Yes, you have to keep the faith & follow your heart! Beautifully done on the challenge Lis. I managed just the Mallows & they were outstanding. I was so proud of them, like I had delivered 8 doz babies!! LOL

Beautiful!

I know how you felt! I have been so frustrated in the kitchen lately as well (something is not right after I have not cooked/baked for a while). But this challenge restores my faith, too. Beautiful bakes from ya!

What a beautiful and oh! so filled with positiveness… thank you… I have to agree, no matter how hard, no matter how challenging or discouraging life event can get, everything passes with time.

Okay… well sometimes they pass a little or a lot easier, especially with nice cookies as such

These cookies look amazing–God, I love Mallomars and they sound very like those devils. I know just what you mean about needing your heart to be in it. Sounds like you need a weekend or two of take out (at least) to just chill. I do miss my Daring Bakers’ challenges!

Hang in there, Ivonne!!! Love ya and your baked goods

I know how you feel! Sometime the ‘lust in the kitchen’ just isnt the same. But yes, you gotta keep the faith Babe! You’re biscuits turned out lovely. And listen here… anyone who made BOTH biscuits is a winner in my book. But then again, You’ve ALWAYS been a winner in my books! Love lots!!!

It sounds like it’s a matter of being tired and feeling pressure. Sometimes, it’s good to take a step back. I know that when I cook or bake under pressure, it’s more likely to go wrong.

But both your cookies look perfect. I’m glad you got some enjoyment out of this challenge (I certainly did, too). I hope your mojo returns soon!

I hear you about baking/cooking mojo. Mine has been teetering on the brink of collapse! Great that you didn’t pressure yourself on this challenge and allowed time to just focus on the two recipes instead of 8. Everyone deserves a break from time to time - including superstars like you xxoo

Despite your lack of desire- these look adorable and nicely shaped.

You really have a lot going on. Daring Bakers, a blog, work… and I dont even know you so who knows how much more you have going on. Goodness gracious girl. Give yourself a big pat on the back!

Glad that you made it, despite of your busy schedule. They look wonderful!

Good that you’re taking the time to relax as well! Without the necessary balance… it’s all quickly becoming too much! Your cookies and mallows came out absolutely beautiful!

See - its coming back. It’ll grow inside you until all you want to do is bake or cook. Don’t rush though, as you said, forced passion breeds mediocrity. It will happen, right when you’re ready. Take a step back, destress, go on vacation, relax - You’re worth it.

I must say as well that all of your cookies look amazing.

I’m so glad these worked for you, they look absolutely fantastic! Sometimes taking a break is all you need to get back into the swing of things.

It’s true that when your heart isn’t in something, you get mediocrity. I’m sorry this has happened to you lately, but I am glad to hear that these cookies turned out so well for you. They look absolutely gorgeous! This was another really interesting, creative challenge by DB!

Ivonne, I know that feeling all too well, especially considering I couldn’t get into the kitchen for months and months, and once I did..it seemed everything was ‘off’. In your case, I just think it’s sort of akin to writer’s block, a phase where you can’t quite achieve the desired result you’re looking for. Then again, it could just be some faulty recipes! That said, your Mallows and Milans came out fabulous..and look delicious. Nothing ‘off’ from what I see

Hey take it easy. This is fun, not a chore. I have had to take a step back in reducing my posts, projects and even commenting to find balance. You will get your mojo back. You should come to Chicago in August and take this fantastic cake course with me at French Pastry School. That will get your mojo back!

Your cookies look beautiful! Sometimes we all have difficulty finding inspiration in the kitchen. I have ruined my share of cakes when my mind was wandering elsewhere. I look forward to reading all about your baking once you have had a chance to relax and get back into the kitchen!

I’m so sorry to hear that! Nonetheless your cookies look very pretty and delicious!

Cheers,

Rosa

More time for hobnobs

They look so beautiful. I know I started doing some of the weekly things and challenges and realized - I have to write about what my heart wants me to write about and the same with the cooking. We all have our ebbs and tides and peaks and valleys. Nice to acknowledge that they’re there. And still create mouth-watering desserts.

I’ve had times like that too - some weekends the menu planning comes to me in a mere half hour, other times, I’ve been through 800 blogs and nothing even remotely jumps out at me.

And its hard too because I am trying to convince my husband that South Beach DOES include carbs - just good carbs and not meat for appetizers, meat for dinner and meat for dessert!

Hang in there - sending cooking hugs your way!

Beautiful glossy Mallows, perfect in shape!

Your cookies look beautiful! I agree, that love is an important factor in the kitchen, otherwise it just doesn’t seem to work. Your blog is an inspiration to me! Thank you!

Your mallows and milan cookies turned out lovely! I know what you mean about the heart not being in it when you push yourself too much or spread yourself too thin — then what once was so enjoyable loses it’s magic and becomes a chore. You are right in keeping the faith! Because after sitting outside (with those books!) and taking a breather you will indeed find that the magic tiptoes back in and inspiration flourishes anew! Hang in there Creampuff!

They look scrumptious! I put mine off as it has been so humid and stormy here and I just can’t bring myself to turn on the oven with no air conditioning.

In a selfish sort of way, I’m glad to not be the only one who struggles with this. I haven’t decided yet if there are little baking/cooking imps that find us in a moment of weakness and start sucking the life out of us, or if it’s just life’s way of saying “re-examine, re-think, pause and re-balance your life.” I lean towards the kitchen imps. Glad that you had a good kitchen day, and that you shared this. Gorgeous photos, as always.

I have gone through similar kinds of phases. These look great though! I am reading the same books this summer

Your Milano cookies are pure perfection I love the Mallows, that big, thick layer of chocolate! Cheers from rainy Ireland

Yum, so happy you got your groove back!

Ah, I understand. Do I ever understand.

Lovely cookies. Any left?

I know how you feel. You did a great job as usual, though. Take care!!

For a minute the first picture reminded me of chocolate covered doughnuts!
The cookies have certainly turned out well.
I have been going through a bit of what you are. Yesterday I wondered why my phone wasn’t charging;turns out I never turned the switch on! This morning my laundry wasn’t getting done;I hadn’t turned the tap to let the water into the washing machine!!! Could go on…
Cheer up. It’ll get better.

Fantastic looking chocolate. Everything looks awfully yummy.

So understand a hard time like that. Misery for a baker.
But wow your cookies are lovelies!
I’m doing grandchild and travel this month so I missed cookies

awesome!

Fabulous job on the cookies!

I’m so glad I’m not the only one like that - it’s gotten so bad lately, I coerced my boyfriend into baking cookies because I just didn’t feel like fight it but wanted cookies Your mallows look just perfect, so maybe it’s a turning point!

I sen hugs and buckets of faith to BORROW! I believe in you! You know, sometimes we just need a little extra somethin-somethin, we can’t run on empty! Find your somethin’, fill your tank, expect little and dance! Who knows what wondrous things like just around the next bend???

It comes down to honesty. That’s why I’m drawn to your blog. No fluff, just authenticity. You are one of those rare people that feel real, someone I wish was my next door neighbor. And now I must consider it is possible for someone other than Pepperidge Farm can make these cookies.

Yea, I hear you on the “meh…” attitude in the kitchen. So glad it isn’t just me.

Of course, I could figure out a way to get all hot and bothered over these cookies

Yes, focus seems to be the thing.
But that’s easy to say for me as I wouldn’t even consider baking four or five different things in one weekend.

Great job on the cookies.

Hang in there! Sending you lots of faith and HUGS!!!!

Great work on the cookies!! They look incredible!!!

Your cookies turned our lovely. thanks for sharing. I do hope you will join me for Crock Pot Wednesdays at Diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com. There are some really great giveaways for the inaugural event. Come check it out.

I love your cookies…Very very chocolate Marshmallow ookies and beautiful summer decorated Milan cookies! Congratulations with the perfect result. They look wonderful!

[…] I’d like to thank everyone for all of the wonderfully kind comments I received to my last post about how I’ve been experiencing a bit of a lull in the kitchen department recent…. […]

Both cookies look fantastic! I’m inspired to try both now.

OMFG! amazing! makes me so hungry!