yeah awkwardness. But butterfly pancakes will bring smiles to my house. Maybe even strawberry cupcakes even I can eat!
ROSITA VARGAS
QUE MARAVILLOSOS CUTCAKES SE VEN DELICIOSOS ,SON UNA ADORACIÓN,FELICITACIONES.CARIÑOS Y ABRAZOS.
Courtney
I have some gluten-free in-laws, maybe I should use these to get more popular with them…
Well, outside of my comfort zone this weekend… I am going to a 6 year old’s birthday party at Jumpin J’s, which I think is just a big building with lots of things you can bounce around on. Crawling with other children under age 10. Yes, definitely outside my comfort zone!
Rhyann
This weekend, I’m planning on making homemade candy which is definitely out of my comfort zone. I’ve made tons of desserts, but I’ve never attempted candy, so I thought I could give it a try.
Katy from DiningwithDusty
This weekend I’m actually going to try to do something that I should have been doing all along: rather than obsessing about writing what might not be a good dissertation chapter, delaying the inevitable and driving myself more than a little crazy, I’m just going to do it–really push myself–and then see what happens. I really hope that it might be something like these cupcakes–surprisingly delicious and fun.
Lily
I’m brand new to GF cooking and baking and a friend forwarded this to me, this book would be a great one to start my collection.
caitlin
I started my weekend off this morning by baking your orange and dark chocolate scones! They were perfect. I did,however, forget the chocolate chips until the dough was already rolled out so I just poked them in. Still great! Tomorrow I’m going to lunch and for shopping with my lovely mother. Then dog sitting. At a house with a hot tub so its really a win. I’ll probably be buying a cute dress if at all possible.
Trevor
Something that’s outside of my comfort zone? Really? That’s hard for me, but maybe it will make you uncomfortable. I’m going to try really hard not to fart in church service this week… we always eat right before and it’s TORTURE!
Caitlin
The cupcakes look delish! This weekend I’m going to visit my sister in her new home! Housewarming cocktails here we come!
Jenna
This is so funny that you are jumping on the GF bandwagon because I just hopped on as well! I plan on taking on three different grains this weekend: millet, cous cous (not sure if this is GF…), and quinoa. I feel like going all Oregon Trail on the grain frontier. Hope I don’t get yellow fever.
Nani
I’m starting a new Yoga class in the new apartment complex that I now live in…..it’s been over 25 years since I did any yoga, and at this point, I can’t even touch my toes! We’ll see how much my body likes the stretching (or not)!
Madeline
Going to a baseball game!
Jenna
Outside my comfort zone = exercising for a 1/2 marathon. Yeah, you may be thinking “no big deal, loads of people run 1/2 marathons and full marathons” but i’ll tell you… i’m definitely not “one of those people”! I needed to get back into shape but I kept pushing it to another day; saying “O..I’ll do it tomorrow”. I decided in order to get my bum of the couch I had to truly challenge myself and push me WAY out of my comfort zone!! Wish my luck on my road to 13.1! (I hope I can get there).
Carla B
Well last weekend I tried to make black bean brownies….not so good. So this week I’m going to try to find another healthy dessert to fix my chocolate cravings. I’ve been working to loose 100 lbs…started on Feb. 1 and have lost 25 so far. I want to find something chocolatey and tasty..but that won’t kill my diet!!
Yvonne
This weekend I’ll be comforting my boyfriend who is having a rough time by simply being with him, watching good movies (his favorite pass time) and making him good food and desserts (to eat is also his favorite pass time).
Sarah
Just bought strawberries yesterday – perfect!!
This weekend I’m watching Braveheart with my husband. I’ve never seen it and we leave for a vacation in Scotland on Thursday so he’s making me watch it before we go! Maybe I’ll bake these cupcakes for us to enjoy during the movie…
Kassy
Yummy cupcakes! Out of my comfort zone…doing all the grocery and supply shopping on my own. I know it’s not that uncomfortable and actually maybe easier, but it’s really the thing I know have going this weekend! :)
Nicole Smith
This weekend I plan to go to church on Sabbath, spend some quality time with the kids and family and bake! I just received my first bag of almond flour on Wednesday and have only tried one gluten free recipe out! Would love to make gluten free bread but didn’t have the money to buy arrowroot yet!
kate
I am running 16 miles Sunday, as part of my marathon training. Definitely out of my comfort zone, haha. And as for gluten-free baking, baby steps is the key. First I started baking gluten-free, then gf + dairy-free, then refined-sugar free, and now I am working on egg-free (my sis is allergic, boo, but I still eat them, yum), and after my first marathon, grain-free! That is the beauty of the internet too, there are so many resources. And even though I do all this, I still love your site because as you practice more gf baking it gets easier to adapt recipes. A few weeks ago I made your lemon matcha marble poundcake gluten-free and refined-sugar free, and it was a big hit at my tea party!
Amber
This weekend I am cooking dinner for a large group of people from church- I can do small groups for dinner, but feeding a multitude is intimidating to me!
Stacy
We’re moving….done it before, but never alone and with a baby!
Becca
Thank you so much for posting this recipe! I work with children on the autism spectrum who are on a strict gluten free diet! Now I can make them a tasty treat to let hem know that “fun foods” can still be for them!! Thanks!
Natalia - a side of simple
Be still my heart. I have yet to have a gluten-free cupcake and I think that’s what is most missing from my life since finding out about my allergy.
This weekend I’m going to my friends’ church bbq. I’m excited, but also a bit nervous because I don’t know anyone except for them. But hey, it’s church so here’s to praying everyone is friendly :)
Terri
I’m going to practice a musical instrument for many, many hours this weekend. No comfort there. However, in the interest of all things adventurous and baking-related, I’ll practice naked if it’ll get me this cookbook!
mommynurse
I am working all weekend. Pretty comfortable and not very exciting. Am I disqualified for staying firmly within my comfort zone?
Twinkle
There look soo good!
I’ll probably be baking this weekend!
Maureen
Yummm – I’m going to try these next weekend after I have a chance to get to the store to buy the coconut flour and arrowroot powder. Already have the agave nectar and other stuff. I have a coworker who eats gluten free, she’ll love these.
Out of my comfort zone activity for the weekend: going to the opera, Madame Butterfly with a bunch of teen moms from a group home. The opera is old-hat for me. It’s being at an *opera* with teens who may or may not want to be there, that’s pushing the envelope for me. I work at the home, and this is their weekend recreational activity. Some of them will likely say “Opera??? that’s _______________( fill in the blank: lame, stupid, boring, no way you’re not makin me….)”
Once they get there they’ll enjoy it. Once I get there I can relax.
sorta.
thanks for the recipe. I have enjoyed your food blog for months now, but never commented. I use your recipes alot at the group home. LOVE your photos, too. They always make the recipes an easier sell to the girls I work with, and so yummy.
Maureen
Abby
This weekend I’m going to try and meet the curator of the museum where I just applied for a job. I’m a little intimidated.
M. Weinberg
My bff is gluten free. I’ve done a lot of gf baking for her- including chocolate croissants. GF baking is not that easy! There are usually a lot more ingredients and the consistency is usually totally different then what I am expecting. My bff and I have been in a fight for almost 7 months. I think these would be the perfect thing to bake and take to her and say “I’d like to be your friend again.” That’s not something I do, too uncomfortable. So maybe this weekend I’ll finally let myself cry over our lost friendship, admit to myself that everyone deserves another chance, bake some cupcakes, and set out to get my friend back.
Rebekah
Wow I think my mom could eat these.
As for the weekend, this is my last free weekend before the hay market starts and I’m planning on enjoying it to it’s fullest. We’ll probably get to go to some yard sales. Nothing out of my comfort zone there. Now talking to new people at our new church might be….
Haley
This weekend I’m doing my first triathlon and it is totally out of my comfort zone! I’m super nervous but excited at the same time :)
Amanda
This weekend I’m taking my boyfriend home to meet my family. I’ve never brought a boy home before. I’m petrified! I hope they like him, I hope he likes them, and, most importantly, after this weekend is over, I hope he still likes me after he sees where I’ve come from.
And I want those cupcakes.
Hannah
those look delicious!
I’m taking a Bharatanatyam dance class for the first time on Saturday- it’s a form of classical Indian dance, apparently pretty athletic. I don’t really know what to expect, but I’m sure it will be fun!
Kara
This weekend, I am participating in the MS Walk. I organize a team for four different charity walks every year. Unfortunately, I suck at recruiting and at fundraising. I don’t care. The organizers have told me that even if I don’t raise a dime, I am raising awareness. After the walk, my friends and I are off to have the best french toast in San Diego. I should mention that I am calling in sick to work so that I can walk with my team. So, *cough cough* I hope I feel better for work on Sunday.
jomamma
Those look SO yummy. I’ll be making chocolate chip cookies for my hubby and knitting on a sweater.
Angela
Whoa! WANT. I am climbing the carmel mountain, making homemade carmels. Yes, I know that makes me sound lame as a weekend event. I’m cool with it.
Kenzie Lou
Senior Prom! <3 Tomorrow night is the greatest night of high school life. Howeverrrrrrr…I unfortunately don't have date. I'll be showing up stag, and dancing with my girl friends! So that's just a little uncomfortable, being high school and what not. But hey – I might just bake some cupcakes to brighten the mood! ;) thanks joy
Bonnie
These look good! I have been trying out new recipes because people are asking for gluten free a lot. I’d love to win the book! This weekend I am actually doing a boutique type sale. I am not sure how it is going to go since I usually only do things by order. So I am getting things whipped up to take there. Scary!
Hazel
I am going dancing! We’ll see if I actually dance…
tina
We can’t have any wheat or eggs either but this recipe looks amazing! I hope my little guy outgrows his food allergies. I can’t wait to try this out.Have a wonderful weekend :)
Fariba Kerendi
Having 60 people over for a BBQ and doing all the cooking yourself…intimidating? You betcha! Especially when I have a gluten free little guy living under our roof. Can’t have goodies for all the other kids and none for him…now I can make these cupcakes and he will be so excited! Thanks!
Revellee
I love baking cupcakes!
That being said, that is not what I will be doing this weekend. I will instead be hosting a game of Risk and getting my engagement photos taken (not at the same time… I hope). I’ve never played and I’m not any good at stategy games like CIV, but my fiance and some boys from work really want to geek out together.
Let the games begin. And please please let me be photogenic for just one day!
Katrina
These look crazy good!
farrnanc
This weekend we are having a cupcake-athon. My daughter and I are baking all day Saturday. Maple bacon, Chocolate cherry, PB & J, S’mores, Rocky Road, Chocolate Cream cheese with cherry filling, Pumpkin with cream cheese filling and pumpkin pie topping, Strawberry and lemonade, Chocolate with salted caramel filling!!! Then on Sunday her friends are coming over to help us eat them, and tell us which ones they like!
Katie
I am participating in Relay for Life this weekend and representing a whole food nutritional product. It starts tonight at 6:00pm and goes until 6:00 am!
I have always wanted to cook with Almond flour. I think you have inspired me today to try it!
Katie
Carine @ Cupcakegalore
Lovely looking cupcakes. I have been thinking about trying gluten free cupcakes for ages, but haven’t gotten around to it yet – somehow I keep telling myself that it is so much harder in Greece where I live then in many other countires!
As for doing something outside my comfort zone this weekend… Hopefully/mabye I’ll give birth to my second child!
Candi
These cupcakes look amazing!!! After years and years of GI problems I have recently discovered that gluten is one of the culprits. Learning how to bake GF is daunting, to say the very least! Coconut Flour and Almond Flour are super cool. I am on a mission to learn how to bake successfully with them. Elana’s book looks awesome.
Every Friday night we host “Model Car Building Night” at our house. It’s officially called “Dinner, Model Car Building, and Cookies Night” but that tends to be a tad long-winded. Remember back in high school? When the cool kids would host parties and people would ‘hang out’ and stuff? Yeah, it’s kind of like that. But a lot nerdier. Like, crazy nerdier. I make food and we stay up until the wee hours of the night building model cars. Win. Really. I promise.
Karleen
This weekend I’m going on a blind dinner date. Having a boy you don’t know pick up the phone and actually call you to invite you to dinner to a place where reservations are required is very rare these days, so I’m feeling very out of my comfort zone. But I’m hoping it turns out as successful as your cupcakes were with going out of your gluten-free baking comfort zone. Also, my bff is gluten-free and I would love to give her this book!
Becks
Joy! I was thrilled to see a gluten-free cupcake on your blog!
Almost exactly one year ago, I was diagnosed with several food allergies, including both gluten and dairy. I had always loved to bake… especially to make treats for family and friends… and then I was faced with eliminating so many ingredients that I had come to know so well and rely on in my baking. I have learned so much in the last year though, and I’ve actually come to absolutely love GF/dairy-free baking! I have even began to proudly share my baked treats with others. In stepping out of my comfort zone, I am spending my weekend exploring the logistics of opening a gluten-free bakeshop and I’m so nervous and excited I could burst!
Dawn
My dd has had to eat gluten free for 2 years. I have never made her anything with coconut flour. Gotta try that!
“Bare with me.” Now that would be out of my comfort zone- cooking naked. I’d at least need an apron! ;-)
Also, I’m planning on not eating any snacks after dinner. That will be uncomfortable.
CobyLyn
These look delicious, and it would be way cool to win the book and ingredients. So out of comfort-zone… Adopting a puppy this weekend! Fell in love with a little black lab… I’m a cat person
*love*
Sara
I am working at my first clinical rotation for nursing school. It is at a long term care facility for elders with dementia. While I am super excited, this population is way out of my comfort zone. I think I need some courage from gluten free cupcakes…
Patricia Sohn
Studying for law school finals! Oh, the woes of being a 1L. Those gluten-free cupcakes look amazing, though.
kelly
Ooh! I can’t wait to try the recipe. Thank you!!
Usually on weekends I am working. I’m going to step back and totally relax. I have not had a real vacation in some time and it is hard for me not to work. But this weekend is totally going to be reserved for some serious me time! Family included!
Stephanie
I already did my out of my comfort zone thing for the weekend–met up with a girl at school who I was TOTALLY intimidated by because she is so pretty and cool. It turns out that she is pretty and cool AND nice!
Stephanie Fisher
This weekend I’m canning! I’m going to make some delicious jam and maybe even some fruit butter! (pear butter anyone??) And to top it all off, I’m going to make it in a kitchen that isn’t my own. I’m apartment sitting for a friend who has a 4-month-old puppy. So, to recap, I’m making jam (gasp!), maybe a fruit butter (ahh!), in a foreign kitchen (gahhh), with a puppy (arrgh)!!
Laura L
After a battery of tests my daughter was told that she had to give up gluten. What crushed her the most was losing desserts, she has an awful sweet tooth! I have been combing the internet for GF recipes and they are difficult to find. But I did manage to find gluten free Bisquick on Amazon, from the reviews it’s tastes very much like th original- just thought people might want to know.
Macie
Playing Ultimate Frisbee … haven’t done that in a long time!
Heather
Just cause I don’t need to go GF doesn’t mean I’m against trying something different. I only have 5 kinds of flours in my house right now, which seems pitiful when I think of how many more kinds there are out there.
Me going out of my comfort zone this weekend is having a birthday party for my 10 year old. She wants a triple-layer chocolate cake.
Really out of my comfort zone this weekend is having a dual birthday party for my daughter and her best friend, who was born on the same day. She wants a lemon cream pie.
The baking I can handle; it’s having twice as many guests (when any guests are too many) that pushes me out of my zone.
Love your blog!
Chiara M
That’s exciting! I’ve been wanting to try GF baking for a bit, but it seems like you need a lot of special ingredients.
This weekend, I’m stepping outside of my comfort zone by interviewing for acceptance into an Occupational Therapy Masters Program!
Cece
I am going swimming and I’m going to play Just Dance on the Wii… After that I’m going to gain all my calories back by eating Gluten-Free Strawberry Cupcakes!
Amy
I am an avid car camper and weekend hiker, but my boyfriend and I have decided to take it a step further and start backpacking. This weekend will be our first backpacking trip yet, we are headed to the Raccoon Creek Wilderness area in case no one hears from us!! Just kidding, really though, it is a bit beyond my comfort zone to be so far from civilization without transportation, amenities, and just people in general. Wish me luck!
ida
i am going to attempt to plant my garden with my four month old attached to my body in her ergo. i know, i know nothing major… but trust me, for me it is. i can’t even cook dinner without having to stop half way through to nurse her…
sigh.
Maddy
Oh those look so so lovely. At first I was skeptical of these suspicious-looking not-flour characters, but your rave review just might sway me into whipping up something without gluten. Does coconut flour actually taste like coconut?
This weekend I’m doing something tooooootally outside my comfort zone before I graduate from college in two weeks (Also totally outside my comfort zone, thank you). I’m going SKYDIVING!! And the thing is, I’m terribly afraid of jumping off things…you know how kids jump off rocks into lakes and things? I consider myself a pretty tough girl but even jumping off stuff like that really gets me freaked. So I figured what better way to get over my fear of jumping into the unknown than falling out of a plane?! If you’re gonna go, go big, I say. Even if you’re screaming the whole way down. :)
Bayley
I love cupcakes, and would honestly like a new cupcake book just to look at the cupcake pictures. Seriously. As for my challenge this weekend (which totally counts today, so there) I ran 10 miles today, which is definitely outside of my running-comfort zone :p
Kat
I will be baking a birthday cake for a non-family member, to be eaten at a non-family event. (Usually I only subject family and small groups of close friends to my kitchen’s output.)
Laura @ SweetSavoryPlanet
Coconut flour! What? I feel deprived not being even aware something like this existed. Where have I been? Coconut and strawberries really make me happy.
out of comfort zone – Making college decisions with my daughter. She wants, we pay – that is a test. And watching Black Swan. I am already kind of on edge!
Linda
I’m going to clean the house up and out for company arriving next week.
Yun
I’m going to go watch the marathon in my town tomorrow and cheer people on! And I’m going to bake gluten-free strawberry cupcakes…my first gluten-free experience! :p
Courtney
I am going to read over 100 pages of LOTR, and write a paper, and other various homework. Homework is always out of my comfort zone, because I have to sit at my desk to do it, and my comfort zone is my bed.
Amy R.
These look delicious!!! I am always struggling to find gluten-free recipes for when my mother-in-law visits, but they always seem so daunting. She is a picky eater with a gluten allergy and a sweet tooth, these look absolutely fabulous!!! I would love to check out this book and introduce myself to the world of gluten-free baking!
Sherry
Wow…these are perfect for spring especially since I just bought coconut flour and have been pondering what to make with it! Bravo I say :)
emalee
Yum! My boyfriends mom is allergic to gluten and for her birthday last year I made a lot of gluten free cookies….which I think tasted like rubbish. Glad to have this recipe as an alternative. I bought some gluten free flour and some xantham gum (because it said to). Ick.
Going out of my comfort zone….well, I am a belly dancer and so I’ve had to get used to going out of my comfort zone and talking to strangers in a 2 piece costume as one of my part time jobs…..dancing all weekend!
Rosie
Not baking. Our oven is going to be off for the next week or so and it’s totally freaking me out.
amy
Hmmmm, going to an old estate sale!
Tressa @ Hecka-Good Recipes
Well I hadn’t had anything in mind for getting our of my comfort zone this weekend, but I think I will introduce myself to 10 new people at church. :)
Julia @ 1001tealcranes
We (my husband and I) are going to the wedding expo in Honolulu. We’re already married but we’re gonna get married the right way in August. We already have our vendors picked. So why are we going to the wedding expo? To sample free cake. That’s why. Its a good time. And worth the $8 admission fee.
Christy B
I love the idea of gluten-free and low-sugar baking. I’m a confessed sugar addict, but my boyfriend has several close family members with health issues that make baking a challenge. Thanks for forging ahead on this path and showing me the way. My big…push-the-envelope plans for this weekend are to make my own hot dog buns. Yeast isn’t always my friend…so I head into this with hope and some trepidation.
Julie
Going vegan for the weekend. Kinda against my will, but it will be good for my achy belly…
Wine’s vegan, right?
joy strawbridge
i’m playing bass and singing at a 20s themed dinner party! can you think of a better way to spend a saturday night than in an elegant dress, crooning? Hmm.. maybe eating cookies in pjs.. definately.
Robin
These little gems look scrumptious!!! I eat gluten free and can’t wait to make them….. but first…… I must go out of my comfort zone:
On May 14-15 I am participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It’s the 2 Day, 39 mile walk. I’ve already raised over $2,300 and now all that’s left to do is continue to train….. I will boost my mileage to 13 miles on Saturday….. I call it a “dress rehearsal” b/c I will have all my gear on to make sure there’s no rubbing or chaffing in “certain” areas and of course no blisters on my feet. a goal that is out of my comfort zone – yes. a goal that I will obtain – ABSOLUTELY!!!
p.s. feel your boobies! get a mammogram – prevention is key :)
p.p.s. I am in love with your flourless PB cookies!!!!
Rachel
Thanks for the recipe. I am in love with Elana’s recipes. My “out-of-my-comfort-zone” endeavor will actually be just after this weekend – Tuesday, my daughter’s birthday. Because of my daughter’s allergies, I’ve been trying out some of Elena’s recipes, and on Tuesday I’m going to be making Elena’s chocolate cake with marshmallow frosting. It looks delicious and I am going to attempt to decorate it how my daughter wants it. Get this: Barbie cake with Batman on it. :-) I found a Batgirl Barbie that I’m going to place on top, and I’m hoping to decorate it with fondant bat symbols. This is definitely out of my comfort zone, so we’ll see how it goes! :-)
Paula Decaria
I’m taking my boys on the bus this weekend…this is their first time, so I think I’m as equally nervous as they are. :)
Annette
Outside my comfort zone… well, that would be just about a lot of things! My husband has diabetes, I am overweight and we both like/love sweets and carbs. So OMCZ is salads and protein and sweets without sweetening… how does one make it taste yummy? Anyway, I LOVE your recipes, even if most often i only get to drool over the pictures…
Heidi @ Food Doodles
Those cupcakes look delish! My brother-in-laws girlfriend(come on, can’t I just say sister-in-law, haha) doesn’t eat gluten because she’s super sensitive to it. Not quite allergic I don’t think but she still doesn’t eat it. I might just try this recipe for her :D
Suzanne
I’m a gf baker with a major sweet tooth, so to do something outside my comfort zone means not in the sweet department, unfortunately for my taste buds. So I will get crazy and try something meaty . . . fingers crossed!
Kimberly Holem
This weekend I will be considering whether to buy a juicer or not which means I will have to totally commit to dieting which is outside of my comfort zone.
Tracy Lyn
I will be going to a James Taylor concert and making pretzel rolls. Dropping dough into boiling baking soda water might just be out of my comfort zone….but at least James is there to comfort me!
sherri lynn
I am thinking about going gluten-free to help with my chronic migraines! I would love to learn how to cook GF things. Going out of my comfort zone = tonight I’m making a braised french onion chicken dish… first of all I have to carmelize the onions which I have never done. And I am supposed to use a dutch oven but don’t have one so I’m trying it out in a different pan. This going out of my comfort zone might turn out to be a flop! but we’re going for it anyway :)
Meghan
I am having my small group over for a retreat this weekend…at my apartment! Yikes :) Lots of food and fun!
Janell Garwood
My 4 yr old was just diagnosed with a gluten allergy, so I am new to this gluten-free baking thing! Its hard to get used to, plus my daughter is super picky, so finding something that she can eat AND likes is always fantastic :) The cupcakes sound great!!
Erin
Oooooh your cupcakes look so lovely! I’m going to my very first Seder… a week late, I’m told, but exciting and new-to-me nonetheless :D
Jen T
These sound amazing! If you’re looking for another recipe with coconut flour, might I recommend this one? These are my all-time favorite chocolate chip cookies. They’re not gluten free, they just use coconut flour for its awesome absorption. http://www.belleofthebakery.com/2009/04/eureka-and-other-synonymous.html
Julie B
Hi Joy –
I love your blog and I orginally got to you from Elana’s blog… small world :)
this w/e I’m going to a RAW food “cooking” class to learn how to do some Mexican
dishes for Cinco de Mayo – Enchiladas and Mexican Chocolate Torte – and Mojitos!
I’ve just begun exploring the Raw food world…definately not in my comfort zone! :) but
the Mojitos will help!!!
keep the wonderful recipes, pictures and prose coming!! :) Julie
Lisa
Out of my comfort zone… driving a manual car into town by myself! I just learned… scary stuff!
Carly June
Well aren’t these the darling-est of cupcakes? Gluten free or no I’m going to have to give these a go.
This weekend? I’m turning 21 and bring my German boyfriend home for the first time! Gulp!
Carly June
*bringing my German boyfriend home for the first time. Sheesh. Can’t even type.
Michelle
My Dad’s birthday is just around the corner. Love you Dad! One of his favorite desserts of all time is this white chocolate cake. Mom got the recipe from a family friend EONS ago. Anyway, Mom hasn’t made the cake for Dad in years. I think I was high school when she last made it and that was a LONG time ago. So Dad has been grumbling lately about how he’s never going to have this cake again because no one will make it for him. Poor Dad. Hehe! Not so! They’re coming to my place for a visit about a week after his birthday and I’m going to make it for him. A cake and icing completely from scratch. No box mix to be found. I’ve never done that. So this weekend, I’m going to practice making the icing because I want to check the consistency. Because I am going to be sneaky. It must be decorated so that it doesn’t immediately look like his all time favorite until we cut into it and…. PRESTO! A great Happy Birthday surprise deserves some practice so that it’s just right! :)
andrea
Running. I hate running.
Mindy
Those look delicious! I am having my family come stay with me this weekend to bless our new little boy in church. I also just got back from taking two 1-year-olds and a 2-month-old (3 kids under 2!) to a splash pad. DEFinitely out of my comfort zone there – but happy to say it went well. And it was actually fun!
JVDingleton
This weekend……..it’s supposed to be 70 on Sunday, if you know any Oregonians, you know why we just can’t contain ourselves when hearing this news. So, nice weather = yard work and flip flops. Also, I bought the ingredients I needed to make your “lemon drenched lemon cake” using lemons my grandma sent me from Palm Springs…but I fizzled out last night just like my beloved Portland Trailblazers. So, I think I will make that cake this weekend too. Tonight, we are going to go out for chicken wings and fried dill pickles, and I couldn’t be more excited!!!!!
Sarah
my littlest boy has been gluten-free for a while and it is hard when i get the baking bug! i’ve tried a couple of other books, and i’m so excited about this one!!!! especially because i LURVVVV cupcakes! Yay! as for something i’ll be doing this weekend outside my comfort zone – planting my first garden…i am a total black thumb, but really want things to grow in this dog-gum garden! here’s hopin’!
Kels
Hi Joy
I love reading your blog! It definatly makes me enjoy my downtime at work.
It is my bday today so this weekend my older sister is coming to visit me from San Fransisco (I’m in LA) and I am super excited! We are gonna go for a hike, get delicious spanish lattes at Urth and probably do some girly sister stuff. I can’t wait :)
Joyce
My roommates and I just bought 3 boxes of strawberries because it was buy 1 get 2 free :O couldn’t resist. this recipe will come in handy :) hehe
We’re throwing an end-of-the-school-year party at our apartment to celebrate the end of the semester AND the fact that we’re all going to be in different countries this summer/fall semester. I’m a usual party goer but never a party thrower so hopefully this turns out okay! >< It's gonna be a "global" theme, mainly for the countries that we're going to–Chile, Spain, Hong Kong, and Italy. woot!
Morgan
Moving out of my apartment, putting almost everything in storage, and living with my longtime boyfriend for the rest of the summer! I feel so scatter-brained living out of boxes and not knowing where everything is! Slightly out of my comfort zone…but learning to embrace it :)
Loving your site Joy, I just came across it about a month ago!
Stephanie
Well..hmm. I wasn’t going to do anything outside of the box this w/e…. but eh…you ‘ve inspired me. I will ask that guy out. I think. Crap.
Joyce
YOU GO GIRL :)
hihorosie
Love coconut flour – and I totally understand how absorbent it is. I learned the hard way when making zucchini bread one time. Whoops.
This weekend I’m doing some major gardening at the community garden. Time to get it all ready for planting. I don’t have a green thumb, hubby does, so I’ll be following his directions. :) Plus, gotta get ready for our son’s 2-yr birthday next week. Time to shop and wrap!
Debbie
I am going to be trying these cupcakes this weekend…I am new to baking gluten free from scratch…I usually buy mixes. These look too good not to try…my daughter gluten sensitive and I like to make her treats when I can. Thank you!
Sarah
I feel like strawberries are under utilized in baking… I wish I could reach in and steal one bc I am deffffinitelyyy notttt ready for g-free baking. That’s not the uncomfortable thing I’m doing this weekend… I’m making crackers for a wine tasting! Recipe’s from here :) that’s not uncomfortable at all really… maybe I’ll leave my laptop in the office… now that would be uncomfortable.
Whitney
This weekend is all about being with my kids and sticking to their schedule, which is in my comfort zone. The following week will be out of my comfort zone when I leave them to go on vacation with just me and the husband. Totally necessary, though slightly uncomfortable nonetheless.
carla
This post couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve been experimenting with a gluten-free lifestyle and I’m noticing that it feels good, great even.
This weekend I’m taking ZUMBA. For some reason, I just can’t get comfortable with all of that booty slash booby shakin’. I usually get in the last row, in the furthest and darkest corner of the room. This time, however, I’m hoping to go front and center and let it all out there, Shakira style…..wish me luck.
Olivia Vickers
Playing golf and making pinto bean soup….haha golf is somewhat out of my comfort zone because I do not play often and always get blisters on my hands!
Ann M.
I am likely to go on a hot air ballon ride. There is a spring fair there this weekend and I will do it if the weather is nice!!
Karen R
I just started a weight lifting program with real weights, barbells, etc. Totally intimidating to be the only girl in the weight room, but I’m stepping out of my comfort zone and tackling day 2 tomorrow! I love Elana’s recipes, this book would be a real treat!
Jenn
This weekend my new husband and I are hosting our first overnight guest. Ever. To be fair, she’s a friend of mine so she won’t judge us too harshly regardless of if we forget to set out new towels for her or something, but it’s still a little daunting.
Those look delicious by the way!
Sydney
I’ve been wanting to experiment with some gluten-free baking!
I’m a 10k runner, but this weekend I’m running the mile (MUCH faster and MUCH shorter than my usual race distance) on our team’s distance medley relay!! Definitely out of my comfort zone….but so fun!
Nichole
Joy, these sounds really cool. I would love to try them out. I have a neighbor friend who a gluten-free-er and I bet he’d cry if I brough them over!! Also, I’ve got almost everyone I know reading your blog now because I love it so much I had to share it with the whole world.
Something uncomfortable I’m going to do this weekend is take care of my aging grandma. My husband and I are going to go over in the morning (tomorrow), clean her all up then clean her little condo all up and make it smell nice and look shiny. I get really nervous around people who are in real need of care like my grandma (like…wearing Depends and can’t make it to the bathroom is what I’m saying) so this will be a good growing experience for me.
Happy weekend!
Urban Wife
Yikes, I would love to win this book! This weekend I hope to de-stress a bit. Maybe go for a bike ride and bake something. Have a marvelous weekend and enjoy those scrumptious cupcakes. :)
Megan
Looks delicious! I’d love to try making some gluten-free baked goods!
p.s. I don’t mean to be nit-picky but you wrote “Bare with me” and I think you meant “Bear with me.”
kristen
yay! i went gluten-free in january because i discovered it was causing migraines :)
i LOVED seeing a GF recipe on your blog today! i can’t wait to try it!
this weekend i’ll be driving 6 hours to a very dear friend’s bachelorette party. i HATE driving long distances, but i’m all geared up with new music and the beautiful weather to entertain me!
courtney h.
Out of my zone, well for realzees cleaning my house, sad i know.
These look amazing, my baker co-worker has had great success switching out gf flour blends (she uses Bob’s Red Mill) for ap. She likes it because she only needs that instead of multiple bags of flours and powders.
Alexandra
Hi Joy! Being the avid baker that I am (I hope to open a bakery someday), I LOVE everything and anything that has to do with baking, desserts, etc. Unfortunately living in a dorm room doesn’t provide me with the luxury of an oven/baking supplies, so every time I go home for the weekend I’m in complete Betty Crocker mode. My mom has a gluten allergy so lately I’ve been experiementing with desserts that she can actually eat. I would be so excited to win the cookbook and the flours to give to my mom for Mother’s Day.
This weekend, I’m going outside of my comfort zone in a way that might not seem like a big deal to many women; but for anyone who knows me, this is one giant step outside of my self-conscious box. Due to an eye infection, I will be spending the next few days both in my glasses and without any makeup on. As I mentioned, for anyone who knows me, I refuse to go out in public without my full face of makeup. Normally, I would hide out in my room or create some sort of disguse, but this time I’m facing my insecurities and going all natural.
Margaret Barry
I am building a sculpture to go on a raft (also building the raft0 for a floating art parade.
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
This weekend I am working, parenting, cooking, photographing food, working out, and flying around like a mad woman. Same as every other day.
The cupcakes, the recipe, Elana’s recipes, yours, your photography…just all so awesome!
Sarah A
I’m thinking about straying from my nightly mint chocolate chip ice cream + chocolate chocolate chip ice cream combination. I may go crazy and have coffee fudge brownie + cookies and cream instead. Also, I’m going to watch some dvr’d American’s Next Top Model. Totally within my comfort zone, but I get that Tyra is outside of some people’s.
Linda J-H
Actually, I’m playing with flours to try to learn more about gluten free baking. As you say, baby steps. I’ve had a few successes and a whole lot of garbage pail additions.
Kate
I’m throwing my husband a surprise birthday party! Too bad I ordered the cake, he would love these babies!
Mira C
I am SO EXCITED to see some gluten free baking recipes here! Don’t get me wrong, I still read your blog religiously even though I don’t eat gluten any more. AND I love the soups and smoothies and other wonderful recipes you posts. But seeing a gluten free cupcake recipe made my day! You’re the best, Joy.
This weekend I will begin moving into my new apartment with my manwich. We are totally unprepared – he’s been away for work, and I’m crazy busy on my end, so we have nothing packed, no boxes and tape, no nothin. Being completely unprepared and unorganized for something as big as moving is definitely out of my comfort zone. I may have to procrastinate/calm down by baking these delicious cupcakes!
Jennifer
We are attending 4 kids birthday parties this weekend; not that we haven’t done kid’s birthday parties before, the daunting thing is 4!!! My kiddos will love it; I will need a nap; maybe after one of these yummy sounding cupcakes!
Trish
I’m preaching to a group of women I don’t know! The preaching part is fine… it’s the style that I’ve chosen for this sermon… PROSE! We’ll see how it goes! (hey! poet. didn’t know it!)
Elizabeth
Hi! I live in Charleston, aka Heaven, and this weekend I am going to the farmer’s market to gather some goodies and then promptly hitting the beach for some surfing. (PS I am real jealous of your California residency.) I am also going to try a Bikram yoga class this weekend (there was a groupon, and we all know how that goes). I am slightly terrified of bikram yoga, and I will definitely not be comfortable while doing it. It’s just so darn hot! But I’m excited to try it.
In any case, I would be thrilled to receive the cupcakey cookbook and some unique new flour, because I simply must have those cupcakes in the pictures up there…must.
Heather Bryant
Ooh, my husband’s department chair (who’s a total sweetie) could totally use this book – it would be great to pass on.
I’m leaving my comfort zone by going to a four-hour Sanskrit workshop at my yoga studio tomorrow. I don’t know Sanskrit – I’m the only non-teacher going. Plus, I’m eight months pregnant and usually hungry / tired / in need of a bathroom these days. I have no idea how tomorrow is going to turn out. :-)
jen
hopefully a 2-3 mile jog. the out of my comfort zone issue, is that im tired… and would rather be napping ;)
Cate
Joy, these look fantastic! So excited to try them with my gluten-free roommate!
This weekend I’m in dress rehearsals for my first ever role in an opera. Theoretically this isn’t outside my comfort zone, but I wish we could tell that to my nerves!!
Shoshana
Thanks for posting a gluten-free recipe. It sounds great! This weekend I am getting out of my comfort zone by teaching a class for the first time since my kids were born. We’ll see how it goes!
Diana
Out of my comfort zone? Hmmm, I think I might try to “hike” at Great Falls in VA or go and explore the Botanical Gardens in MD to expand on my edible landscaping idea. These look great! Maybe I’ll make them for my uncle (he’s got celiac) when he comes to visit-it’ll actually be strawberry season here next month.
Jamie
Hmm…create a budget for my family that includes being able to buy all these healthy and delicious ingredients. We are foodies at heart on a teacher’s salary. :)
Kristen Crouse
I’ve been working at a bakery for awhile now–after relocating from Chicago to rural NY–we’ve tried gluten free foods and have struggled to pin down a good recipe that appeals to all eaters and bakes consistently. These look fantastic and the book looks lovely too.
This weekend is my first weekend in my new hometown without family visiting, friends in town, or my husband around as he’s traveling for work. It’s my “independence weekend” and I plan on taking my bike out of the garage and seeing all of the town, seeing how far I can bike before becoming exhausted, and starting to realize why I left the big ‘ol city for a new and different lifestyle.
Alysia
Tonight…I’m supposed to do spring cleaning…totally outta my comfort zone. Tomorrow, the L.A. Times Festival of Books at USC. I try to read more, but it puts me to sleep…and i love to sleep, so it’s kinda in my comfort zone, kinda outta my comfort zone. Sunday…Zuma Beach…gonna throw on my bikini, even though I need to lose 6 pounds…so this is outta my comfort zone. And of course give endless kisses to my kitties. That’s it.
Kellie
I’ve been reading a lot about gluten free recipes recently, and I think your giveaway would be a great place to start! Maybe I’ll go out of comfort zone this weekend and try this recipe!
Jessica
You’ve inspired me to try these gluten free cupcakes this weekend….out of my comfort zone since gluten free baking has intimidated me. Love your blog!
melissa
I’ll be going on the longest bike ride to date- My husband and I are just starting out with long distance cycling with hopes to go biking through Italy for our 20th anniversary (in 15 years) so we’re going to bike our county this weekend, roughly 40 miles!
heather @ chiknpastry
I agree with you – gf baking is very intimidating at first. i cook gf occasionally b/c a couple of my friends have celiac disease, and for me the cross-contamination issue is the hardest to overcome. i LOVE the different flours though, just an excuse to play with new stuff!
Rachel
My friend recently found out she needs to be gluten free. Which is a total bummer since I discover my love of your grapefruit yogurt scones and I can’t share them with her. I would love to show her this cookbook and bake some cupcakes for her!
Annie C.
I love gluten-free baking! Although, I find it to be quite inconsistent. Quite possibly a personal problem. Sometimes its fabulous, other times it’s a kitchen disaster! …a chance I am always willing to take. :) As for this weekend, I am cleaning the garage. I don’t know if it is outside the comfort zone, but it sure is down and dirty!
Natasha @ Saved by the Egg Timer
Yes, Elena has great recipes! I love coconut flour too, be careful at first…it is very dense and very absorbant even when ingested….drink extra water….I’m just trying to help everyone out here…!
I use stevia in place of agave sometimes, for the bulk replace a little applesauce for the half of the sugar. So 1 cup sugar I would use 1/2 cup applesauce and 1 tsp stevia. Depending on the recipe but that is what I would do in this. I am starch free right now, but already have this on my list to bake when I can add in small amounts of starches (arrowroot). Try Elena’s Mexican Rice thingy- it is amazing, out of this world, I make it every week :)
Piper M.
This weekend I’ll be experimenting with some vegan snacks. I want to start inviting my boyfriend’s vegan friends over more often, but considering my overwhelming love of cheese and eggs the whole vegan thing makes very little sense to me…!
Jessica
JOY!!!!!!!!!! This week I was informed that I would be doomed to life of gluten-free eating. I’ve been moping around, thinking about all the ways my life is now over (a bit dramatic, but that’s how I was feeling). One of my thoughts was of how I wouldn’t be able to bake the yummy things you post about anymore. I didn’t even want to check your site to see what I was missing. Then something got into me this afternoon, and I decided to check your site for the heck of it. I could have cried tears of joy when I saw “GLUTEN-FREE” on the top of your page. Thank you so much. Before I was gluten-free (which was 4 days ago… haha), I didn’t have much interest in gluten-free baking since I didn’t have to. Thank you for thinking of us. Not everyone does. :)
What will I be doing this weekend that’s outside of my comfort zone??? I’ll probably be doing the same thing as you– diving head first into a couple gluten-free recipes.
Mira C
This is my favorite gluten-free blog: http://glutenfreegirl.com/
She has written several books and cookbooks, has beautiful recipes, and is a pleasure to read. She bakes in weights, but don’t be scared. I know how challenging it can be to make huge dietary (and really lifestyle) shifts, but making delicious food that is good for your body is soooo worth it.
You’re not alone! You can do it!
Jessica
Thanks, Mira! I’ll definitely check it out.
Chris
I have a few coworkers who are on gluten-free diets and I love bringing in treats that I bake to work, but always feel like I’m excluding them. I would love to have a gluten-free recipe book to try some of these cupcake recipes out!
This weekend, I’m going to Canada, where I just got accepted into grad school (I’m from the US). Studying in another country is definitely outside my comfort zone, but there are so many rewards that I have absolutely no regrets and many, many things to look forward to.
kari
yum! I love your blog and your creativity! This weekend my friends and I are having a belated Easter Beer Hunt, which is not outside my comfort zone but is purely exciting. I am, though, anxiously finishing up the first step of the application process for medical school today, which is challenging me in every way possible. I’d say nearly every bit falls outside my comfort zone…
Erin
Those look absolutely delicious!!!!!!!!!!! Strawberries are my favorite and I’ve been dying to try gluten-free recipes. Sign me up! <3
Melissa
I may have to go gluten free for health reasons… that will be a scary adventure in itself. At least I know you’re helping pave the way for me in small steps. Thanks.
Johanna
Tonight I’m making tortillas! I know that is very much within the realm of Comfort Zone for most cooks out there, but for some reason the simplicity of the recipe and process scares the bejeepers out of me. (It doesn’t help that I’m just coming off a failed attempt at Hawaiian Bread.)
I’m hoping the Tortilla Fairy is smiling down on me this evening as I roll them out and try to bake them into perfect rounds of deliciousness.
Nic@daydreamaboutfood
Love the cupcakes; big fan of strawberries and very interested in using coconut powder. I was out of my comfort zone this evening when I tried to swirl pizza dough around like they do on tv then realised it wasn’t working so went for plan B and pulled it around on my chopping board until it got bigger. Do pizza tossing chefs train for years like sushi chefs or is it high level chumpery on my part?
Klem-Mari
OMG YES! I just bought some beautiful organic strawberries on sale, and agave nectar! The giveaway would be the perfect topping, indeed. And as for something out of my comfort zone this weekend, I am going to a wedding shower. Not a fan. But I was asked by a nice church lady to brings some cookies, so there you have it.
Madeline Siggelkow
This weekend I will be attending a Mindfulness group meeting, definitely outside my comfort zone. Basically, we will be meditating and doing movement in a large group, something I try to stay away from. I am not one for going places were I don’t know people and while I have tried on many occasions to meditate, I have never really succeeded, so this should be interesting. But my goal for this summer is to do things that I normally wouldn’t do and live a more interesting life. What is the worst that could happen?
Sheila
Joy,
Comfort zones are key for a person like me… This weekend I am leaving my little kitchen to go to a summer camp site with my beau and his daughter… He has been going there for 13 years, I do not like being the new kid in class if you know what I mean. It is a pretty tight knit community of trailers and I am told I will fit right in… Needless to say I have my famous pancake batter ready for breakfast tomorrow and I have baked more loaves of snack breads than is really socially acceptable… if they don’t love me, they will love my baking!
Thanks for the blog Joy; it is an inspiration to my kitchen!
Sheila
Christine @ Nourish the Budding Lotus
I am so excited to hear that you are enjoying Elana’s recipes! I love the simplicity of her recipes too, and love seeing two of my favorite bloggers enjoy each others work. (I was excited when she made some scones inspired by you too!)
This weekend I am definitely stepping out of my comfort zone. I am going to spend 6 hours running a booth at a Women’s Health Fair in Santa Fe. I will be in public…talking to people…about what I do! Not an easy thing for me. If you find yourself in New Mexico, I will be giving out complementary bodywork sessions and free gluten-free and vegan truffles…
jenny
Oh those cupcakes look delish!!! I have been thinking of going gluten free/ sugar free for a month this spring to clean myself out so to speak…… I am working this weekend…………not too exciting…but I have a great job…so it is all good!
Sharon
I’m going to make teff muffins. Teff is new for me. Hopefully they come good because it seems to be very healthy!
Gen
I’m in looove with strawberries! Your cupcakes look fabulous!
Kate
These look delicious!
This weekend I’m baking a three-tier lemon cake for a friend’s birthday, to feed about 25 people. And I’m letting my husband decorate it (that’s the part that’s outside my comfort zone!). I’m sure he’ll be fine, but the only role he’s ever played in baking is eating it. Fingers crossed!
Jessi
I will be sealing tile grout, caulking (is that even how you spell that?? I am so bad at home improvement) some base boards, and sanding and painting dry wall. It will be a miracle if I don’t give up and hire a handy-man.
jacquie
out of my comfort zone – try to work on an e-class that i’m participating that deals w/ shame related issues and how much impact they can have on our lives. way, way out of my comfort zone …..
Becky
Ohh, I’ve been wanting to venture into the realm of gluten free for a while now. This looks like a great way to start!
My activity outside my Comfort Zone this weekend will be…. Going to a Zen Meditation service on Sunday! I had been wanting to for a while, then discovered there is a center right behind my apartment. Very outside my comfort zone, but it should be interesting!
Brenda
I’ll be helping with cooking for a large crowd! Not my usual thing.
This book looks great! Thanks for the give-a-way.
Emily
As someone with sensitivities to gluten, dairy, corn, soy, and processed sugar, I thoroughly appreciate this post and basically live off of almond and coconut everything. Okay, so maybe I can’t make the EXACT recipe you posted (dang it cream cheese and heavy cream…you will be the death of me), but I still want that book. This weekend I just might, so help me god, ask this guy I like on a date. No guarantees. But if I do…goodbye comfort zone, it was great knowing you.
Monica
Gluten-free Strawberry Cupcakes? My, these sound genius, and look scrumptious. I’ve been trying to include more gluten-free foods into my diet.
I have no plans for this weekend yet… which might be out of my comfort zone because I always like having plans days in advance, so everything can be on time. But I will be watching lots of wedding coverage for sure :)
Jamee S
I’ve made these cupcakes before and I LOVE THEM!!! Can’t believe the taste. This weekend I’m going to bake something good with tahini butter. Maybe a chocolate tahini cookie. :)
Kristina F.
What’s out of my comfort zone? Letting my brother, his pregnant girlfriend and their 1yr old stay with my family for a few days till they can move into their house. Yikes!
Mel
Wow, what a fantastic give-away! My mom, cousin and close friend all are sensitive to gluten and so I try to find as many recipes as possible to have for them when they visit. This would be fantastic to have to bake them treats! I have never tried arrowroot (daunted) but would love to. As for this weekend, I am going to get my license changed over, as we recently moved, but embarrassingly I let my previous one expire almost a year ago knowing we would move (shame on me!).
Juli G
Out of my comfort zone, that’s easy…I’m getting things taken care of for my first house! Definitely not the norm for this college girl. :)
Meg
Got my first soccer game in over a year on Sunday. I am nervous and out of shape!
Christine
I am studying for two closed-book essay law finals on which two of my grades totally depend and doing a final rewrite on a 20 page paper, all due next week. And hopefully finding a few good recipes for food I’m not allergic to (currently on the list is wheat, corn, refined sugar, tomatoes (really all nightshades but only tomatoes is official.)) These muffins are definitely on the list to try this weekend. They’ll make a great study-break snack.
Kate B
I have a friend-of-a-friend who recently discovered a gluten allergy, so whenever I see a gluten-free recipe, I pass it on to my friend to pass it to her friend. I would LOVE to win this book to give to her, because I know she had a hard time adjusting to her new restrictions.
This weekend I am walking a half-marathon. My husband runs them every once and a while and I LOVE cheering for him, but his mom and a few of his relatives decided to walk a half and I was all “I can do that” so I signed up. I’ve done some “training walks” (boy does that sound weird), and I handled a 12 miler with no problem, other than my feet being SUPER tired afterwards, so I know I can do it! I am super sad to miss cheering for my husband as he runs the full during the same race, though!
Noelle
I am going to let someone else drive on a road trip. If you knew the driver, you’d know what I meant. I am also going to make these baller cupcakes!!! Thanks, Joy!!!
Kate
I’m going to attempt to run 2 miles! Yikes! But its for a good cause and it doesn’t matter if I run it all or not just as long as I get back to the starting point somehow. :o)
Esther K
Those cupcakes look and sound amazing!
I start my new job on Monday, so I’m going outlet shopping this weekend for work clothes and a new purse (new job is a lot more formal than my old one). I know it doesn’t sound like shopping would be out of a girl’s comfort zone, but trust me, for this girl it is. And at a huge outlet. I’m terrified.
Emeraude Bonard
Hi! I am trying to start being a little healthier and make greener choices. This weekend I am going to make oatmeal chocolat chip cookies. This book would help tons, because I find it hard to find go healthy/organic cupcake recipes!
Kate D
So happy to read your blog again and find something GF! I was a loyal reader until…(dah dah dah duh) taken off gluten last year. Then it was too painful to read your blog regularly. This weekend I’ll be baking outside my comfort zone! A year later and still not comfortable baking GF. It’s just so much harder than normal baking. But I’ve got a torte recipe…and 7 egg whites…and some walnuts…and I’m gonna bang out a 15th anniversary cake that we both can eat! Miss you Joy! Hugs and kisses and thanks for venturing into GF baking! If anyone can help, you can.
PS Sorghum flour can replace reg flour for a whole wheaty flavor in cakes and muffins.
karen
mmm, these look and sound delicious! something i’ll be doing out of my comfort zone this weekend will be…wearing shorts!! it’s getting hot out here and i can’t hide in my jeans forever. sounds lame but is so true.
Sheree
I am joining in the fight against Lupus and walking in the San Diego Walk for Lupus Now walk!!! My team name is Lupus is Stupus and I look forward to doing my part to fight this awful disease…maybe I will just have to enjoy a cupcake afterwards :) I am gluten intolerant due to Lupus and I am obsessed with cupcakes soooo…this is a dream come true for me :)
Gwyn
I’m hosting my in-laws & my husband is out of town! :)
Kierstan @ Life {and running} in Iowa
I am running 20 miles tomorrow morning, which is always a little uncomfortable. A cupcake waiting at the end of my run – that is always a nice treat!
Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen
I’m going to Farmer’s Market, the first of the season! Unfortunately, my husband is out of town, but my son and I should have a great time.
If only it would stop snowing in MT…
Those cupcakes look lovely!
Rachel @ Grateful Girl Goes Gluten Free
I’m going to a block party with thousands of college kids! Ahh I want that cookbook so bad!
Natalie
I am not drinking this weekend… eep!!! I just did a juice cleanse and I haven’t had a drink of alcohol since last Friday – I am planning to continue that for a while. We shall see!!! :)
anita
No way! My mom is on this gluten free kick right now so we’ve been makeing thing with rice flour and stuff. This would be awsome. And honey could totally be subbed for the agave, right?
Jinger
There is a distinct possibility I might be made to go hiking in Rocky Mtn. National Park on Sunday. It is not the hiking that will be the hard part, but the pretending that I am really having a great time. Give me my elliptical machine at the gym! Not real, pointy, scratchy, slippery, cold nature! Boo.
Hannah
I have a friend visiting for a night this weekend, and on her birthday! So I’ll be playing hostess, and hopefully make sure she has a good birthday :) I’m always nervous about hosting things, afraid people won’t have fun or I’ll be too awkward :/
Amy @ The Savvy Kitchen
Buying all new furniture for my new house! It may be exciting, but the blowing my entire bank account thing is DEFINITELY out of my comfort zone!
Ann Elise
I am playing in a soccer tournament all day saturday!
RSA Now
Mmm coconut flour sounds like it would give a nice little flavor burst
Noelle
Something outside my comfort zone? Well how about buying maternity clothes while hoping people don’t think I am just fat. Totally out of my comfort. That is about it though. Great giveaway! I love gluten-free cooking!
Liz
Goin’ on a date with a boy from online. Online? Comfortable. Boy*? Out of comfort zone!
(*Lady would be out of comfort zone too…I’m tend to err on the single side.)
Jennifer
Heading to do a huge community service project with two kids…
Rhey
Unfortunately I need to stay within my comfort zone this weekend and do some spring cleaning. I’d much rather try something new and different. I’d love to win this book so that I can make something that my sister-in-law can enjoy. Gluten-free is still a bit of a mystery to me.
Kate Harries
I live in London, UK – whoop, whoop Royal Wedding- so I guess that counts me out of the competition right?! Thank you v v much for the luton free recipe Joy!
Robin
I am volunteering for a 2-day bike ride that goes from here to the next major city. Not riding, but still something that I don’t normally do.
DeeDee
i’ve just finished my freshman year of college and this weekend, i am packing to go to copenhagen and germany. I’m staying with friends, but they’re still in school and won’t have much time for me. so i anticipate lots of exploration on my own. a little scared as i don’t speak danish or german. hopefully i won’t get lost…
kala
Very cool giveaway, thanks for the chance to win! This weekend I’m hoping to play some tennis, I’m horrible at tennis but it’s fun!
erin j
I’m watching Black Swan. I know that doesn’t sound too exciting but I’ve gotten into a comedy rut lately and I’m fairly certain that Black Swan falls outside of the comedy realm. Baby steps.
Sonia
Hi!
First of all, AWESOME on gluten-free! and thanks! ;)
I live in Chicago, and it’s been 19 days since the sun has come out with no rain. Today the sun has come out, so I rode my bike with my newly pumped tires (haven’t ridden since probably September) to work. I am exhausted. But wait – it’s not over. I am doing Critical Mass, I giant bike ride that goes 17 miles. Apparently 1000 bikes “mass up” and we ride all over Chicago. I am scared because a.) I am going alone and b.) I will probably get run over by hipsters.
In other news, I am cooking a four course meal for my family at my first hosting of a family party. That’s tomorrow though. This is out of my comfort zone because my family is VERY CRITICAL. Should be exciting ;)
Holler.
Suzanne Perry
Well, this weekend is my birthday! This would be an awesome birthday present. I am going to a class on Saturday, which isn’t really out of my comfort zone, and then I’m spending most of the rest of the weekend working on brushing up on my math knowledge and figuring out how to move my family so I can go back to college, some of that is going to be far out of my comfort zone since I haven’t been to college for 16 years.
Katrina
This weekend I’m going shopping with my mom for one day, then the next day, it’s homework!
April
I actually am trying to eat completely gluten free right now. I have been told that I may have celiac disease and need to try to eliminate gluten to confirm. I appreciate you posting gluten free recipes, I never would have imagined I may have to cook that way!
rebecca
date with a new-ish guy. . . fun but still nerve wracking
SS {Curries and Cakes}
This weekend I am going to learn 31 lectures of neuroscience, 8 chapters of chemistry, 11 chapters of physics, and turn in 65 pages of a book for my finals on Tuesday and Wednesday. I don’t know whose comfort zone that is in.
Kill me now.
But actually, thank you for giving me something pretty to look at and read during my study break. Back to work I go I go.
Katherine w.
This weekend I’m hosting a Sips-n-Strokes party (painting canvases and sipping wine) for some girlfriends! BUT, I’m certainly not a painter so this should be interesting… :)
Sarah
This weekend will be all about trial and error… I’ll responsible for making the gluten-free/sugar-free treats for a mother’s day tea party…(never been there, never done that)! I work with children who have autism and a lot of them are on very restricitive diets. Thanks for the recipe, hopefully they don’t turn out looking like pancakes =]
mendomamma
LOVE the gluten free recipe! I try to incorporate as many gluten free recipes into my diet as possible, just makes my body feel better (and who doesn’t feel better after a few strawberry cupcakes???). I detoxed a few years back and went 18 months gluten free, it was a challenge the first few months but I started feeling so much better and then it became second nature (I love coconut and almond flours!).
This weekend, I am taking a big leap and moving myself and 7 year old son out of our “family” home and into a place of our own- big leap of faith, cutting “dependent” ties and flying solo into this next phase of our lives- exciting but definitely a step outside of my everyday comfort zone (although I am smiling with anticipation just thinking about it!).
Brittany King
Studying for my economics final this weekend. I suck at math, but I’m working hard at it! I totally wish I could that cupcake right now!
Jenny
I’m doing a Muddy Buddy race! It’s a 6 mile bike & running race with obstacles and, you guessed it, a mud pit at the end. Wish me luck!
Jenn O.
I’m going to a dear friend’s wedding, which is not (in itself) out of my comfort zone. What is out of my comfort zone is that all sorts of people from my past will be there – something that totally intimidates me! But I’m determined to put on a pretty dress, get my hair did and celebrate my friend’s big day with her and her new hubby and NOT worry about the past!
SBMTX
I am finally helping my 8 year old son finish his fort/treehouse/clubhouse or whatever name he is calling it nowadays. Plywood. Hammers. Splinters. Woooohoooo. But it’s either that or organizing my closet. Personally I enjoy the disorganization I’ve got going on in there right now. I know where everything is. But apparently, I have been told, it is an eyesore. Pffft.
julie
i am going to a beer festival in NY for a friends birthday and am bringing your dulce de leche cupcakes for him! That’s not really out of my comfort zone though.
Lucia
I am attending the bridal shower for my Brother’s fiance. This is extremely stressful as my family (with the exception of my two brothers) has completely disowned me. I’m nervous, i’m anxious, i’m stressed right out. I’ve not spoken to anyone for over 5 years, no one takes my phone calls or accepts my friend requests on facebook but I very well may be seeing them this weekend. I adore my future sister in law and I love my brother but I’m likely to take a minimum of cold shoulder and quite possibly alot of drama and abuse by attending. Yeah, def stepping out of my comfort zone. With any luck i’ll be the only lady from my side of the family there and I’ll hopefully only have to deal with relatives at the wedding itself. Can’t wait to try these cupcakes! They look delicious!
julie
i am going to a beer festival in NY for a friends birthday and am bringing your dulce de leche cupcakes for him!
Brianne
These cupcakes look soooo good!!! This weekend I am working on a recipe. It will be my first time entering a recipe contest. The contest is through my school at IIN! I am really excited and very inspired by your blog. Thanks:)
Anne Ayers
I am still not sure what I am doing this weekend as we have a house full of sickies………..but I just wanted to say I love your blog and your recipes always look so yummy!!!!! I might try these for my Autistic nephew!!! He would love them!!!! Thanks again Joy!!!!
MissScrapAlot
rachellake
These look so good! I too am daunted by gluten free baking, but I’d love to add more variety to my diet so I need to be more adventurous.
I’m venturing out of my comfort zone this weekend by joining a neighborhood community garden – we have our first meeting and I know no one else involved.
Amy
I’m sorting out my stuff/life in preparation for a move out of the country… totally out of my comfort zone. We’re leaving California for England…
Beth
I love the smell of coconut flour…
This weekend I’m getting on a plane and flying to Europe for 6 weeks…without knowing where I am staying, how I’m getting around, or if I have enough money to survive. I’m pretty nervous.
Rachel Friederich
It may be a cop-out answer, but I have a feeling after this post that I might attempt a gluten-free recipe for the first time. I was always uncomfortable with the idea if buying expensive ingredients for an assumed-inferior finished product.
sarah
those look so good. my current intimidating thing is trying to not use one hand for the next week (stupid tendinitis). it’s proving harder than i would have thought. i might have to attempt cupcakes though :)
Laura
I would LOVE to have this book! I have celiac disease and I’m an obsessed gluten free baker. This weekend I will definitely be doing something out of my comfort zone… attending my father’s THIRD wedding :) Having this amazing cookbook would cushion the blow!
christina.eats
A lois and clarke (remember that old tv series?) sleepover bonanza. I’ve equal parts scared and excited.
jordan
these look delish!
this weekend i am going to go to a bbq and game night where i don’t know anyone. being new to LA i am stretching my wings as far as i can and when a friend of a friend said she couldn’t make it to the party, but i should go so i can meet new people, i balked. NO WAY! alone?!?! then, i was like…you know what, why not. just go. you never know who you might meet and what kind of new friends you could to make. so, here’s to stepping WAY out of my comfort zone.
Melodie
I’m spending the weekend with the inlaws…. and it’s not the part that’s outside of my comfort zone. Tonight, I’ll be eating “cipaille”, a French-Canadian layered meat pie. Yep, six layers of seasoned meat and potatoes stuffed between pastry. It may be comforting to some but I can’t seem to wrap my head around it! To top it all off, I just received an email announcing Sunday’s lunch: steaks on the bbq with a side of greasy poutine. Hooray. I thought Easter with my family threw me off the healthy living wagon… Let’s just say I’ll be whipping up a good batch of that carrot and ginger soup on Sunday evening! Wait, why am I entering a contest to win a cupcake book?! Well, Mother’s Day is coming up and my mother has Celiac Disease… I guess I can cast this “ballot” for her. Problem solved!
Johanna
My boyfriend is leaving this weekend to work in the Canadian wilderness for four months. Tearful goodbyes are pretty much the opposite of a comfort zone, and I know I’ll be turning to all sorts of comfort food to help me deal. Cupcakes would be very welcome!
Jennifer P
Oooh, weekend. Lets see, I’m amateur bartending this weekend. Def. out of my comfort zone, but I love mixing drinks. I’d love this book.
Jessica Bates
This weekend my in-laws from Mississippi are visiting. I’ve only been married less then two years so this California girl still isn’t quite used to her southern in-laws. How does one show her Bible-belt family a good time in Los Angeles??
Astrid
I’ll have to make these cupcakes for my cousin who is allergic to gluten and chocolate! I am writing a long paper this weekend which is definitely out of my comfort level! My comfort level = laying out in the sun doing nothing!
Lisa N
i plan on going jogging with my dog this weekend – and that makes me very nervous :)
Christine
These look fabulous Joy!! This weekend I will be trying to enjoy the weather here in Calgary, which is totally outside my comfort zone….I mean this in the literal sense, since it’s only supposed to be 8 degrees here this weekend (46 degrees for you). Let me tell you, are we ever tiiiired of winter here! But here’s to delicious cupcakes and (hopefully) sunnier, warmer weather.
Jen C.
Going to the liquor store… I don’t drink much and don’t know anything about wine/beer/anything, so it’s pretty overwhelming in there!
Liz
working for yelp at march of dimes – asking people for their e-mail addys! at a booth, weird.
Morgan
Ooooo, weekend. I’m going to see David Sedaris with the boyfriend, and then hanging out with his 14 year old godson for the rest of the weekend (the boyfriend’s not David Sedaris’). Yikes!
Jackie
I’m moving to a new province. That’s pushing the limits of my comfort zone
Shannon
Yum!
I just moved to Chicago and this weekend I will be riding my bike down to the pier for the first time. Have you ever been to Chicago? If yes, you probably already know why this could be terrifying! If no, let me tell you about it! The drivers here are nuts!!!!! Wish me luck!!
Dragonfly Woman
How did I miss out on the fact that such a thing as coconut flour exists? I LOVE coconut! Going to have to get some.
This weekend’s outside my comfort zone activity is going to a big graduation party for a friend that will be full of people I don’t know. I normally avoid these sorts of parties as an introvert, but one of my best friends is getting her master’s degree today and I’m making myself go. Besides, I made 4 dozen cupcakes for this thing and there’s no way I can eat all of them. :)
BrendaB
The cupcakes look delicious! This weekend my 15 year-old son (freshman) is going to the prom with a junior girl. It’s his first ever real date, and it’s the big one! Yes, this takes me out of my comfort zone!!
Elena
I’m going to a free wine tasting with my husband at this adorable French cafe tonight!
Liz
This weekend, I’m participating in a community yard sale with my mom (she bribed me into it). Totally out of my comfort zone, because I’m not a good salesperson, and I have no clue how much I should price my stuff for!!!
Taryn
I was incorrectly diagnosed with Celiac and lived the GF life for 2 years, and learning to bake was challenging and mildly terrifying. Since then, I’ve found out that my diagnosis was wrong and I can eat gluten, but a good friend of mine is Celiac, so I still bake GF often. This would be a perfect addition to my collection – and I’ve never worked with coconut flour! This weekend, I’m starting a container garden, which is a new notion for me. All of my gardens previously have been quarter acre plots of land that take hours and hours of upkeep and time and now I’m preparing to plant tomatoes inside old plastic bins. Hopefully it’ll work and I’ll have fresh veggies all summer long!
Lisa D
We’re going to a crawfish boil. It should be great fun except for the fact that I think crawfish are disgusting and refuse to eat them. I have to carefully dodge all the people that are eating them and try to look like I fit in.
Laura
OK, this is the most perfect giveaway ever because (1) I’m an newly diagnosed Celiac who LOVES to cook and hasn’t tried GF baking yet, but wants to and (2) I am running in a 5K tomorrow morning (through the Bronx Zoo of all places) and I’m nervous and definitely NOT a runner! But it’s to save cute penguins, so, you know.
Pick me, pick me!
Diana
I’m going to have a back yard party for my roommate who is leaving for a month. And i’ll be making my resume for the first time in 9 years, time to thinking about moving somewhere new and exciting! I’d love to have this to cook for my 2 and 4 year old nephews. they are gluten free and i’m always looking for a way to make sweets with them!
Rae Pagliarulo
How insanely apropos is this! This weekend, Joy, I am competing in a cupcake competition that benefits Philabundance, Philadelphia’s largest food bank (where I happen to also work). We’re having a huge party at this bar and there are 11 amateur contestants (including me) and 11 professional. We all needed to bake a cupcake inspired by this bar’s burger-heavy menu: my cupcake is a freaky concoction of goat cheese, caramel, onions, and balsamic. It’s insanely tasty. Even if we don’t win it’ll be a lot of fun. And I don’t usually compete – just hole up in my kitchen alone, barefoot, with Sia playing as loud as I can get it, getting sticky and flour-covered. I’m nervous about putting on my little show for all these people, but it’s for a good cause, right? And maybe I’ll find inspiration for new cupcakes while I’m there.
jeannette
gluten free baking intimidates me too, it’s totally cool to be a bit of a brat about the unknown. but you’re handling it quite well :)
I am going to be playing just dance (for wii) with my sissy. around my hubby. last time he peeked in, laughed silently and video taped us. i’m terrified to see myself on youtube. but i’m going to take that chance again because it really is too much fun to never do again :)
ps. i think the saying is ‘bear with me’ because ‘bare with me’ makes me think you’re sending out an APB for everyone to strip down with you. cus that’d be creepy… even for you ;P
J
I’ll be getting ready for my first day at work next week. It’ll be my first job, and I’m kinda uneasy about having to abandon my routine. Plus the commute sucks.
Katie
Your cupcakes look delicious! I am going to a polo tournament on Saturday where people run at each other on horses, the girls wear sun dresses and big hats, and apparently everyone brings their own butler. I will not be bring my butler; however, I hear there will be wine…that helps with the comfort zone.
Gluten free baking I’ve been experimenting with since my Dad was diagnosed with Celiac disease a few years ago. It always feels like a science experiment to me, but the results are edible :)
Jami
This weekend I will be sending out engagement announcements to family and friends. Why is out of my comfort zone, you ask? Because this is going to be a great big GAY fabulous wedding!! With that said, there are some hoops to jump through with family and . . . the law. Think Catholicism + Idaho. Not the most supportive. Also, we are not able to even get married in California, so we will be going to Hawaii to be wed there and then have our reception in California. It will be grand, indeed! Also, I have been testing out all of your recipes and gathering inspiration from your wedding cakes, because it will be bohemian farm chic DIY wedding on a ranch with big skies and loved ones.
Stacy @ Say It With Sproutss
I’ll finally be figuring out how to patch a bike tire…for the first time in my life! Nevermind that I’ve been biking on it, flat-as-a-pancake, for the last 6 months in one of the biggest bicycle college towns in California and I could probably pay someone to do it. Just forget that part, it’s not for me (or my budget!) I’m doing it myself, and it will be magical!
…And then maybe I’ll be able to eat a cupcake for the first time since going gluten-free, 1.5 years ago. I miss the little guys!
Cita Online
This weekend, I’m going to my sister’s graduation… meeting lots of her friends which can be a little out of my comfort zone!
CharlotteAuChocolat
These sound delicious! I also like the fact they don’t have a million strange ingredients- like gluten-free recipes often do. my favorite chocolate cake only has one, easily replaceable, tbs of flour, so that’s really my go-to recipe when I’m entertaining gluten-free friends. But these cupcakes sound totally doable, too. This weekend I’m going to bake Challa, which is just outside my comfort zone ;)
courtneylaurel
This weekend I’ll be fish-mongering to Minneapolitans, joyous to be munching fresh fish next to a waterfall in the sun, dog-sitting for the family of my oldest and dearest friend, and searching for an apartment in Normandy, for a curious Me whose never yet been to Europe.
Mav
Those look awesome, Joy!
These would probably be great for my dad who is diabetic, a lot of the Gluten-Free stuff is and he is always asking me to make him dessert he can eat!
The thing I am doing this weekend is going on a date… eep! I’ve only been in one relationship that lasted 8 years and started in high school. Now as an adult I find myself dating and having no idea what I’m doing and it freaks me out!
Julia M.
I am having a garage as I type this. I am hating it so far…it is totally outside my comfort zone and the weather is awful. I want to run away !!!
ryanne
out of my comfort zone, spending the weekend with people i don’t know, doing things i don’t do all that well, like dancing…
Brooke
I seriously love the Gluten-Free push, and I love how you translate it on your site. It seems so approachable and unterrifying. Thanks for that, lovely Joy! Thanks for baby steps. :)
maya
i’m working on developing an app!
Karlie
I’m in the midst of packing up my life this weekend to be closer to the family for the summer, but still procrastinate/find time to check out your blog. My sister-in-law is newly celiac, so I’m looking forward to doing a lot of experimenting with gluten free everything! Because you know what, everyone deserves cupcakes.
kitty
I am going to a “kitchen bridal showertini” and I have no idea what that means, other than I should show up with a gift, perhaps kitchen themed, and definitely from the registry.
Sarah K. F.
We’re going to Atlantic City to play slots (me) and roulette (my husband). While this is not something usually out of my comfort zone, it is this week since i’ve been super absorbed with issues at work and at home.
Katie
Leaving my precious kiddos with a new babysitter while I bring home the bacon. Makes me less enthusiastic about bacon, for shame!
Gorgeous cupcakes!
Rachel
I’m writing cover letters and applying for jobs…not comforting. I would love some gluten free goodness to fix that.
Marcella
I am going to sing karaoke!!! I am a horrible singer, so I suppose my friends will also be suffering.
I would love this book!! My sister is allergic to wheat but she can’t eat most “gluten-free” foods because they are usually made with rice, corn or oat flour (which she is also allergic too!). She can totally eat coconut flour and almond flour, though!! <3
Ally
I’m headed out to Kansas City!
heather
just found out an out of town friend is coming in town tomorrow morning to visit, so i’m getting into “tour guide” mode. and, my co-worker & i just hit up whole foods’ 1.99 strawberry sale, so i’m totally on board with making a batch of these delish treats! thanks, joy!
renee
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