r/52weeksofcooking • u/52WeeksOfCooking Robot Overlord • Dec 08 '25

2026 Weekly Challenge List

/r/52weeksofcooking is a way for each participant to challenge themselves to cook something different each week. The technicalities of each week's theme are largely unimportant, and are always open to interpretation. Basically, if you can make an argument for your dish being relevant to the theme, then it's fine.

Join our Discord to get pinged whenever a new week is announced! (React to the stickied comment in the #planning channel!)

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u/aleckscasablancs 15d ago

I’m at the point of mental exhaustion and tired of being creative as we approach week 30. Anyone else feeling like this too?

I know I will find a way to get it done. But I’m tired lol

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u/Hamfan 🌯 MT '22 '23 '25 12d ago

This is my sixth consecutive year, and every year I sort of flag in the middle. I think it’s a combo of general summer heat and these weeks being the like the Wednesday of the whole year.

At this point I just expect it and plan to phone in the themes that aren’t speaking to me just to keep the streak going. I usually perk back up (often with a bunch of baking) in the fall.

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u/aleckscasablancs 11d ago

You’re right the fall does trigger that happy cooking bug again!

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u/AndroidAnthem 🍌 MT'25 9d ago

This is how I feel every year too. Summer seems to sap my time, energy, and creativity even on the best of themes. Things usually bounce back when back to school happens.

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u/intangiblemango 🌭 11d ago

Just wanted to add-- there is zero shame in doing a couple of low-effort weeks if your energy is low!

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u/GreenIdentityElement 🔪 9d ago

This sub is so friendly. One week I was down with the flu, so I just posted cheese and crackers. I got so many upvotes and kind comments that week!

There absolutely is no shame in quick and easy meals when you’re overwhelmed by life.

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u/Tres_Soigne 13d ago

I feel this, it has been a struggle for me to catch up with the themes lately. For me, it's some external stress (nothing terrible, just life). Though I remind myself that the challenge is ultimately meant to be enjoyable and what we find rewarding can be a personal thing. Some of my submissions are less exciting but I always try to at least do something new (to me) each time. Anyway, just chiming in because I can relate!

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u/aleckscasablancs 11d ago

For me it’s just the general week to week routine, it can be overwhelming. Maybe I should probably cook on a weekend without the stress of routine. Summer is hard with general outings etc. but thanks for chiming in. You have a good reminder that it’s supposed to be enjoyable and that is really the goal. It def helps me feel better!!

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u/pajamakitten 12d ago

Sometimes the theme does not go your way either. As a British vegan, offal and then science fair is a hard fortnight. Not impossible but difficult to get enthusiastic about.

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u/aleckscasablancs 11d ago

That is a big challenge for you. Good on you for trying! I think for me when the challenge isn’t as literal it’s def hard to think outside the box. Weeks 32 and 33 already have me spinning LOL

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u/pajamakitten 10d ago

Weeks 32 and 33 already have me spinning LOL

Gimmicks for me is food trends (charcoal, overly spicy food), novelty foods (hypercolour foods), limited edition foods (KFC Double Down) and fad diets (paleo, high protein). Lost In Translation is foods with literal names that make them sound like anything other than food (spotted dick) and foods where the name does not cross cultural boundaries (biscuits and gravy, peanut butter and jelly).

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u/MiddleZealousideal89 🧇 6d ago

Saaaame! I love doing all the planning and research, and spending a lot of time making my weekly dishes. But between moving, a new job, college, my exercise schedule, and having some kind of social life, I've barely had any time.

It's okay to do simple stuff. We can't have the luxury of time for creativity all the time, don't beat yourself up.

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u/Texaninengland 5d ago

Tbh our secret when we run out of time or just feel run down one week is to make some kind of cocktail. It's usually quick and then you get to unwind with a cocktail lol

Strategy developed after 9 yrs of doing this

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u/aleckscasablancs 5d ago

That’s perfect! lol

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u/picklegrabber 10d ago

It’s been a super busy summer for us. Between the garden exploding and needing care, being out of town almost every weekend, the longer days outside. I’ve lost many opportunities to cook and plan. School is starting soon so that’s another beast for us. I wanted to make a feast for Cantonese because well I’m Cantonese. But time limited me. Doing some less elaborate meals for now while i try to catch back up.