Bake a Batch of Macarons.

“I could hear the seconds on the clock ticking. It kept pace with my heart beat. After several minutes, I went to the oven to give them a turn and SWEET CHRISTMAS…my macarons were rising and there was not a single crack to be found. I had to reel in my excitement because I was only halfway through the cooking process. They still had several more minutes left in the oven and anything could happen between now and then! They could collapse - they could crack - they could spontaneously combust! Deep breaths. [...] I ran to the oven, swung open the door, and I squealed in utter delight at what was before my eyes! Macarons - real macarons! Smooth tops, perfect feet, not a single crack in sight. They were like the children I’ll never have - still a little flawed but perfect to me. I DID IT! I actually did it.”

“For a few years I have shied away from attempting macarons. They just seem so intimidating, don’t they? Yes. The answer is yes. I would still not claim that I am a master at making them, but I have come a long way from my first batch. There are TONS of macaron recipes out there so instead of recreating the wheel, I referenced two different recipes and used tips from both to get my third batch right. It took me three tries, but hopefully you will see this and not be so intimidated by making macarons.”