Cadets Rise to the Challenge: Valentine's Style

Do you cringe when you hear the word challenge? 
 
It seems to me that very often the simple word challenge can take our minds to that negative side. We tend to think of being questioned, feeling threatened, you know, being challenged. 
 
But a challenge can also take us in a very positive direction.  And a delicious one!

As you'll see, I recently used Valentine's as an opportunity to challenge the cadets with a fun, creative undertaking.  And they really made the most of it!

 

Always Up for a Good Challenge​

My friends know how much I love to challenge our Foodie group with crazy themes.  Why?  Because the outcomes can be quite surprising. I just need an excuse to come up with a theme, a new challenge.
 
For some reason we, the ladies of our Foodie group, tend to do most of the cooking, while the men (their bellies, more specifically) get benefit from all our work.   

Well, I decided to change that at least once per year.  I throw an Annual Manly Grilling challenge to the boys with 10 silly, funny rules such as:

• The ladies' glasses must remain full at all times
• The ladies can't move a single finger (except maybe to raise their glasses)
• The ladies must be pampered

 
Reception was mixed at the beginning.  Expectations were so low. 
 
One of my friends told me to basically forget about her husband actively participating because he could only flip burger patties.  Barely! 

But not only did he make a delicious lemon pie, he also whipped that fresh cream in a breeze in front of our amused eyes.  Of course, with those Popeye’s arms it was more like a tornado than a breeze.  Me?  I need to borrow the muscles of my Kitchen-Aid!
 

My spouse made a horseradish sauce and a vanilla gelato...from scratch.  When I say from scratch, I mean it. He pulled the horseradish root from our backyard, and even scraped vanilla beans for the gelato. 

A few burns from scalding custard later, he ended up with a scrumptious vanilla gelato. I could see the pride shinning in his eyes when done. 

Ok, I confess.  I gave some tips along the way, but he did all the work.  Remember that rule of the ladies not moving a finger that day???
 
So I got to wondering: How can I similarly challenge the cadets of Rockin' Baker Academy?


 
The Valentine's Challenge

When Ryan, my assistant baker, mentioned having some of the cadets come up with their own breads, my mind immediately thought of a challenge. 

Yes, a Delicious Challenge for Valentine’s Day!
 
Cadets were challenged to not only create their own bread, but also to name their loaves.
 
Surprisingly, the cadets have enthusiastically embraced the challenge.  It’s been empowering to see the cadets planning, thinking, and sharing their ideas. 

Plus all the giggling makes it quite fun. 
 
The ingredients. The names. Everything. It's all been amazing!


Jen’s Nut?  Yep!  We all laughed out loud when Jennifer told us the name for her loaf.  A loaf with roasted banana, toasted walnuts, raisins, and a touch of cinnamon.  I’m already thinking of a nice toasted slice for breakfast.  Bring on the fromage blanc cheese baby!
​

Only Camryn could’ve thought of calling her loaf Sharp Dressed Man.  You may wonder what salami, cheddar, green onion, caramelized onion and All Spice have to do with a sharp dressed man, except for maybe wearing All Spice cologne.  When asked where that name came from, her reply was: “Because on Valentine’s Day, a man should dress sharp.” 

That’s makes a lot of sense to me.  Deliciously sensible by the way.
​

Since Love is in the air, Leah’s loaf is a Love Portion #9: raspberry, white chocolate chips, dark chocolate ganache, and secret spice.  No wonder why she’s calling it Love Portion #9—nine words in her ingredient list.  Clever!

 
Joaquin is fantasizing with his Strawberry Dream: a loaf with fresh strawberry compote, cream cheese, and honey.  As much as he loves jalapeño, I just hope he’s not adding it when I’m not looking. 

 
Daniel has turned out to be a cook, and since pizza is one of his favorite foods, he’s going with Pizzazz . . . Until the day to make their loaves arrives, Daniel continues delighting us with his breakfast dishes.  Next, waffles.  I’ll have my honey ready to drizzle!
 


Are You Up for a Fun Challenge?

I’m very pleased with how the challenge is turning out. It has been exciting, motivating, and fun. 

If a challenge is presented right, and the support is there, I believe most people will deliver beyond expectations.

 
Since we’re still on the topic of challenges, I'd like to challenge you.
 
You’re challenged to pick your favorite loaf. 
 
I know, I know!  I’m making it very hard for you to choose a single one. Psst, between you and me, you can pick more than one.
 
Whoever sells out first will win a doughty medal and the rights to brag about being #1.  And #2. And #3.
 
Just stop by on Valentine’s Day or Saturday 15 to pick up your favorite loaf!
 
Cadets will be also selling their loaves on Saturday 15 during the Self-Care Saturday at The Record from 10 am to 2 pm (104 NW A St., Bentonville).  Here is a Facebook link if you want to find out more about this free event: https://www.facebook.com/events/470778270495404/
 
Which one will you pick?

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