Trial and Error
by Kym on October 11, 2008
I don’t like trying. With trying comes either succeeding or failing and here at Chez VanderHorst, it’s usually the latter. And when things actually go right, there’s this little edge of panic to it all. A feeling of, umm…wow…it worked. Dang dang dang…I have no idea why! They’re going to expect me to duplicate that some day…oh ow…I think my ego just cracked…
Yup, trying hurts in a myriad of ways and, put bluntly, I’m no good at it. Trial and error, but mostly error, as I sometimes (not often, as I don’t try very often, of course) say.
Today was a day of trying though. I mustered up the courage to bake. Now, I love to bake. I often (oh yes, often) brag about how much I enjoy creating mouth watering baked goods. Problem is, I only love it in my very fuzzy memory, or when it’s going really, really well. Which it doesn’t very often, actually.
A little tip? When you put your bread dough to rise, don’t put the bowl on top of the very hot stove. Because the bottom of this bowl will eventually contain bread rather than dough. This could prove problematic.
I’m the queen of absentminded baking, really. I’m forever making small but catastrophic mistakes. Like the time I left the flour out of the cookie batter, or turned the oven knob to broil instead of bake. Don’t even get me started on cracking eggs. Good heavens.
We’re having Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow and this morning’s rather intriguing experiences have me reluctant to risk further preparations. The pumpkin pie looks dubious. The bread is mildly deformed (too much dough in the loaf pan – a sadly common happenstance around here), and the gingersnaps…well…half of them are mushy and the other half are far, far too snappy.
Now normally this is the bit where I espouse some grand bit of wisdom or insight. And we all nod our heads and smile a bit at Kim pretending to be wise. Today though? I’ve got nothin’. I imagine I could say something profound about how I’m going to go back in there and try, try again. But in all honesty, it’s just a matter of being too embarrassed not to. It’s one thing to say to our dinner guests that the food turned out to be inedible and hey, enjoy the pizza! It’s another to say, sorry, but trial and error? Really not my thing.
I’d rather spend my evening quietly scraping culinary disasters into the bin than wondering how to put my cowardice properly into words.
Watch out potatoes. You’re next on the hit list.
36 comments
Is it bad that I giggled a little at your blunders while at the same time wishing I could do something to help?
My husband sometimes doesn’t understand why I get so upset when I try a new dish and it turns out to be, well, blah. Cuz I get where you’re coming from with the not wanting to try.
I will send as many good vibes as I can spare in your general direction!
Becky´s last blog post..The good, the bad, and the so-so
by Becky on October 11, 2008 at 1:51 pm. #
Simply put, this is why I don’t do crafts. At least culinary disasters can usually be eaten or something! A bad craft is nothing but a bad craft, and puts your un-crafty-abilities on display. No thank you!
Jen´s last blog post..If a Train Heads South at 78 mph, and a Goldfish Swims in Circles Counter-Clockwise…
by Jen on October 11, 2008 at 1:57 pm. #
Your bread episode reminded me of the time I kept some extra muffin batter in the fridge, and when it got stiff, I thought, “hey, I’ll just warm it up in the microwave a bit so it’s runny again.” Yeah — COOK it in the microwave, I mean. Big, inedible flop!
Hope your thanksgiving is happy, despite whatever culinary mishaps come your way. :-)
by Beth on October 11, 2008 at 2:44 pm. #
You could try my trick: never follow any recipes and then act really surprised when it doesn’t turn out. (logical, right?) I admire that you stick to it. I lowered the bar for myself in the kitchen long ago. :)
Steph @ Diapers and Divinity´s last blog post..Oops (and my D.I.P.S. confession)
by Steph @ Diapers and Divinity on October 11, 2008 at 3:35 pm. #
It’s the only way to make something good in the kitchen, I’m afraid.
I just think hosting an event is a good start, right? Try not to worry too much, ok?
Lisa Milton´s last blog post..Jen’s birthday celebration
by Lisa Milton on October 11, 2008 at 3:38 pm. #
Oh dear hun . . . *HUGS* I hope the potatoes and the rest of the meal turns out well for you . . . but if it doesn’t . . . remember this . . . anyone whose opinion of you rises/falls on the success of your baking/cooking? . . . not really worth having as a friend . . . and I honestly can’t even begin to fathom anyone like that in your acquaintanship . . . *HUGS*
Kate´s last blog post..Chapter 3 ~ 2 Proposals and a . . .
by Kate on October 11, 2008 at 3:41 pm. #
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!!
I”m thinking good thoughts for your kitchen adventures.
Amber @ Soggy Cheerios´s last blog post..Thinking outloud for a minute
by Amber @ Soggy Cheerios on October 11, 2008 at 3:58 pm. #
I ABHOR baking… that’s right, I used a big girl word today. I LOVE LOVE LOVE COOKING and I can usually fix a disaster… baking? I’ve got NADA which is so weird because my mom used to have me bake treats every Sunday… maybe she was just trying to find a way to occupy my time so I wasn’t occupying hers????? HMMMMM.
Abra´s last blog post..
by Abra on October 11, 2008 at 4:16 pm. #
My first reaction was – Thanksgiving guests tomorrow?? Then I remembered you crazy Canadians celebrate it early! :) As for your baking…every year at Christmas time I miss your nutmeg logs – they are to die for! I missed them bad enough that I attempted to make them last holiday season. They just were not the same. I’m an awesome baker if I do say so myself, but they just weren’t as good as the original ones by Kim.
by Nicole on October 11, 2008 at 4:19 pm. #
Ha! I just love how real you are. You’re just a joy to read, even if you’re mad at potatoes.
Random question: Do I have the email address you use now, or the old one? I sent you a message and I’m totally not sure if it was the right address. Not that I’m pressuring you to hurry up and answer, just making sure…
I’ll shut up now.
Heather of the EO´s last blog post..Being the U in Mutherhood
by Heather of the EO on October 11, 2008 at 5:48 pm. #
“trying hurts in a myriad of ways” ain’t that the truth!!! happy canadian thanksgiving!
LeeGro´s last blog post..me a bully?
by LeeGro on October 11, 2008 at 7:07 pm. #
trial and error and the oven…..I am far to familiar with this trio!! but hey, I can bake most days now……it only took years and years of try,try again!! this thanksgiving I’m splitting duties with my Sis…this way we can each focus on a few things rather then chaotically trying to stuff it all under one belt. and at her house none the less!!
I guess we’ll have to try for girls night next week……
xo
Jenn´s last blog post..~my Libra boys~
by Jenn on October 11, 2008 at 9:15 pm. #
As I’ve been talking about recently, I’ve been trying out desserts, and it’s been quite frustrating, because I’m really quite good at most cooking (sorry, I’m not trying to sound amazing, ….err, anyway.) And so every time that I make a mediocre (or worse) dessert I just want to give up and go back to boxed brownies and cake mixes. I think as an adult it’s really hard to learn new things, because we’re so used to succeeding at what we do (or doing things we’re already good at) and actually learning new skills is really frustrating. It is for me at least.
Good job for not just throwing it away and persevering onward. And who cares how the bread looks – I wouldn’t. It’s how it tastes that’s important, right?
Also, Happy Thanksgiving. My sister served her mission in Vancouver, and it seemed like people there didn’t really celebrate Thanksgiving (so she said). Can you enlighten me about Canadians and Thanksgiving? What do you eat for Thanksgiving? I know I sound totally weird, but I guess I don’t know, and short of looking it up on Wikipedia you’re my best source.
Thora´s last blog post..I’m An Expert – It’s True
by Thora on October 12, 2008 at 4:43 am. #
Aw, Kim, at least you try, and are met with success, than NOT trying at all. I am a firm believer that the only actions one should regret are the ones not taken. Every mistake is a lesson learned.
I have made lots and lots of mistakes. Sometimes over and over. Some of us need a lot of lessons!
I too learned about not putting bread dough on the hot oven, in case that makes you feel better. Oh, and never ever put regular dish soap in your dishwasher! THAT was… interesting.
Jenna´s last blog post..Operation No Ice Cream
by Jenna on October 12, 2008 at 8:13 am. #
Well I’m sure you’ll have a Thankful Thanksgiving in spite of any baking errors. :)
Summer´s last blog post..Thanks Tiff
by Summer on October 12, 2008 at 8:47 am. #
Aw, Kim, you are so cute. I’m sorry about all your kitchen catastrophes…they do make for good blogging, though : ) I hope everything turned out okay in the end and that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family. Love you, dear.
Erin´s last blog post..Today’s Smile
by Erin on October 12, 2008 at 11:05 am. #
One Christmas I thought the basil was oregano, forgot to put the salt into the pie crust and burned the rolls. We all survived and it remains one of my favorite memories: The Christmas of many mistakes….
tracey´s last blog post..Worries
by tracey on October 12, 2008 at 12:17 pm. #
So let’s go back to the space race and the era of Spud-nik !
david mcmahon´s last blog post..Flower Power
by david mcmahon on October 12, 2008 at 3:04 pm. #
Happy Thanksgiving. I wish I was there with you.
Eowyn´s last blog post..This is. . .
by Eowyn on October 12, 2008 at 3:33 pm. #
I’m with Jen. You are to baking as I am to crafts. I am so over even trying. I only feel bad about myself. It’s taken me twenty-five years to decide that I’ve given it a noble effort but this is the point where I have to say, I quit! I’m sticking to my strengths!
Melanie J´s last blog post..Falling for it
by Melanie J on October 12, 2008 at 6:58 pm. #
“trying hurts in a myriad of ways”
You are more wise than you think, for you are being wise when you aren’t even trying :) !!
Hope you had a good Thanksgiving … and silly Bloglines … only just today did your 4 most recent posts show up?!?
An Ordinary Mom´s last blog post..My Grandpa Has Moved On
by An Ordinary Mom on October 12, 2008 at 9:10 pm. #
I’m a ZERO on the crafts scale as well! But I cook a mean thanksgiving dinner! My advice — get more trusted recipes. Try the Barefoot Contessa or the free Holiday leaflets from Williams-Sonoma. They’re painless, and fool-proof. Actually, I’m realizing you don’t have time for any of the above. So have a happy thanksgiving and put your focus on the TOGETHERNESS of the guests rather than the togetherness of your cooking! Works every time! We always have everyone at the table share three things they’re most grateful for this year…usually turns into a deeply heartfelt round of sharing…FAR more memorable than anything else at the table. Enjoy!
charrette´s last blog post..Friday Fragments: Oh, Shoot!
by charrette on October 12, 2008 at 9:40 pm. #
Hee hee! I just love baking, but I don’t do too much fancy fancy stuff. But, as 3/4 of your readers have mentioned, I’m NO good at crafts. So I can empathize on some level.
And be kind to the potatoes! Mmmm, potatoes. I could sure go for a good potato about now…
Lisa´s last blog post..A Relationship with Some Long Distance Parts
by Lisa on October 13, 2008 at 3:00 am. #
somebody wise once said that you only truly fail when you stop trying. i tend to think i only *permanently* fail when i stop trying. if i’m still in the process of trying, all those flopped attempts can be categorized as “practice.” :)
so there’s the time i scorched the granola, and the time i doubled the amount of butter in the rice krispies treats (i know, who could possibly screw up rice krispies treats? it’s not even real cooking, but somehow i managed it), and the time i omitted the sugar from the hot cocoa mix. hmmmn. with all this practice, i’m bound to be a dang good cook one day!
hope your thanksgiving meal went well. :)
nic´s last blog post..trio of goodness
by nic on October 13, 2008 at 8:41 am. #
Ahhh, you gotta love a trier hon. Happy Thanks Giving and I hope it all went well. Hugs.
Jo Beaufoix´s last blog post..Text-tastic
by Jo Beaufoix on October 13, 2008 at 12:00 pm. #
Ha! Another twin moment! I do those same things! When it does turn out well, then I throw a little party for myself… it doesn’t happen very often ;)
Melissa´s last blog post..
by Melissa on October 13, 2008 at 12:50 pm. #
you know i have never ever ever ever ever attempted bread? not gonna doot. seriously no.
no you can’t make me.
i said no.
i’ll have pictures of yours though, so i can show them to my friends and pretend that i did it. :)
hollydolly´s last blog post..this time next week the pains will have only begun
by hollydolly on October 13, 2008 at 3:18 pm. #
I’m just so impressed that you keep on trying. And hey, as long as you tuck the turkey bag in around the turkey, you probably won’t end up with your kitchen on fire.
It’s a step up from my little fiasco at least!
by JustRandi on October 13, 2008 at 7:33 pm. #
I really hate that try until you succeed crap too. So annoying. So rewarding, but so annoying. Honestly, I’m really tired of it.
by Ryan on October 13, 2008 at 8:42 pm. #
Funny! Happy Thanksgiving and Congrats! for being awarded David’s POD!
Im Being Held Hostage´s last blog post..Letter I for Insane
by Im Being Held Hostage on October 14, 2008 at 3:15 am. #
Oh boy….have I been where you are in the kitchen!! I fear my garbage disposal has seen many a disaster!!
Hope your Thanksgiving was disaster-free!
carol´s last blog post..~Classic Love Story~
by carol on October 14, 2008 at 4:11 am. #
I had a friend once who so hated cooking that she bought frozen dinners and separated them into the appropriate pans before warming and served them up as her own! She said they were her own, she’d paid for them….made sense in a temporary insane moment lol…loved this…and Happy Thanksgiving…I’m here via David…and POTD! Congratulations…
Sandi McBride´s last blog post..Portrait of Words…Father Time
by Sandi McBride on October 14, 2008 at 5:01 am. #
Oh, I have had plenty of those moments. I hate it when I forget salt. So does everyone else!
But, I hope it doesn’t make you hate me to find out that I can crack eggs with one hand. Yesiree, that’s right. One handed. I taught myself after watching Food Network. Comes in handy when you need one hand salmonella-free!
Rebecca´s last blog post..Tag! You’re It!
by Rebecca on October 14, 2008 at 12:43 pm. #
I don’t like to bake as much as I like to eat baked things…and I have made a ton of silly thoughtless mistakes too. I had to toss a huge bowl of chocolate frosting once because it was over cooked…it still tasted okay, but it looked worse than mudd. Okay. I didn’t toss all of it. The kids and I may have stood over the sink and ate most of it, but still, it wasn’t something I could serve to other adults….
I don’t like to fail either. Don’t get me started on that topic…
dapoppins´s last blog post..Feeding the Wild Things
by dapoppins on October 14, 2008 at 4:18 pm. #
Happy Thanksgiving! (okay, gotta admit…feels so weird saying that in October, but, ya know ;) ) You can do it!!!!
Jaina´s last blog post..100 and going strong…
by Jaina on October 15, 2008 at 2:00 pm. #
The only reason I enjoy the baking is for the end result. I like to eat, thus…I like to cook.
Heffalump´s last blog post..Holiday Tip or Dare #3
by Heffalump on October 17, 2008 at 9:57 am. #