The Cooking Challenge - Week 6 - Ingredient You Disliked as a Child

[tuneful87]

Week 1 - Casseroles
This one is going to be pretty broad. Any sort of casserole you like, as long as it's something you've never made before! The next challenge will be posted a week from now, so try to get your dish complete by that time if possible. Let the brainstorming begin!

Week 2 - Garlic
This week we'll all be using the same ingredient - garlic! Just how many ways can you incorporate garlic into a dish? We shall see...

Week 3 - One Pot Wonder
Get your spoons out; this week it's all about soup! (Just make sure it's a recipe/soup you've never made before!

Week 4 - Something Stuffed
This week you'll be stuffing something more than just your stocking! Any food type is permissible, just make sure that *something* is getting stuffed.

Week 5 - Seasonal Squash
Use summer or winter squash (depending on what season it is in your part of the world) to make a main course or side dish.

Week 6 - Ingredient You Disliked as a Child
That's right, pick an ingredient you disliked as a child (you might even still dislike it) and find a way to prepare it so that you actually enjoy it!
...


I've been so unmotivated with cooking lately (not to mention relying far too much on Trader Joe's) so I was thinking of starting a little challenge to get myself and others inspired to dabble in cooking and perhaps get out of our comfort zones!

Each week I'd come up with a different theme and participants would have the ability to make any recipe that fell within the requirements. For example, we might have one week devoted to a dessert containing a certain common major ingredient, the next week totally vegetarian or vegan main courses, the next week a dish inspired by a particular continent/country, etc. There would of course be exceptions for dietary restrictions.

My vision is a 12 week challenge to start with. We can continue if it's a success. Participants would not be required to do every challenge, but it would be good to have at least a few regulars. Any newcomers could join at any time. Once you complete your dish, you could post a photo or link to the recipe and we can discuss...what we learned, what he liked/didn't like, what we would do differently, etc.

Any interest?

[Chi]

I can definitely whip something up to share once a week!
I love to cook and I love to learn new recipes.
The opinions of other members would probably be a lot better than reading a bunch of mixed reviews. 

[JaguarKisses]

This actually sounds really fun. I take turns cooking with my family and it is always hard to think of things to do here. Maybe this could get me to enjoy cooking again.

[tuneful87]

This actually sounds really fun. I take turns cooking with my family and it is always hard to think of things to do here. Maybe this could get me to enjoy cooking again.

Yes, the goal is to enjoy!

I can definitely whip something up to share once a week!
I love to cook and I love to learn new recipes.
The opinions of other members would probably be a lot better than reading a bunch of mixed reviews. 

Plus it will perhaps open our eyes up to new ways of preparing a timeless favorite. For example, let's say the week's theme is squash. I might only be familiar with a handful of ways to cook squash, so seeing how others prepare it as well as trying a new recipe of my own would help me to expand my squash knowledge. Yes, I just said squash knowledge. I'm in trouble...

[Rainbowrific Renia]

I like this idea!  I've been wanting to cook more and eat out less, so I'd definitely be interested.  I always find recipes I want to try and I never actually do it.  Maybe this'll be my chance!

[NovelNerd]

Lol if only I didn't set fire to all food items! I've actually managed to set three fires in one day, and I'm the reason we have more than one fire extinguisher in the house.

Sounds like a fun idea though for the more cooking inclined.

[MikeysGrrrl]

This sounds like it would be a lot of fun. I really enjoying cooking and I'm always looking for healthier alternatives. I would totally love to take part in this

[kaoskat]

You see..... I like cooking ok, but what I like to eat is insanely limited, so I'll have to pass.

[Beldarna]

This sounds really interesting.

[melodys_angel]

It sounds interesting^^
I unfortunately have a restricted diet so I cant join in--but id love to see what comes of it

[Mori_LeStrange]

This sounds like fun and might be the motivation I need to cook more often.

[tuneful87]

I was thinking of posting the first challenge Sunday/Monday.

You guys want to brainstorm challenge ideas with me in the meantime? I have a few ideas but love to get some input as well.

[Silver Glade]

Count me in! 

[Whippycorn]

Sounds fun! 

[Bubbles1983]

Could be particularly interesting if you pick things that could be used in sweet or savoury dishes such as sweet potato. Or even a herb or spice. This would mean possibly a really wide variety of dishes on the same theme.