I think it only fitting that, as this is the first Biscuit Barrel of the new year and my first time hosting it (I’m temporarily managing the challenge while Laura finishes up her MChem degree), the theme should be appropriately adventurous. Therefore, it is:

Innovation and Discoveries

Try an ingredient or technique that you’ve never used before, experiment with a new flavour combination, or simply get around to making that recipe that you’ve had bookmarked for months (er, years?) but have never yet got around to trying. I look forward to seeing what you can dream up and uncover this month!

Any item, sweet or savoury, that can fit into a biscuit container qualifies for the challenge, so think creatively!

The Biscuit Barrel Challenge rules:

1. Blog about a recipe that fits with the theme of the month, linking back to The Lass In the Apron and I’d Much Rather Bake Than…
2. Include the Biscuit Barrel logo in your post (available above) and add “The Biscuit Barrel” as a tag.
3. Send me the link to your recipe post at alexandra.mcd74@hotmail.com by the 26th of the month, mentioning your name and the title of your recipe. Links will be added to the bottom of the monthly announcement post as they come in.
4. The recipe for the challenge can be your own or someone else’s, just be sure to credit or link back to the original author. Images must be your own.
5. You are allowed to submit as many recipes as you wish to the challenge. Recipes entered into The Biscuit Barrel may also be submitted to other blog challenges, as long as this is acceptable to the other challenge.
6. You can also add old posts if they have been updated to include The Biscuit Barrel logo and appropriate links and tag.
7. You do not have to participate every month to join in The Biscuit Barrel.
8. If you are on Twitter, please tweet your link to @lassintheapron with the hashtag #biscuitbarrel, and I’ll try to retweet them.
9. I will attempt to pin all entries to The Biscuit Barrel board on Pinterest, if I can ever figure out how to use the site. Currently, Pinterest remains a mystery to me.
10. If you have any questions, email me at alexandra.mcd74@hotmail.com or leave a comment below.

Now, let’s get busy filling those biscuit jars!

January entries:

1. Banana and White Chocolate Cookies from Rosemary and Pork Belly (vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free)

2. Ginger-Strawberry Jam Shortbread Thumbprints from The Lass In the Apron

3. White Chocolate Green Tea Shortbread Cookies from I’d Much Rather Bake Than . . .

4. Tea Bag Cookies from The More Than Occasional Baker

5. Matcha Spelt Chocolate Chip Cookies from Chocolate Log Blog

6. Pizza Muffins from The Gluten-Free Alchemist

7. Lego Biscuits from Green Gourmet Giraffe

8. Easy Muesli Cookies from Family-Friends-Food

9. Double Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies from Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary

10. Pear & Vanilla Pies with Sweet Almond Pastry from Blue Kitchen Bakes

11. Olaf Biscuits from Searching for Spice

12. Healthy Digestive Biscuits from Tales from the Kitchen Shed

13. Healthier Banana, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Cookies from Cakeyboi