"You can cook??"

I don't know if I can count how many times someone has asked me this question... Usually somewhat incredulously. I always respond the same way-- "Yes, I like food too much not to try."  The thing is cooking, like most things, is about confidence. It's about choosing what you want to accomplish, believing you can accomplish that thing, and then actively deciding how you will accomplish it. 

For me cooking is about creativity. I almost consider it art. It's important for me to realize that in the kitchen, just like everywhere else, I won't do things the same way you will. And that's ok. 

Anyone can cook-- it's not always as exact a science as some would have you think. But to know what works for you, you have to be ready to fail. And to try again. And to fail again. 

Not every recipe will turn out exactly as you want, and not every type of food will be your forte. But that doesn't mean you can't cook, it means that you need to find your signature dish... And maybe that one wasn't it. 

Tonight, for a work potluck, I took a red velvet cake mix and changed up the added ingredients to make it my own. Here's the recipe I used:

• 1 box Duncan Hines red velvet cake mix
• 1 small box Jello instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz I think)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup canola oil (I subbed Apple sauce, because I do not use vegetable oil)
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

To frost the cake, I wanted something on the lighter side so I combined whipped cream and creamed cheese and whipped them to frosting consistency. Here are pictures of the cake project. 

So as you can see, the finished product doesn't look like the work of a master chef. But it is mine. It is a labor of love. I tried something new tonight, and I knew I could do it. But I wasn't afraid to fail either. 

And though it might not look the best, judging by the tiny sliver I took from the side, this particular endeavor was a success. Here's hoping my coworkers think so too!