This past week was full of firsts! It was my first time making babka, rough puff pastry from scratch, and even using my steamer basket—along with lots of other exciting firsts. I also had my monthly baking session with my younger cousin, and together we made beignets, berry clafoutis, and s'mores cookies. 🍩🍓🍪

As part of Reddit’s 52 Weeks of Cooking Challenge, I tackled babka since the challenge theme was “Stretching.” For the 52 Weeks of Baking Challenge, the theme was inspired by The Great British Bake Off, so I made Paul Hollywood’s cheese and onion slices using rough puff pastry. 🥐🧀

I've been so happy in my kitchen lately—cooking brings me peace. 👩‍🍳 

Recipes Made So Far This Year:

Goal: To try seven new recipes each week 🗓️, aiming for 365 this year!

Number of Recipes Made this Week: 16 ✅ 

Number of New Recipes Tested as of 1/19: 34

Weeks Achieving Seven or More New Recipes: 3 out of 3

This Week’s Recipe Test Summary

Impress Someone🌟

Nothing this week.

Would Make Again 👍

S'mores Cookies from Preppy Kitchen 🍪🔥
I love eating cookies fresh out of the oven, but I wasn't convinced when I took my first bite. However, after letting them cool, I found them delicious! My little cousin took most of them, but I was lucky to have a few left—and I ate them all. Her high school friends even said they were the best cookies ever!

Matcha Green Tea Smoothie from Rise and Run: Recipes, Rituals and Runs to Fuel Your Day [Cookbook]🍵🥤 

This smoothie reminded me of the one my mom always orders from Jamba Juice—just without all the extra sugar! I can’t wait to make it for her soon.

Cheese and Onion Slices by Paul Hollywood 🧀🥧
These may not look the prettiest, but they were absolutely delicious! This was my first time making rough puff pastry, and I recommend eating them right away for the best taste. I’ll definitely be making these again!

Sweet Soy Chicken Wings from Tasty by Rie McClenny 🍗🍯
I’ve only baked wings in the past, so this was my first time frying them—and they were super tasty! The only thing I’d change is halving the sauce, as too much can make it a bit salty.

Karaage Fried Chicken from Tasty by Rie McClenny 🍗🇯🇵
H really enjoyed these and wanted more, but the portions were a bit small. I thought they were just okay.

Blistered Shishito Peppers from NY Times Cooking by Ali Sagle 🌶️🧂
Super easy to make and a great side dish!

Easy-Peasy Sushi Bake from Modern Asian Kitchen [Cookbook] by Kat Lieu 🍣🍚
I really enjoyed this! It was such a comforting dish—felt like a classic American sushi roll but in casserole form. Very munchy/snacky. I’ll definitely be making this for lunch again!

Thai-Style Chicken with Basil from America's Test Kitchen🌿🍗
A great spicy Thai side dish that I’ll be adding to my list!

Would Not Make Again 👎

These recipes didn’t live up to expectations or weren’t to my taste

Cōngyóubǐng (Scallion Pancakes) from America's Test Kitchen🥞🧄
These didn’t quite work out, but I’ll definitely try another recipe next time.

Avocado Hummus Dip from Feel Good Foodie 🥑🥣
It tasted like a cross between guacamole and hummus, which felt a bit confusing.

Rice Paper Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings) from Modern Asian Kitchen [Cookbook] by Kat Lieu 🦐🥟
I was excited to use my steamer basket for the first time! I’ll definitely try dumplings again, but this recipe was too spicy for me.

Scottish Shortbread from Daring Gourmet🍪
Super easy to make and tasty, but I think I can find a better recipe.

Pear Pudding Cake from Seasons & Suppers 🍐🍰
It was quite sweet and mushy—not my cup of tea.

Better Chocolate Babka from Smitten Kitchen 🍫🍞
I’ve made lots of great Smitten Kitchen recipes, but I didn’t enjoy this one as much. This was my first time making babka, and while it turned out okay, I wasn’t a big fan of the lemon zest in the recipe.

Berry Clafoutis from NY Times Cooking by Julia Child 🍓🥄
Unfortunately, it lacked flavor and just didn’t do it for me.

Beignets from America's Test Kitchen 🍩
I had New Orleans beignets in the back of my mind, and these were just okay—not quite what I was hoping for. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or any recipe requests you might have. Just respond directly to this email.

See you next week. Keep cooking! 👋 

Vale from ValeCooks