tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35487998119650134842012-01-24T06:00:10.356-08:00appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.comBlogger2751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-36895138659555067912011-12-14T23:19:00.000-08:002011-12-14T23:19:27.937-08:00

Hi All! YEP  - still keeping busy! Sorry for the lack of updates... Next on The Appropriated Muffin agenda is a Holiday Boutique taking place THIS Saturday in Old Town Pasadena! Hope to see and meet lots of people and share the yummy treats I'll be making!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-21118286805864990432011-12-07T11:31:00.000-08:002011-12-07T11:32:05.236-08:00

Just wanted to share! Great description of whoopie pies... especially for us Californians who haven't had much exposure (yet) to whoopie pies! Whoopie pies made with red velvet, gingerbread are the new must-have dessert - NYPOST.com Updated: Wed., Dec. 7, 2011, 10:45 AM Whoopie!The all-American sweet is this season’s must-have treatBy SARA PEPITONELast Updated: 10:45 AM,

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-56944018919553779982011-11-28T23:05:00.000-08:002011-11-28T23:06:03.005-08:00

It has been a whirlwind of a season so far... but its only just begun! I'll be making some amazing holiday gift baskets for clients and friends! From brioche cinnarolls to decorated rice krispy treat trees... I'm making it special for everyone! I've already kicked off some holiday/seasonal items at the Long Beach Patchwork in November... next up will be for a charity bake sale put on by Eat My

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-31091938874108616212011-10-25T16:12:00.000-07:002011-10-25T16:13:57.028-07:00

I'll be at the Long Beach Patchwork festival on November 6th!! So excited and now so busy with preparing everything! I've got the classic items on the menu, plus a few seasonal selections... can't wait to share with you all the final packaging and displays!   Check out their blog for more details!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-61364012199414655162011-09-07T15:02:00.000-07:002011-09-07T15:02:24.434-07:00

If you're like me and manage to spend hours in a bookstore just browsing through cookbooks... you're sure to have come across this book: and now... the follow-up: But rarely do you ever splurge on getting these pretty books for yourself. So it was quite exciting when I got the second book for my birthday this year! There are so many great recipes I'm dying to try! Double-Chocolate Loaf with

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-91159892140463549272011-08-11T18:48:00.000-07:002011-08-11T18:48:39.670-07:00

What a loooooong time it has been (again)! Not much time to do actual baking as of late - except for a few repeats of the classic recipes. But here's something I couldn't wait to try as soon as I saw it online. We are all familiar with my "crack fish" yes? Well, when I went to Unique LA a couple of weekends ago... I came across Bacon Crack from Cast Iron Gourmet. SO good... and then I didn't

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-47642710147491880182011-06-19T18:33:00.000-07:002011-06-19T18:33:24.128-07:00

The Appropriated Muffin will be vending at the bi-monthly Tuesday Night Cafe in Los Angeles this coming Tuesday, the 21st! Stop by for some treats and get your fill of live artists and performers!  For more information, go to: website: www.tuesdaynightproject.org facebook: www.facebook.com/tnproject twitter: www.twitter.com/tnproject

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-45753985452868496922011-06-10T11:55:00.000-07:002011-06-11T20:22:29.981-07:00

I sometimes find myself struggling with the (weak) correlation between my education and my "career". Art and baking, respectively. But then, I get a "project" that gives me reason to believe again. LOL. Hand-cut/shaped rice krispy treat letters. Sea Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies, PB Cup Rice Krispy Treats, Krispy Marshmallowy Peanut Buttery Chocolate Brownie Squares

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-24577291402298115232011-05-28T09:52:00.000-07:002011-05-28T09:52:17.547-07:00

We all know I have a slight aversion to decorating. It drives me (almost) bananas. I try not to decorate any of my cutout cookies or sugar cookies simply because I don't like icing/decorating a whole bunch of individual items. But when you get some cute ass cookie cutters, why the hell not make an exception? We've seen these before! Got this tree cookie cutter from Sweet Baking Supply.

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-18792647699430240212011-05-25T18:50:00.000-07:002011-05-25T18:50:42.464-07:00

In the "early years" of my baking adventures, I would jot down recipes into this little 3"x5" Hello Kitty notebook. (What other way is there, really?) And even so, I still look through it for treats to make! Thus, a re-visit to fresh strawberry muffins. The source of the original recipe is now lost, but at least I still have it to work from! Sugar-crusted Strawberry Muffins Strawberry Muffins

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-6155289387580792782011-05-18T23:17:00.000-07:002011-05-18T23:17:06.622-07:00

So, its been a while since I've made banana bread. How could I forget those several failed attempts previously? Armed with my new loaf pans... I think its time to try again! Banana Bread Mini Loaf

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-77388681839826279362011-05-15T22:51:00.000-07:002011-05-15T22:52:29.551-07:00

Aaaaaand it's been over a month since I've blogged. Needless to say I've been uber busy! Anyhoos, just wanted to share that I'm loving my new mini loaf baking pans! Lemon Loaf with Lemon Glaze

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-31595488650076249892011-04-18T23:03:00.000-07:002011-04-18T23:03:00.747-07:00

This super moist and lightly sweet & buttery cake is perfect for tea time or a coffee break! I tend to like more slim sized loaves, so perhaps a 9x5 loaf pan was too hefty. But still good!  I am on a loaf baking binge... next up will be lemon loaf and banana bread!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-45271685356996285582011-03-23T06:43:00.000-07:002011-03-23T06:43:59.980-07:00

So, buddy Ila moved. Thus, a housewarming gift = cake. Cake made with the kugelhopf bundt pan she gave me! Lemon Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze (not pictured) 2.75C AP Flour 1.5 tsp Baking Powder 0.75 tsp Salt 8oz unsalted Butter 1.5C Granulated Sugar 4 Eggs 1 tsp Vanilla Extract 0.75C Milk 0.25C Lemon Juice (approx 2) Lemon Zest from juiced lemons (approx 2) Sift dry ingredients. Set aside. Beat

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-91084731840335231772011-03-01T16:33:00.000-08:002011-03-01T16:33:52.282-08:00

I'm always getting orders for these "usuals"... why? BECAUSE they are awesome. :) I got to play around with some old china plates I got at an estate sale too! Sea Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies Cheerios Marshmallow Treats Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pie with Marshmallow Filling Rice Krispy Treats "Crack" Fish Krispy Marshmallowy Peanut Buttery Chocolatey Brownie Dark Espresso

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-81764373577259924612011-02-20T17:12:00.000-08:002011-02-21T00:57:30.946-08:00

These. Are. The. Best. Chewy. Ooey. Gooey. Brownies. Ever. Made with Valrhona cocoa powder, Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate and espresso powder... You know you want one (or ten) with a tall glass of cold milk!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-88113143417041325052011-02-17T17:17:00.000-08:002011-02-17T17:17:09.365-08:00

My favorite thing about baking bread? The smell! MmmmMMMMMmmm! Oh, and eating the warm bread right outta the oven too! Rustic Country White Bread Divided and packaged up for sharing! One of my favorite breads... brioche! My brioche a tete is still in practice, obviously. I love that nutty brown color! MMMM!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-28526845579823330072011-02-16T00:00:00.000-08:002011-02-16T00:00:11.291-08:00

Oh Valentine's Day... you have come and gone once again. Your obnoxiously commercialized pinks and reds and hearts each year continue to nauseate me every time I walk into a store. Too bad I still end up buying into all of it... and this year I actually CELEBRATED IT! With a boy! ♥ A homemade dinner of teriyaki salmon, brown rice and steamed asparagus, followed by our attempted dessert of

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-69705191666028058312011-02-14T12:36:00.000-08:002011-02-15T12:53:25.479-08:00

Valentine's Day includes pink and red and flowers and mushy gushy stuff and sweets! Lots of sweets! Here's a kickback to some of the sweets of V-Day's past. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Scones + Treat Bags Gift Baskets with a whole mess of homemade treats And what was in store for this year's Valentine's sweets orders? Why, a TOOL BOX (a red one no less) filled with treats! Contents include:

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-56034752392217569282011-01-30T20:06:00.000-08:002011-01-30T20:06:56.191-08:00

Homemade tiramisu... not as daunting as it might seem.  I pared down the recipe to serve just two (instead of a whopping 8 people). Recipe from my CIA book: Yields 2 4" rounds - used springform pans 1/3C Espresso 2T+2t Kahlua/coffee liquer 1/2C Granulated Sugar- divided into 1/3C and the remainder 2 Egg yolks 1/3 of an Egg (tricky tricky - I divided using weight) 13oz. Mascarpone Cheese 1/3t

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-7846660442562626142011-01-16T18:48:00.000-08:002011-01-16T18:48:36.635-08:00

This post is quite overdue... oops!Just wanted to tie up the holiday season, though its been long gone... 2 baskets from the Holiday Baking Extravaganza Special Gift Basket a la The Appropriated Muffin  Included: the usual Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies and... Homemade Peppermint Marshmallow with Semisweet Chocolate Holiday shaped Rice Krispy Treats Dachshund shaped Butter Cookies with

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-20416007017640312752011-01-04T14:39:00.000-08:002011-01-04T14:39:40.538-08:00

One of the new items for the holiday baking this year was homemade marshmallows. I had made them in class and thought it was super easy to make - not much time needed and so few ingredients. I "jazzed" mine up for winter with some peppermint extract instead of vanilla. But I probably should have gone less than a full tablespoon since the peppermint flavor came out fairly strong - I decided to "

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-37244258328517705662011-01-04T12:10:00.000-08:002010-12-31T21:36:43.821-08:00

So, remember the Banoffee Pie I had back in Scotland? Well... seemed so quick and easy to make, but it has taken me forever to get around to trying it! And so when an opportunity presents itself i.e. the urban family holiday party, I decide to give it a go. I think that Banoffee Pie is a very semi-homemade kind of pie; you can kind of just slap all the ingredients together and there you go! But

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-45283752816967564202011-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:002010-12-31T22:55:01.414-08:00

I hope everyone has a fun, festive and safe New Year's Eve/Day! I'll be at home enjoying my Christmas doughnuts...  ... in milk!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-13215010954537450842010-12-28T17:54:00.000-08:002011-01-01T17:36:34.949-08:00

The 2nd annual holiday bakefest with my friend and I: Rich Roll Butter Cookies with Royal Icing (recipe to follow - so easy!) Brown Rim Sugar Cookies Rocky Road Bites Pumpkin Cake loaves and trees Chunky Chocolate Gob Cookies - recipe from Kathleen at Gonna Want Seconds Rich Roll Butter Cookies with Royal Icing 8oz. butter, room temp 2/3C Sugar 1 egg 2 1/2C sifted AP flour 1/2t salt

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-27030306500764379502010-12-12T13:33:00.000-08:002010-12-12T13:34:50.030-08:00

Its been an intense few weeks... and it doesn't help to have a million+ things to do for the holidays. I have yet to do ANY shopping, and there isn't even any time to plan my own party! I did get a breather this weekend though... and was able to do some baking for a friend's party. Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting - the usual recipe, just shaped different. 8in round base, with 6 tree

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-54482850209602862762010-12-05T15:19:00.000-08:002010-12-12T13:16:35.444-08:00

Last but not least... Paris! @ Caffee de la Fayette Croque Monsier Breakfast time! Pain au Chocolat, Pain au Amande, Croissant Lunch Time sis's Ham, Cheese and Egg crepe Capo Panini - Capo with Mozz and Tomato @ Restaurant Chinois, Le Jumbo de Paris Cashew Chicken, Frogs Legs Breakfast again! Apricot Croissant (but it was called "orange" or something - we couldn't figure it out) "

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-526336392215864122010-11-30T14:44:00.000-08:002010-11-30T14:44:00.166-08:00

Scotland! So much history... and haggis. @ The Last Drop, Edinburgh Steak and Caledonian Ale Pie, topped with puff pastry Snack Time: Haggis Roll @ Jenny Ha's, Edinburgh Baked Potato with Chicken Curry Traditional Scottish Breakfast: check out the difference/similarities from a Traditional English Breakfast Fried Eggs, Haggis, Black Pudding, Sausage, Ham, Tomato, Tattie Scone @ Pizza

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-91451669303932549842010-11-28T21:27:00.000-08:002010-11-28T21:38:02.193-08:00

December is going to be shopping time! And I'm doing good so far in not going crazy and buying everything and anything penguiny for myself. Not to say I haven't been tempted. Here are some awesome shops/bakeries/crafters/etc that I've come across in going to the Queen Bee Market - Handmade Arts and Craft Show and Patchwork - Indie Arts and Crafts Festival recently. I've shared some finds in the

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-49865876803533158212010-11-25T13:06:00.000-08:002010-11-25T13:06:00.441-08:00

(back to) England... Bath,Wales, Leeds, York @ The George Inn, Lacock Chicken and Mushroom Pie  @ Bottelinos, Bath Marinated olives, Tortellini alla Bottelino- Spinach & Cheese Tortellini with a Tomato Cream Sauce Snack time! Traditional Welsh Cake @ The Bay Bistro, Rhosilli Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Panini @ Yard Bar & Kitchen, Cardiff Welsh Ham & Eggs Snack Time! Cornish Pasty

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-79483597527966382162010-11-21T22:47:00.000-08:002010-11-21T22:48:38.711-08:00

I've been "busy" lately... eeeesh. Oh life. Here's what I've been up to: hand-stamped packaging gift baskets working on packaging methods The holidays are FAST approaching. I hope to bake new stuff this year! (But who can't help but make the "oldies but goodies"?)

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-33005905813964002682010-11-17T19:34:00.000-08:002010-11-17T19:35:52.161-08:00

Ireland - lots of green, sheep, and cliffs... and Guinness. @ Riordan's, Galway Ham & Cheese Sandwich w/ Vegetable Soup + Soda Bread  @ Busker Brownes, Galway Pear Cider - much will be consumed in Ireland Lemon Sole @ Inis Mor Ham & Cheese Sandwich (again) @ Dail Bar & Restaurant, Galway Berry Cider Cajun Chicken & Smoked Bacon Penne @ Danny Mac's, Lahinch Baked Potato with Sweet

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-16946195207447054262010-11-11T22:07:00.000-08:002010-11-11T22:07:15.690-08:00

I'm doing it... taking that leap. Don't know where I'll land, but hopefully I won't land too hard (or on my face!). I will keep you all posted as this "endeavor" either a) grows amazingly b) goes nowhere c) fails a horrible death. This should also mean more projects and even MORE baking! Yay! Initial marketing/branding stuff

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-13158876938591419392010-11-08T13:39:00.000-08:002010-11-14T16:02:49.676-08:00

London, England - crisply cool with the sights, sounds and smells of the urban city. Fish & Chips Indian Food @ Preem's on Brick Lane Lamb and Chicken entrees with Almond Naan, Coconut Rice and Mango Lassi Pizzas @ Chinese Duck pizza Spinach & Goat Cheese Wagamama Chicken Ramen Traditional English Breakfast (be sure to check out the Traditional Scottish Breakfast (post coming soon)

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-47798111354265675812010-10-14T14:56:00.000-07:002010-10-14T14:56:00.324-07:00

LOTS of stuff. Pretty easy to make too... minus the burning sugar, use of a candy thermometer, and lots of sticky. Sadly, this is the last class for the Pro Bake II. (There is no III.) Oh, sadface. I really haven't had time to practice anything this session. So, I'll be sure to keep on honing those skills! Chewy Butter Caramels with a chocolate drizzel (I didn't do.) With Fleur de Sel (I

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-42245673286858453462010-10-11T20:54:00.000-07:002010-10-11T20:54:00.484-07:00

Seems like cooked frosting is as old as dirt... but I've only just recently come across it! It came to me on a piece of scratch paper, the "recipe" hastily and vaguely written in pencil. So with some research and guessing, I composited the Cooked Frosting recipe: 1 C Milk 3Tbsp AP Flour 1/2C Butter 1/2C Crisco 1C Sugar 1/4tsp Vanilla Cook milk in small saucepan. Slowly add flour. Stir until

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-24614465926804614992010-10-07T22:18:00.000-07:002010-10-07T22:18:00.149-07:00

Second to last class! Time has just flown by!!! So this class we made sponge/genoise cake. MMMMMMMmmmmmm. Vanilla Genoise with Strawberry Mousse Cocoa Genoise with Chocolate Mousse Unfortunately, this class day was SUPER HOT out in LA. So, I was only able to drive it 15 min to one of the few (maybe only?) friend that lives in LA. I wish I could have shared it with more... but mousse certainly

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-60224997775764903362010-10-05T09:39:00.000-07:002010-10-05T09:39:27.215-07:00

I'm off to Europe for a three week vacation! I have a few posts scheduled out til mid-October. But I won't be back til end of October. Miss you much! Can't wait to get back to post and to catch up on all my favorite blogs!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-12364305650546670832010-10-04T09:12:00.000-07:002010-10-04T21:49:11.392-07:00

All-in? Whaaaaat? Meaning, ALL THINGS PEANUT. ok. Peanut Butter and Roasted Peanuts. But that's still fancy no?Yummy!! I made these vegan... anything with PB is awesome!!The Whole Jar of Peanut Butter Cookies The Whole Jar of Peanut Butter Cookies - vegan style! 1C Vegan butter, not cold, but not TOO room temp 3/4C White Sugar 1C packed Brown Sugar 3 Vegan "eggs" 2tsp Vanilla Extract 1 (18 oz)

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-41947084339722768112010-10-01T01:06:00.000-07:002010-10-01T01:06:00.197-07:00

Yellow Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Caramel - from scratch! the incredible Salted Caramel Buttercream - it is a really pretty light taupe-y color. (Sorry for the "list of pictures" - I really should get to collage-ing them again) Petit Fours the almond cake part spread with raspberry jam Layered. Cubed. Dipped in liquid fondant = fail. So, the cake and jam were good. The

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-32848925435335463372010-09-27T21:42:00.000-07:002010-09-27T21:42:00.443-07:00

In case I've only slightly alluded to my new job as a baker for a vegan cafe/bakery... yes. It is true. Thus, I am leaving behind the job and company I have been a part of for over three years. Time to follow my dream! And of course, I'll be missing my co-workers. They all threw me a going away party. A potluck, in fact, which made me tear up. It was nice to see them MAKE food, given that we

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-78489250700784710212010-09-24T16:56:00.000-07:002010-09-24T16:56:00.537-07:00

Yeah, that's right. Butter. Plenty of butter. (Ok, well not as much that went into croissant/danish/puffpastry.) Viennesse Tart with Almond Filling and Poached Pears Blind baked Viennesse tart shell, filled with Frangipane, topped with poached pears Out of the oven - Done! I do like almond filling. Poached pear - blah. What another student did with the pears. Pretty huh? I just

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-4886657488496795392010-09-22T12:55:00.000-07:002010-09-22T12:55:00.380-07:00

Mine has already passed, and now... on to the next one! And we celebrated the one way we always celebrate - food, friends, and fun. Usually pretty low key. In fact, I can't really remember back to when we've been off-the-wall ridiculous. 22? 23? Lightyears ago it seems. Anyways, on to the quintessential birthday cake! Triple Layer Lemon Chiffon Cake with Lemon Curd and Italian ButtercreamCake

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-39778321449958520482010-09-19T20:44:00.000-07:002010-09-19T20:44:00.254-07:00

UHHHH... YEAH. This cookie recipe is amazing. Corn flakes? Coconut? Oatmeal? Chocolate Chips? So insanely good! The Ultimate Killer Cookies of All Time... Try it! The texture is awesome with the crushed corn flakes, and the coconut isn't overpowering either. There's a nice crunch and chew to this cookie. MMMMMmmmmm!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-68593614688542350012010-09-17T10:41:00.000-07:002010-09-17T10:41:00.713-07:00

We finished up the danish dough from last week... danish galore! My personal favorite: Pecan Alligator ('cause it looks like an alligator tail, get it?) Pecan Filling (can be prepared and stored up to 1 week in fridge) - soooo good! This can also be almond instead of pecan. (Or any nut in fact) Yields 1 Cup 1C Pecans 1/2C Powdered Sugar 1oz Unsalted Butter, room temp 1/2t Vanilla Extract 1

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-77110265110575100932010-09-14T20:51:00.000-07:002010-09-14T20:51:00.784-07:00

We all know about Babycakes in NY, now also in LA, yes? And needless to say, with all the vegan researching and experimenting, I was sure to come around to it... and Goop (Gwyneth Paltrow's blog) featured a Q&A with founder Erin McKenna! Along with some recipes! I tweaked it to be vegan, but NOT gluten-free. (One thing at a time people!) Also, halved the recipe. Double Chocolate Chip Cookies 1/2C

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-10861441738469787852010-09-10T10:43:00.000-07:002010-09-10T20:54:33.693-07:00

Yay! Class! The short break between sessions just flew by! And first day back was just like we never left. We dove into preparing danish dough to bake off the following class. (Needless to say, with all the rolling and folding, there was little time to take pictures.) So, we completed baguettes in class, and took home our prepared sourdough dough to bake the next day in our own kitchens.

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-3212657683225492992010-09-07T20:24:00.000-07:002010-09-07T20:25:27.852-07:00

Baking classes have started up again! Pro Baking II... so here comes 6 more weeks of new baking adventures! The New School of Cooking - Check it out!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-91989472671602120772010-09-06T23:45:00.000-07:002010-09-06T23:45:00.038-07:00

I'm not usually a partaker of granola... I like plain granola on my yogurt, but that's about it. But I decided to make some granola after some inspiration online and while looking at the "bulk" section in my local Sprouts market. It was easy peasy! Just mix everything together and bake. And I like how its easily customizable to what your tastes are. Homemade Cranberry Nut Granola, adapted from

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-32705780341897311932010-09-03T19:17:00.000-07:002010-09-07T20:27:06.343-07:00

Not that I've ever been opposed to vegan foods, but I just never had much "exposure" to it. And ignorance is bliss, perhaps? So needless to say, with the new job coming up working for a vegan cafe/bakery... I've spent lots of time practicing the transition of "regular" baker to vegan baker. After spending an entire evening making these items, I have come to the epiphany that while simply

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-5139727571868330712010-09-01T22:02:00.000-07:002010-09-07T20:28:43.939-07:00

My computer died last week. And I just now got it back. Not to say I missed it much... I DEFINITELY had lots of household maintenance to catch up on! But now, I have to catch up on all my blogging and blog reading... all things interwebby fabulous! So, while I get back into the groove of having a computer back in my life, and while I still have to finish up the rest of my cleaning "extravaganza"

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-64069924507294260052010-08-21T01:01:00.000-07:002010-08-21T01:01:00.287-07:00

Since I have a really hard to putting this book away... (or I just like to live like a slob)... I've made another recipe out of the book. This time going the traditional way of individual sized whoopie pies.  All wrapped up for sharing!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-39860186475474049102010-08-19T10:29:00.000-07:002010-08-19T10:29:00.417-07:00

My workplace is the oh-so-lucky beneficiary of all my baking adventures... and one of the top hits has been the PB+Chocolate+Rice Krispy+Marshmallow Brownies from Brown Eyed Baker. I don't know how many times I've actually made these... countless really. and so when I came across a new(er) recipe (from Brown Eyed Baker again, of course!) I knew this would be a hit as well! Peanut Butter Cup Rice

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-37520402910103530512010-08-16T00:25:00.000-07:002010-08-16T00:29:24.511-07:00

With my new Whoopie Pie book, I decided to make a Whoopie CAKE! BTW: This book is amazing!  BIG OL' WHOOPIE PIE... er, CAKE! Filled with Almond buttercream...Decorated with "dino" and "springtime" spinkles...Surprise for new co-worker (for sales). Yumyum!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-11620284701229025862010-08-12T00:36:00.000-07:002010-09-07T20:28:56.831-07:00

I'm another year older... and of course celebrated with my closest friends! They all know me so well, and the gifts always show! And I think that its also a way to make me bake them even more sweet treats... A new recipe book for whoopie pies (so many great recipes!) and a blank book to write my own recipes in!Awesome bundt pan inspired by the classic german hugelhopf mold!and of course, a

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-9257267701880354892010-08-04T22:58:00.000-07:002010-08-04T22:58:53.149-07:00

I'm not 100% sure why I picked these cupcakes out of the few that I brainstormed for the Cupcake Camp OC competition... I guess it was just one of those combination of flavors that I've tried and never really forgot. So without further ado, the cupcakes! Strawberry Cupcakes2.75C AP Flour0.5C Cake Flour1T Baking Powder1t Salt8oz unsalted butter, softened2.25C Sugar3 Large Eggs and 1 Large Egg

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-35418249460900382842010-08-02T21:51:00.000-07:002010-08-02T22:29:49.687-07:00

Finally, back to blogging! I hate being so busy that I don't even get my time to bake and blog! But while I still have a lot of things up in the air right now, I at least completed the cupcakes for the competition for the Cupcake Cake OC this past weekend! These cupcakes were damned hard work... primarily because of having to bake... hungover in the morning... after my birthday. But alas, I

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-84626747725337834412010-07-25T21:36:00.000-07:002010-07-25T21:58:57.263-07:00

I'm super excited to be participating in this! I've entered myself into the competition and am looking forward to trying a buttload of cupcakes with food pal, Ila (who is also in the competition). More to come on my cupcake baking adventure!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-8544072274208361982010-07-22T22:39:00.000-07:002010-09-07T20:25:48.452-07:00

Just to catch up... I have started to venture into vegan baking for this amazing opportunity that I am so happy to have gotten! Baking at a vegan cafe/bakery!! So, I've made a carrot cake before, which I brought to the interview. Then most recently, as the cafe gets closer and closer to opening day, the staff got together and myself and another baker brought some other items to the table to

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-13855173759937354502010-07-13T19:55:00.000-07:002010-07-13T19:56:28.868-07:00

OMG. This was the best carrot cake EVER. (and I don't say that for ANYTHING I make). This was an amazing carrot cake that I could eat all day long... and it doesn't even need frosting! The carrots definitely justify the full on pigging out that occurs, in my opinion. Quick Bread Carrot Cake 6oz flour 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 8.5oz sugar 5oz

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-58446791877078235682010-07-07T19:55:00.000-07:002010-07-07T19:55:06.132-07:00

The more I work with brioche... the more I "get" it. One of those "practice makes perfect" dealios. So this time, in addition to brioche rolls (which I still didn't form the "tete" well) -  I made brioche cinnamon rolls. I didn't intentionally plan for the centers of the rolls to pop up like that... but I LIKE IT!  And last but not least, (I really should start "collaging" my photos again), the

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-33997036912800617772010-07-05T19:19:00.000-07:002010-07-05T19:19:08.186-07:00

From the complex to the simple... flag cakes pop up to celebrate July 4th. So, I made my own this year. Blueberries, Raspberries, and Strawberries. Just a simple white cake, split and filled with strawberries and buttercream, then decorated on top to be our nation's flag. The amazing recipe of the Vanilla Bean Buttercream I used: the Easy Vanilla Bean Buttercream recipe from Brown Eyed Baker.

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-32831650636666398222010-07-04T12:58:00.000-07:002010-07-04T12:58:33.513-07:00

Full post later. BBQ awaits!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-2017192419746848552010-07-02T21:14:00.000-07:002010-07-02T21:14:26.347-07:00

I was, shall I say, enraptured by these cookies when I came across these beautiful cookies. Who can't help but love the amazing photography? Brown Sugar, Cinnamon & Vanilla Bean Cookies from Fresh My cookies pale in comparison... but still delish. It's LIKE a snickerdoodle... but so much better!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-58137495453152243572010-06-29T19:02:00.000-07:002010-06-29T19:02:27.113-07:00

Since I had rosemary leftover from making the olive bread, I decided to continue this string of bread making with focaccia. I enjoyed some fresh outta the oven with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-64700529715059680062010-06-26T20:39:00.000-07:002010-06-26T20:39:38.983-07:00

So I'm still getting the hang of baking breads... and the only previous encounter with brioche dough was in class for the Pain au Raisin. I got the request to bake up the "classic" brioche rolls, you know, the ones with the little "heads" on top - "brioche a tete". So I whipped up a batch of dough, let it slow rise in the fridge overnight, then baked it off the following day in the cute little

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-89132506604664266362010-06-23T20:10:00.000-07:002010-09-07T20:26:07.866-07:00

I had an interview with a vegan cafe/bakery, and I wanted to "wow" them with a sample. And as you all know, while I'm very diligent to baking from scratch, I've never touched the whole gluten-free, vegan, etc alternatives of baking. I live right next to a Sprouts which offers all the great alternatives needed though - so I wasn't completely lost! The recipe from Hell Yeah It's Vegan! Classic

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-33438364030677133172010-06-21T22:11:00.000-07:002010-06-21T22:56:53.866-07:00

Haven't posted in a while! Eek!Been so busy having work issues and personal problems... as usual.Plus I haven't baked anything new.  Challah (Overdone since I got distracted by TV) Olive Loaf I hope to be more productive soon!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-354607729155750862010-06-08T22:38:00.000-07:002010-06-08T22:38:37.630-07:00

So my boss, and friend, has abandoned me at work where we've been together for 3+years. Off to do great things with her own company... and while I still work towards my own goals of baking greatness... I, of course, had to express myself one of the few ways I know how: Buttermilk Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-36852252475796404522010-06-05T22:42:00.000-07:002010-06-05T23:19:06.299-07:00

After all the hard work from last week of rolling croissant dough and puff pastry... we were finally ready to bake them off! Sadly, this was the last class this session. Part 2 will be starting up in August though! Rolling the dough... Shaping the dough...   Egg washing the dough... Baked and ready to eat! Making the apple filling... Filling the puff pastry/brushing with cream &

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-89234861558443790042010-06-03T19:45:00.000-07:002010-06-03T19:45:59.237-07:00

It was Petey's bday... and sometimes as we get older and just go out for dinner and drinks, wrapped gifts sometimes seem to be overkill. But because I heart Petey so... I made him a little something! What could it be??????????? A blue rice krispy treat name plaque thing! I spread some white on the top just to make this letters pop. (Hey! That rhymes!)

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-61278393858377046072010-05-31T20:40:00.000-07:002010-05-31T20:40:34.638-07:00

So, while we only made the dough for croissants and puff pastry - ready to bake off for the final class! - we finished off the brioche from the previous class and made pain au raisin: yumyum!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-69050998996222883522010-05-26T21:44:00.000-07:002010-05-26T21:47:04.785-07:00

This stuff is so cute and amazing! It is the simplistic adorability that just calls to me... some "prints" are so modern and chic, others are just damned cute! I guess I also love how these work on flat iced surfaces... so its less of that traditional swirly swirl - but a really modern looking iced cupcake! Just wanted to share!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-63299969114711494602010-05-24T20:52:00.000-07:002010-05-24T21:36:44.811-07:00

Strawberry Cream Tart from Baking at Home with the Culinary Institute of America I've had this post sitting around for a while... I guess I forgot to publish! Oopsies. I made this back from when I had tart dough left from class, and pastry cream sitting in the fridge from an attempt at cream puffs... this turned out to be the perfect recipe to use all that up! It essentially comes down to

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-64627693920150957152010-05-21T19:40:00.000-07:002010-05-21T19:41:25.100-07:00

Sage Foccacia Spicy Country Crackers Brioche will show up next week - we only made the dough this class. Pizza Dough was demo'd. And we reaped the benefits. I personally chowed down 6 slices in class. Too many? Oops!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-87812389110534817832010-05-16T15:50:00.000-07:002010-05-16T22:03:57.348-07:00

I'm a sucker for cute and unique packaging... so of course, when I came across Happy Tape - I immediately ordered a box! No hesitation. I love this stuff! I'll have to restrain myself from buying each and every style. Eek! Wrapped up some of that homemade bread from class to gift to some peeps!!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-55293320354665540272010-05-13T23:21:00.000-07:002010-05-21T19:41:15.843-07:00

Never made bread before... always hid from anything involving yeast. But turns out, its not as scary as I thought. And what is this interesting thing about "starters"? I might just have to give that a go at some point in the future! Rustic White Bread A classmate's dough (above) - I forgot to take a pic of mine... you can see the difference in the shape (below)The AMAZING YUMYUM  BREAD! (

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-76969965375528980382010-05-12T22:42:00.000-07:002010-05-12T22:42:48.144-07:00

from poppytalk What initially peaked my interest in this recipe was that it COULD be vegan-friendly. Not that I'm vegan... but it's good to have alternatives to satisfy all potential client needs no? These have a wonderful warm color that just made me feel all calm and lighthearted. I don't know why.   The butterscotch leaves a dreamily sweet scent throughout the kitchen... lingering into my

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-49273714605168215532010-05-10T21:13:00.000-07:002010-05-10T21:13:13.086-07:00

Cream Scones from Baking at Home with the Culinary Institute of America 0.5 C Sugar 3.75 C Bread Flour 2T Baking Powder 2tsp Salt 2T Grated Orange Zest (approx 1 LARGE orange) 1C Dried Sweetened Cranberry (I used the Super Cranberry and Pomegrante Dried Fruit mix from Trader Joe's) 2.5 C Heavy Cream, chilled Egg Wash (1 Large Egg whisked with 2 T heavy cream) Combine all dry ingredients and

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-46278125266089076902010-05-07T21:57:00.000-07:002010-05-07T21:57:53.483-07:00

Layer cakes to be exact.   Made "true" buttercream... starting with Italian meringue, adding in lots of butter. Made vanilla and raspberry flavored. One to ice and one to fill the 3 layer white cake. The assembly: Yay!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-72771990187833370312010-05-04T20:15:00.000-07:002010-05-04T20:15:52.217-07:00

Cornbread from Baking at Home with the Culinary Institute of America 1 C Yellow Cornmeal, plus extra for dusting the pan 3/4C AP flour 1/2C Sugar 1.5tsp Baking Powder 1tsp Salt 2 Large Eggs 1/2C Buttermilk 1/4C Vegetable Oil Preheat oven to 350. Prep a 8in square pan - grease and dust with cornmeal. Mix together all dry ingredients. Whisk together all wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry -

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-47433001907651838362010-05-02T11:53:00.000-07:002010-05-02T11:53:26.948-07:00

This day was about chocolate - eating and baking. So we simply made a couple of chocolate cakes since it's not a confectionery class, and next week is the ACTUAL class on cakes. YUM! Chocolate Cupcakes with 3 Different Icings Chocolate Decadence Cake w/ Chocolate Glaze

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-31599191395243635402010-04-28T20:48:00.000-07:002010-04-28T20:48:34.119-07:00

So the best bud and I have been busting our butts trying to perfect the French Macaron. OoLaaLaa~ Too bad in all our attempts there were few to zero of "viable" macarons to fill and rejoice at. I'm still determined to get it though. We've made good progress since our first attempts... but still far from perfection. And like the souffle (which I have yet to re-attempt at home), I refuse to let

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-76050319109750136732010-04-25T18:20:00.000-07:002010-04-25T18:20:41.310-07:00

This week was fruit... in pies, tarts, cobblers and crisps! Everything from scratch of course.  Double Crust Apple PieBlackberry CobblerPear CrispYou can see (and taste) the diff between the crisp and cobbler topping. YUM!Lemon Tart

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-23389178567976704342010-04-19T19:48:00.000-07:002010-04-19T19:48:55.684-07:00

Still playing around with packaging and labeling... Would you refuse this magnificent tower of homemade... ?

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-10879937120225295642010-04-15T19:56:00.000-07:002010-04-15T19:57:20.012-07:00

This class was a toughie... I was just "off" the whole time. Must have just been one of those days. Blah. Pate a Choux came together nicely - probably since I've done it before. Also got to hone the piping skills! Burned the pastry cream a bit. Got the burned milk taste going on... which was later on masked by the chocolate and pate a choux. Sucked at the chocolate souffle. I think I over

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-88104305399946107162010-04-14T08:39:00.000-07:002010-04-14T08:39:34.883-07:00

a tip? or already well known info? ANYWAYS - New to me! We all know the traditional water bath for baking cheesecakes and custards etc... fill a pan partway with hot water, in the pan is the baking good wrapped well with aluminum or whatevs to keep water out. I learned this other way! Set a kitchen towel on baking sheet... SATURATE with hot water... set baking item right on the wet towel and

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-19508972339803271242010-04-11T22:49:00.000-07:002010-04-11T22:49:00.317-07:00

Since Sunday has become my only "day off", I've become drastically unproductive when I don't make any plans. Needless to say, I spent all day indoors - most of which was laying in bed. But I did want to share something I found during break time in class last week: The Saveur 100 I flipped thorough this issue and noted a few recipes to try. (I might just subscribe to the mag too.) Definitely

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-29949760407215882052010-04-08T22:49:00.000-07:002010-04-09T07:39:11.929-07:00

Exhausted. But had a good day at class... Main thing to work out is to not have things (e.g. vanilla bean flecks, raisins) sink to the bottom of the custard. Hmmm. Practice time! Bread Pudding with Brandied Raisins and Pecans Chocolate Pudding Creme Brulee Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Coffee and Orange Zest

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-6521004500796255462010-04-01T21:49:00.000-07:002010-04-01T21:49:03.248-07:00

Maybe I will survive this after all! Granted I have to drive one and a half hours to get to class... it's nice to just have a day just to do what I REALLY want to do. (Traffic sucks, but it's LA - what can you do?) And while I think it's not right to run rampant and share the recipes from class, I still want to share my baking successes and fails - and of course, what I learn from actually being

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-73126812933164939402010-03-29T20:29:00.000-07:002010-03-29T20:29:24.674-07:00

So, I'm starting a baking program this week, I've had to switch my work schedule around to accommodate - meaning I now only have Sundays off for the next 3 months. I've been mentally preparing for the onslaught of stress and tiresome days which has thus decreased my motivation to run/workout and bake as often as I usually would otherwise. If I seem to have disappeared off the face of the earth...

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-56032735288788318562010-03-24T22:14:00.000-07:002010-03-24T22:16:54.698-07:00

Some say (I don't) that wedding cakes are the pinnacle of any wedding decor. But who can blame them when you see amazing works like at the Sweet & Saucy Shop in Long Beach? One of the co-workers received a nice little bundle of cake pops today... and of course the entire office dug right in! I had the brownie pop. And nibbled on the banana peanut butter pop. Here is the cute label on the box

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-91919582812458351442010-03-21T23:57:00.000-07:002010-03-22T08:17:00.304-07:00

so, we've already been over how amazing these salted chocolate chip cookies are - and how these particular cookies are HIGHLY accepted by everybody... so i bake them for "special occasions" and package them into gifts! A paper mache flower pot filled with cookies, and hugging an empty Starbucks cup containing gift cards! Happy Birthday Jason indeed!

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-4207265341101565842010-03-20T00:07:00.000-07:002010-03-20T00:07:03.665-07:00

Some of you may or may not know... I work for a catering and events company. So, in addition to the humdrum of weddings and parties and banquets, we also go out to bridal shows and all that jazz. Oh. And I eat whatever appetizers and sweets are going around that night from other companies. A few of tonight's selections (I unfortunately missed on out some stuff - damn actual work.) crispy fried

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-17191918659297069352010-03-17T14:40:00.000-07:002010-03-17T14:40:00.348-07:00

Headed up to LA for some "errands" - well more like fun times. Stop #1: Garvey's Nut and Candy Man, oh man... seriously - I was a kid in a candy store. An insanely LARGE WAREHOUSE candy store that is. Sure the pictures a slightly fuzzy... but that's just about how I looked at everything. I was so overwhelmed at the sight of SO MUCH CANDY. The warehouse also has candy novelty items - clocks,

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-64114994138875680752010-03-15T17:35:00.000-07:002010-03-15T17:36:29.537-07:00

I guess lemons are in abundance this time of year... co-workers and friends seem to bring buckets around to just give them away! So of course, I snagged a few... with this super easy and yummy recipe in mind! Lemon-Butter Cookiesadapted from MixingBowl.com special issue magazine 1C Butter, softened 3/4C Granulated Sugar (154g) 2t finely shredded lemon peel (about 2 lemons) 2C AP flour (10.75oz)

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-72498075037391157792010-03-11T20:08:00.000-08:002010-03-12T21:26:41.868-08:00

Brownies. As much as I've brownie-d myself out over the past few months... I always end up coming back to it. I think I has to do with the fact that I don't have to let any butter come up to room temp but simply melt it. Cuz you know, using cold butter is just a no-no in successful baking (in most recipes anyways). So, brownies are chocolatized with cocoa powder or melted chocolate - and in

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-46140253870487295902010-03-08T20:10:00.000-08:002010-03-08T20:10:53.588-08:00

(gross. lol.) Anyways, I finally used up the last of the PB mousse! I made whoopie pies based off the "New England" recipe. Apparently there are the New England and Amish versions. (Whisk LA has run amuck with more flavors... but any variations for me will have to wait!) So given that this is the first time I've made whoopie pies, I decided to just go with the New England version - it was the

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-74884691126758360912010-03-08T00:02:00.000-08:002010-03-08T00:02:25.093-08:00

From the Peanut Butter Tortes I made just a few days ago, I had a lot of the mousse and some ganache left over. SO! Never one to let things go to waste... I decided to make some cupcakes to fill and ice with the leftovers. Mocha Chip Cupcakes (from The Best of Fine Cooking: Sweet Cakes) 4.5oz unbleached AP flour 0.5tsp baking soda 0.25tsp table salt 4oz unsalted butter @ room temp 1C granulated

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3548799811965013484.post-86858634153393358672010-03-06T23:16:00.000-08:002010-03-06T23:16:56.452-08:00

What does all this make? An amazing yum-yum treat!! Again - another AMAZING recipe by Michelle of Brown Eyed Baker. Notes: Food processor is nice and time-saving in chopping nuts and crushing oreos for the crust. I did it all my hand... not all that much fun. I used 4 small springform pans instead of 1 large. I had a TON of the mousse left over... I'm thinking of doing some filled chocolate

appropriated.muffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856634656878357458noreply@blogger.com4