Get Ready for the Global Baking Challenge of the Year!

The other night, I was watching yet another season of The Great British Baking Show with envy. I often complain about having no time to participate in any of my hobbies. And here on the TV screen are these amazing contestants, leading amazing lives, and still finding time to bake these amazing treats for their family and friends. So, why can’t that be me? I whine to myself. And then I had a lightbulb moment: I am going to take on a baking challenge.

Why can’t I find the time to partake in one of the things I love to do the most?

Like many of the contestants on the show, I hold down a full-time job. And my only responsibilities are to my boyfriend and three dogs, since my kids are all grown up now. So I should have more than enough time, right? Sure, I would have to give up my lengthy naps and binge-watching my favorite shows, but wouldn’t the reward of completing a year-long baking challenge be worth it? I turn to my boyfriend, who is sitting at his computer desk, scrolling through social media. 

“Hey, hun? I think I am going to bake something new each week. I could bake one new thing every week for a year. That’d be 52 treats. That’s doable, right?” I ran the idea past him.

He gave me a weird look.

“Hey! You would benefit!” I exclaimed. We both started laughing, but I knew he was a little worried. You should know I have presented him with some pretty questionable entrees in the past, and he was quick to point that out. 

After all the joking was over, he threw out an idea. “You should make potica.” (Pronounced poh-TEE-tsah).

I had no clue what potica was. I’d never heard of it. But it is apparently quite popular in Northern Minnesota. Come to find out, it is a Slovenian nut roll, and it sounds delicious. 

“Ooo!” This is exciting to me. “I can bake a new goody from a new country each week!” This is great, because I have always been interested in different cultures and foods, and I think this could be a good way to feed my desire to learn about and enjoy both. Then I can document my journey for anyone who cares to follow it! 

And, guess what? My first bake will be potica. I start on Sunday, January 11, 2026. It’s a bit ambitious, I admit, but it’ll be worth it. I hope you’ll join me.