"How did pancake batter get on the ceiling?"

If you have read my other blog about triathlons (which obviously you have because you are a cool person), you have probably guessed that I am not the most meticulous person. I lose socks, umbrellas, scarves, and that dang strip of fabric used to clean eye glasses. My car can sometimes resemble vehicles parked under freeway overpasses filled with clothes and random recycleables. When I drink a latte wearing khakis, my chances of spillage on said khakis are 9 in 10. But, one thing that I can do which is surprising given my type b personality is bake. Baking requires concentration, measurements, and no spacing out when Project Runway comes back from commercial break. Not to toot my own horn, but people pay money for my cookies. Granted, it was for my charity fundraising for one of my triathlons.

It took my awhile to get good at baking, particularly if it was a brand new recipe. I think that baking forces me to get in touch with my type A side (wherever the heck it is). Sometimes I get a little too focused on what I am doing and don't pay attention to what is around me or how big of a mess I am making. One time after I made breakfast, my husband went into the kitchen and looked around, "How did pancake batter get on the ceiling?"

Honestly? I have no clue. I try my best to clean up after myself (which is slightly easier now that I have glasses and can SEE the dirt and batter), but with a Jill in the kitchen, a mess will surely follow.

So, as I prepare for a new year and new goals, I have decided I want to do something else in addition to triathlon training. I want to challenge myself as a cook and baker. So starting in January 2009, I will be choosing a new recipe each week to try out. I am going to get out of my comfort zone of recipes and will see what works and what doesn't. I am going to start January with American Breakfast Foods. My first recipe? Eggs benedict---which sounds simple enough, but I have never made a hollaindaise or poached an egg before.

So, stayed tuned for this new adventure.