Challenge accepted

Years ago my oldest daughter was having a no good, horrible, well week. I asked her if there was anything I could do to brighten her day. She responded with a challenge. Find the best chocolate croissant in the Upper Valley. Challenge accepted…. the biggest problem at that point was there were not many bakeries available to find this lush treat. After exploring farmers markets and all the “local” bakeries I knew of. We found three. Our criteria included flakiness, enough chocolate, and presentation. Flakiness was achieved by two, enough chocolate, one and presentation one.

Craftsmanship is something that has to be a number one priority. Especially if you are going to call yourself a true bakery. Sorry, I don’t want to pay for something that looks like an untrained teenager made it. I want to know by just looking at it that the baker has put time, effort and love into their product. Taste is number two. I have had plenty of cakes, cookies and such that look great and frankly taste awful. Here at Duck Soup Catering we use the best ingredients we can find. We practice. Yes, that means practice! Trying it out on friends, family and neighbors before it goes out the door with Duck Soup Catering on the label. I have often told my staff if you see something on a plate or platter that you would not eat yourself, it does not go out the door.

This week a challenge was brought to me in the name of Wool Bread. It was soft and squishy with cranberries and dark chocolate locked inside. I loved the way it looked, tasted and the way it held up as I checked it for a few days after it was made. Practice, dang, I made chocolate croissants. I have to say these were the best I have ever had.

I urge you all to take a challenge. Create a new bread, dinner recipe, something you have never tried before. Practice something you have made. Work on craftsmanship. Surprise your family with a homemade pretend restaurant meal. You may be interested to see who will take the next challenge. Maybe it will be a weekly thing!

We know you have many bakeries, restaurants and caterers in the Upper Valley now. We appreciate each and everyone of you that chooses Duck Soup Catering!

Eat good food my friends! Have fun while you are doing it!