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I wrote this post in drafts at the start of the year and, typically, just as I get round to posting it, my oven breaks! We turned it on to preheat a few days ago but after a couple of minutes there was a flash of light, a loud pop and then nothing. It may be something simple to fix but to be honest, I’d be glad to see the back of this rubbish oven, so I am on the hunt for a new one… again!

I adore baking but recently I’ve become increasingly aware that I end up baking the same things over and over again. It’s getting rather dull and I’m itching to expand my repertoire and try some new things. So I have decided to make myself a list of things that I would like to try baking in 2013. I am setting myself the target of trying a couple of new recipes every month and these are a few of the things I’d like to bake:

Macarons

I have tried these a couple of times before with mixed success. Sometimes the mixture has been too runny, sometimes it seems too grainy and nearly every time the colours have been dull – not at all like the pretty ones you see in the shops. 2013 will be the year I succeed with these little blighters!

Croissants

I’ve never tried making croissants and automatically assume they are tricky. Well, even if they are, I am a fairly accomplished baker now so I will embrace the challenge. Watch this space for yummy breakfast treats…

Focaccia

Again, I’m sure it isn’t as scary to make this as I think it is. There are so many wonderful flavours and ingredients you can use in focaccia, it’s definitely something I must try.

Pithivier

I saw these delicious-looking pies baked on the Great British Bake Off last year and have been really keen to try making one ever since. They just look so pretty! I just need to decide which filling to try out first – I’m thinking it will involve spinach and garlic…

Kransekake

I bought a kransekake pan in the Lakeland sale – I do love things that are a bit different (and it was a great price too!). All I need is an opportunity to use it now, or maybe I’ll just make one for the hell of it! The dough looks like it takes a bit of time and effort but I’m sure it will be worth it.

Pork pies

I’m not sure if they’re worth the hassle as the process looks quite time consuming, but I think there must be an enormous satisfaction to making something like a pork pie. And surely home made will taste better than shop bought?

I think that will do for starters but perhaps I’ll be back with the next list of things to try in a couple of months – oven permitting! So, what’s on your list of things to bake this year?