Totally baked

I do not bake.

Firstly, because it is such a scientific, specific craft and while I like to do a good job, I am not a perfectionist – it’s not like cooking, where I am comfortable and I can improvise at any point in the dish.

Secondly, I don’t have a sweet tooth, so it is impossible for me to gauge how cookies, cakes, tarts and pies should be.

However, yesterday I made Diablo Cupcakes, a Mexican chocolate version that is just a little spicy.  And not only did I make them, I took them to a fancy dinner party a couple of hours later.

What was I thinking?

I was sooo nervous.  Here I was, not only baking, but imposing my bad skills on folks that I like and care about.

Normally I would make a side dish, salad or something savory and in my comfort zone.  I guess all of this cooking madness went to my head and suddenly I thought I could do anything.

It’s impossible to tell how people felt about them because no one is going to stand up, cast their plate across the room and yell, “Drivel!” (unless Gordon Ramsay is a guest)  My fella of course said they were good, which prompted a bunch of “uh huhs” and “oh yeahs.”

No one threw up and they didn’t have to be thrown in the trash, so I feel I did all right.

I am glad just to be making dinner tonight.  I know my way around anything supperish.  I am solid ground.

Until, that is, it’s someone’s birthday and I get the bright idea to make the cake.