tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91124369201688848302024-03-13T20:16:01.213-04:00 Baker in the BasementBaking, cake decorating, and treats & tips!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-21128130244085755582021-06-22T00:16:00.001-04:002021-06-22T00:16:11.966-04:00White Chocolate Cranberry-Almond Biscotti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gy84lCrAVPM/YNFiRELjAXI/AAAAAAAACH4/h7Y3V_TY7jU_SP_dzFGqNuY4cNHVFVatQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210527_021642-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gy84lCrAVPM/YNFiRELjAXI/AAAAAAAACH4/h7Y3V_TY7jU_SP_dzFGqNuY4cNHVFVatQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210527_021642-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>This biscotti is exactly what it says on the tin! Or, in the title, rather. Studded with dried sweetened cranberries, sliced almonds and generous chunks of white chocolate, this biscotti is a sweet and crisp dream!</p><p>Putting it together is a bit of work, but luckily for you, I've been working on making tutorial videos for recipes one may find intimidating, so if you need a little encouragement or clarification (or a laugh at some of my own goof-ups!) be sure to check it out:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GD5EDiZ_K3M" width="320" youtube-src-id="GD5EDiZ_K3M"></iframe></div><br /><p>If you like that one, please have a look around the channel for more recipe tutorials, taste tests and more :)</p><p>In the meantime, for those who prefer a recipe in writing, here you are:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDuKPgR3lPo/YNFjmdz2LXI/AAAAAAAACIA/I1vUYNEbTgkbekhnzjFB7msfAD5a3bYpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210527_021820-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDuKPgR3lPo/YNFjmdz2LXI/AAAAAAAACIA/I1vUYNEbTgkbekhnzjFB7msfAD5a3bYpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210527_021820-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">White Chocolate Cranberry Almond Biscotti</b><br />Adapted from <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/11593/italian-biscotti/?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=biscotti&e8=Quick+Search&event10=1&e7=Home+Page" target="_blank">All Recipes</a></p><p><br /></p><p>1 1/2 C Butter</p><p>1 3/4 C Sugar</p><p>6 Eggs</p><p>1 tsp Almond Extract</p><p>2 tsp Vanilla Extract</p><p>6 C All-Purpose Flour</p><p>1/2 tsp Salt</p><p>2 tsp Baking Powder</p><p>1 C Sliced or Slivered Almonds</p><p>1 C Dried Cranberries</p><p>1 C White Chocolate Chips OR White Chocolate, Chopped</p><p>1 C Additional White Chocolate, for topping</p><p><br /></p><p>1. Preheat oven to 350 F.</p><p>2. Either with wooden spoon or hand mixer, cream together butter and sugar in a large bowl.</p><p>3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly between additions. Stir in the extracts.</p><p>4. Sift flour, baking powder and salt and add to butter mixture, along with the almonds, white chocolate and dried cranberries. Mix with a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula - you many need to get in there with your hands to fully incorporate everything!</p><p>5. Divide dough into quarters. Shape each portion into a log roughly 15 inches long, place on a cookie sheet, and flatten gently until about 3 inches wide with a slight hump in the middle. You should be able to fit 2 portions on each cookie sheet.</p><p>6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until logs are firm. Cut into diagonal slices ~1/2 inch wide. Arrange slices cut-side down on baking sheet, return to oven to toast for 7-10 minutes. Flip slices, return to oven again to toast an additional 7-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool.</p><p>7. Melt 1 C white chocolate (either chips or chopped) in microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between blasts. When the chocolate is almost melted, allow the residual heat to finish the job; stir gently until smooth. Do not overheat and scorch your chocolate! Use melted white chocolate to decorate biscotti either by drizzling over them, or by dipping the biscotti halfway into the coating. Have fun with it!</p><p><br /></p><p>***</p><p><br /></p><p>Give it a try and let me know what you think! Thanks for reading!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPJtIcCCNBw/YNFj-AjxG3I/AAAAAAAACII/m2JWGgPAaugNJ-NmTgbMnXFrSPcn-KAqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210527_021850-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPJtIcCCNBw/YNFj-AjxG3I/AAAAAAAACII/m2JWGgPAaugNJ-NmTgbMnXFrSPcn-KAqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210527_021850-01.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-16613730570678027082020-11-16T12:32:00.000-05:002020-11-16T12:36:27.484-05:00Back at Baking in the Basement Blogging!<p> Hello folks!</p><p>Anyone still following this blog may need to take a moment to jog their memory, then y'all might wonder just where the heck I've been. Well, to be as honest and open as I can on the subject, I got very sick. I suffer from both mental illness and chronic physical conditions that had gone undiagnosed and untreated for too long, and I finally couldn't sustain my regular activities any more. I went through years of seeing what seemed like dozens of doctors before we figured it all out, and found the right regimens of therapy and medication to help me function more like a healthy person.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qE4ccFs8_yY/X7K295QMSaI/AAAAAAAACEg/n1muGhTT6csgkQcHO5XY1RsE-QgtW6L9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/45389590_10161093877795344_5850228529303650304_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qE4ccFs8_yY/X7K295QMSaI/AAAAAAAACEg/n1muGhTT6csgkQcHO5XY1RsE-QgtW6L9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/45389590_10161093877795344_5850228529303650304_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi, I'm still kicking!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>In the meantime, I worked retail for a fireworks company, going from cashier to store manager, before getting to a point where I felt I could advance no further, and so looked for work elsewhere. I got a job in a bakery, which was amazing, but I couldn't quite keep up with the physical demands, and they had to let me go after a few months. But I am grateful for that job, because it reminded me how much I love baking and creating delicious and beautiful foods and sharing them with the people around me. </p><p>This rediscovery of my baking passion led me to go back to school, and I've now completed a 2-year course in Baking and Pastry Arts Management, which sounds kind of fancy, but learning as much as I did at college only made me realize how much more there is to explore and learn in the culinary world, and I'm so excited to get into it!</p><p>I'm still not 100% able-bodied, my conditions aren't <i>cured</i>, but they are much better controlled, and I feel like I'm regaining some control in my life. So it's time to get back to it! Time to bake! Time to blog! Time to try new things - like video-making and meal kits and cookbook reviews!</p><p>Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this, and especially to my OG followers who are tuning back in.</p><p>If you'd like to keep up with my current projects, please check out my <a href="https://twitter.com/BakerInTheBSMT" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and/or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bakerinthebasement/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, where I'll be updating more frequently.</p><p>And keep an eye on this page - I've got some awesome new recipes and ideas I'm just itching to share :)</p><p><br /></p>Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-57601976678662570132012-12-15T02:28:00.003-05:002012-12-15T02:28:44.828-05:00A Quick Update, And Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies PreviewSorry for the immense silence around here, folks!<br /><br />I've gotten caught up in all that darned "real life" junk, like working and dealing with family issues, and all that lovely junk. On top of that I got involved in this awful thing called Tumblr which just saps hours of my time in the blink of an eye and I <i>love it.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
But I digress. Baking!<br /><br />It's that time of the year where I have a billion things to bake, so I'm gonna do my best to tell you guys about it! Right now I'm in the middle of a big batch of 60 cupcakes for a baby shower, so keep an eye out for those. At the moment the farthest I've gotten is...<br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUiY0WRt1x4/UMwjawonyNI/AAAAAAAAB64/ZZ7hi-Ib0xs/s1600/DSCN4046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUiY0WRt1x4/UMwjawonyNI/AAAAAAAAB64/ZZ7hi-Ib0xs/s320/DSCN4046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">... cake mix! I'm so busy I know I can't make all those cupcakes from scratch in one night, so I've spread out the work. The frostings are all fully made and hanging out in the fridge, and here I have all the dry ingredients for my cupcakes pre-mixed and ready to go with the remaining ingredients and instructions sticky-noted right on them. In a prettier container, these would make a great gift!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Getting ready for this crazy baking season also meant cleaning and organizing all my cookie cutters. I never realized just how many I had until I put them all in the sink to wash, and the sink was <i>completely full</i>. No, really, completely full! Look at this:<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxfYXEeedbA/UMwkvfkfKlI/AAAAAAAAB7M/dLaIe2cQ7Ik/s1600/DSCN4006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxfYXEeedbA/UMwkvfkfKlI/AAAAAAAAB7M/dLaIe2cQ7Ik/s320/DSCN4006.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: left;">
It's not just that plastic ones are floating here, there are metal cutters at the top of the sink. There's... there's at least 300 cutters here. I might have a problem.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Just to prove I really have been baking and not just slacking off, here's a preview of a post I just haven't gotten around to writing yet:</div>
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76sQbhw6y9o/UMwke_9PbWI/AAAAAAAAB7E/wFB6jR96sAc/s1600/DSCN3927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76sQbhw6y9o/UMwke_9PbWI/AAAAAAAAB7E/wFB6jR96sAc/s320/DSCN3927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Mmm, peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips and - and... what <i>is </i>that peaking out of the chewy peanutbuttery cookie bite? How mysterious!<br /><br />I guess y'all will find out next time!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-3264109875038715532012-10-12T03:28:00.002-04:002012-10-12T03:28:14.880-04:00Canada's Baking and Sweets Show 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i>***Mini blogger's note: This post is ultra-late due to unavoidable life circumstances. Sorry for the recent radio silence, folks, things should be back on track soon! Thanks for your understanding.***</i><br />
<br />
So I went to my very first baking convention on September 30th, Canada's Baking and Sweets Show! It was on all weekend but because of my work/life schedule I was only able to attend the Sunday. I was so excited to be among fellow foodies! I didn't enter any of the contests or anything, but oh, did I ever enjoy looking at some of the entries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xDcAOmETHm4/UG4QOBPFbhI/AAAAAAAAB1w/xBahcrDKaeY/s1600/DSCN3433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xDcAOmETHm4/UG4QOBPFbhI/AAAAAAAAB1w/xBahcrDKaeY/s400/DSCN3433.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
This incredible cake by Beatriz Muller won the Wedding Cake Competition, and it's easy to see why. Okay, maybe it's not with that lame pic, but look at THIS:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-3f6yKzhdQ/UG4QZwbJtMI/AAAAAAAAB14/Babim9ddQrM/s1600/DSCN3434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-3f6yKzhdQ/UG4QZwbJtMI/AAAAAAAAB14/Babim9ddQrM/s400/DSCN3434.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that detail. Are you looking??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That teeny, tiny, superfine piping! I've done string work, but I have NO IDEA how Ms Muller managed to achieve those delicate bridges of crisscross icing netting spanning between the cake surface and the draping icing layers at the bottom. Just - <i>how?</i> And those delicate, thinly-petaled flowers? All gumpaste. No, really.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLGZSDxvvp8/UG4Qm6RJNHI/AAAAAAAAB2A/1wdGFGz03Y0/s1600/DSCN3435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLGZSDxvvp8/UG4Qm6RJNHI/AAAAAAAAB2A/1wdGFGz03Y0/s320/DSCN3435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The delicate swirls up the sides - the little bell-shaped protrusion on the left, <i>the delicate, gorgeous royal icing butterfly precariously perched on the front panel</i>!! I can't comprehend how many hours of work must have gone into all these tiny, perfect, delicate details. Amazing work, Ms Muller! This is the kind of stuff I aspire to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw7OZNTs2SA/UG4Q0o-65EI/AAAAAAAAB2I/_G908PzpWWk/s1600/DSCN3449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw7OZNTs2SA/UG4Q0o-65EI/AAAAAAAAB2I/_G908PzpWWk/s400/DSCN3449.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
This cake didn't win, but if I'd been a judge, Mary De Masi's wedding <i>dress</i> cake would have placed very high. I wish I could have got more detail shots of this baby; the ruffles are perfection, the gathered fabric bits towards the bottom absolutely blow my mind right out my ears, and you can't find fault in the piped texture work... or at least I can't!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIo-z16Fqs8/UG4UD0JcnMI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/WOVP0ZcCtEY/s1600/DSCN3498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIo-z16Fqs8/UG4UD0JcnMI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/WOVP0ZcCtEY/s400/DSCN3498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When hubby and I were done ogling the entries in the Wedding Cakes and Theme Cake - Christmas competitions, we started checking out the places to grab snacks.We were attracted to <a href="http://www.lacasadolce.ca/index.html">La Casa Dolce</a> by their beautiful cake displays, and then we saw this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SB-ga0AXAjA/UG4T1-atwzI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/tcVveCd2yDc/s1600/DSCN3497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SB-ga0AXAjA/UG4T1-atwzI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/tcVveCd2yDc/s400/DSCN3497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That, my friends, is a chocolate fudge cupcake with peanut butter buttercream, and a crumbled Reese peanut butter cup on top. <i>Are you kidding me?</i> You may be able to tell I couldn't resist swiping my finger through the frosting before I could even focus the camera. Also there might be a bite missing out of the other side. Maybe.<br />
<br />
Hubby and I absolutely devoured this thing. I am dying to make my own version now. I'm going to have to trek out to Etobicoke again sometime just to try their other flavors!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Iop3WvsAN8/UG4VLZgCSVI/AAAAAAAAB5I/RtuzilmxvVQ/s1600/DSCN3511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Iop3WvsAN8/UG4VLZgCSVI/AAAAAAAAB5I/RtuzilmxvVQ/s400/DSCN3511.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, one more cake to gawk over. Again, the string work. I am in awe of string work this delicate and intricate. The only string work I've done was very simple, the precision and beauty of this work impresses me more than I can explain - especially since <i>this isn't a competition piece. </i>This is just the kind of stuff <a href="http://www.creativecutters.com/">Geraldine</a> churns out on a regular basis. She was an absolute delight to chat with - just a fount of information!<br />
<br />
I hope we get to meet again so we can chat and I can gaze in wonder at more of her work.<br />
<br />
Speaking of people who were absolutely delightful to speak to...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1z5zby7_nao/UG4UPIF1VdI/AAAAAAAAB4g/PxTXzWxo9f4/s1600/DSCN3499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1z5zby7_nao/UG4UPIF1VdI/AAAAAAAAB4g/PxTXzWxo9f4/s400/DSCN3499.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh my gosh, you guys, it's <a href="http://sweetopia.net/">Marian of Sweetopia</a>! She was demonstrating her awesome cookie decorating techniques for <a href="http://www.redpathsugar.com/">Redpath Sugar</a>. She was totally approachable and sweet and even posed for pictures and apologized for her icing-sticky hands when I wanted to shake her hand.<br />
<br />
It's cool, Marian, I'm a cookie decorator too! Maybe one day I'll be as good as you. Seriously, guys, if you love baking and cookie decorating, you gotta check out <a href="http://sweetopia.net/">Sweetopia</a>. You have no excuse.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pjM2KzrXmM/UG4Uadw4CbI/AAAAAAAAB4o/LjK5JpcF044/s1600/DSCN3504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pjM2KzrXmM/UG4Uadw4CbI/AAAAAAAAB4o/LjK5JpcF044/s400/DSCN3504.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I wish, wish, WISH I had gotten this lady's name. She was full of enthusiasm and made the Purdy's chocolates Chocolate Martinis demonstration super fun. Of course, the event couldn't have have happened at all without the amazing <a href="http://www.purdys.com/OurChocolatier.aspx">Chef Gary Mitchell</a>, head chocolatier for<a href="http://www.purdys.com/Default.aspx"> Purdy's</a>, Canada's largest (and best, IMHO) chocolate company. Seriously, those Mayan chocolates - I almost died of deliciousness at their samples booth.<br />
<br />
Chef Mitchell showed us how to make and serve mixed chocolate drinks - both alcoholic and non-alcoholic - using <i>real Purdy's chocolate. </i>Now, I've had a chocolate martini or two (or twenty) before, but never one made with real, high-quality chocolates. I mean, dang. We couldn't sample the hard drinks due to their lack of liquor license, but darned if I'm not whipping some up at my next soiree.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSNE6ztvbQg/UG4UnwfXWlI/AAAAAAAAB4w/Z-8mBVTrDWA/s1600/DSCN3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSNE6ztvbQg/UG4UnwfXWlI/AAAAAAAAB4w/Z-8mBVTrDWA/s400/DSCN3505.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Speaking of hard drinks, my husband disappeared a couple of times during the 7 hours we spent at the show, and both times I found him over at the Tia Maria table in the 'Lounge' - an area of the show serving mixed drinks and paired treats. These two lovelies, <a href="http://aaronsfoodnwine.blogspot.ca/">Aaron Male</a> and Taryn, were wonderful conversation, and the <a href="http://aaronsfoodnwine.blogspot.ca/2012/10/mmmm-baking-sweets.html">Dark Desire</a> drink they were serving up with biscotti to compliment was ahh-MAZING. I have to track down a bottle of <a href="http://www.tiamaria.com/">Tia Maria</a>, stat!<br />
<br />
Here's where I need to mention that this blog post is criminally out of order. I met and chatted up Aaron and Taryn towards the end of the day, but I haven't even told you how our day started yet! See, I wanted to save the most exciting stuff for last - mind you, it was all <i>way too exciting</i>, but you'll see what I mean.<br />
<br />
The first time hubby disappeared to the Lounge was while I was sitting in the competition stage area, waiting for a couple of highly-anticipated shows to start.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bfGhvImWhbE/UG4RCWORbeI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/VvvoX9tJk_c/s1600/DSCN3454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bfGhvImWhbE/UG4RCWORbeI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/VvvoX9tJk_c/s400/DSCN3454.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
First, the Pastry Kings Competition - where two very talented pastry chefs (whose names I <i>really</i> should have written down - help?) put together a couple of delicious, high-end, complex and beautiful desserts to be judged. I sadly missed the judging later that day, occupied as I was with everything else in this post, or I would tell you who won. I was sort of rooting for the fellow on the right though, he employed molecular gastronomy to make mango ravioli to go with his delicate cake with salted caramel sauce... yes, please!!<br />
<br />
Next up... the man I came to see. The major draw that made me say, "Screw going to Wizarding World of Harry Potter this year - I'm going to this show!!"<br />
<br />
So what could possibly make me give up a chance to see an attraction based on one of my favorite book series'? What could make me book a hotel in Mississauga, instead of Orlando?<br />
<br />
If you knew anything about this baking show, you can probably guess.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcsZ8ksA4f4/UG4RZSPtkdI/AAAAAAAAB2g/mRlTlXORyX4/s1600/DSCN3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcsZ8ksA4f4/UG4RZSPtkdI/AAAAAAAAB2g/mRlTlXORyX4/s400/DSCN3465.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Duff Goldman, everybody!!<br /><br />Ladies, contain yourselves.<br />
<br />
If you don't know who this guy is - what? Really? It's the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/ontv/shows/ace-of-cakes/show.html?titleid=104804">Ace of Cakes</a>, baby! You know, the guy who was making incredible, beautiful, delicious, occasionally animated/pyrotechnic/light-up cakes, before anyone else on television? Founder and owner of <a href="http://charmcitycakes.com/">Charm City Cakes</a>?<br />
<br />
My idol. No, seriously, this is the guy that inspired me, initially, to pursue my hobby of baking and try to turn it into a career. This guy, right here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmNJkr6ML2w/UG4Rkxst27I/AAAAAAAAB2o/Lymn0N5HVZA/s1600/DSCN3466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmNJkr6ML2w/UG4Rkxst27I/AAAAAAAAB2o/Lymn0N5HVZA/s400/DSCN3466.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Duff's portion of the show was brought to us by the fine folks behind PAM baking spray - which definitely has its uses, as Duff was obligated to point out. This <i>is</i> actually a neat trick he showed us, though! Is your rotating cake stand squeaking? WD40 isn't exactly kitchen safe, but PAM will do the same job and not hurt your food!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvQwb64ezgc/UG4Rv_SfWnI/AAAAAAAAB2w/HLA31mgst5A/s1600/DSCN3467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvQwb64ezgc/UG4Rv_SfWnI/AAAAAAAAB2w/HLA31mgst5A/s400/DSCN3467.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That sucker went from creaky to spinning beautifully. Duff's all, "Do you see that folks?"<br />
<br />
Mind = blown.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNoe4C-Ayuo/UG4SG0VZz-I/AAAAAAAAB3A/uGkkczgMDd8/s1600/DSCN3471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNoe4C-Ayuo/UG4SG0VZz-I/AAAAAAAAB3A/uGkkczgMDd8/s400/DSCN3471.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then Duff showed us some basic fondant decorating techniques: stripes, polka dots and... I forget what he called the thing he did to the top tier but anyway...<br />
<br />
He called up young Jessica from the crowd to assist, and she did a pretty dang good job! Very diligent and careful. Heck, if I'd been called up in front of that crowd, I probably would have just squeaked, cried, and melted through the floor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Bo_ivsBVQM/UG4SR0FN4lI/AAAAAAAAB3I/V4cwbOJEHRo/s1600/DSCN3475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Bo_ivsBVQM/UG4SR0FN4lI/AAAAAAAAB3I/V4cwbOJEHRo/s400/DSCN3475.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Duff also showed us some super-helpful tricks of the trade, like how an airbrush and a touch of vodka (he had to use water in the demo, though, no vodka handy apparently) can help eliminate white patchy bits of cornstarch (or icing sugar) clinging to your fondant.<br />
<br />
Interesting note on the whole cornstarch vs icing sugar argument: Duff swears by cornstarch, saying it's easy to brush off of the fondant, while icing sugar will soak in and combine with it, messing with the fondant's texture and also becoming overly sticky if it becomes moist.<br />
<br />
Geraldine, who I mentioned earlier, says that only icing sugar will do for rolling out fondant, and that <i>cornstarch</i> will cause fondant to dry and crack.<br />
<br />
I've always used icing sugar and haven't had a problem yet but... Maybe I will try cornstarch and see for myself what the fuss is all about!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bmvaFoiRtwc/UG4Sem9JapI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/eKjBFNwrbOs/s1600/DSCN3477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bmvaFoiRtwc/UG4Sem9JapI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/eKjBFNwrbOs/s400/DSCN3477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Duff also taught us that if you get a smudge of the wrong colour of fondant where it shouldn't be, an ever-so-slightly-damp paintbrush can be used to gently brush and scrape it away. Oh, the cakes that tip will save!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtCGKnQB3OY/UG4Sp1VYjRI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/RV6l7Lre4lQ/s1600/DSCN3478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtCGKnQB3OY/UG4Sp1VYjRI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/RV6l7Lre4lQ/s400/DSCN3478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once the basic fondant decorations were on, Duff airbrushed some beautiful fall leaves to stick on the cake, and had the lovely <a href="http://www.artsybaker.ca/ARTSYBAKER.COM/WELCOME.html">Artsy Baker</a> up on stage to help snip their stems so he could attach them properly. He then busted out a bunch of custom-made little edible plaques showing all his favorite things about Canada, and festooned the cake with them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0icsa4Fp6fQ/UG4TH0MCVeI/AAAAAAAAB3w/Y5RXIDiuQhE/s1600/DSCN3483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0icsa4Fp6fQ/UG4TH0MCVeI/AAAAAAAAB3w/Y5RXIDiuQhE/s400/DSCN3483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
See? Everything from RUSH to Justin Bieber, from the Leafs (which he actually hates, but he was trying to appease the largely Torontonian crowd) to beavers to narwhals, of all things!<br />
<br />
After his demo, he did a great Q & A session, then moved on to his book signing, which I of course lined up for. I was roughly the 1200th person in line, and no, I don't think I'm exaggerating. This crowd was <i>insane</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjTIYMAbuP4/UG4TpJ3o4CI/AAAAAAAAB4I/pbhGtLeAS64/s1600/DSCN3494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjTIYMAbuP4/UG4TpJ3o4CI/AAAAAAAAB4I/pbhGtLeAS64/s400/DSCN3494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was a line beyond which you weren't allowed to take pics, so this was about as good as I could do. Even with all the rules they had in place and Duff's bouncer-like manager/handler/bodyguard/general important-looking imposing dude standing by to move folks along, hubby and I waited well over an hour to get our book signed.<br /><br />And even though they were on a tight schedule, Duff took a few moments to smile and chat very briefly with each person in that line. He was totally genuine, and humble, and just.... you know, the best way to describe it is to just transcribe how our little meeting went down.<br /><br />Hubby, being the socially forward one, immediately greeted Duff and said something like, "Great to meet you, we're big fans."<br /><br />I awkwardly blurted out, "WOW DUFF GOLDMAN CAN I SHAKE YOUR HAND SIR" just like that, in all-caps and everything.<br /><br />Duff kind of scoffed and was like, "Don't call me 'sir', I'm just Duff."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"So uh, can I shake your hand, Duff?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He extended his hand and we had a brief little shake, and I tried not to explode with excitement because oh my gosh, Duff Goldman is talking to me and letting me shake his hand. He got my name, there was a touch of chatter I don't remember while he signed my book, then I blurted out "ACTUALLY DUDE CAN I GET A FIST-BUMP?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He laughed and put out his fist and I frickin' fist-bumped frickin' Duff frickin' Goldman, and started to walk away with my autographed book, delirious with happiness. But it gets better, because he said, "Nah, man, that ain't a fist bump, come back here."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What.<br /><br />I returned and he demonstrated the proper way to do an awesome, righteous, <i>exploding</i> fist-bump. Because that is just how he rolls. So I'm driving everyone I know crazy passing along the proper Duff-approved fist-bump procedure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, gosh, I could go on all day and night about what a great guy Duff is, and what a great time we had and all the amazing vendors and exhibitors we met and made purchases from, but this is getting AWFULLY long and this post is already over a week late so...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D24Rk9-bqAs/UG4VXRUJiqI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/WjOYwRxH1GA/s1600/DSCN3515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D24Rk9-bqAs/UG4VXRUJiqI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/WjOYwRxH1GA/s400/DSCN3515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A picture says a thousand words. We came back to the hotel laden with so much swag - some free, much purchased - that our arms ached from carrying it all. <i>This isn't even all of it.</i> We had multiples of a couple of things! I'll just break this down uber-fast:<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/">Canadian Living Magazines</a> and one year's subscription (not shown) with Great Grains cereal sample I didn't get to try because hubby totally scarfed it.<br />- <a href="http://www.hotmamas.ca/">Hot Mamas</a> awesome specialty hot sauces and hot mango jelly, which hubby claims aren't hot enough, and which nearly burned through the roof of my mouth, so, you know, your mileage may vary. Delicious, though!<br />
- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ace-Cakes-Inside-World-Charm/dp/006170301X">The Ace of Cakes book</a>, of course.<br />
- Cake Mate frosting in a spray can... this was part of the free swag, and I haven't tried it yet. I'll let y'all know how that goes when I get around to it.<br />
- Girl Guide cookies. I just... I just can't help myself. I'm sorry.<br />
- <a href="http://www.monkeybutterpb.com/">Monkey Butter Peanut Butter</a>. I can't describe how awesome this is. Just, go to the link. If you have any love for peanut butter at all, buy yourself one of their flavored natural peanut butters - or the 6-flavor set, like I did, and treat yourself. I don't care if it costs twice what Kraft or Skippy or whatever does, it's worth it. Do it! Go now, I'll wait.<br />
- A <a href="http://www.tiamaria.com/">Tia Maria</a> shaker tin Taryn gave to hubby, because he's such a bartending enthusiast, and was just in love with the shakers, and they weren't for sale. You're awesome, Taryn, thanks! (I hope that doesn't get you in trouble!)<br />
- Adorable kitty cat cookie cutters from <a href="http://www.goldaskitchen.com/">Golda's Kitchen</a>. I can't wait to make these, you don't even know. I want to make a cookie of all my cats... and all my friends' cats... and all my favorite internet cats...<br />
- There's these awesome microwave cakes from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/hansellsfoods">Hansell's</a>, that I had never heard of before, but let me tell you, they're quick to heat and way, WAY too easy to eat. Makes me want to try and make my own version!<br />
- A tiny, tiiiiiny little jar of edible orange sparklies that shall someday adorn fancy cupcakes... I have completely forgotten where I got them from, sorry! If I remember I'll be sure to update y'all.<br />
<br />
If this somehow wasn't enough for you, check out the Imgur album where I stuffed my remaining 75 photos from the show... more the half of them may or may not be Duff Goldman. Also a really cute pic of me and Marian lookin' like we're pals. That'd be cool, maybe someday... Anyway, check it out <a href="http://imgur.com/a/rS3Ew#0">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I think that about sums it up. In short, if you have a chance to go to this show for 2013, go go go!! It's totally worth it, way too fun, and heck, I might even see you there.<br /><br />Until next time!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-2672091499883534482012-08-26T18:50:00.000-04:002012-08-26T20:55:09.795-04:00Cookie-Stuffing Madness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>The following letter was found in a basement apartment, surrounded by cookie crumbs and chocolate smears. The location of the author is yet unknown:</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
To anyone who finds this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Help me. I can't stop stuffing cookies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It began innocently enough, a friend's request, some inspiration from <a href="http://picky-palate.com/">Picky Palate</a>, and a package of Reese peanut butter cups. I had no idea that Reese cups were... <i>a gateway cookie filling!</i></div>
<br />
Soon, I was sending hubby to the grocery, to the bulk store - <i>anywhere</i> to find more items to bake inside cookies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Ds7vG4Ipo/UDqdW94FsNI/AAAAAAAABzc/hn1rP7pzsAw/s1600/DSCN3095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Ds7vG4Ipo/UDqdW94FsNI/AAAAAAAABzc/hn1rP7pzsAw/s400/DSCN3095.JPG" width="400" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oreos (original idea <a href="http://picky-palate.com/2011/01/06/oreo-stuffed-chocolate-chip-cookies/#more-10934">here</a>!), York peppermint patties, fun-size Oh Henry bars, even Williocrisp squares. I knew I was out of control, but I couldn't stop. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkOaLNRfBgs/UDqaJ0uYHZI/AAAAAAAABxI/FNjdDlj-Rqc/s1600/DSCN3100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkOaLNRfBgs/UDqaJ0uYHZI/AAAAAAAABxI/FNjdDlj-Rqc/s400/DSCN3100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Soon, I had whipped up a batch of chocolate chip cookie dough and doled out scoopfuls onto a pan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEOy7Y8i_EA/UDqaVpwJ4uI/AAAAAAAABxY/7mcfHf0iHoY/s1600/DSCN3117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEOy7Y8i_EA/UDqaVpwJ4uI/AAAAAAAABxY/7mcfHf0iHoY/s400/DSCN3117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I found the Willocrisps small enough that they needed only a dough ball and a half to cover them entirely. Somewhere in my diseased mind I thought that made them more okay, more acceptable somehow.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVBzJyK2FuY/UDqaPkcw8QI/AAAAAAAABxQ/6RLVFkS3dFM/s1600/DSCN3111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVBzJyK2FuY/UDqaPkcw8QI/AAAAAAAABxQ/6RLVFkS3dFM/s400/DSCN3111.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bet you can't guess which one is the Oh Henry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Soon I had formed dough around all the fillings and was ready to place the first batch in the oven, pushing <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/08/you-got-your-peanut-butter-cup-in-my.html">flashbacks</a> out of my mind. I waited with bated breath outside the oven, trembling with the early stages of withdrawal as I anticipated the results. As soon as they were out of the oven, I busied myself with the next tray, trying desperately to restrain myself from devouring the cookies while they were still 350 degrees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHrp25MhI8o/UDqaa0W0CkI/AAAAAAAABxg/XapjHzq4kFs/s1600/DSCN3121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHrp25MhI8o/UDqaa0W0CkI/AAAAAAAABxg/XapjHzq4kFs/s400/DSCN3121.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The moment I deemed the cookies cool enough to try, I selected what I thought my most unusual stuffing and savoured the sight of the monstrous baked good beside its confectionery brethren, before finally splitting it open to observe its wondrous insides.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJzk2ZfBPRA/UDqdZi3RFuI/AAAAAAAABzk/AZub9s1Xw7k/s1600/DSCN3122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJzk2ZfBPRA/UDqdZi3RFuI/AAAAAAAABzk/AZub9s1Xw7k/s400/DSCN3122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I could see that the mint patty had held its shape well, and as I jammed the cookies into my face obsessively, I was vaguely aware that the patty's strong mint flavor had mellowed ever-so-slightly in the baking process, infusing the cookie with a sweet, minty aroma that did not overpower the cookie's own flavor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-taUFtAuqN8c/UDqdgNxIMYI/AAAAAAAABz0/LS2qhb09yLw/s1600/DSCN3128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-taUFtAuqN8c/UDqdgNxIMYI/AAAAAAAABz0/LS2qhb09yLw/s400/DSCN3128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
No sooner had the first cookie vanished than I had to explore another, viciously cutting open the Oreo-stuffed variety. The Oreo held its shape and flavor exceedingly well. It passed through my mind that there was something inherently wrong with stuffing a cookie with another cookie, but by this time, I was well past morals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfnqt8hQuuE/UDqaxG0pKrI/AAAAAAAAByA/vovywF-ACHg/s1600/DSCN3130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfnqt8hQuuE/UDqaxG0pKrI/AAAAAAAAByA/vovywF-ACHg/s400/DSCN3130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Next, the Willocrisp cookie. I had barely waited for it to cool, and the magma-like melted candy within nearly burned my tongue to cinders. The candy was chewy and had lost its characteristic crispy crunch. Mad with the need for a delicious stuffed cookie, I tossed the failure aside and dove into the next pan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZcXB8DCXmc/UDqdcA56EbI/AAAAAAAABzs/YdaE-Q2__xs/s1600/DSCN3124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZcXB8DCXmc/UDqdcA56EbI/AAAAAAAABzs/YdaE-Q2__xs/s400/DSCN3124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh. Oh, this was it. The Oh Henry's nougat softened luxuriously in the oven, the nuts remained crisp, the caramel warm and gooey, and the chocolate - oh, the chocolate! Time seemed to cease existing as cookie after cookie disappeared into my mouth. Space seemed to shift and take on psychedelic qualities as I spun completely into cookie-induced madness.<br />
<br />
The walls liquefied, the floor became as a heaving ocean, until I collapsed into sugary unconsciousness.<br />
<br />
I write this, still surrounded by cookie shrapnel, from the floor of my basement apartment; my head pounding, my limbs weak. But still, I feel the stirring, the need for this confection, and I reach for the previously discarded Willocrisp cookie. Huh. Hey, you know, once these are fully cooled they actually get crunchy on the inside again. Oh wow - this is <i>really good</i>!<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
Oh dear - it's happening again. Send help! Send vegetables! Send insulin!<br />
<br />
Whatever you do, <i>don't bake this at home</i>! Save yourself! Your family!<br />
<br />
If this letter is found, tell my family I love them.<br />
<br />
- Tamara<br />
<br />
<br />
*Okay, so maybe I'm being just <i>slightly</i> ridiculous. Ever so slightly. And using the <i>tiniest</i> bit of hyperbole. But seriously, stuffing cookies is a slippery slope. In reality, my bro Duck helped me sample the first batches and the above scenario was completely avoided.<br />
<br />
But this could have happened, had I not had a helper. So always use the buddy system, kids. And experiment with baking safely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Until next time!<br />
<br />
PS - For anyone who's never had them, Willocrisps have basically the same stuff inside as a Crispy Crunch bar. Super tasty stuff.Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-88437422498917549672012-08-09T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-26T21:03:10.578-04:00You Got Your Peanut Butter Cup in my Cookie!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, I am well aware that I am not among the first to do this. Far from it, but please realize I made these cookies under <i>extreme duress</i>.</div>
<br />
By which I mean a friend linked me to an article about them on Facebook, and baker-shamed me into making them ASAP.And if you don't believe me, look what <i>someone</i> left on my timeline:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykNLNojIPqs/UCBeJ3heyuI/AAAAAAAABvo/Y5YohT-LfsM/s1600/cookie+facebook+thing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykNLNojIPqs/UCBeJ3heyuI/AAAAAAAABvo/Y5YohT-LfsM/s640/cookie+facebook+thing.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you'd like to visit the original link Leigh shared, it's <a href="http://www.fromthelittleyellowkitchen.com/2011/03/15/reeses-stuffed-chocolate-chip-cookie/">here</a>. Now, let's look at that comment again, shall we?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MosGQm6TGBg/UCBdd9JQRTI/AAAAAAAABvY/7Dzmh22k-iY/s1600/cookie+facebook+thing+closeup.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="42" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MosGQm6TGBg/UCBdd9JQRTI/AAAAAAAABvY/7Dzmh22k-iY/s400/cookie+facebook+thing+closeup.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yeah. No pressure at all. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, when I saw that a local store had 8 packs of Reese cups on sale, I knew what I had to do.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SD1FdWcOveQ/UB9qnEhFMnI/AAAAAAAABrI/13TMNiX7dCs/s1600/DSCN3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SD1FdWcOveQ/UB9qnEhFMnI/AAAAAAAABrI/13TMNiX7dCs/s400/DSCN3002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
These cups are ever-so-slightly smaller than the ones you get in a standard 3-pack, I think, and they worked out really well in this recipe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Keacl9nVeeM/UB9qs8X49pI/AAAAAAAABrQ/V6ApEtVPOiw/s1600/DSCN3006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Keacl9nVeeM/UB9qs8X49pI/AAAAAAAABrQ/V6ApEtVPOiw/s400/DSCN3006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Start with your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, or use the recipe listed <a href="http://picky-palate.com/2011/01/17/candy-bar-chocolate-chip-cookie-sandwiches/">here</a> at <a href="http://picky-palate.com/">Picky Palate</a>, where Jenny has tons of cookies-stuffed-in-cookies inspirations! I found that my personal recipe was similar enough that I just stuck with it.<br />
<br />
In either case, you probably have to start with room-temperature butter. I personally was busy with a garage sale and laundry that day, and forgot to put the butter out to warm up, so instead I chopped up my butter into little cubes and left it out for a half hour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAwRwLvVlI8/UB9q4SvpVwI/AAAAAAAABrg/Bi0Td5Uv7Gk/s1600/DSCN3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAwRwLvVlI8/UB9q4SvpVwI/AAAAAAAABrg/Bi0Td5Uv7Gk/s400/DSCN3013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I used a hand mixer to beat it into submission, and you know what? It was the perfect consistency. Forget leaving butter out for hours to come to temperature! This was much faster and wasn't much extra work.<br />
<br />
(If you're very familiar with making chocolate chip cookies, or you've recently read my <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/04/easter-m-cookies.html">Easter M&M Cookies post</a>, you can probably skip ahead a bit, cuz I'm going to go through all the steps for making cookie dough here. Again. Because of reasons.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-maVc25U107g/UB9rD-TdVzI/AAAAAAAABrw/YEJJNpke-4s/s1600/DSCN3016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-maVc25U107g/UB9rD-TdVzI/AAAAAAAABrw/YEJJNpke-4s/s400/DSCN3016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As long as I had the mixer out, I used it to cream in the brown and white sugars as well, then switched to a wooden spoon to work in the egg and vanilla.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXU7VBwhDVw/UB9rJoCdx2I/AAAAAAAABr4/GK7SIN1LrRU/s1600/DSCN3020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXU7VBwhDVw/UB9rJoCdx2I/AAAAAAAABr4/GK7SIN1LrRU/s400/DSCN3020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Even though my arms were sore and tired from garage-sale-manning and laundry-hauling all day, I made myself do the rest by hand because over-working the egg (or later, the flour) could result in disastrously tough cookies.<br />
<br />
And, honey, <i>I</i> am the only tough cookie around here!<br />
<br />
... Oh, man, that was lame. I should stick to baking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m40snT3XMK4/UB9rVbi8GFI/AAAAAAAABsI/7g0P8rjR-VI/s1600/DSCN3022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m40snT3XMK4/UB9rVbi8GFI/AAAAAAAABsI/7g0P8rjR-VI/s400/DSCN3022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So anyway, once you've worked in the egg and vanilla thoroughly, pile the flour, baking soda and salt on there and fold together until a firm dough forms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Nurqa2Oq5o/UB9rbTBY8lI/AAAAAAAABsQ/1doAOIbY3Xc/s1600/DSCN3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Nurqa2Oq5o/UB9rbTBY8lI/AAAAAAAABsQ/1doAOIbY3Xc/s400/DSCN3024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And add your chocolate chips... Mmm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gt9j9zzS6Jg/UB9rna13WbI/AAAAAAAABsg/JAun4rO1Pxc/s1600/DSCN3031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gt9j9zzS6Jg/UB9rna13WbI/AAAAAAAABsg/JAun4rO1Pxc/s400/DSCN3031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So now you have chocolate chip cookie dough. You could just stop here, grab a spoon and go to town (if you're not afraid of raw eggs, dun dun dunnnnn) or you could man up and make the craziest cookies ever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aibn-9hNis8/UB9rs8KS3MI/AAAAAAAABso/CVyDH_pDkkw/s1600/DSCN3034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aibn-9hNis8/UB9rs8KS3MI/AAAAAAAABso/CVyDH_pDkkw/s400/DSCN3034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
De-package your Reese Cups. 4 of mine mysteriously disappeared somewhere along the way, but I still had enough to make a dozen of these cookies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9V6ZkmMqMvw/UB9r_IC1uhI/AAAAAAAABtA/QV3UB67gn84/s1600/DSCN3042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9V6ZkmMqMvw/UB9r_IC1uhI/AAAAAAAABtA/QV3UB67gn84/s400/DSCN3042.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
Scoop out one regular-sized cookie's worth of dough onto your baking sheet, press a peanut butter cup on top of it, and top with another dough ball, then press down a bit. Leave <i>lots</i> of space for these to spread because they are going to. A lot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXuHGfNTzJ4/UB9sExhO6oI/AAAAAAAABtI/7brc0F_lehE/s1600/DSCN3043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXuHGfNTzJ4/UB9sExhO6oI/AAAAAAAABtI/7brc0F_lehE/s400/DSCN3043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once your pan has 6 big cookie dough sandwiches on it, start forming the dough with your fingers so that it covers the peanut butter cup and pinch the dough around the sides to be sure it's sealed well. You don't want the Reese cup's chocolate to melt and run out the sides!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-du-dgH4sF_s/UB9sKZWZspI/AAAAAAAABtQ/oK6EPZzRJKc/s1600/DSCN3045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-du-dgH4sF_s/UB9sKZWZspI/AAAAAAAABtQ/oK6EPZzRJKc/s400/DSCN3045.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This pic does not convey it well enough, but trust me, these are huge. They are nearly the size of my fist.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmtfvP65GwI/UB9sQHHZl6I/AAAAAAAABtY/SCNqIagVu8A/s1600/DSCN3046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmtfvP65GwI/UB9sQHHZl6I/AAAAAAAABtY/SCNqIagVu8A/s400/DSCN3046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For comparison, here's the Reese cookie on the left and a regular cookie dough ball on the right. Dang.<br />
<br />
In any case, I baked my cookies at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, and they came out perfect!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRiknlAonz0/UB9sV5S16oI/AAAAAAAABtg/hbu95KnwTZg/s1600/DSCN3048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRiknlAonz0/UB9sV5S16oI/AAAAAAAABtg/hbu95KnwTZg/s400/DSCN3048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once cooked, let the cookies cool at least 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack, or they will fall the heck apart.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aH4NthXubmg/UB9stPjizwI/AAAAAAAABuA/X3Sdv3Q1KAQ/s1600/DSCN3072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aH4NthXubmg/UB9stPjizwI/AAAAAAAABuA/X3Sdv3Q1KAQ/s400/DSCN3072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another comparison shot of a regular cookie next to these monsters. I am usually the type to eat quite a few fresh baked cookies because they are just <i>too good</i> but I could not get through even 2 of these. They are <i>massive</i> and crazy rich!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgjF07Z32nM/UB9scfZVAnI/AAAAAAAABto/LxuyZbEVvv4/s1600/DSCN3053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgjF07Z32nM/UB9scfZVAnI/AAAAAAAABto/LxuyZbEVvv4/s400/DSCN3053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh man, look how golden-brown and delicious these look. And once cooled, and cut in half...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMKZ9qTlMMQ/UB9snpowb2I/AAAAAAAABt4/1B16Q2_jBWI/s1600/DSCN3069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMKZ9qTlMMQ/UB9snpowb2I/AAAAAAAABt4/1B16Q2_jBWI/s400/DSCN3069.JPG" width="400" /></a>
</div>
<br />
You can view the peanut butter cup glory within!<br />
<br />
These are rich, giant, and completely excessive. I'm sure the calorie count is through the stratosphere and they have next to zero nutritional value. So of course, I highly recommend them! They are insanely delicious.<br />
<br />
The really tough thing about these is resisting eating more than one... because maybe I lost my mind a little and finished that second cookie after all. And maybe my tummy paid dearly for it. But my mouth... oh, my mouth danced for joy!<br />
<br />
So yes, try these. But proceed with caution, my friends, for this is a deliciousness from which <i>you may never escape</i>. Or maybe you'll be fine, I don't know. They're tasty cookies, is what I'm trying to say.<br />
<br />
So! Thank you, Leigh, for the mad inspiration. Now please never give me another baking idea, my tummy can't handle it! (Just kidding, of course.)<br />
<br />
Until next time!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-65435561027535754742012-08-04T01:50:00.000-04:002012-08-05T22:21:22.660-04:00Adventures in Whoopie Pies: Violet Velvet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been meaning to try whoopie pies forever, especially red velvet, and I finally found a recipe that <i>looked</i> like it had all the right elements for a good red velvet cake. It even came highly recommended, from Paula Deen's website. Claimed her cousin Johnnie's whoopie pies were loved all over Atlanta.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Well, golly, y'all, I had to try these!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTuq-Nyq8cU/UBt06PBOgZI/AAAAAAAABoA/1NeFuuI45_s/s1600/DSCN2846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTuq-Nyq8cU/UBt06PBOgZI/AAAAAAAABoA/1NeFuuI45_s/s320/DSCN2846.JPG" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first thing you may notice is that these are not red. I was shooting for a violet shade and I think I miiight have overdone it on the food colouring, so they came out quite dark. Oops.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj3YeuMb8bY/UBtzeeyVrVI/AAAAAAAABmI/Qa3G6lcr8Iw/s1600/DSCN2806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj3YeuMb8bY/UBtzeeyVrVI/AAAAAAAABmI/Qa3G6lcr8Iw/s320/DSCN2806.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I started out with<a href="http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/cousin_johnnies_red_velvet_whoopie_pie/"> this recipe</a>, but as I was reading the comments I saw a lot of complaints that the batter was too thin, that the oil - according to Deen's own show, should have been a much smaller amount than what was listed.<br />
<br />
So... I reduced the amount of oil I used. We'll see how that pans out.<br />
<br />
In any case, I first measured my oil, food colouring, vanilla and vinegar up in a measuring cup and put it aside.<br />
<br />
Also, though I didn't get a pic of it, I sifted together my flour, cocoa powder (which I increased to 2 tablespoons because come <i>on</i> you gotta be able to taste it!) and the baking soda together in a bowl and set it aside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWpMPuV-T5Q/UBtzkTj1ANI/AAAAAAAABmQ/x6ssIfnb8Gg/s1600/DSCN2810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWpMPuV-T5Q/UBtzkTj1ANI/AAAAAAAABmQ/x6ssIfnb8Gg/s400/DSCN2810.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I blitzed up the eggs and sugar until they went pale and doubled in volume, like so:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KbIiVIUV-OI/UBtzqwEbwII/AAAAAAAABmY/fPBJwmI1e_I/s1600/DSCN2813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KbIiVIUV-OI/UBtzqwEbwII/AAAAAAAABmY/fPBJwmI1e_I/s400/DSCN2813.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And poured in my much-too-dark coloured oil mixture and mixed until well-blended.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp38_9PIcfY/UBt3MK8XyHI/AAAAAAAABog/mFIITgpdfaA/s1600/DSCN2815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp38_9PIcfY/UBt3MK8XyHI/AAAAAAAABog/mFIITgpdfaA/s400/DSCN2815.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Like so. At this point, I thought I had the colour pretty bang-on! All that was left was to mix in the buttermilk and the dry ingredients in alternating batches, and boom - I had whoopie pie batter!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sp8PV6i_sqg/UBt3OjgPjnI/AAAAAAAABoo/5T19dN2fpeY/s1600/DSCN2821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sp8PV6i_sqg/UBt3OjgPjnI/AAAAAAAABoo/5T19dN2fpeY/s400/DSCN2821.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, here the recipe said to 'drop the batter by teaspoons' onto a baking sheet. Teaspoons? You know how <i>tiny</i> those pies would have ended up? This scoop holds about 2 teaspoons of batter, and these still came out really tiny!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKrxAcNalyg/UBt0DX11iTI/AAAAAAAABm4/9aJsE6R4PNM/s1600/DSCN2823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKrxAcNalyg/UBt0DX11iTI/AAAAAAAABm4/9aJsE6R4PNM/s400/DSCN2823.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So I (mostly) obediently doled out the batter and baked as directed, and was rewarded with these:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fLfO0A2fds/UBt0JxZ3j1I/AAAAAAAABnA/4-JY5vPyNXM/s1600/DSCN2825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fLfO0A2fds/UBt0JxZ3j1I/AAAAAAAABnA/4-JY5vPyNXM/s400/DSCN2825.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Huh, they look pretty okay, actually. Or, they did, until I moved them to the cooling rack and saw that the bottoms were especially crusty... and the cakes themselves were rather dry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n19o9vG9ObA/UBt0P2jw-ZI/AAAAAAAABnI/f6fgqCdckOY/s1600/DSCN2827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n19o9vG9ObA/UBt0P2jw-ZI/AAAAAAAABnI/f6fgqCdckOY/s400/DSCN2827.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah... Not good eats. So, for the next pan, I reduced the cooking time to compensate. I figured this was because I didn't use the recommended amount of oil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OeTK1n4sCAs/UBt0Vtk6UGI/AAAAAAAABnQ/t9dchSbTh2E/s1600/DSCN2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OeTK1n4sCAs/UBt0Vtk6UGI/AAAAAAAABnQ/t9dchSbTh2E/s400/DSCN2831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The second batch came out MUCH better, and I learned that the easiest way to remove these from the pan was with an off-set spatula. I tried with a fork, but it shredded the bottoms.<br />
<br />
Nobody likes shredded bottoms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hc6BlNPieXE/UBt0ba94lZI/AAAAAAAABnY/IMhPyjljrcc/s1600/DSCN2835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hc6BlNPieXE/UBt0ba94lZI/AAAAAAAABnY/IMhPyjljrcc/s400/DSCN2835.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Time for another, 'Recipe vs Reality' - the recipe claimed this would make 48 cookies, for 24 sandwiches. I see here... 60 cookies. And<i> this wasn't all of them</i>! All told,<i> </i>I had over 6 dozen whoopie pie halves. No, really. I seriously lost count after 72.<br />
<br />
Do recall, I made these <i>bigger</i> than the recipe called for. BIGGER. After reducing one of the ingredients. And it made MORE.<br />
<br />
Someone messed up transcribing that recipe. Either that, or Paula Deen is lying to us, and <i>I refuse to believe that!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxZ7Lyr-xVM/UBt0hdNViuI/AAAAAAAABng/MSyTjKcjsZg/s1600/DSCN2839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxZ7Lyr-xVM/UBt0hdNViuI/AAAAAAAABng/MSyTjKcjsZg/s400/DSCN2839.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, once these had cooled a bit, I stuffed them with my favorite cream cheese frosting, and for extra fun, rolled some of them around in non-pareils.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7eftSxt38rg/UBt0t56A-xI/AAAAAAAABnw/engH1-CLnHU/s1600/DSCN2842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7eftSxt38rg/UBt0t56A-xI/AAAAAAAABnw/engH1-CLnHU/s400/DSCN2842.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Everything is better with non-pareils.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLJcUkjPh88/UBt00MJPWVI/AAAAAAAABn4/B7ZdGOGnNi4/s1600/DSCN2845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLJcUkjPh88/UBt00MJPWVI/AAAAAAAABn4/B7ZdGOGnNi4/s400/DSCN2845.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
These went over pretty well with my guests, though I personally wasn't satisfied. They weren't terribly flavorful, were still ever-so-slightly dry, and they weren't nearly purple enough.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'm not giving up though. I will persevere. One day, I will make the perfect whoopie pies.<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
What is with me and failing with any kind of pie?? These aren't even <i>related</i> to actual pie. What the heck, universe?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8n932NSVhI/UBt1AF25EFI/AAAAAAAABoI/JSrdK9LICM8/s1600/DSCN2854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8n932NSVhI/UBt1AF25EFI/AAAAAAAABoI/JSrdK9LICM8/s400/DSCN2854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite their flaws, tho, they were awfully cute. And pretty tasty - especially with a generous amount of cream cheese filling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp_RJtB3BuQ/UBt1F-aoIcI/AAAAAAAABoQ/UiRCtV8fn20/s1600/DSCN2855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp_RJtB3BuQ/UBt1F-aoIcI/AAAAAAAABoQ/UiRCtV8fn20/s400/DSCN2855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And I still ate, like, 7 of them. 7-ish. I don't know, I wasn't counting. It was my birthday, so... yeah. No-one counts servings on birthdays. I think. You shouldn't have to, anyway!<br />
<br />
Do you have a favorite whoopie pie recipe? Suggestions on what I could have done better? Drop me an email or leave a comment!<br />
<br />
Someday, I will master them, and have perfectly cakey little cookie sandwiches... someday.<br />
<br />
Oh well.<br />
<br />
Until next time!<br />
<br />Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-22545096292130949752012-07-26T04:15:00.000-04:002012-07-26T04:15:12.181-04:00Peanut Butter Pancakes with Lazy Chocolate Ganache<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the way home from work the other night, I was struck with a violent, all-consuming craving. Soon, the only conscious thought my mind was capable of was - </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Pancakes.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fluffy, glorious, buttery, slathered in real maple syrup pancakes. I turned to my co-worker and erstwhile chauffeur and expressed my craving, and as I put it into words, I knew it would not be enough. The conversation went something like this...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"No, not just plain pancakes... I want to do something <i>more</i>."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Well, you could put fruit in them, blueberries or apple slices-"<br /><br />"I'm all out of fruit... but I have lots of peanut butter."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />"Oh, well, you could certainly spread peanut butter on them-"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"What if I put peanut butter <i>in</i> them?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
".. That might not work."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Only one way to find out!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5Ov9fjGfPI/UBDi7X3df9I/AAAAAAAABl8/PdzR75NnoJk/s1600/DSCN2880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5Ov9fjGfPI/UBDi7X3df9I/AAAAAAAABl8/PdzR75NnoJk/s400/DSCN2880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
So I got home and threw down my work bags, kicked off my kicks and started chucking stuff in a bowl. My favorite pancake recipe is super simple - starts with an egg, a cup of buttermilk and a bit of veggie oil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RjRXINwTtXo/UBDbtgbVDvI/AAAAAAAABjg/WC1u9vn0jjM/s1600/DSCN2885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RjRXINwTtXo/UBDbtgbVDvI/AAAAAAAABjg/WC1u9vn0jjM/s400/DSCN2885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I eyeballed a couple of heaping tablespoons of smooth peanut butter and chucked them in. I only realized after that maybe I should have started by whipping up the peanut butter and oil to soften the consistency a bit, oops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BDJNrFPHTY/UBDbzgoalJI/AAAAAAAABjo/lgboZdAJiZQ/s1600/DSCN2887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BDJNrFPHTY/UBDbzgoalJI/AAAAAAAABjo/lgboZdAJiZQ/s400/DSCN2887.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As it was, it took quite a bit of whisking vigorously to get the peanut butter incorporated enough.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1GKSxMgPX-Y/UBDb8_XI2AI/AAAAAAAABjw/GjZgdwjmepA/s1600/DSCN2889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1GKSxMgPX-Y/UBDb8_XI2AI/AAAAAAAABjw/GjZgdwjmepA/s400/DSCN2889.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see, there are still tiny globules of peanutbuttery goodness floating in the mix. This is okay!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze1F2QHam3M/UBDcFAFuffI/AAAAAAAABj4/z06aqLF0XgQ/s1600/DSCN2891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze1F2QHam3M/UBDcFAFuffI/AAAAAAAABj4/z06aqLF0XgQ/s400/DSCN2891.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, you pile on some flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt (which I reduced from my regular pancake recipe because the peanut butter brings its own saltiness to the party.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B0OXlL9nRaA/UBDcLJ4aVZI/AAAAAAAABkA/iacbF1Q89qM/s1600/DSCN2892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B0OXlL9nRaA/UBDcLJ4aVZI/AAAAAAAABkA/iacbF1Q89qM/s400/DSCN2892.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mix it up until it juuuuust comes together. Over-mixing at this point will may result in peanut butter-flavored manhole covers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xpNJXUM7eg/UBDcRHZMgMI/AAAAAAAABkI/ogkX_S1IuCk/s1600/DSCN2895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xpNJXUM7eg/UBDcRHZMgMI/AAAAAAAABkI/ogkX_S1IuCk/s400/DSCN2895.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Fire up your favorite griddle, and butter that baby generously.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqFxC_COhZA/UBDcY-QoV3I/AAAAAAAABkQ/L0TdAC6Sq7o/s1600/DSCN2897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqFxC_COhZA/UBDcY-QoV3I/AAAAAAAABkQ/L0TdAC6Sq7o/s400/DSCN2897.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unceremoniously plop some nice, thick, chunky batter onto your griddle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYhz3cSK2ec/UBDcmCEtCtI/AAAAAAAABkg/_5olZTBkmKU/s1600/DSCN2900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYhz3cSK2ec/UBDcmCEtCtI/AAAAAAAABkg/_5olZTBkmKU/s400/DSCN2900.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If you're feeling fancy, throw some peanut butter chips on there. I discovered through trial and error that they turn out a bit better if you mix the chips into the batter first, but this works too and is a good option if you want to play around with different mix-ins.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1OPQAnmsXg/UBDcz_DYZYI/AAAAAAAABkw/6OlZzWqaKdE/s1600/DSCN2904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1OPQAnmsXg/UBDcz_DYZYI/AAAAAAAABkw/6OlZzWqaKdE/s400/DSCN2904.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Now, the difference between a perfect pancake and an overly dry and flat one often comes down to when you flip it. As soon as you see bubbles coming up to the surface of the pancake, flip it!<br />
<br />
If you let too many bubbles break the surface, you're letting out the precious gases that make your pancake fluffy! It takes some practice to be able to do this without slinging half-cooked pancake everywhere, but the results are worth the effort!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVi6SH39vEc/UBDdIkuDiVI/AAAAAAAABlI/IZbfC9YBfHw/s1600/DSCN2913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVi6SH39vEc/UBDdIkuDiVI/AAAAAAAABlI/IZbfC9YBfHw/s400/DSCN2913.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And there you have a lovely stack of peanut butter pancakes... Hm. Something's still missing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfVb1cAC3-w/UBDdBQ8R9HI/AAAAAAAABlA/c80NqTkNMuE/s1600/DSCN2910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfVb1cAC3-w/UBDdBQ8R9HI/AAAAAAAABlA/c80NqTkNMuE/s400/DSCN2910.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ready for the laziest, will-appall-pastry-chefs-with-its-lack-of-finesse ganache ever? Throw hot water into a pot and put over medium heat, put a heatproof bowl over said pot, chuck in a cup of chocolate chips, a tablespoon of butter and a splash of milk. Melt. Add milk as needed for desired consistency.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t45UXqiXrzY/UBDdOQJ24sI/AAAAAAAABlQ/QkS8hzANIq8/s1600/DSCN2915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t45UXqiXrzY/UBDdOQJ24sI/AAAAAAAABlQ/QkS8hzANIq8/s400/DSCN2915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Pour chocolate ganache over stack of pancakes...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vlSMyZFJmGo/UBDdT0gWM8I/AAAAAAAABlY/ckvK8kEP75k/s1600/DSCN2916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vlSMyZFJmGo/UBDdT0gWM8I/AAAAAAAABlY/ckvK8kEP75k/s400/DSCN2916.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mmm... But it still needs something...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HO9a1VrZMy8/UBDdZ21ptiI/AAAAAAAABlg/JxoTedQVMVw/s1600/DSCN2922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HO9a1VrZMy8/UBDdZ21ptiI/AAAAAAAABlg/JxoTedQVMVw/s400/DSCN2922.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ah yes, bacon. Everything's better with bacon! Now all we need is a fork...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-fIsve6WPo/UBDdjGODJBI/AAAAAAAABlo/6SPX00ZVzAk/s1600/DSCN2925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-fIsve6WPo/UBDdjGODJBI/AAAAAAAABlo/6SPX00ZVzAk/s400/DSCN2925.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh yes, it's pancake time!<br />
<br />
If you want to take a shot at making your own rich & delicious peanut butter pancakes, here's my little recipe:<br />
<br />
<u>Peanut Butter Pancakes</u><br />
<u><br /></u><br />
2 heaping tbsp peanut butter<br />
2 tbsp vegetable oil (peanut oil if you have it)<br />
1 large egg<br />
1 cup buttermilk<br />
1 cup flour<br />
1 tbsp sugar<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
Peanut butter chips (optional)<br />
Butter, for greasing grill<br />
<br />
<i>Note: If you just want good ol' buttermilk pancakes, skip the PB and double the salt. </i><br />
<br />
Heat electric griddle to 350 degrees or place large frying pan over medium heat.<br />
<br />
Whisk together peanut butter and oil. Add egg and buttermilk and whisk until well-combined. Add dry ingredients <span style="background-color: white;">and mix until just combined.</span><br />
<br />
Butter the griddle/pan. Drop batter onto cooking surface with serving spoon or ladle. Add peanut butter chips if desired. Flip over as soon as bubbles start coming to the surface and underside is golden.<br />
<br />
When both sides are golden brown, you're done! Top with ganache, or syrup, or...<br />
<br />
Or bananas sliced and sauteed with a bit of brown sugar and butter and maybe a splash of brandy? Oh, yeah... Darn it, now I have to go buy some bananas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0bbubmLiV3Q/UBDdsYh3P_I/AAAAAAAABlw/kk_RhEn4TWM/s1600/DSCN2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0bbubmLiV3Q/UBDdsYh3P_I/AAAAAAAABlw/kk_RhEn4TWM/s400/DSCN2931.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Until next time!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-72977684550447066922012-07-12T02:40:00.001-04:002012-07-13T03:13:59.119-04:00Canada Day CupcakesYes, Canada Day was well over a week ago, I know.<br />
<br />
But it is <i>never</i> too late to love my country! Especially in cupcake form.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_246H917lJ0/T_5epWovU0I/AAAAAAAABi0/RGTxO4Gvjdc/s1600/DSCN2765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_246H917lJ0/T_5epWovU0I/AAAAAAAABi0/RGTxO4Gvjdc/s400/DSCN2765.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Cheesy patriotism aside, there are a couple of reasons I'm sharing this so late. One is that I actually made these </span><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">after</i><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Canada Day. The boys were away at Bronycon that entire weekend, as I <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/07/cookies-for-bronycon.html">may have mentioned briefly</a>. So I whipped these up the day after Canada Day to be ready for their homecoming.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I also threw some welcome home messages on the leftover sugar cookies for the boys to munch.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjnoLakRpAw/T_5ehxlkV5I/AAAAAAAABis/w3D8T2dEWI4/s1600/DSCN2764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjnoLakRpAw/T_5ehxlkV5I/AAAAAAAABis/w3D8T2dEWI4/s400/DSCN2764.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just ignore the one from the cats. I was very tired and mildly delirious when I decorated those.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ah, so sentimental, especially that cookie right in the middle there. It's like a Hallmark card.<br />
<br />
Now, I can't take credit for any of these photos, since hubby took them for me. I may or may not have burned my thumb extremely painfully while lighting fireworks for our (also a day late) Canada Day display and couldn't really handle the camera just then.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-0fg3FMy8s/T_5evAz0III/AAAAAAAABi8/S-rHJkiHZFE/s1600/DSCN2766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-0fg3FMy8s/T_5evAz0III/AAAAAAAABi8/S-rHJkiHZFE/s400/DSCN2766.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also don't have how-to pics, because hubby took the camera with him on the Bronycon trip! (Kind of another reason this is so late... I was originally not going to make this post at all since it's so lacking in photos!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I'll try to explain the icing technique as best I can... I made a basic vanilla buttercream and tinted about half of it red. Then I piped a stripe of un-tinted white frosting down the middle of each cupcake and used a small off-set spatula to smooth it a bit. Once it was as smooth as I could get it, I piped the red frosting on either side to resemble the red fields of the flag, and again smoothed things out with the spatula.</div>
<br />
To try to get an even smoother finish, I pressed and rolled the cupcake tops in granulated sugar.<br />
<br />
Finally, I freehand-piped red maple leaves onto the white fields to complete the Canadian flag look, and pressed it into the sugar again, gently, so the whole top of the cupcake sparkled subtly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S-Gx_X5C_6A/T_5e-9q-ICI/AAAAAAAABjM/AEIP8rieKnA/s1600/DSCN2768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S-Gx_X5C_6A/T_5e-9q-ICI/AAAAAAAABjM/AEIP8rieKnA/s400/DSCN2768.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
Inside, as you can see, was white cake with red confetti. Much like <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/04/easter-egg-confetti-cake.html">I've done before</a>, I simply folded some sprinkles into my <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/02/cupcakes-two-ways-part-1.html">favourite white cake</a> recipe. Only this time, I actually kept control of myself and measured the sprinkles properly. The cake part turned out just perfect!<br />
<br />
I should mention that the frosting technique I used was inspired by <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/snow-cones/">these awesome snow cone cupcake by Bakerella</a>. Seriously, how adorable are those?? Anyway, I'd really like to do something like this again to better refine the technique, but as is, these were a nice welcome home surprise for homecoming hubby and bro.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4BzceRGkG6c/T_5e2hSdaAI/AAAAAAAABjE/wxWl3m-jKW0/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4BzceRGkG6c/T_5e2hSdaAI/AAAAAAAABjE/wxWl3m-jKW0/s400/DSCN2769.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What did you do for Canada Day? Or the Fourth of July? Or your country's own special holiday? I've lived my whole life in Canada and I hardly travel, so I'd love to hear how other countries celebrate their independence or founding anniversary holidays or what have you!<br />
<br />
Next week, I'll share my attempt at whoopie pies, which will be a much longer and more in-depth post!<br />
<br />
Until then!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-16735981868324046712012-07-05T19:03:00.002-04:002012-07-07T20:50:51.091-04:00Cookies for BronyconSo right away, some of you are wondering, "What's a Bronycon?" Well, <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/offbeat/story/2012/07/01/my-little-pony-guys.html">this article</a> explains it better than I could, but in short, it's a convention for guys (and gals!) who like My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.<br />
<br />
Yes, you read that right.<br />
<br />
And two of those bros who love ponies happen to be my husband and my brother. So when they vowed to attend the convention, I vowed to send along a treat for them and some of their favourite fellow fans. Now if you've ever watched My Little Pony - the classic 80's series, or the new one - or bought one of the toys, you probably remember that the ponies have little symbols on their flanks that represent their talent or true calling. They're called Cutie Marks, and I thought I could make them into some Cutie Cookies!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8OugPVnrh8/T_PMEvRd8LI/AAAAAAAABeo/G_FFgrUeYb0/s1600/DSCN2547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8OugPVnrh8/T_PMEvRd8LI/AAAAAAAABeo/G_FFgrUeYb0/s400/DSCN2547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first order of business was to bake 3" round sugar cookies and let them cool completely. Then I made some <a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/blog/2011/04/the-twenty-second-rule/">20-second icing</a> - which I have never done before! - and tinted portions of it in 8 different shades representing the coat colours of the <a href="http://quinnae.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/my_little_pony_friendship_is_magic_group_shot.jpg">mane six ponies</a> plus a couple of favourite<a href="http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/27600000/Vinyl-Scratch-my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-27681041-1480-1080.png"> side</a> <a href="http://voiceactorsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DerpyCompetition1.png">characters</a>.</div>
<br />
Then I simply made a large circle of icing on 6 cookies in each colour and left them to firm up and dry completely overnight. The next day, I dyed some more <a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/blog/2011/04/the-twenty-second-rule/">20-second icing</a> in the ponies' complementing mane colours and made a pearl border around each icing circle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAXQzNksDSA/T_PL-dQQWhI/AAAAAAAABeg/557qOL97eNo/s1600/DSCN2545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAXQzNksDSA/T_PL-dQQWhI/AAAAAAAABeg/557qOL97eNo/s400/DSCN2545.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was a 2 (or more!) step process. First, I went in with the darker blue and did dots all the way around, leaving enough space between them for dots of similar size, then let them set at least 20 minutes. Once set, I went in with the secondary colour and filled in the gaps.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h00Kh9wGJTo/T_PMQj40HLI/AAAAAAAABe4/3ae5Usy_knY/s1600/DSCN2550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h00Kh9wGJTo/T_PMQj40HLI/AAAAAAAABe4/3ae5Usy_knY/s400/DSCN2550.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For one particular cookie design, whose corresponding pony has rainbow hair, this was a 7-step process! I really, <i>really</i> hope the recipients of these ones liked them because my goodness they were a lot of work!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXhGmqjhyRU/T_PMK7HQy0I/AAAAAAAABew/nbIwU8-yW2c/s1600/DSCN2548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXhGmqjhyRU/T_PMK7HQy0I/AAAAAAAABew/nbIwU8-yW2c/s400/DSCN2548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For some cookies, I started the interior decoration while the first dots were still setting, for others I started once the borders were complete. Working on 8 designs at once, I kind of bounced around from one to the next as I hit upon the right colour combinations in my icing.<br />
<br />
Can you tell what these are?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OyzgeUDrJaM/T_PMceMnSHI/AAAAAAAABfI/XXWbdbR33U4/s1600/DSCN2553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OyzgeUDrJaM/T_PMceMnSHI/AAAAAAAABfI/XXWbdbR33U4/s400/DSCN2553.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Maybe the stems being on there will help. They're 3 cute little apples. For some reason, these are one of my favourites of the designs!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4jxpk7VWS8/T_PMhley9nI/AAAAAAAABfQ/mPYt0_9vIRU/s1600/DSCN2563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4jxpk7VWS8/T_PMhley9nI/AAAAAAAABfQ/mPYt0_9vIRU/s400/DSCN2563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Some of the Cutie Mark designs, like this triple-diamond mark, took several steps as well. I didn't get full how-to and process pics because I just had so much to get done, but you can see here that I started with light blue diamonds, let them set a while, then went back to add the slightly-darker-blue detailing.<br />
<br />
When all was said and done, this set of 48 cookies took over 12 hours of work! But I think it was pretty much worth it. Just look at these finished cookies...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7-fzs0KSts/T_SAW2zHxDI/AAAAAAAABiE/FfYWc7-UEwQ/s1600/DSCN2613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7-fzs0KSts/T_SAW2zHxDI/AAAAAAAABiE/FfYWc7-UEwQ/s400/DSCN2613.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This cookie was undoubtedly the easiest of the bunch to make. It's not totally perfect, but I wub it just the same.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_P2hUZ08KI/T_PMyjxhBkI/AAAAAAAABfo/vSUf-MzEj9Q/s1600/DSCN2601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_P2hUZ08KI/T_PMyjxhBkI/AAAAAAAABfo/vSUf-MzEj9Q/s400/DSCN2601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Honestly, a lot of hard work went into this cookie, and I think it deserves a blue ribbon. How do you like them apples?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkG5l1IKWTU/T_PM4TB8lSI/AAAAAAAABfw/-wtRdH8jQ4s/s1600/DSCN2604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkG5l1IKWTU/T_PM4TB8lSI/AAAAAAAABfw/-wtRdH8jQ4s/s400/DSCN2604.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm really happy with how this cookie turned out. It makes me want to smile, smile, smile! Seriously though, this is probably the closest I got to matching one of the mane six's cutie marks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlOHP-4EtZM/T_PM-RfRPDI/AAAAAAAABf4/RcsXM8DQhBc/s1600/DSCN2606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlOHP-4EtZM/T_PM-RfRPDI/AAAAAAAABf4/RcsXM8DQhBc/s400/DSCN2606.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Let's see... soft violet background? Check. Purple and pink border? Check. Magenta star burst with white accent? Check aaaaand... check! Looks like that's everything we needed to make a Twilight Sparkle cutie mark cookie. Then again, maybe we should review the checklist one more time...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emlyPvJde78/T_U4gpFeVsI/AAAAAAAABig/jeTvree_gTo/s1600/rarity+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emlyPvJde78/T_U4gpFeVsI/AAAAAAAABig/jeTvree_gTo/s400/rarity+cookie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This one is based on one of my brother's favourites, Rarity, so I had to make sure it turned out absolutely fabulous. The border should have been 2 distinct shades of purple, but I couldn't get it quite right! Oh, of all the worst things that could happen, this is the. Worst. Possible. Thing!<br />
<br />
... Okay, not really. But I do wish this had come out better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGBg3AxnB7A/T_PNLKCqZQI/AAAAAAAABgI/KFPqKvyGIlc/s1600/DSCN2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGBg3AxnB7A/T_PNLKCqZQI/AAAAAAAABgI/KFPqKvyGIlc/s400/DSCN2610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The cookies for Fluttershy didn't turn out as planned at all, there were supposed to be 3 butterflies for each cookie, but the pink icing got too runny and I foolishly tried to work with it anyway, so the wings all spread too much and the borders came out pitted. Oops...<br />
<br />
Luckily, this one with just one butterfly turned out pretty well. Yaay! Oops, was that too loud? Sorry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IwsvI_WXpGs/T_PNX8MJNCI/AAAAAAAABgY/S3qvSSdXLKA/s1600/DSCN2612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IwsvI_WXpGs/T_PNX8MJNCI/AAAAAAAABgY/S3qvSSdXLKA/s400/DSCN2612.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's another one, for a background pony who happens to be a fan favourite, but again I had trouble with the icing consistency and ended up with some pitting and running... I just don't know what went wrong!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZu48_Kd1lQ/T_PMtG4yjVI/AAAAAAAABfg/wuf5hj8TOZI/s1600/DSCN2599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZu48_Kd1lQ/T_PMtG4yjVI/AAAAAAAABfg/wuf5hj8TOZI/s400/DSCN2599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I saved my favourite for last. This cookie represents the awesome <a href="http://images.wikia.com/mlp/images/9/95/Rainbow_Dash_Wonderbolt_fantasy_S1E3.png">Rainbow Dash</a>. As I mentioned earlier, it took a lot of extra work to make this happen, but with that rainbow border it is at least 20% cooler than the others. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tftruc_hrs/T_PMnKBPrZI/AAAAAAAABfY/8PDLNoprZR0/s1600/DSCN2571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tftruc_hrs/T_PMnKBPrZI/AAAAAAAABfY/8PDLNoprZR0/s400/DSCN2571.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Altogether, I am pretty darn proud of these if I do say so myself. I think any pony fan could readily recognise who these represent.<br />
<br />
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm actually just finishing up this post during my lunch break, so I simply must dash back to my desk. I have to make sure no-one's disturbed my pony collection that I brought in to show off today. The boys brought me back some cool trading cards and pins and...<br />
<br />
Didn't I mention? Yeah, I'm totally a Brony too (or Pegasister if you want to be all gender-stereotypey) and now I want to make cookies for all the other background ponies, like Lyra and Bon-Bon and Carrot Top and Doctor Whooves and Mayor Mare and...<br />
<br />
Oh, right! Back to work with me.<br />
<br />
Until next time!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-40625810836257291252012-06-29T01:36:00.001-04:002012-06-29T20:13:27.576-04:00Dessert for Dudes: Cookie and Cake and Tacos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, so before we even get started here, you need to know two things. One, this post was made as part of <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.ca/2012/06/its-desserts-for-dudes-month.html">Dessert for Dudes month</a> started by <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.ca/">Bridget of Bake at 350</a> so check that action out! Much kudos to her for helping to inspire this idea! When she invited her readers to participate, I wracked my brain to think of a culinary delight the men in my life enjoy, and it kept coming back to tacos, so here we are.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHpP8d3TK7w/T-fgE13gflI/AAAAAAAABdk/U30YEp1AEAA/s1600/DSCN2520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHpP8d3TK7w/T-fgE13gflI/AAAAAAAABdk/U30YEp1AEAA/s400/DSCN2520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thing two - I am smack dab in the middle of a 13-day workweek (no joke!) between my two jobs, and haven't had a good night's sleep in ... uh, I'm not sure. So if this post seems a little rushed, I completely blame that! The cool news is one of the reasons I haven't been sleeping is because I've been up late baking... next week I'll have some neato cookies and possibly some (late) Canada Day cupcakes to share so hopefully that'll make it up to y'all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, on to the post!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGmnG9qV9bs/T-fdqLKA_PI/AAAAAAAABas/fzKIQthGpHg/s1600/DSCN2460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGmnG9qV9bs/T-fdqLKA_PI/AAAAAAAABas/fzKIQthGpHg/s400/DSCN2460.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I started off by making a tuille batter for the taco shells. I used the recipe from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402786360/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=spribake-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1402786360">Sprinkle Bakes book</a>, but as you'll see, I had some trouble with it, so I don't want to share the recipe just yet until I figure it out properly. But definitely have a look at Heather's book! Everything else I've made from it - <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/06/sweet-coconut-fruit-sushi-la-sprinkle.html">including these fruit sushi</a> - has turned out <i>amazing</i>! Tuilles are just a smidge beyond my skill at the moment.<br />
<br />
But I digress. The tuille batter has to chill in the fridge for a while, so while it was doing that, I started prepping the other taco parts.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ioakO-Fhp4/T-fdzcvuuPI/AAAAAAAABa0/J4uUDgAZ9J8/s1600/DSCN2467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ioakO-Fhp4/T-fdzcvuuPI/AAAAAAAABa0/J4uUDgAZ9J8/s400/DSCN2467.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know what happened with the lighting here. Maybe I'm being abducted by aliens?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Brown 1 lb of ground beef... Okay, no wait, don't do that. That would be gross in dessert. Instead, buy or bake a 9" chocolate cake and crumble it by hand into a large bowl. I just used a box mix and made 12 cupcakes (because my mom was craving cupcakes that day) and used the rest to bake this one layer. I usually make everything from scratch but, well, this was a bit of a big project and I was on a time limit so sacrifices had to be made!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CH48w7sDxUY/T-fd696bY-I/AAAAAAAABa8/sXQ6dToY2hE/s1600/DSCN2469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CH48w7sDxUY/T-fd696bY-I/AAAAAAAABa8/sXQ6dToY2hE/s400/DSCN2469.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That light again... did someone open the Arc of the Covenant off-screen? Jeez.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just so, and set aside. Now, we have to work on the tuilles.<br />
<br />
Oh boy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1B6J_Ue80c/T-feBGtaT8I/AAAAAAAABbE/fgRwrV4cOsU/s1600/DSCN2470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1B6J_Ue80c/T-feBGtaT8I/AAAAAAAABbE/fgRwrV4cOsU/s400/DSCN2470.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You want about 2-3 teaspoons of batter per tuille, my 1-inch scoop held about 2 teaspoons. Drop them onto a large tray that's been greased and lined with parchment paper. Make sure they're spaced well, because you're going to spread them into circles with a spatula until they're nice and thin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKDH1mh6GmI/T-feHOhmW6I/AAAAAAAABbM/u30JnuIZwRU/s1600/DSCN2473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKDH1mh6GmI/T-feHOhmW6I/AAAAAAAABbM/u30JnuIZwRU/s400/DSCN2473.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, it's possible I spread mine a bit too thin, or perhaps my oven runs a tad hot because...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6S8gaOfGXI/T-feM_khe8I/AAAAAAAABbU/BZ60bDeRBc0/s1600/DSCN2474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6S8gaOfGXI/T-feM_khe8I/AAAAAAAABbU/BZ60bDeRBc0/s400/DSCN2474.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The first two batches came out looking like this. Burnt, crisp, and non-flexible. They have to be flexible, you see, because we need to curve them into taco shell shapes.<br />
<br />
So I had to lower my oven temperature a bit and keep a really close eye on the following batches.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mt93dShSJCY/T-febNdWOVI/AAAAAAAABbk/oe690e4ySNk/s1600/DSCN2481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mt93dShSJCY/T-febNdWOVI/AAAAAAAABbk/oe690e4ySNk/s400/DSCN2481.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When my tuilles came out of the oven not-burnt, I had to work quickly to fold them into taco shapes. Yes, I burned my fingers a bit, but you have to work while they're hot! Also, my fingertips were fully recovered within an hour of finishing these so it was no big deal, really.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yazehv4o53o/T-fehEosSHI/AAAAAAAABbs/Tene0p5Ak7Y/s1600/DSCN2483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yazehv4o53o/T-fehEosSHI/AAAAAAAABbs/Tene0p5Ak7Y/s400/DSCN2483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So, fold them over a-la-taco, and then drape them over a greased surface to help hold their shape.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hj5suuX78Rs/T-fem_a8DuI/AAAAAAAABb0/-RH5fQELfwY/s1600/DSCN2484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hj5suuX78Rs/T-fem_a8DuI/AAAAAAAABb0/-RH5fQELfwY/s400/DSCN2484.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of these days I'm gonna figure out how to focus this camera, I swear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The shell kept trying to fan out when I just draped them over my wooden spoons, so I placed them over some small square dishes and held the shells still with whatever clean glassware I had on hand. Be creative and set up your 'forming station' with whatever you have handy!<br />
<br />
The tuilles will cool and hold their shape within a few minutes, then you can remove them and start your next batch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YL6xjd_iwJM/T-fes41Z7BI/AAAAAAAABb8/jUScXzB5R7w/s1600/DSCN2486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YL6xjd_iwJM/T-fes41Z7BI/AAAAAAAABb8/jUScXzB5R7w/s400/DSCN2486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This was actually the end of day one when I made these, so I piled the tuilles into a large tupperware container and sealed them up for the night.<br />
<br />
I found that they were a little softer the next day and lost much of their crispness - I don't know if this is because of how I stored them or just because I didn't make them quite right - like I said, still learning tuilles!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XY7FwjzjptE/T-feya3fnbI/AAAAAAAABcE/2YpEh2c07aw/s1600/DSCN2488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XY7FwjzjptE/T-feya3fnbI/AAAAAAAABcE/2YpEh2c07aw/s400/DSCN2488.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Remember that cake you disassembled? Time to play with it again! For anyone who's ever made cake balls, this will seem familiar. Put a bit less than half a can (or less than a quarter recipe) of frosting in, and mix until it forms a loose dough. You can make this a little less frosting-filled than cake balls since the dough does not need to hold together that well, just enough to resemble browned ground beef.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhupgyS0U7Q/T-fe7dSaxgI/AAAAAAAABcM/DY7KWrFJSEQ/s1600/DSCN2489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhupgyS0U7Q/T-fe7dSaxgI/AAAAAAAABcM/DY7KWrFJSEQ/s400/DSCN2489.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I would like to note that I'd use devil's food cake or another lighter-coloured variety of chocolate cake next time, this came out really dark!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6-3kVx4lG0/T-ffFD41vYI/AAAAAAAABcU/pEOSG8m6DAQ/s1600/DSCN2492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6-3kVx4lG0/T-ffFD41vYI/AAAAAAAABcU/pEOSG8m6DAQ/s400/DSCN2492.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
To add your beef to your taco, smear a touch of chocolate frosting in the bottom of your shell to help hold the 'meat' in place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znsaB2BNEKI/T-ffNrU2yhI/AAAAAAAABcc/x72CuXgkPzs/s1600/DSCN2493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znsaB2BNEKI/T-ffNrU2yhI/AAAAAAAABcc/x72CuXgkPzs/s400/DSCN2493.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then press your desired amount of beefy (chocolatey) goodness into the shell, and you have a taco! A... a really plain and boring taco. We need some toppings over here, stat!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oI8WKFDyqOM/T-ffYysKNhI/AAAAAAAABcs/IMDLiLktors/s1600/DSCN2498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oI8WKFDyqOM/T-ffYysKNhI/AAAAAAAABcs/IMDLiLktors/s400/DSCN2498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I made shredded lettuce by rolling out green fondant, then laying it over some crumpled-up and then un-crumpled but still textured aluminum foil and rolling it again. Ta-da! Lettuce veining! Then I simply cut thin strips to resemble shredded lettuce.<br />
<br />
You could of course, use green-coloured shredded coconut to look like lettuce, but my bro Duck don't abide coconut, so I had to work with what he'd like, of course!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OATaApzCnH4/T-ffeot-bbI/AAAAAAAABc0/gVqs2gaz0po/s1600/DSCN2501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OATaApzCnH4/T-ffeot-bbI/AAAAAAAABc0/gVqs2gaz0po/s400/DSCN2501.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't like to toot my own horn too much, but look at the genius displayed here. To imitate grated cheese, simply let a ball of yellow fondant sit out for 10-20 minutes until relatively firm, and <i>grate it just like cheese!</i> When it gets too soft to grate, let it sit again for a bit.<br />
<br />
This was super fun and seriously - does that not look exactly like grated cheese?! I also cut up some little spheres of red fondant to make tomato, but that wasn't as successful... If I figure out how to make convincing fondant tomato chunks, I will be sure to inform you!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zT4lgnAFbK4/T-ffruUGOCI/AAAAAAAABdE/DPs7IDMsNRI/s1600/DSCN2512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zT4lgnAFbK4/T-ffruUGOCI/AAAAAAAABdE/DPs7IDMsNRI/s400/DSCN2512.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So, lay out all your ingredients, including your adorable tiny frying pan full of cake-meat (that sounds so wrong) your fondant veggies and cheese...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WfG8ElYnNao/T-ff_YYI1GI/AAAAAAAABdc/pInNLfjiKLU/s1600/DSCN2518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WfG8ElYnNao/T-ff_YYI1GI/AAAAAAAABdc/pInNLfjiKLU/s400/DSCN2518.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course generous dollops of sour cream... Which is, of course, frosting! Cream cheese frosting in this case but you could use any white frosting you like. I totally used store bought here, because you know what? I was exhausted, dudes! These were a lot of steps as it was - by all means, take some shortcuts!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHpP8d3TK7w/T-fgE13gflI/AAAAAAAABdk/U30YEp1AEAA/s1600/DSCN2520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHpP8d3TK7w/T-fgE13gflI/AAAAAAAABdk/U30YEp1AEAA/s400/DSCN2520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, finally, you have your delicious, sweet, chocolatey tacos. Bet you never thought you'd hear that - chocolatey tacos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLfAW4hv77s/T-fgMfaCPfI/AAAAAAAABds/eAat99eG1xQ/s1600/DSCN2525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLfAW4hv77s/T-fgMfaCPfI/AAAAAAAABds/eAat99eG1xQ/s400/DSCN2525.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Munch these the same way you'd eat a tiny taco - head tilt and all - and yes, ohhh yes they are messy but that's part of the fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCVev9GuCGY/T-fgSrPlqcI/AAAAAAAABd0/u6Hv2jnOwZQ/s1600/DSCN2530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCVev9GuCGY/T-fgSrPlqcI/AAAAAAAABd0/u6Hv2jnOwZQ/s400/DSCN2530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So go ahead, make a dessert taco. Have one. Have two!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nzhhqEgrJE/T-fgjS4oW1I/AAAAAAAABeM/dOpCELt1r_4/s1600/DSCN2538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nzhhqEgrJE/T-fgjS4oW1I/AAAAAAAABeM/dOpCELt1r_4/s400/DSCN2538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Go nuts and stick one on a cupcake, because who's going to stop you? No-one, that's who! Taco cupcakes! Taco cupcakes for all!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
... Ahem, pardon me. I think I really am a bit over-tired. That doesn't really explain why I stuck one on a cupcake, though, I guess, since I made these last week, but, uh... It seemed like a good idea at the time?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And if anyone out there knows how to make the perfect tuille, or can tell me what I did wrong, please, I would love your input, thank you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In any case, I hope you'll try something different and creative for the dudes - and hey, even the dudettes - in your life and have a real great time doing it. For more awesome desserts for dudes ideas, keep an eye on the <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.ca/">Bake at 350 blog</a> - a variety of bloggers will have their different ideas linked at the end of the month. I'm really looking forward to seeing everybody's contributions!</div>
<br />
Another little teaser... Those cookies I've been working on this week? They're for a convention happening this weekend somewhere in the North-East-ish USA. Hubby Jon and Bro Duck are both going, and delivering the cookies for me to some very special recipients. If we're lucky, I'll have some pics of these fine folks to share with you all when the boys return home. The cookies are... well, a dessert for a very specific subculture of dudes, let's say. Any guesses?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I've babbled on long enough, and really should get going - I have cupcakes to bake, a bag to pack and hopefully 40 winks to catch before I'm off to work the whole Canada Day holiday weekend at my fireworks shop job. It is gonna be <i>insane!</i> If I survive, I'll see y'all next week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Until next time!</div>
<span id="goog_198717463"></span><span id="goog_198717464"></span>Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-80880903289557584132012-06-21T15:21:00.000-04:002012-06-22T02:00:25.506-04:00Homemade Biscotti To Make Dad Proud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So... Some of you may have noticed I didn't post anything even mildly Father's Day related.</div>
<br />
You see, I had planned to make some awesome sugar cookies depicting all my Dad's favorite things, but then I found out Dad was going to be out of town that weekend. And this weekend. So, I never did make those cookies.<br />
<br />
But, I did have Dad on the mind when I found out my workplace was having a cultural day, where we were to bring snacks and treats from our different backgrounds. Dad's side of the family is largely Italian, and nothing says Italian quite like homemade biscotti!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyawrhZvkto/T9-gHSJSSBI/AAAAAAAABXw/z6qXqlHxhUY/s1600/DSCN2397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyawrhZvkto/T9-gHSJSSBI/AAAAAAAABXw/z6qXqlHxhUY/s400/DSCN2397.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Like most cookies, biscotti start with creaming together sugar and butter. I used a hand mixer to save time, but you could do this by hand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ_zrtN76Ew/T9-gNYMV4LI/AAAAAAAABX4/xB4m3PLRsFI/s1600/DSCN2400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ_zrtN76Ew/T9-gNYMV4LI/AAAAAAAABX4/xB4m3PLRsFI/s400/DSCN2400.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next add six - yes, SIX - eggs one at a time, mixing in between additions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9Q7VoSvWa4/T9-gTYF4X2I/AAAAAAAABYA/Ak5heOcP8nw/s1600/DSCN2401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9Q7VoSvWa4/T9-gTYF4X2I/AAAAAAAABYA/Ak5heOcP8nw/s400/DSCN2401.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once all the eggs are added, throw in your flavorings. Some vanilla extract and some...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKQ-0YlDOg8/T9-gZH0EVvI/AAAAAAAABYI/jGub0trdTk8/s1600/DSCN2402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKQ-0YlDOg8/T9-gZH0EVvI/AAAAAAAABYI/jGub0trdTk8/s400/DSCN2402.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Anise extract. I had never used this stuff in my life. I always heard anise smells and tastes of black licorice, and I <i>hate</i> black licorice! I wish I could remember what comedian it was who said, and I paraphrase:<br />
<br />
"Black licorice - what is that, sugar and hate?"<br />
<br />
Yeah, something like that. But, every biscotti recipe I saw had anise in it in some form, and I wanted these to be as authentic as possible, so I went ahead and threw some in.<br />
<br />
My apartment smelled like anise for the rest of the day. Augh! Oh well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awcBfAIDw4M/T9-ghVN43jI/AAAAAAAABYQ/elpSJZWlxFs/s1600/DSCN2405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awcBfAIDw4M/T9-ghVN43jI/AAAAAAAABYQ/elpSJZWlxFs/s400/DSCN2405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In a separate bowl, sift together your dry ingredients - flour, salt and baking powder.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPLAPqicBmA/T9-gnAfitoI/AAAAAAAABYY/QlXZACbWRZY/s1600/DSCN2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPLAPqicBmA/T9-gnAfitoI/AAAAAAAABYY/QlXZACbWRZY/s400/DSCN2406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then, toss in some slivered almonds. Finally, throw the dry ingredients into your bowl of eggy sugary buttery anise-smelling mess.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfmUm0E0pj8/T9-gtAaIAFI/AAAAAAAABYg/xthGrLeBh-Y/s1600/DSCN2407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfmUm0E0pj8/T9-gtAaIAFI/AAAAAAAABYg/xthGrLeBh-Y/s400/DSCN2407.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You can start mixing it by hand, but toward the end you may need to get in there with your hands to be sure all the flour gets incorporated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UFwStmJqJWE/T9-gzFX-7II/AAAAAAAABYo/EpRzDxmHSD0/s1600/DSCN2408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UFwStmJqJWE/T9-gzFX-7II/AAAAAAAABYo/EpRzDxmHSD0/s400/DSCN2408.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The dough stays sticky, so, be prepared to have gooey dough hands. Gooey, anise-smelling dough hands.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-huz4R3DnjfY/T9-g40LfdcI/AAAAAAAABYw/BrIPTpH-BHg/s1600/DSCN2410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-huz4R3DnjfY/T9-g40LfdcI/AAAAAAAABYw/BrIPTpH-BHg/s400/DSCN2410.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once your dough has come together, divide it into 4 portions...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpK3sBePaY4/T9-g-iCjUWI/AAAAAAAABY4/YaaC_ZjfBSE/s1600/DSCN2413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpK3sBePaY4/T9-g-iCjUWI/AAAAAAAABY4/YaaC_ZjfBSE/s400/DSCN2413.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Plop 2 portions each out onto a large baking sheet, and form into semi-flattened log shapes. Then bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-rnQ8jimO0/T9-hEe42p_I/AAAAAAAABZA/nJTQ2BTPl6A/s1600/DSCN2415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-rnQ8jimO0/T9-hEe42p_I/AAAAAAAABZA/nJTQ2BTPl6A/s400/DSCN2415.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When they come out of the oven they should be golden and just starting to brown around the edges. While your second pan is in the oven baking, and while these first logs are still hot, there is more work to be done! These ain't biscotti yet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQnp-fUtrNI/T9-hKcH0RWI/AAAAAAAABZI/MdBfam-uMJk/s1600/DSCN2418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQnp-fUtrNI/T9-hKcH0RWI/AAAAAAAABZI/MdBfam-uMJk/s400/DSCN2418.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I used 2 large spatulas/lifters to move the hot loaf of cookie to a large cutting board. Then, cut it into diagonal slices ~ 1/2 inch thick.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rLwOfaVnYAQ/T9-hQIwbSCI/AAAAAAAABZQ/q4ulpewedW8/s1600/DSCN2419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rLwOfaVnYAQ/T9-hQIwbSCI/AAAAAAAABZQ/q4ulpewedW8/s400/DSCN2419.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Like so. Repeat for the other baked loaf, and arrange the slices on their cut sides back onto the baking pan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MIXiaEanh8M/T9-hbcN2e9I/AAAAAAAABZY/32iqMrmjZhQ/s1600/DSCN2420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MIXiaEanh8M/T9-hbcN2e9I/AAAAAAAABZY/32iqMrmjZhQ/s400/DSCN2420.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once your second batch of loaves is done, pop these into the oven again for about 7-10 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dkx5PXqBb4/T9-hhGbVzVI/AAAAAAAABZg/kgJ7RRjoFhI/s1600/DSCN2423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dkx5PXqBb4/T9-hhGbVzVI/AAAAAAAABZg/kgJ7RRjoFhI/s400/DSCN2423.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Pull 'em out, flip 'em all over, and put them in the oven <i>yet again</i> to toast the other side for another 7-10 minutes. Do the same for all batches and you're done.<br />
<br />
My friends, you have biscotti! But why stop there?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B9hUz24zFwg/T9-hot-BnPI/AAAAAAAABZo/WukaUS4cMok/s1600/DSCN2427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B9hUz24zFwg/T9-hot-BnPI/AAAAAAAABZo/WukaUS4cMok/s400/DSCN2427.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Why not use up that amazing dark chocolate you got as part of a gift basket and have been saving for just such an occasion? (Or, you know, go buy some chocolate if you didn't get a gift basket, I guess.)<br />
<br />
I just put this in the microwave on high for 20-30 second intervals, stirring in-between, until it was liquid enough to drizzle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuv_p-ulZIw/T9-hwu5yywI/AAAAAAAABZw/3F6KB0Xnyvs/s1600/DSCN2437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuv_p-ulZIw/T9-hwu5yywI/AAAAAAAABZw/3F6KB0Xnyvs/s400/DSCN2437.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And drizzle I did! There was enough chocolate to cover just over half the biscotti, but I had intended to leave some plain, anyway, since I was taking them to work to share and not everyone likes dark chocolate.<br />
<br />
They don't know what they're missing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2bZoYR6L-s/T9-h2b70K2I/AAAAAAAABZ4/DU0ZGsiOTC8/s1600/DSCN2439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2bZoYR6L-s/T9-h2b70K2I/AAAAAAAABZ4/DU0ZGsiOTC8/s400/DSCN2439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As long as we're feeling Italian, let's fire up the espresso machine and brew a tiny, tiny cup of hyperactivity juice!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFTcKw3ivWA/T9-h-TRChEI/AAAAAAAABaA/4m6lJtd08TE/s1600/DSCN2446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFTcKw3ivWA/T9-h-TRChEI/AAAAAAAABaA/4m6lJtd08TE/s400/DSCN2446.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now if that don't fuel your morning, I don't know what will.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5MWB816x_0/T9-iKYY5tcI/AAAAAAAABaQ/OJmSFHTuk44/s1600/DSCN2455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5MWB816x_0/T9-iKYY5tcI/AAAAAAAABaQ/OJmSFHTuk44/s400/DSCN2455.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Except maybe more biscotti! I must say, though the anise flavor is present, it is not overpowering, and is a lovely complement to the vanilla and almond notes, so don't skip it! Even if it does stink up your kitchen for several hours. It's worth it.<br />
<br />
I used <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/italian-biscotti/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=biscotti&e8=Quick+Search&event10=1&e7=Home+Page">this recipe</a>, but added the chocolate drizzle because... well, nobody tried to stop me. Everything's better with chocolate! A couple of notes on the recipe, though:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>It tells you to knead the dough - I think it means 'mix by hand'. This dough is much too soft for real kneading.</li>
<li>The recipe states that after you cut and arrange your slices on the pan, you should '
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Toast on one side, then turn them over to do the other side. This will take about 7 to 10 minutes.' </span>
What it does not say is '<i>per side'. </i>Toasting 7-10 minutes overall left me with soft, pale biscotti, and I had to toast it again.</li>
</ul>
<div>
So, take a stab at biscotti! It's time-consuming but not nearly as difficult as I thought it would be. Also, some of my co-workers are now complaining that the coffee shop biscotti tastes awful now, and it is all my fault. So beware of that.<br />
<br />
Side note: I have something put together for <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.ca/2012/06/its-desserts-for-dudes-month.html">Bridget's Dessert for Dudes Month</a>, but that's for next week, so be sure to check back! In the meantime, check out all her awesome for-dudes-or-otherwise ideas at her blog <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.ca/">Bake at 350.</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until next time!</div>Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-69800247210805498472012-06-14T03:25:00.000-04:002012-06-14T03:25:21.309-04:00Sweet Coconut & Fruit Sushi - a la Sprinkle Bakes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
If you're a fan of baking blogs, you have probably heard of Heather Baird of <a href="http://sprinklebakes.com/">Sprinkle Bakes</a>. If you haven't, hoo boy are you in for a treat! I myself am a rather new fan, largely because all my favorite baking blogs started talking about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402786360/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=spribake-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1402786360">this amazing book</a> coming out:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou_UMGQut7c/T5652h3vyEI/AAAAAAAAE_E/1tCDWId2iKM/s640/SprinkleBakes+Etsy+Blog+Wedding+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou_UMGQut7c/T5652h3vyEI/AAAAAAAAE_E/1tCDWId2iKM/s400/SprinkleBakes+Etsy+Blog+Wedding+Cake.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo courtesy of sprinklebakes.com</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I immediately checked out Heather's blog and was beyond impressed. I started seeing examples from her book on my favorite blogs - <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.ca/2012/05/sprinklebakes.html">Bake at 350</a>, <a href="http://bakingdom.com/2012/05/mini-grasshopper-pies-and-sprinklebakes-book-giveaway.html">Bakingdom</a>, <a href="http://cookiesandcups.com/cotton-candy-meringues-and-a-sprinkle-bakes-giveaway/">Cookies & Cups</a> - that was it. I entered every giveaway I saw to win my own copy of the book, but I didn't luck out in any of them, and finally bought my own copy. Definitely among the best purchases I've made!<br />
<br />
This book is more than just a cookbook. It is a crash course in art fundamentals. Each recipe in this is a component of an edible art piece, and the more basics you master, the more you can create! I am so inspired by this book. I can't even explain.<br />
<br />
So I'll just have to show you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-EK0QpRYvA/T9l9QL4Y-sI/AAAAAAAABXE/kUBuptoXks4/s1600/DSCN2334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-EK0QpRYvA/T9l9QL4Y-sI/AAAAAAAABXE/kUBuptoXks4/s400/DSCN2334.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Can you even believe this is dessert? Kind of puts the <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/06/popin-cookin-candy-sushi.html">sushi candy kit</a> to shame. Kind of, I mean, I still love the kit, too, but this is way more gorgeous and elegant! Not to mention <i>delicious</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3lcOslxcOs/T9bhUsH7ktI/AAAAAAAABTA/5nUE4MLeovg/s1600/DSCN2267+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3lcOslxcOs/T9bhUsH7ktI/AAAAAAAABTA/5nUE4MLeovg/s400/DSCN2267+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The first step to this masterpiece was cooking up some sushi rice. I used Calrose rice, since that's what my local market happened to have, but any medium grain sushi rice will work well. You cook it up much like any regular rice, adding liquid and seasoning and bringing it to a boil, then covering it and letting it simmer for 20 minutes.<br /><br />The twist here is the rice is cooked not in water or broth - but in coconut milk and sugar. I've never made a rice-based dessert in my life so this was a real adventure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWyFgmKfXnA/T9bhbJWhXVI/AAAAAAAABTI/YqdxUdzzLX8/s1600/DSCN2274+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWyFgmKfXnA/T9bhbJWhXVI/AAAAAAAABTI/YqdxUdzzLX8/s400/DSCN2274+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On the right, my coconut rice was bubbling away, while in the left pot more coconut milk and sugar was reducing to a nice syrup.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xtvQ4BKVss/T9bhuUFlugI/AAAAAAAABTg/8287xVy-KTg/s1600/DSCN2290+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xtvQ4BKVss/T9bhuUFlugI/AAAAAAAABTg/8287xVy-KTg/s400/DSCN2290+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once the rice is all cooked, it'll look a bit like this. Most of the liquid should be cooked away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyoFLjCrppE/T9bh0OmeC0I/AAAAAAAABTo/IIz1XSk_dvU/s1600/DSCN2292+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyoFLjCrppE/T9bh0OmeC0I/AAAAAAAABTo/IIz1XSk_dvU/s400/DSCN2292+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once your coconut syrup is nice and, well, syrupy, pour it over your cooked rice and continue to cook over medium heat until the mixture is thick and sticky, then put it aside to cool completely.<br />
<br />
I didn't let mine cook down quite enough because I got nervous about how off-white my rice was and worried cooking it much longer would turn it too brown. Don't be me, folks! Let the liquid cook off! My rice was a bit too wet in the end. Oh well, live and learn!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gTB444Z0UE/T9bh6Fuv9iI/AAAAAAAABTw/9elA1fmpxMQ/s1600/DSCN2297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gTB444Z0UE/T9bh6Fuv9iI/AAAAAAAABTw/9elA1fmpxMQ/s400/DSCN2297.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This plastic-wrapped lump is some home-made modeling chocolate, another recipe from the Sprinkle Bakes book. This was supposed to be used as a substitute for the nori strips used to hold the topping on nigiri sushi in place, but I got a crazy idea.<br /><br />If it could be used to imitate the nori on nigiri, why not use it to simulate the wrapping on hosomaki - rolled sushi?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vpR7ETIE6vY/T9biGDid7hI/AAAAAAAABUA/gw7Bu8BAhdw/s1600/DSCN2303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vpR7ETIE6vY/T9biGDid7hI/AAAAAAAABUA/gw7Bu8BAhdw/s400/DSCN2303.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, reason one - modeling chocolate is kind of difficult to roll out thinly enough. But darn it, I'm stubborn! I kneaded it with my hands until it was malleable enough to be rolled out...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkHGuoEtYJc/T9biN3pPlWI/AAAAAAAABUI/XlV60p7NKC4/s1600/DSCN2304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkHGuoEtYJc/T9biN3pPlWI/AAAAAAAABUI/XlV60p7NKC4/s400/DSCN2304.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
...Trimmed it into a rectangle, saving the leftovers for - you know, the thing they were supposed to be used for in the first place!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0gp1SK20Mg/T9bicnc5pVI/AAAAAAAABUY/P3hcA5V4-U0/s1600/DSCN2308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0gp1SK20Mg/T9bicnc5pVI/AAAAAAAABUY/P3hcA5V4-U0/s400/DSCN2308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Just like making regular sushi - which, by the way, I'd also never done - I spread the rice over the modeling chocolate wrapper, over top of a parchment-covered bamboo sushi mat. That thing had been sitting unused in my drawer for a donkey's age.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Yevniczk7E/T9bioyRlVfI/AAAAAAAABUo/SQrALiuCZCo/s1600/DSCN2312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Yevniczk7E/T9bioyRlVfI/AAAAAAAABUo/SQrALiuCZCo/s400/DSCN2312.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I julienne'd a bit of honeydew and cantaloupe for my sushi filling and rolled it up just like you would a real sushi roll... or so I hoped!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqioH3JPcak/T9bixQVXwNI/AAAAAAAABUw/j8RZonAdy10/s1600/DSCN2313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqioH3JPcak/T9bixQVXwNI/AAAAAAAABUw/j8RZonAdy10/s400/DSCN2313.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a tad difficult, because the chocolate was still a bit firm and didn't want to cooperate. Some of the rice squeezed out the edge, but I somehow managed to get it rolled up pretty well...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rokb05rl8w/T9bi9H5tG9I/AAAAAAAABVA/z7VrpVOthYA/s1600/DSCN2315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rokb05rl8w/T9bi9H5tG9I/AAAAAAAABVA/z7VrpVOthYA/s400/DSCN2315.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Like so. Then I used a sharp knife to slice it into individual pieces. I didn't get a good pic of those by themselves, but there's more coming so hang tight!<br />
<br />
With the remaining rice, I formed little rectangles about the size that real nigiri sushi would be, using just a smidge less than 2 tablespoons of rice per piece. If you have a nigiri mold, by all means, use it and safe yourself some time! I don't have one, though, so I formed all the rice shapes by hand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KxU4XkbYrYw/T9bjL-mH4wI/AAAAAAAABVQ/qQOpWmxOUCw/s1600/DSCN2317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KxU4XkbYrYw/T9bjL-mH4wI/AAAAAAAABVQ/qQOpWmxOUCw/s400/DSCN2317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For the nigiri-type sushi, I needed some 'fish' for topping them. I couldn't find dried papaya like the recipe called for, so I substituted dried mango slices. I had to do some fiddling to get these to lay flat and resemble salmon, but I think I did a pretty good job:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rehkAhAoBOo/T9bjSfudS5I/AAAAAAAABVY/wwO0x-qn7JM/s1600/DSCN2319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rehkAhAoBOo/T9bjSfudS5I/AAAAAAAABVY/wwO0x-qn7JM/s400/DSCN2319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Forgive the fuzzy pic, I really need to get a better camera or learn to focus mine better. In any case, I flattened the fruit pieces out by working them with my fingers, and used a sharp knife to trim them to size.<br /><br />Just for fun, I also scored some lines onto the fruit to resemble the texture of fish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y53cVRfrVSA/T9bll2yJeCI/AAAAAAAABWo/-YcjW_r8IJc/s1600/DSCN2340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y53cVRfrVSA/T9bll2yJeCI/AAAAAAAABWo/-YcjW_r8IJc/s400/DSCN2340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And voila! A sweet, coconutty and fruity dessert with a hint of chocolate. I never would have thought of making something like this in a million years, I don't know where Heather gets her amazing ideas, but I hope she never stops!<br />
<br />
In case you're wondering, I ran out of dried mango and used honeydew slices to cover some of these... I'm just going to pretend they represent avocado.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9l_qaAJkZl0/T9bjgCLTcNI/AAAAAAAABVo/PmcO-gSMi8E/s1600/DSCN2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9l_qaAJkZl0/T9bjgCLTcNI/AAAAAAAABVo/PmcO-gSMi8E/s400/DSCN2331.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When I saw how awesome these were turning out, I was driven to dig out all of our Asian serving ware to devour them properly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-juIDhw3YHQ0/T9bjmSNSwvI/AAAAAAAABVw/84hMRtHX7No/s1600/DSCN2332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-juIDhw3YHQ0/T9bjmSNSwvI/AAAAAAAABVw/84hMRtHX7No/s400/DSCN2332.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I even busted out the soy sauce server. Oh, don't worry, that's not real soy sauce, of course, but a beautiful syrupy chocolate sauce! I used the leftovers of this sauce on fruit for days afterwards. I might even make it again just to dip fruit into - it is absolutely delicious!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPN-WAO8mdc/T9bjtwTWR4I/AAAAAAAABV4/AzKaC0IbkCI/s1600/DSCN2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPN-WAO8mdc/T9bjtwTWR4I/AAAAAAAABV4/AzKaC0IbkCI/s400/DSCN2336.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
So uh... if no-one minds, I'm just gonna show off a bit now. I'm really proud of how this turned out!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pM2ey5Nm-0Q/T9bjz3HSrrI/AAAAAAAABWA/g9qsT3pjPW8/s1600/DSCN2339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pM2ey5Nm-0Q/T9bjz3HSrrI/AAAAAAAABWA/g9qsT3pjPW8/s400/DSCN2339.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Dipping the 'nigiri' into the 'soy sauce'... My mouth is watering looking back at this. And I don't usually even like rice and fruit desserts!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rP06Wy69r3c/T9blt0kpeHI/AAAAAAAABWw/lFvIjw8bp08/s1600/DSCN2347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rP06Wy69r3c/T9blt0kpeHI/AAAAAAAABWw/lFvIjw8bp08/s400/DSCN2347.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby wanted everyone to see his neato samurai sword-handle chopsticks, too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
You know who is absolutely mad about rice desserts, though? My husband. Somehow, overnight, we went from having a near-full batch of these beauties - I had managed to control myself enough to eat only 3 or 4 - to having precisely 2 left. Yeah. So if someone in your house really likes rice desserts already, you might want to guard these extra carefully.<br />
<br />
Want to know something extra awesome? I had emailed Heather herself shortly after I got the book, asking permission to share the recipe for this with you guys. I didn't hear back, and as the weeks passed, I worried that I would have to wave these delicious photos in all your internet-faces and leave you hanging with no how-to, but with miraculous timing, Heather wrote back just <i>this very morning</i> and said it was fine to share the full recipe!<br /><br />You guys are <i>so lucky</i>!<br /><br />So here's how you can make your own, amazing fruit sushi!<br /><br /><u>Sweet Coconut Sushi with Chocolate "Soy" Sauce</u><br />
<i>From Sprinkle Bakes, courtesy of Heather Baird</i><br />
[With comments and additions by me, in square brackets.]<br />
<i><br /></i><br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
<u>Sushi</u><br />
1/2 Cup sushi rice, medium grain, such as Nishiki<br />
One 14-ounce can coconut milk<br />
1/2 Cup sugar<br />
20 very thin strips of dried papaya, fresh [or dried] mango, or orange segments [or even honeydew melon, apparently]<br />
5 oz modeling chocolate, rolled thin and cut into strips<br />
<br />
<u>"Soy" Sauce</u><br />
2/3 Cup unsweetened cocoa<br />
1 2/3 Cups sugar<br />
1 1/4 Cups water<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
<br />
<u>Equipment:</u><br />
Nigiri-sushi mold (optional)<br />
<br />
<b>Make the sushi rice:</b><br />
1. Combine the rice, 1 cup of the coconut milk, and 1/4 cup of sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.<br />
<br />
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.<br />
<br />
3. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.<br />
<br />
4. In another saucepan, boil the remaining coconut milk with the remaining 1/4 of sugar until thick and syrupy.<br />
<br />
5. Pour the syrup over the cooled rice and cook over medium heat until thick and sticky. When it has finished cooking, there should be very little liquid remaining in the saucepan. Remove from the heat and allow the rice to cool completely.<br />
<br />
<b>Form the sushi:</b><br /><br />
1. When the rice cools, press spoonfuls into the nigiri-sushi mold cavities. If you aren't using a sushi mold, place dollops of rice (about 2 level tablespoons) [I used a bit less than this, perhaps a tablespoon and a half] on parchment paper and form into rectangles with your fingers. If the rice sticks to your hands, fill a small bowl with water and wet your fingertips for easier shaping.<br />
<br />
2. Chill the shaped rice in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until the rice can be unmolded without sticking [or, in the case of hand-formed pieces, picked up without falling apart!]<br />
<br />
3. Slice dried papaya makes a good faux raw salmon. Trim the papaya [or fruit topping of choice] to match the size of the rice bundles. After unmolding the rice, place the nigiri pieces on parchment and top with thinly sliced dried papaya.<br />
<br />
4. As a substitute for nori (the seaweed used to wrap sushi), use chocolate modeling clay that has been rolled thin and cut into strips. You may also use soy sushi wrappers, which are mostly tasteless and come in a rainbow of colours. Press the ends of the chocolate strip together on the bottom side of the nigiri and serve on sushi platters with chocolate soy sauce on the side.<br />
<br />
<b>Make the "Soy" Sauce:</b><br />
<br />
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cocoa, sugar and water. Bring to a boil and let bubble for 1 minute.<br />
<br />
2. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. If not using immediately, transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator, and heat again before serving.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBJC1mtm_VY/T9mRTMjT6zI/AAAAAAAABXk/XDx0gp9uR9Q/s1600/DSCN2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBJC1mtm_VY/T9mRTMjT6zI/AAAAAAAABXk/XDx0gp9uR9Q/s400/DSCN2357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And there you have it! Yes, these sweet sushi are a bit of work, but it's fun work! And even more fun when you show these off to your friends and family and explain that they are, indeed, dessert!<br /><br />So set aside a few hours one day and give these babies a go! You will not regret it. I certainly don't.<br /><br />Except that, you know, a certain hubby keeps looking at me expectantly. Like he wants me to whip up another batch. Every day. I might have to go pick up some more dried mango.<br />
<br />
In any case, thanks so much for reading, and definitely check out Heather's blog and her awesome cookbook! You definitely won't regret it, and all the staring-expectantly-significant-others in the world won't change that.<br />
<br />
Until next time!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-24443994150281511522012-06-12T01:50:00.000-04:002012-06-12T01:50:09.743-04:00"Popin' Cookin' " Candy Sushi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're gonna do something a little different today.<br /><br />My pal Kit and her fiance took me and hubby out for sushi this past weekend. Sushi is one of my very favorite foods in the entire world. Yes, I love good quality sushi even more than I love cookies and cake. I know, it's crazy.<br /><br />So anyway, we had an absolutely amazing lunch and while we were all in the Asian cuisine mode, we headed to our local Asian markets to do some exotic candy & snacks shopping.<br /><br />And we found this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQQrRPtokyc/T9bIMwFa1ZI/AAAAAAAABQ8/TvRSjnSZgrc/s1600/DSCN2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQQrRPtokyc/T9bIMwFa1ZI/AAAAAAAABQ8/TvRSjnSZgrc/s400/DSCN2366.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kit had mentioned she knew where to find these babies, and I had been looking for them <i>forever</i>. Or, you know, at least a year. Ever since I found and became absolutely obsessed with <a href="http://youtu.be/Gr-qewC-4gY">this video</a>. I don't know what it is, there's just something hypnotic about watching this RRCherriepie make Japanese food kits. When I'm bored, I watch them. When I can't sleep, I watch them. When I feel like cooking, I watch them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So basically, if I'm at home and awake, there's like a 65% chance I'm watching an RRCherrypie video.<br /><br />I might have a problem.<br /><br />Anyway, the kit!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0KgT2fzh2k/T9bIHEyJOTI/AAAAAAAABQ0/Uo-OWfvtzU8/s1600/DSCN2364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0KgT2fzh2k/T9bIHEyJOTI/AAAAAAAABQ0/Uo-OWfvtzU8/s400/DSCN2364.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Let's open this baby up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRQhVukdDVk/T9bIYvgCF8I/AAAAAAAABRM/lIxEAfVt3po/s1600/DSCN2369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRQhVukdDVk/T9bIYvgCF8I/AAAAAAAABRM/lIxEAfVt3po/s400/DSCN2369.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You get a cute little tray to mix and form all your candy sushi parts in. The labels would be super useful here if I could read any Japanese at all. Frankly, being unable to read any of the instructions, I just followed what I saw in the video. I knew there was a reason I'd studied it so closely!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fk0u6uh872c/T9bIS7ZuHGI/AAAAAAAABRE/fuquuylM0Ho/s1600/DSCN2368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fk0u6uh872c/T9bIS7ZuHGI/AAAAAAAABRE/fuquuylM0Ho/s400/DSCN2368.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course, they give you all the magic candy powders that make up the sushi. All you have to add to the powders is water! Which is pretty amazing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
So I got right down to it, first filling the large oval with water and adding the blue-labelled powder, mixing with the included tiny shovel-spatula thingie until it resembled rice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sf3nMt1Jz8Y/T9bImNqNexI/AAAAAAAABRc/ZK-9C5h4Cyg/s1600/DSCN2376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sf3nMt1Jz8Y/T9bImNqNexI/AAAAAAAABRc/ZK-9C5h4Cyg/s400/DSCN2376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The yellow and pink-labelled powders, when mixed with water, made egg and salmon sushi toppings, respectively. Once that was done, I started forming the rice candy into 5 little rectangles to be the sushi's bases.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KYyPG0RZbRw/T9bIrqzqNhI/AAAAAAAABRk/4ZG6Vvn-rfg/s1600/DSCN2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KYyPG0RZbRw/T9bIrqzqNhI/AAAAAAAABRk/4ZG6Vvn-rfg/s400/DSCN2378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The bit of black candy was slightly malleable, and had to be worked until thin and large enough to cover a rectangular guide supplied on some of the packaging, like so. Then I trimmed it into a rectangle and wrapped it around one of the little rice blobs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgvKHQ9d65c/T9bIx7Wh_0I/AAAAAAAABRs/wGsA4lnPFl8/s1600/DSCN2383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgvKHQ9d65c/T9bIx7Wh_0I/AAAAAAAABRs/wGsA4lnPFl8/s400/DSCN2383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I flipped the toppings very carefully onto the rice. As you can see, it didn't work out perfectly. One of the salmon bits, well, went to bits when I tried to flip it! Probably I didn't let it set up long enough.<br /><br />Luckily, all this candy is pretty tasty, so it was easy to hide the evidence.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W81b_nr8KbM/T9bI9G_HerI/AAAAAAAABR8/x0YGXyR3M-Q/s1600/DSCN2387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W81b_nr8KbM/T9bI9G_HerI/AAAAAAAABR8/x0YGXyR3M-Q/s400/DSCN2387.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I wish I had gotten better pics of this bit. You use the included little dropper to drop the orange mixture into a solution made with water and the green packet's contents. It forms tiny, tiiiny little candy roe! I just couldn't get over how cute this was. And think about how tiny this is - look how huge my thumbnail is in comparison to these tiny balls of jelly candy.<br />
<br />
Once formed and set, I piled these into the black-candy wrapped sushi's top to form that piece.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fIcPtqC-pqA/T9bJDYTe4gI/AAAAAAAABSE/QhrgEKXlr60/s1600/DSCN2388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fIcPtqC-pqA/T9bJDYTe4gI/AAAAAAAABSE/QhrgEKXlr60/s400/DSCN2388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Lastly, I mixed up the brown packet's contents to make candy soy sauce. I had to guess on how to do this one a bit, since RR didn't cover it in his video... I'm still not sure if I did it right. Still, I cannot even explain to you guys how fun this all was. It was <i>ridiculous.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I52evKP54mY/T9bJQ51yDWI/AAAAAAAABSU/LI5eYE048Cw/s1600/DSCN2393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I52evKP54mY/T9bJQ51yDWI/AAAAAAAABSU/LI5eYE048Cw/s400/DSCN2393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Have a look-see at this! They really look like super-tiny little sushi bites... and they tasted much better than I would have thought, too! If this set hadn't cost me nearly 7 bucks, I would be going back to get more right now.<br />
<br />
It did cost seven bucks, though, so uh, I'm gonna leave it at that for now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOB_bUE9vkQ/T9bJW6HfLgI/AAAAAAAABSc/TqPqtd8lAws/s1600/DSCN2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOB_bUE9vkQ/T9bJW6HfLgI/AAAAAAAABSc/TqPqtd8lAws/s400/DSCN2394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
I tried dipping these into the candy soy sauce, and it was the only even-mildly disappointing part about the set. The sauce tasted thin and not very flavorful, but oh well, it was still neat to play with! (And probably I did something wrong to it due to my non-ability to read Japanese.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you want to see a true artist put this set together, though, definitely go check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/rrcherrypie">RRCherrypie's Youtube channel</a> and watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr-qewC-4gY&feature=bf_next&list=SP5317B1A579895E6A">his video of this kit</a>. He does stuff with these little kits you absolutely would not believe!<br /><br />Beware, though, once you start watching these vids, time enters a bizarre sort of slipstream of some kind and suddenly you've watched 42 videos and it's 2 hours later and everything's a blur.<br /><br />Or maybe that's just me.<br /><br />Actually making the candy sushi was even more fun than watching the videos, and that is really saying something. What could be more awesome than tiny sushi candy-making?<br /><br />...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tune in Thursday to find out!<br /><br />Until then!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-54322429574827095432012-06-08T02:19:00.003-04:002012-06-08T02:19:50.376-04:00Soft Serve Twist Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is something about me you need to understand before we proceed.<br /><br />I hate summer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />There, I've said it. I know, it makes no sense. Everyone loves summer - a time of fun in the sun, freedom from your studies, and getting to have super-fun mani-pedi dates with all your girlfriends so you can show off your cute nail polish in your brand new, fashionable wedge sandals.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hate all those things.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Go ahead, judge me. I know, I'm a weirdo. But maybe you'll forgive me by the end of this post, because you know what I do love about summer? The ice cream truck! And the soft-serve ice cream that comes with it. My favourite is choco-vanilla twist with sprinkles...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFfMD3l9xlE/T87uQy_9ZtI/AAAAAAAABQA/j5K8Aum-JgQ/s1600/DSCN2255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFfMD3l9xlE/T87uQy_9ZtI/AAAAAAAABQA/j5K8Aum-JgQ/s400/DSCN2255.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, this was all a big awkward segue into the fact that I felt like making ice cream cone cupcakes. Yes, those are cake! And guess what? The choco-vanilla twist goes <i>all the way down.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you know what I mean. Which is of course that the inside is swirled, too. What else <i>could</i> that even mean? Jeez, what were you thinking?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1UH2FBcxPUA/T87sWixRr8I/AAAAAAAABNw/E3QZSxJyl70/s1600/DSCN2212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1UH2FBcxPUA/T87sWixRr8I/AAAAAAAABNw/E3QZSxJyl70/s400/DSCN2212.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, to get the interior swirl effect, first prepare a batch each of your favourite white/yellow and chocolate cake batter, or a half-recipe, if you don't want to make 3 dozen of these! If you want my recipes, the chocolate cake is <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/04/bonus-monday-post-flower-pot-cupcakes.html">here</a> and the yellow cake is <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/05/fireworks-cupcakes-sweet-spicy-and.html">here</a> (uh, just omit the hot chili flakes. Yeah.)<br />
<br />
Fill two piping bags with your batters, and tape them together near the tips so you can squeeze both bags at once. I totally got that idea from <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/snow-cones/">Bakerella</a>, though I've made this type of cake before by putting 2 batters in the same bag. This was much simpler!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZh7SYhF-Lc/T87sdpGUQZI/AAAAAAAABN4/BpimbbRPFg8/s1600/DSCN2214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZh7SYhF-Lc/T87sdpGUQZI/AAAAAAAABN4/BpimbbRPFg8/s400/DSCN2214.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Carefully pipe swirls of batter into your ice cream cones. You'll notice I've stood mine in a cupcake pan for baking. When you pipe these, make sure you get right into the bottom sections so your cakes don't sink during baking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRT3k02PbeM/T87sv6Jk36I/AAAAAAAABOI/vRuH66620Dc/s1600/DSCN2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRT3k02PbeM/T87sv6Jk36I/AAAAAAAABOI/vRuH66620Dc/s400/DSCN2217.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whatever you do, don't fill them this much! Leave about a half inch from the inner rim.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJ2jxw1VdC4/T87wcKsmpzI/AAAAAAAABQY/6XumibAArkk/s1600/DSCN2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJ2jxw1VdC4/T87wcKsmpzI/AAAAAAAABQY/6XumibAArkk/s400/DSCN2220.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Use pie weights - or like I have, dried beans, to fill around the cones. This keeps them upright very well when they're being put into or taken out of the oven.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xQbK9qekqo/T87tEDu7PrI/AAAAAAAABOg/vX4lgW-AfD0/s1600/DSCN2224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xQbK9qekqo/T87tEDu7PrI/AAAAAAAABOg/vX4lgW-AfD0/s400/DSCN2224.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture isn't sideways. You're talking crazy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Make at least as many mini cupcakes as you've made of the cones. You can swirl them too, if you like.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, why did I tell you to be careful not to overfill your cones? Well, see, if they're overfilled, and they rise past the rim, they apparently can spill down the sides of the cones and make a big terrible mess.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7YBYWGtc2g/T87tJ18DJ7I/AAAAAAAABOo/yqpbVam86gw/s1600/DSCN2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7YBYWGtc2g/T87tJ18DJ7I/AAAAAAAABOo/yqpbVam86gw/s400/DSCN2226.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Like that. Euugh. Luckily, they didn't all spill over, but I think we all learned a valuable lesson. Like I'm always saying, learn from my mistakes! I was able to save many of these. Others... the evidence had to be eradicated.<br />
<br />
A dirty job, but some had to do it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zf1WijdrnW8/T87tR1MfRnI/AAAAAAAABOw/2GKJiYrv8Lg/s1600/DSCN2227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zf1WijdrnW8/T87tR1MfRnI/AAAAAAAABOw/2GKJiYrv8Lg/s400/DSCN2227.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
To decorate the cupcakes, once fully cooled, whip up your favourite vanilla and <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/04/bonus-monday-post-flower-pot-cupcakes.html">chocolate frostings</a>, and cram them into the same piping bag. (By the way, my vanilla frosting is the same as the chocolate, except you omit the cocoa powder and up the icing sugar by a cup. So easy!) Try to keep them in their own half of the bag for the most part, but it's okay if they blend a bit. After all, a twist cone can be like that, too.<br /><br />Yes, filling this piping bag was quite messy. But heck, messy is fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FMr757Mixe4/T87tX5TAQoI/AAAAAAAABO4/Qy6CEreBBHI/s1600/DSCN2229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FMr757Mixe4/T87tX5TAQoI/AAAAAAAABO4/Qy6CEreBBHI/s400/DSCN2229.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If your cake extends above the cone's outer rim, use a serrated knife to trim away the excess.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-ty823rkUw/T87tekZQ9NI/AAAAAAAABPA/9bKsxiCYR3M/s1600/DSCN2231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-ty823rkUw/T87tekZQ9NI/AAAAAAAABPA/9bKsxiCYR3M/s400/DSCN2231.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Pipe a little swirl of frosting on your trimmed cone cake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8qbfAVMIFk/T87tm5uNh2I/AAAAAAAABPI/q-zU-P7f8Pk/s1600/DSCN2232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8qbfAVMIFk/T87tm5uNh2I/AAAAAAAABPI/q-zU-P7f8Pk/s400/DSCN2232.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Unwrap a mini cupcake, invert it, and smoosh it down on the frosting. This is kinda my favourite part. Or maybe I just like the word smoosh.<br /><br />Smoosh smoosh smoosh!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOAKbjOU5gM/T87tynSB7QI/AAAAAAAABPY/eIwKynIT_cE/s1600/DSCN2235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOAKbjOU5gM/T87tynSB7QI/AAAAAAAABPY/eIwKynIT_cE/s400/DSCN2235.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was very hard to get pics of the next step, so use the magic of imagination here. What you want to do is hold the cone in your off-hand, and wielding the piping bag in your writing hand, simply pipe a generous swirl of frosting along the outer rim of the cone cake, twisting up around the mini cupcake and culminating in a final swirl on top.<br />
<br />
Hmm, what else?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXVWia9A0tM/T87uESqCV9I/AAAAAAAABPw/G30x1QHsAlI/s1600/DSCN2246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXVWia9A0tM/T87uESqCV9I/AAAAAAAABPw/G30x1QHsAlI/s400/DSCN2246.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Sprinkles!! Oh, how I love sprinkles. Especially rainbow jimmies. The best.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6TxeSzdsu0/T87uhL1VGWI/AAAAAAAABQQ/Ku2Uz5UrE44/s1600/DSCN2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6TxeSzdsu0/T87uhL1VGWI/AAAAAAAABQQ/Ku2Uz5UrE44/s400/DSCN2264.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Mmm... if I have more excuses to make tasty fake-out treats like this, maybe this summer won't be too bad.<br /><br />
Hubby ate one of these on the bus on his way to work. At 10:30 PM. On a cool night. I really wish I could have been there. I hope there were double-takes.<br />
<br />
In any case, these are super-fun to make, and messy as heck to eat, and a total party from start to finish. Highly recommended.<br />
<br />
Ho boy, Father's Day is coming up fast, isn't it? No idea what I'm gonna do for my Dad this year. If I think of something, I'll let y'all know.<br /><br />Until next time!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-64860679374484044352012-05-31T13:28:00.002-04:002012-05-31T13:28:42.753-04:00Nutella Coffee Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I believe I mentioned when I made the <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/05/mothers-day-brunch-and-easiest-coffee.html">individual coffee cakes for Mother's Day</a> that I had all kinds of ideas for different coffee cake combinations. Well, I couldn't wait any longer, and I whipped up one of them!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7Dm3UTGRqw/T8XPIWbSyJI/AAAAAAAABKs/8Gt10_vT2pU/s1600/DSCN2155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7Dm3UTGRqw/T8XPIWbSyJI/AAAAAAAABKs/8Gt10_vT2pU/s400/DSCN2155.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This variation begins with toasted hazelnuts (or 'filberts' if you're fancy.) Pulse them up in your food processor until they're roughly chopped. Remove about a third of them at this point and set aside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4DZJzdaLQjM/T8XPURjJGVI/AAAAAAAABK8/IwkRTGL3ktA/s1600/DSCN2157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4DZJzdaLQjM/T8XPURjJGVI/AAAAAAAABK8/IwkRTGL3ktA/s400/DSCN2157.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Blitz up the rest until they're finely chopped, like so.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Whip up a basic coffee cake recipe, <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/05/mothers-day-brunch-and-easiest-coffee.html">just like we've made before:</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJbV9-7gSrQ/T7IAlVgWmDI/AAAAAAAABDs/yv1k95_T1tI/s1600/DSCN2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJbV9-7gSrQ/T7IAlVgWmDI/AAAAAAAABDs/yv1k95_T1tI/s400/DSCN2003.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now here's where the fun starts, especially if you're a die-hard Nutella fan like me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bexWF9WIyU/T8XPf-X7DWI/AAAAAAAABLM/iOKZ1VN7Vvs/s1600/DSCN2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bexWF9WIyU/T8XPf-X7DWI/AAAAAAAABLM/iOKZ1VN7Vvs/s400/DSCN2160.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Measure out a half cup of good ol' gooey, chocolatey, nutty Nutella. Put about a third of the coffee cake batter in a separate bowl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgumLmw1nmc/T8XPsa81IAI/AAAAAAAABLc/lEpkgESVGTs/s1600/DSCN2163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgumLmw1nmc/T8XPsa81IAI/AAAAAAAABLc/lEpkgESVGTs/s400/DSCN2163.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mix the Nutella and batter together gently with a spatula until they're the bestest of friends. Also, that lonely 2/3 of the batter that's sitting in the other bowl? Introduce it to the finely chopped hazelnuts. They'll get along great.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzUv7uNuvDw/T8XP4CsluDI/AAAAAAAABLs/i5u7mVNzIo4/s1600/DSCN2169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzUv7uNuvDw/T8XP4CsluDI/AAAAAAAABLs/i5u7mVNzIo4/s400/DSCN2169.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spread the hazelnut batter in the bottom of a greased & floured 9" round pan. Use a spring-form pan if you have one, then you can pop the whole cake out in one pretty piece when you're done.</div>
<br />
Spring-form pans are on my shopping list.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viOTZ1Okhv0/T8XQSePp8FI/AAAAAAAABMM/j0qKeN5qyv4/s1600/DSCN2174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viOTZ1Okhv0/T8XQSePp8FI/AAAAAAAABMM/j0qKeN5qyv4/s400/DSCN2174.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Spread the gooey Nutella-infused batter all over the top of the hazelnut batter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Khfr9EbpsGg/T8XP9tlnDII/AAAAAAAABL0/o87jnqccifA/s1600/DSCN2171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Khfr9EbpsGg/T8XP9tlnDII/AAAAAAAABL0/o87jnqccifA/s400/DSCN2171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In a separate bowl (again, yeah, we're going to go through a lot of bowls today) combine cocoa powder, flour, sugar and melted butter. Mix together until it forms a sort of loose, crumbly dough.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVJRzFr1w-s/T8XQDu2oY2I/AAAAAAAABL8/dzN6tjRfHus/s1600/DSCN2172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVJRzFr1w-s/T8XQDu2oY2I/AAAAAAAABL8/dzN6tjRfHus/s400/DSCN2172.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And there you have chocolate streusel, my friends! I bet you know where this is going.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWgGsfcKAPc/T8XQgAg3MeI/AAAAAAAABMc/qukFEuecgVU/s1600/DSCN2176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWgGsfcKAPc/T8XQgAg3MeI/AAAAAAAABMc/qukFEuecgVU/s400/DSCN2176.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Chopped hazelnuts!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-owvp81KA-N4/T8XQsOLizII/AAAAAAAABMs/5SuVjpyrdr4/s1600/DSCN2181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-owvp81KA-N4/T8XQsOLizII/AAAAAAAABMs/5SuVjpyrdr4/s400/DSCN2181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Chocolate streusel! More hazelnuts!<br />
<br />
Now pop that baby in the oven at 350 degrees for 25-27 minutes. Note: The toothpick test will not work here! The Nutella layer stays gooey. Be careful not to over-bake your cake or the base layer will get too dry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfChmu0jSr8/T8XQyfqP4oI/AAAAAAAABM0/XfrdBjtWkgg/s1600/DSCN2183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfChmu0jSr8/T8XQyfqP4oI/AAAAAAAABM0/XfrdBjtWkgg/s400/DSCN2183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I admit, I was a little freaked out when I pulled this out of the oven and saw how it had gone kind of souffle-like on me. I blame the Nutella.<br /><br />But then I quickly forgave it. Because look at this beauty:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gvrDDMgfqJ8/T8XRJkJTsLI/AAAAAAAABNU/c9yXBCL0yy0/s1600/DSCN2190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gvrDDMgfqJ8/T8XRJkJTsLI/AAAAAAAABNU/c9yXBCL0yy0/s400/DSCN2190.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, so it isn't so much to look at. But let me tell you, if you liked my basic coffee cake, and you like Nutella, this will <i>blow you away</i>.<br /><br />And it's only a little extra work. And dishes. And it is <i>so worth it</i>!<br /><br />Again, the basic coffee cake recipe is <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/05/mothers-day-brunch-and-easiest-coffee.html">here</a>, and here's what you need to add:<br />
<br />
2/3 Cup toasted hazelnuts/filberts<br />
1/2 Cup Nutella<br />
<br />
<u>Chocolate Streusel</u><br />
<br />
<br />
1/2 C sugar<br />
1/4 C cocoa powder<br />
1/4 C flour<br />
2 tbsp melted butter<br />
<br />
<br />
Combine all in a bowl and mix with fork or fingers until well-combined crumbly. Note: This actually made more streusel than I needed, but I was unsure how to cut the recipe down... Does anyone actually have an 1/8 cup measure? Probably not.<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />Make coffee cake batter as usual.<br />
<br />
Portion out about a third of the batter into a separate bowl, and fold Nutella into it until well-combined.<br />
<br />
Toast hazelnuts, place in food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped, reserve roughly 1/3 of the nuts and put aside, continue to process remainder until finely chopped.<br />
<br />
Mix finely chopped hazelnuts into the remaining non-Nutella batter and spread in round 9" greased and floured pan. Top with Nutella batter and spread to cover.<br /><br />Sprinkle top with desired amount of streusel and chopped hazelnuts.<br />
<br />
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-27 minutes.<br />
<br />
Be <i>amazed</i>. (Well, I liked it, anyway.)<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
This is a fun and not-too-difficult twist on a super easy recipe. Give it a try! And let me know how it goes - or if you have any really neat coffee cake ideas, I'd love to hear them.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading. Until next time!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-43871122149254785612012-05-26T21:06:00.000-04:002012-07-13T03:15:35.262-04:00Super Bonus Weekend Post: Instructables Giveaway! *CLOSED*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<b>UPDATE:</b> Giveaway now closed! According to Random.org our winner should be commenter number one - Terry Stupple! BUT. But honestly, there were only two entries, and you know what?<br />
<br />
I got featured on Instructables again this week! So I actually have TWO 3-month memberships to give away! So <i>everyone's a winner!</i> Congrats to both Terry and our anonymous friend.<br />
<br />
Please email me at bakerinthebasement(at)hotmail(dot)com and I will reply with your membership code!<br />
<br />
I guess in future I should say to include your email in your entries... I'm still learnin' folks!<br />
<br />
Thanks for participating.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Hello all!</div>
<br />
<br />
I've recently been introduced to a neat website called <a href="http://instructables.com/">Instructables.com</a>. If you haven't heard of it, it's a site where you can learn how to do everything from <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Coffee-Table/">building your own coffee table</a> to <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-eat-a-cookie-like-its-nobodys-business/">eating a cookie like it's nobody's business.</a><br />
<br />
So, it's totally fun. You can also make your own Instructables to share with everyone, which I totally did <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Flower-Pot-Cupcakes/">right here.</a> Y'all have probably already seen my flower pot cupcakes <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/04/bonus-monday-post-flower-pot-cupcakes.html">here on the blog</a> but it was cool to make a fancy step-by-step little online instruction-booklet for them.<br />
<br />
Also, there's a <a href="http://www.instructables.com/contest/cake2012/">Cake Decorating Contest</a> going on right now - but time is running out! It ends midnight on Monday. All you have to do to enter, though, is make your own cake decorating Instructable, or video, or even just a photo of a cake you've decorated! Definitely get in on this, friends, because you would not <i>believe </i><a href="http://www.instructables.com/contest/cake2012/?show=PRIZES">these prizes!</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Want a glance at the competition? Click through the pics to check it out!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_735622081"><img alt="Character Cake for Non-Skilled People" border="0" src="http://www.instructables.com/image/FH6BSVUH2MYJTLA/Character-Cake-for-Non-Skilled-People.jpg" title="" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Character-Cake-for-Non-Skilled-People/"><i>Character Cake for Non-Skilled People by </i>RodneyBones</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A great technique made super-easy! Definitely check this out. I know I'll be using this technique in the future.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Mini-Maypole-Cakes/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mini Maypole Cakes" src="http://www.instructables.com/image/FR3BA1TH1YONLCT/Mini-Maypole-Cakes.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Mini-Maypole-Cakes/"><i>Mini Maypole Cakes by </i>StudioDIY</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So simple, and so pretty! Makes me want to dance with ribbons in the springtime sunshine... and that is so not me, you guys. These cakes are that cute.</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_735622126"><img alt="Cupcake bouquets" src="http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJP/CBYX/H1YOL7GW/FJPCBYXH1YOL7GW.MEDIUM.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Cupcake-bouquets/"><i>Cupcake Bouquets by </i>Jmae</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Can you believe those are cupcakes? So beautiful! I hope she puts up instructions, soon, though I'm pretty sure those are marshmallows cut in half and pressed in coloured sugar. <i>Neat!</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
And here's the competitor that I voted for - yes, I was so impressed, I voted <i>against myself.</i> Because I like this cake <i>that much</i>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_735622110"><img alt="Game of Thrones: Iron Throne Cake" border="0" src="http://www.instructables.com/image/FU3UDGMH2073HJ0/Game-of-Thrones-Iron-Throne-Cake.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_735622110"><i>Game of Thrones: Iron Throne Cake by </i>Stephanefalies</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Game-of-Thrones-Iron-Throne-Cake/"></a><br />
I don't even know what to say about this. I mean, just look at it. Like, <i>dang</i>. Just click through and go look how she put this baby together. You will be amazed.<br />
<br />
Well, maybe I'll win one of the other prizes...like the <a href="http://www.instructables.com/contest/cake2012/?show=PRIZES">Mini Cricut Cake Cutter. </a><br />
<br />
So what I'm trying to say is, go check out <a href="http://instructables.com/">Instuctables!</a> Take a moment to sign up - it's free and quick, so what the heck why not - <a href="http://www.instructables.com/contest/cake2012/?show=ENTRIES">and vote for your favorite entries!</a><br />
<br />
And if you'd like to win your own<b> 3-month <i>paid</i> Pro Membership</b>, <b>simply leave a comment on this post </b>saying what Instructable you'd like to see, or what you'd like to make an Instructable for! I will randomly select one comment on Thursday, May 31st, to receive a 3-month Instructables Pro Membership.<br />
<br />
So get at it!<br />
<br />
And don't worry, I've got more treats in the oven to tell you about, so tune back in on Thursday for that, too! Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
Until next time!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-81815184907437682492012-05-24T18:43:00.000-04:002012-05-24T19:16:04.957-04:00Fireworks Cupcakes: Sweet, Spicy, and Unexpected!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Besides working full-time as a charity fundraiser, I help out seasonally at a fireworks shop called <a href="http://kaboom.com/">Kaboom!</a> Let me tell you, it is super-fun answering the phone and saying, "KABOOM! How can I help you?"</div>
<br />
But maybe that's just me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In any case, I had been batting a new flavor idea around in my head for a while and being called back to the shop for Victoria Day weekend gave me the nudge I needed to put it into action!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BNN5aj2RzM4/T73Y3RGU2iI/AAAAAAAABHs/ivk1BUmSPBc/s1600/DSCN2066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BNN5aj2RzM4/T73Y3RGU2iI/AAAAAAAABHs/ivk1BUmSPBc/s400/DSCN2066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So I whipped up my favorite yellow cake - Bonnie Butter Cake, recipe below - and as a control batch, made 12 plain cupcakes in plain white wrappers.<br />
<br />
Then it was time to experiment!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lahS3nfIxMg/T73ZIvMG29I/AAAAAAAABIE/MJgX6abmwy4/s1600/DSCN2077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lahS3nfIxMg/T73ZIvMG29I/AAAAAAAABIE/MJgX6abmwy4/s400/DSCN2077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That, my friends, is crushed red chili flakes, which I crushed myself in my mortar and pestle. I knew I bought that thing for a reason.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qug4puPVJxM/T73Y9ZeTIOI/AAAAAAAABH0/NT6UmaLbc_U/s1600/DSCN2069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qug4puPVJxM/T73Y9ZeTIOI/AAAAAAAABH0/NT6UmaLbc_U/s400/DSCN2069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, to be sure there'd be no confusion as to which cakes were regular and which were extra spicy, I chose bright red wrappers for the spicy half.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EC6BJbJZ4E/T73ZXTOYP6I/AAAAAAAABIU/zGmoDSrnUvE/s1600/DSCN2079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EC6BJbJZ4E/T73ZXTOYP6I/AAAAAAAABIU/zGmoDSrnUvE/s400/DSCN2079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I filled the cups and baked like usual. Well, except that when I usually bake cupcakes, I don't get a faint whiff of chili from the oven, but I suppose that's to be expected.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt96ARG7E2M/T73ZebVZVQI/AAAAAAAABIc/jbPsOuHdmx4/s1600/DSCN2084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt96ARG7E2M/T73ZebVZVQI/AAAAAAAABIc/jbPsOuHdmx4/s400/DSCN2084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next I invented a very simple, Thai-flavours-inspired frosting consisting chiefly of peanut butter, icing sugar and coconut milk. My brother, Duck, happened to be assisting, and asked how I made the frosting.<br />
<br />
"Oh, it's really easy," I said, "You just throw it all together in a bowl and -"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9g9a1X9RATI/T73ZmZcSr5I/AAAAAAAABIk/ghsXgqHz5_Y/s1600/DSCN2085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9g9a1X9RATI/T73ZmZcSr5I/AAAAAAAABIk/ghsXgqHz5_Y/s400/DSCN2085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"... Okay, not <i>that</i> easy, jeez."<br />
<br />
Actually, measure out a 1/2 cup of peanut butter and, using a hand mixer, slowly add 3 cups of icing sugar while mixing until the peanut butter is pretty evenly distributed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-enEp2anwx6U/T73ZygnGkxI/AAAAAAAABI0/1CuneFj4iVA/s1600/DSCN2088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-enEp2anwx6U/T73ZygnGkxI/AAAAAAAABI0/1CuneFj4iVA/s400/DSCN2088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and a tablespoon of coconut milk at a time, mixing on medium in between additions until a smooth frosting forms, like so:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPnZd3vJNTk/T73Z4ZfN1aI/AAAAAAAABI8/qsDTDTruOwA/s1600/DSCN2090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPnZd3vJNTk/T73Z4ZfN1aI/AAAAAAAABI8/qsDTDTruOwA/s400/DSCN2090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because of the amount of peanut butter, the frosting will have a somewhat goopy consistency. If it gets too soft to pipe, simply add a bit more icing sugar to firm it up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aIKMgr4OJ9w/T73jLFnh3NI/AAAAAAAABKI/hE7UrWBt09A/s1600/DSCN2122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aIKMgr4OJ9w/T73jLFnh3NI/AAAAAAAABKI/hE7UrWBt09A/s400/DSCN2122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The plain cupcakes were topped with pretty swirls of peanut butter coconut frosting. Of those who tried the plain cupcakes, I heard both that the coconut flavor was too strong, and that it wasn't strong enough, so I suppose you can adjust the level of coconut milk depending on your liking. Simply replace the coconut milk with regular milk when you feel you have enough coconut flavor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLOjEhYcE_Q/T73aEdlcwQI/AAAAAAAABJM/47YZz9YlI9k/s1600/DSCN2096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLOjEhYcE_Q/T73aEdlcwQI/AAAAAAAABJM/47YZz9YlI9k/s400/DSCN2096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The spicy cupcakes got a swirl of icing, too, but I wasn't stopping there, oh no. I mixed up a simple icing glaze.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ViWCHJ0JDs/T73ibJDK-dI/AAAAAAAABJY/78xA53AQV70/s1600/DSCN2098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ViWCHJ0JDs/T73ibJDK-dI/AAAAAAAABJY/78xA53AQV70/s400/DSCN2098.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I made it less simple and more sensational! Add as much sriracha sauce as you think you can handle.<br />
<br />
Then add a little more.<br />
<br />
Then a little more than that.<br />
<br />
Seriously. I thought I had made mine too hot until I put it on the cupcakes and tried it. The frosting's richness really brings the heat level down, so feel free to go a little nuts with the hot sauce!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmYq2ozM_wE/T73ijcwUw3I/AAAAAAAABJg/gnm0Mi-wB2g/s1600/DSCN2100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmYq2ozM_wE/T73ijcwUw3I/AAAAAAAABJg/gnm0Mi-wB2g/s400/DSCN2100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You could stop here, but I felt the glaze looked kind of pale-orange-beige and I really wanted it to visually scream: WARNING! SPICINESS AHEAD! So I threw in a bit of red food colour, with a smidge of brown to try to approximate the colour of the sriracha sauce.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ4Fhb5wM1g/T73iq8sIheI/AAAAAAAABJo/fa60Jf0WngA/s1600/DSCN2103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ4Fhb5wM1g/T73iq8sIheI/AAAAAAAABJo/fa60Jf0WngA/s400/DSCN2103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now <i>that</i> says hot! I dipped a spoon into the glaze and simply drizzled it over the top of the cupcake, like so:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76KwzADEsdc/T73iws8sNnI/AAAAAAAABJw/wYod_ZEkcgE/s1600/DSCN2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76KwzADEsdc/T73iws8sNnI/AAAAAAAABJw/wYod_ZEkcgE/s400/DSCN2107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Feel free to adjust the amount of the glaze to your own liking. Heat levels are a very subjective thing... 'not hot enough' to me might be equivalent to '<i>oh god my eyeballs are melting!' </i>to you, so be sure to keep that in mind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ktFZqtEwZo/T73jCZ2b2aI/AAAAAAAABKA/YmBGDnlqnfs/s1600/DSCN2116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ktFZqtEwZo/T73jCZ2b2aI/AAAAAAAABKA/YmBGDnlqnfs/s400/DSCN2116.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I packed up the spicy Fireworks and took them to the fireworks store. I also brought the plainer ones in case of non-spice fans. And you know what?</div>
<br />
Most of the staff was afraid to try them!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seriously, guys? Seriously? You're okay to work in a building full of explosives, but a little hot sauce on your cupcake freaks you out? Come on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The manager was brave enough to try one. Then he was brave enough to try a second, so I'll take that as a good review. Hubby devoured a couple himself and I certainly had my share!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hubby took what was left to his workplace the next night, and they pretty much disappeared, all reviews were positive - unless hubby just didn't want to hurt my feelings - but seeing as the trays returned very nearly empty, I'm inclined to believe the overnight staff at the fast food restaurant truly did enjoy these!</div>
<br />
Of course, these are the same guys who sneak bacon into their ice cream treats, so... take that as you will.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On another note, these cupcakes were featured on <a href="http://noms.icanhascheezburger.com/2012/05/24/funny-food-photos-spicy-fireworks-cupcakes/#comments">My Food Looks Funny</a> (and before you get upset about the caption, know that I wrote it, poking fun at my own creation!) so definitely go check out the other funky treats and oddities over there.</div>
<br />
Want to make your own? Here's all the required recipes:<br />
<br />
<u>Bonnie Butter Cake</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another one adapted out of the ol' Betty Crocker book</div>
<br />
2/3 Cups Butter, salted<br />
1 3/4 Cups Sugar<br />
2 Large Eggs<br />
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla<br />
2 3/4 Cups Cake or Pastry Flour<br />
2 1/2 tsp Baking Powder<br />
1 tsp Salt<br />
1 1/4 Cups Milk<br />
1 tsp Red Chili Flakes, crushed (if making fireworks cupcakes, optional. Add more if you're a real heat fan!)<br />
<br />
Mix butter, sugar eggs and vanilla until fluffy. Beat 5 minutes on high speed with hand- (or stand-) mixer, scraping sides down occasionally. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, chili flakes (if using) and salt. Reduce mixer speed to low and add dry ingredients bit by bit, alternating with milk, until well combined.<br />
<br />
Pour into lined cupcake pans and bake at 350 degrees for 17-19 minutes. Makes 24 cupcakes.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
<u>Peanut Butter & Coconut Frosting</u><br />
From my brain, where I get most of my ideas.<br />
<br />
<br />
1/2 Cup Peanut Butter<br />
3 Cups Icing Sugar<br />
1 teaspoon Vanilla<br />
5-6 tablespoons Coconut Milk (not coconut water or beverage!)<br />
<br />
Cream peanut butter with hand mixer on low, slowly add icing sugar until peanut butter is distributed throughout. Add vanilla, and first tablespoon of coconut milk. Be sure your bowl and mixer are very secure, due to the thickness of the frosting at this point, the bowl can try to get away from you!<br />
<br />
The next thing you know, the mixer's out of control and spraying frosting everywhere! Not that it would ever happen to me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVheSXdGu1M/T763Y34R0fI/AAAAAAAABKg/soNrUJf4zj8/s1600/DSCN2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVheSXdGu1M/T763Y34R0fI/AAAAAAAABKg/soNrUJf4zj8/s400/DSCN2089.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get that photo out of here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In any case, add a tablespoon of coconut milk at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable (but yes, it will be kind of goopy) consistency.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
<u>Sriracha Glaze</u><br />
Only the brave need apply.<br />
<br />
1 Cup Icing Sugar<br />
1 tblsp Coconut Milk (or regular milk)<br />
1 tblsp Water<br />
Sriracha sauce to taste. Then a bit more than that.<br />
<br />
<br />
Food Colouring, optional<br />
<br />
With a fork or small whisk, combine icing sugar, coconut milk, and water. Add sriracha sauce a bit at a time until desired heat level is reached. Add food colouring, if using, until desired shade is achieved.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
So, feeling adventurous, my friends? Give these suckers a try. If you dare!<br />
<br />
Until next time!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-24847836890141711682012-05-24T03:48:00.000-04:002012-05-24T03:48:41.004-04:00A Slight Delay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Today's post will be late due to the fact that I've been working 2 jobs and have had little time for baking and blogging.<br /><br />So for today, here is a little teaser image for the next post:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5pLFVjejwks/T73lzF_By-I/AAAAAAAABKU/Ljdb3DEIksg/s1600/DSCN2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5pLFVjejwks/T73lzF_By-I/AAAAAAAABKU/Ljdb3DEIksg/s400/DSCN2107.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br /><br />And as soon as I have a bit of time to put a cohesive post together, you'll find out exactly what this baby is made of! Have fun guessing in the meantime.<br /><br />Also, I put together an entry for <a href="http://www.instructables.com/contest/cake2012/">Instructable's Cake Decorating Contest</a>. Check it out, and maybe even make an entry of your own! There's a <a href="http://www.instructables.com/contest/cake2012/?show=PRIZES">Cricut fondant/frosting sheet cutting system up for grabs!</a> In any case, here's my entry if you're interested: <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Flower-Pot-Cupcakes/">http://www.instructables.com/id/Flower-Pot-Cupcakes/</a><br /><br />It is still under moderation and hasn't been put up for voting yet... but you know, when it is, maybe you could do a gal a solid and gimme a little vote? Hmm? Pretty please?<br /><br />Anyway, I will try to have a proper post up before the weekend's out.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your patience and understanding.<br />
<br />
- TamaraBaker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-67277421617053904752012-05-21T10:00:00.000-04:002012-05-21T10:00:05.295-04:00Flower Pot Cupcakes - now with Sunflowers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Because the first batch just </span><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">wasn't enough</i><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Well, that, and the fact that some of my work friends saw the last set of these I did - possibly because I constantly yak about my baking to everyone who will listen, or who is forced into listening because they happen to sit near me.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">In any case, a few of my coworkers asked if I could make them some flower pot cupcakes, and I was happy to oblige! I put together a set of four just like the ones in <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/04/bonus-monday-post-flower-pot-cupcakes.html">this post</a> for my good pal Linda, and when Nate, who sits near Linda heard about it, well, he just had to have some, too.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />His order wasn't quite as simple though. Not only did he want a full dozen cupcakes, he wanted sunflowers on some of them! Sunflowers! I tried to explain that sunflowers grow wild and free on great towering stalks, but he just had to have them in little pots.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">A new challenge appears!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acpL2NY2T2Q/T7Spj6ycxkI/AAAAAAAABGQ/Ag9jy7nDRig/s1600/DSCN2063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acpL2NY2T2Q/T7Spj6ycxkI/AAAAAAAABGQ/Ag9jy7nDRig/s400/DSCN2063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see, I did find a way to create sunflowers, but the going was not as smooth as I'd hoped. You see, I'd spotted the perfect cookie cutter for the sunflower petals at Bulk Barn just the week before, so I had figured out in my head the perfect, easy way to make the sunflowers.<br />
<br />
Except when I got to Bulk Barn, every last one of those cutters was gone. Every. Last. One.<br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
<br />
Which meant, I had to custom cut all of it - every petal!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqzB4O483Fc/T7SqDxtnjbI/AAAAAAAABGg/qiMLREeXHeY/s1600/DSCN2051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqzB4O483Fc/T7SqDxtnjbI/AAAAAAAABGg/qiMLREeXHeY/s400/DSCN2051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started with a round cutter and used the pointed end of a spade-shaped cutter to turn the circle into a sunburst shape (if you have a sunburst shaped cutter, you get to save lots of time on this step!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOjaVphEJvE/T7SqWCDw-vI/AAAAAAAABG4/orW0sdNIK94/s1600/DSCN2054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOjaVphEJvE/T7SqWCDw-vI/AAAAAAAABG4/orW0sdNIK94/s400/DSCN2054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I used a smaller circle cutter to make an impression to outline the middle of the flower. Then I removed the cutter and arranged the petals around the center, and used the cutter again to trim away any petals that had stuck too close to the middle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u5_extSUr_o/T7SreAdQ01I/AAAAAAAABHg/3JN6paU0a5o/s1600/DSCN2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u5_extSUr_o/T7SreAdQ01I/AAAAAAAABHg/3JN6paU0a5o/s400/DSCN2050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, I used a plastic baggie with the corner snipped off - I didn't feel a proper piping bad was necessary for this simple task - and piped a swirl of chocolate frosting into the flower center. I then went over the initial swirl with small dots of frosting until it was completely covered and, by George, looked an awful lot like a sunflower!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zg6vc0Sd7Nk/T7SqP6_qoHI/AAAAAAAABGw/UK_W1SwmNnw/s1600/DSCN2053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zg6vc0Sd7Nk/T7SqP6_qoHI/AAAAAAAABGw/UK_W1SwmNnw/s400/DSCN2053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I made 4 sunflowers and it took the better part of an hour. I would love to make these again, so I think I'll be stalking the local Bulk Barn & cake supply shops' aisles pretty frequently until that petal cutter I want shows up.<br />
<br />
Once all the flowers were done, it was time to apply them to the cupcakes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xxU-7Fj0mIA/T7Sqnk9oAMI/AAAAAAAABHQ/ie1FI4ODn7U/s1600/DSCN2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xxU-7Fj0mIA/T7Sqnk9oAMI/AAAAAAAABHQ/ie1FI4ODn7U/s400/DSCN2058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For a how-to on making your cupcake flower pots, check out <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/04/bonus-monday-post-flower-pot-cupcakes.html">this post.</a> When I was making a full dozen like this, I completed each step for all the cupcakes before moving on to the next step. Here you can see I'm partway through adding all the upper rims to the pots.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OUXGKB2M_ZA/T7Squ65Gs-I/AAAAAAAABHY/cjgZw-WTh2Y/s1600/DSCN2059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OUXGKB2M_ZA/T7Squ65Gs-I/AAAAAAAABHY/cjgZw-WTh2Y/s320/DSCN2059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And voila! With a large flat leaf draped over the seam of the pot's upper lip and a sunflower nestled comfortably atop it, we have a successful sunflower-in-a-pot cupcake!<br />
<br />I have a feeling this may become a thing.<br /><br />I'm on a real cupcake kick lately, and as I write this at 1:00 AM Sunday morning, I have a very experimental batch of cupcakes sitting in my good ol' cupcake caddy on the kitchen island. Tomorrow I'll be sharing them with my coworkers at my other job - oh, did I never mention I work a second job seasonally? No?<br />
<br />
Well, I guess I'll talk more about that and the experimental cupcakes on Thursday.<br />
<br />
Until then!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-65061664698122820362012-05-17T02:51:00.001-04:002012-05-17T12:16:14.486-04:00Mother's Day Brunch and the Easiest Coffee Cake Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Mother's Day, my husband, my brother and I all worked together to make a special brunch for my mom. I fried up some delicious peameal bacon, hubby took care of toast duty and assisted with the delicious cheddar & green onion scramble my bro Duck put together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGkkvLG95zY/T7SI8hm8reI/AAAAAAAABFY/90WobykgiXM/s1600/DSCN2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGkkvLG95zY/T7SI8hm8reI/AAAAAAAABFY/90WobykgiXM/s400/DSCN2038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
A lovely little plateful to be sure, but something was definitely missing... something sweet!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ7K7xXsEvM/T7IAdxINSlI/AAAAAAAABDk/rEoOMHjE6UU/s1600/DSCN2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ7K7xXsEvM/T7IAdxINSlI/AAAAAAAABDk/rEoOMHjE6UU/s400/DSCN2002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Coffee cake ingredients, assemble! I am willing to bet you probably have all of the ingredients for the cake base in your cupboards and fridge right this very moment. Milk, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, an egg and your choice of butter, margarine or shortening. I was feelin' the Becel this particular day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJbV9-7gSrQ/T7IAlVgWmDI/AAAAAAAABDs/yv1k95_T1tI/s1600/DSCN2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJbV9-7gSrQ/T7IAlVgWmDI/AAAAAAAABDs/yv1k95_T1tI/s400/DSCN2003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Like many of my favourite recipes, the directions here are basically measure & mix! Beat vigorously until smooth. Yes, you could use a hand mixer here, but frankly the whisk was closer.<br />
<br />
Perhaps my judgement is not at its clearest before I've had breakfast. Oh well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAh1QY2zB8Q/T7IAq5obDYI/AAAAAAAABD0/_VcroFg6Z7s/s1600/DSCN2004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAh1QY2zB8Q/T7IAq5obDYI/AAAAAAAABD0/_VcroFg6Z7s/s400/DSCN2004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, you want to put together the topping for the cake, it's simply butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and flour. Mix until nice and crumbly. Add nuts or whatever you like at this point. Our secret ingredient?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
You'll see in a couple of pictures. Gosh!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_8Kjw_AtJM/T7IA3Mz6O1I/AAAAAAAABEE/3Q9i1aIY0gQ/s1600/DSCN2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_8Kjw_AtJM/T7IA3Mz6O1I/AAAAAAAABEE/3Q9i1aIY0gQ/s400/DSCN2010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, grease and flour your baking pan of choice. Usually I would do this cake up in a simple 9" round pan,, but since it was a special day I thought it would be nice to give everyone their own little coffee cake.<br />
<br />
These silicone jumbo muffin cups were the easiest thing I've ever greased & floured because they're so flexible and easy to manoeuvre. The recipe turned out to be just enough to make 5 jumbo muffin-sized coffee cakes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uUk7AWwYCLU/T7IBDGC9qII/AAAAAAAABEU/GpCyMFiiMi8/s1600/DSCN2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uUk7AWwYCLU/T7IBDGC9qII/AAAAAAAABEU/GpCyMFiiMi8/s400/DSCN2012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So, first, put a bit of batter in the bottom of your baking cup, then sprinkle with about a tenth of the topping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpLEpErBCnU/T7IBJHXAvSI/AAAAAAAABEc/caiUzq-WCf0/s1600/DSCN2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpLEpErBCnU/T7IBJHXAvSI/AAAAAAAABEc/caiUzq-WCf0/s400/DSCN2013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And the 'secret ingredient' is... CHOCOLATE CHIPS! Allez cuisine!<br />
<br />
Uh, I mean... a bit of semi-sweet chocolate chips, somewhat unexpected in a cinnamon-brown sugar topping adds a lovely richness to this cake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvRMEJAcMro/T7IBOw65YeI/AAAAAAAABEk/IEh8a1Lgj0Y/s1600/DSCN2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvRMEJAcMro/T7IBOw65YeI/AAAAAAAABEk/IEh8a1Lgj0Y/s400/DSCN2020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Fill with more batter almost to the top, and sprinkle on some more topping.<br />
<br />
Pop 'em in the oven at 350 degrees for about 25-27 minutes, and behold:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2hUKUoKuYI/T7SPGN819eI/AAAAAAAABGE/27t8tlDwJnY/s1600/DSCN2034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2hUKUoKuYI/T7SPGN819eI/AAAAAAAABGE/27t8tlDwJnY/s400/DSCN2034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh... Yes, please!<br />
<br />
The topping bakes up sweet and crunchy and chocolatey and melty and <i>wonderful</i>. And the inside?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTClos0zZtM/T7IBsWsBPNI/AAAAAAAABFE/e_R7UOmf4-4/s1600/DSCN2041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTClos0zZtM/T7IBsWsBPNI/AAAAAAAABFE/e_R7UOmf4-4/s400/DSCN2041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Fluffy, light, buttery (Becel-y in this case, also good!) and streaked with more brown sugar and chocolate. Now THAT'S a brunch worth getting out of bed for.<br />
<br />
At 3 PM.<br />
<br />
Hey, we're not morning people.<br />
<br />
Want to make your own?<br />
<br />
<u>Easiest Coffee Cake Ever</u><br />
Adapted from Betty Crocker<br />
<br />
Cake:<br />
1 1/2 cups flour<br />
3/4 cups sugar<br />
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
3/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1/4 cup shortening, butter or your favourite margarine<br />
3/4 cups milk<br />
1 large egg<br />
<br />
Topping:<br />
1/3 cup golden brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup flour<br />
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
3 tablespoons cold butter<br />
1/2 cup chocolate chips (or nuts, or dried fruit, or bits of fresh apple, or whatever!)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
<br />
For the cake, simply combine all ingredients and beat vigorously by hand for 30 seconds, or use a hand mixer on low, until smooth. Mix topping together separately until crumbly.<br />
<br />
Grease and flour pans of choice. For 9" round cake pan, layer batter and topping as desired and bake for 27-30 minutes. For jumbo-muffin size, bake 25-27 minutes, or until golden brown on top. For regular muffin size, 18-21 minutes.<br />
<br />
Now that I listed those different variations for the 'secret ingredient' I have all kinds of ideas circulating in my head... When is Father's Day again?<br />
<br />
Until next time!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-86217861646528116322012-05-15T02:26:00.000-04:002012-05-15T02:27:21.314-04:00A Big THANK YOU! Also a Royal Icing TutorialSo, I've been meaning to share with you all how to make the kind of royal icing I use for cookies like <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/03/day-or-two-late-and-shamrock-short3.html">these</a>, and <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/05/flowers-for-mom-african-violet-and.html">these</a>, and <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/05/tcaf-of-comics-and-cookies.html?showComment=1337027718167#c8634222825585429444">especially these</a>, but there's something very important I have to say first:<br />
<br />
<b>THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!</b><br />
<br />
Thank you to everyone who clicked a link and came to say hi, thank you to everyone who liked the webcomic cookies or the flower pot cupcakes and decided to stay around, thank you to everyone who saw something they liked here and shared it with their friends and internet buddies.<br />
<br />
Thank you, thank you, thank you!<br />
<br />
I've been absolutely overwhelmed with the pageviews and feedback, and being featured in places like <a href="http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/05/14/webcomic-cookies/">Comics Alliance</a> and <a href="http://webcomicoverlook.com/2012/05/14/webcomic-cookies/">Webcomic Overlook</a> and even the front page of a <a href="http://stuff.icanhascheezburger.com/2012/05/14/cute-kawaii-stuff-epicute-broken-flower-pot-cupcake/">popular Cheezburger Network site!</a> And how could I forget all the kind webcomic creators, artists and writers who shared my <a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/05/tcaf-of-comics-and-cookies.html?showComment=1337027718167#c8634222825585429444">TCAF cookies post?</a> (By the way, if you haven't looked at that post yet, and you have any love for comics at all, go look at it and click every dang link. You're welcome.) Of course, I must mention my super-supportive co-workers, friends, and family members who demand I bake on a regular basis. Y'all know who you are, and y'all know I love you!<br />
<br />
I'm sure I'm missing someone, and whoever it is: thank you!<br />
<br />
So, yeah, the English language is sorely lacking in ways to express gratitude, is what I'm finding here.<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<br />
Now, to get back to sharing recipes and techniques: Royal icing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1h6Wa9P8q0w/T7HtBB2dRtI/AAAAAAAABDI/yM2eVWzqz0g/s1600/DSCN1862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1h6Wa9P8q0w/T7HtBB2dRtI/AAAAAAAABDI/yM2eVWzqz0g/s400/DSCN1862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A lot of people think that making royal icing is really hard. I was once one of those people. It's true that it can be a cruel mistress - too hot or humid out, and it may refuse to come together at all, a drop of fat in your bowl or stuck to your beater, and it may never stiffen.<br />
<br />
So, uh, it's really not so much that it's hard to make, it's just that the correct conditions can be tough to achieve.
<br />
<br />
It's best not to make this on a hot, humid day. Make sure your beaters, bowl, spatula, and anything that will touch the icing is 100% clean. It's best to use glass or metal bowls and instruments since plastic tends to bond to fat and hold onto it more.<br />
<br />
I, uh... I still used plastic. Gotta work with what you've got, you know.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H55FQt9UzHQ/T7HsN9b2yYI/AAAAAAAABCQ/Le03W2DWNAw/s1600/DSCN1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H55FQt9UzHQ/T7HsN9b2yYI/AAAAAAAABCQ/Le03W2DWNAw/s400/DSCN1855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So on the left, we have meringue powder and cream of tartar, and on the right, slightly warm water. I very precisely measured and weighed these ingredients, because another thing about royal icing is you need to follow the recipe pretty dang exactly.<br />
<br />
Step one is simply to mix the meringue powder, cream of tartar and water together with a whisk, until foamy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nl66lmCdog/T7HsTl_wmzI/AAAAAAAABCY/TYd6YHVoW8Q/s1600/DSCN1856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nl66lmCdog/T7HsTl_wmzI/AAAAAAAABCY/TYd6YHVoW8Q/s400/DSCN1856.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Like so. Then start adding your powdered sugar, a bit at a time until it's all in there, mixing all the while with your hand mixer (or if you're one of the lucky ones, your stand mixer) until the sugar is all incorporated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvxx_Nn3aJ0/T7HsqX1nSHI/AAAAAAAABCw/lSaxEzWUWJw/s1600/DSCN1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvxx_Nn3aJ0/T7HsqX1nSHI/AAAAAAAABCw/lSaxEzWUWJw/s400/DSCN1859.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scrape the sides down with a spatula to make sure you don't miss any of the sugar. Once it's all combined, keep mixing for 5-7 minutes, until the icing becomes rather firm and loses some of its shine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtwX_fXOIxs/T7HtIMVBmfI/AAAAAAAABDQ/vEyUk7hB-hE/s1600/DSCN1863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtwX_fXOIxs/T7HtIMVBmfI/AAAAAAAABDQ/vEyUk7hB-hE/s400/DSCN1863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You'll know you're done if you pull your beaters out of the icing and they do something like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1osLISueVQ/T7HtN63Aw_I/AAAAAAAABDY/yjmu5HQBR00/s1600/DSCN1864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1osLISueVQ/T7HtN63Aw_I/AAAAAAAABDY/yjmu5HQBR00/s400/DSCN1864.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Those are stiff peaks, and the icing is hardly shiny at all. You're ready to add your favourite colours and start decorating your cookies! Have fun!<br />
<br />
See? That wasn't really so hard. Though if, like me, you had to use a hand-mixer, you may need to massage your wrists a little. That's a marathon of mixing, isn't it?<br />
<br />
If you want to try it out and decorate your own unique cookies, here's the recipe:<br />
<br />
<u>Royal Icing</u><br />
Recipe & instructions adapted from McCall's School of Cake Decorating<br />
<br />
40 g meringue powder<br />
5 g cream of tartar<br />
190 g warm water<br />
1000 g icing sugar<br />
<br />
Note: Yes, it's all in weights. You do need a decent kitchen scale for this, sorry. Due to the nature of the powdery ingredients, volumetric measurements just aren't good enough here.<br />
<br />
Mix first 3 ingredients with hand whisk until foamy. Using stand or hand mixer on low, beat in sugar about a cup at a time until well-combined. Continue to beat for another 5-7 minutes on low or until icing is firm.<br />
<br />
It's a good idea to cover your bowl with a damp cloth or towel and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before using, then give it a gentle stir with a spatula to remove any large air bubbles. Then you're good to go!<br />
<br />
Be sure to keep any royal icing covered with a damp cloth while not using to keep it from going rock-hard when you don't want it to. To learn more about how I outline and fill cookies, refer to the<a href="http://bakerinthebasement.blogspot.ca/2012/02/send-off-cookies.html"> Send-Off Cookies Post.</a><br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Thanks (yet again) for reading. I'll be sure to fill y'all in on what I baked up for my own Mom on Mother's Day later this week, so keep an eye out for that.<br />
<br />
Until next time!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-2203326445884478402012-05-13T01:29:00.000-04:002012-05-13T01:29:28.571-04:00Flowers for Mom: African Violet and Pansy Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, I don't usually start with a shot of the finished product, because I'm a big fan of suspense, over here, but get an eyeful of these:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOMxQ1Sedeg/T6885CpfktI/AAAAAAAABB0/iYBy_L8lPOo/s1600/DSCN1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOMxQ1Sedeg/T6885CpfktI/AAAAAAAABB0/iYBy_L8lPOo/s400/DSCN1997.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These cookies sprung initially from the mind of my coworker and pal Bonnie, who asked me to make cookies for her to give to her Mom on Mother's Day. At first it seemed a simple request, just, "Hey, do you think you can make cookies that look like flowers? Purple flowers? Like, pansies and violets?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I, in my incredible ignorance of all things flowers, replied, "Flower cookies? Sure! What could be simpler?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then Bonnie showed me some Google image results for pansies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pansies are actually kind of complex. Well, Bonnie, <i>challenge accepted!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JAQpuTZ4wE4/T687aY5wS3I/AAAAAAAABAM/LyNwOwV2Qtk/s1600/DSCN1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JAQpuTZ4wE4/T687aY5wS3I/AAAAAAAABAM/LyNwOwV2Qtk/s400/DSCN1973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite my initial bravado, I actually decided to start with the violets as a warm-up. I couldn't find a simple 5-petal flower cutter (seriously, what the heck?) so I started with a round cutter and made notches for the spots in-between the petals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMHP_v99p5E/T687vufu2NI/AAAAAAAABAk/_QMJhRlt7NA/s1600/DSCN1979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMHP_v99p5E/T687vufu2NI/AAAAAAAABAk/_QMJhRlt7NA/s400/DSCN1979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Admittedly, this was not the look I was going for. The petals came out more square than I had intended. I need to go on a serious flower-shaped-cookie-cutter shopping spree.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But in the meantime, I had to make these look something like violets.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-jFvBPI_Yc/T688URVzqBI/AAAAAAAABBU/5fPdQ5O7St0/s1600/DSCN1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-jFvBPI_Yc/T688URVzqBI/AAAAAAAABBU/5fPdQ5O7St0/s400/DSCN1994.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I piped onto the somewhat-misshaped cookies a better approximation of the violets' outline and filled with flood icing in - you guessed it - a shade of violet. Real violets are not flat, of course, so to try to give the illusion of the center being recessed, I added a spot of darker purple flood icing in the middle while it was still wet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the flood icing had set up for 15-20 minutes, I went back and added the lines on top for a bit of petal definition and three dots of yellow icing to each for the stamen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RtpB6EghsQs/T688ejPpTEI/AAAAAAAABBk/G6EkvEdgn-8/s1600/DSCN1996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RtpB6EghsQs/T688ejPpTEI/AAAAAAAABBk/G6EkvEdgn-8/s400/DSCN1996.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Et voila, Viola, vive le violets! (Apologies, an avid aficionado of alliteration.)<br />
<br />
Now, before I start showing you the pansies, have you ever seen a pansy? I mean, and really looked at it? Tell me, have ever really, really really ever seen a pansy?<br />
<br />
They're bizarrely asymmetrical. They look like they have evil little faces. Look at them staring into your souls with their eyes of<a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/cm/thedailygreen/images/ES/patio-pansies-051809-lg.jpg"> pure darkness and gaping mouths!</a><br />
<br />
Okay, so I'm being a wee smidge dramatic here, but come on. I was pretty intimidated about making <i><a href="http://www.teacupgardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Pansy_Atlas_Mix.jpg">those</a></i> into cookies!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eG-bEDGsog0/T687f48JQoI/AAAAAAAABAU/PUG2ScWc7pM/s1600/DSCN1975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eG-bEDGsog0/T687f48JQoI/AAAAAAAABAU/PUG2ScWc7pM/s400/DSCN1975.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I again started with a simple round cookie cutter, and trimmed bits away until I had the general shape.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fakZ_4xa5ic/T687oKp2PvI/AAAAAAAABAc/wwdBzirr-L4/s1600/DSCN1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fakZ_4xa5ic/T687oKp2PvI/AAAAAAAABAc/wwdBzirr-L4/s400/DSCN1977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then, using a smaller circle cutter, I cut half-moons to add on as those weird additional layered petals pansies seem to have on one side (freaky, I tell you.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSn5Y2USi5E/T68716uzIeI/AAAAAAAABAs/znx0jS9wWKo/s1600/DSCN1981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSn5Y2USi5E/T68716uzIeI/AAAAAAAABAs/znx0jS9wWKo/s400/DSCN1981.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If you looked at the sample pics of pansies, you may have noticed many varieties are multicoloured. Bonnie was really going for an all-purple assortment but I weaselled her into letting me do some white & purple pansies for variety.<br />
<br />
So, as you can see above, I outlined the white petal sections in white, and the purple in purple. Pretty straightforward so far.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjmVAtSdU6I/T688BYNEDRI/AAAAAAAABA8/cjolfPvX9wI/s1600/DSCN1989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjmVAtSdU6I/T688BYNEDRI/AAAAAAAABA8/cjolfPvX9wI/s400/DSCN1989.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Fill in with thinned royal icing to match the outline, then, while it is still wet, add a yellow blob of flood icing for the center, and contrasting highlights to some or all of the petals.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilMvggSA01A/T6877pT8raI/AAAAAAAABA0/w5uSI2FFzbU/s1600/DSCN1988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilMvggSA01A/T6877pT8raI/AAAAAAAABA0/w5uSI2FFzbU/s400/DSCN1988.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the cookie switch out, folks, took photos of different cookies at different stages. You know how it is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once you have your contrasting colours down, take a toothpick, and using quick strokes pulling from the center out, and then from the highlight colours inwards, work the icing until...<br />
<br />
Well, until it looks like a pansy! It's hard to explain, really, I just kind of fiddled with it until I got this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J1MlAhKW_tk/T688G-B54EI/AAAAAAAABBE/YJzV0mieJa8/s1600/DSCN1990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J1MlAhKW_tk/T688G-B54EI/AAAAAAAABBE/YJzV0mieJa8/s400/DSCN1990.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So basically, if your cookie looks a little like it has a streaky smiling monster face on it, you're on the right track.<br />
<br />
For some of these, the yellow centers got a little too muddy with all the streaking. If that happens, just blob on a tiny bit more yellow icing while it's still wet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCByGHo-aDQ/T688OjrLMMI/AAAAAAAABBM/3Tkgbd87JaY/s1600/DSCN1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCByGHo-aDQ/T688OjrLMMI/AAAAAAAABBM/3Tkgbd87JaY/s400/DSCN1992.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The technique is pretty simple once you get the basic shape and look of the pansies down, which I'll admit, took a couple of tries. Luckily, I always make a few extras for just such practice, and there's always someone happy to help hide the evidence when mistakes are made.<br />
<br />
But a bit of practice and perseverance, and...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQO_WOsCE1U/T688ZhzN8jI/AAAAAAAABBc/mg0g6OcQXl0/s1600/DSCN1995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQO_WOsCE1U/T688ZhzN8jI/AAAAAAAABBc/mg0g6OcQXl0/s400/DSCN1995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Practically perfect pretty pansies, plus they're palette-pleasing! (Sorry, I just can't help myself.)
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gA2ohAlu7E0/T688kZdzo9I/AAAAAAAABBs/EPO_tiPs5tc/s1600/DSCN1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gA2ohAlu7E0/T688kZdzo9I/AAAAAAAABBs/EPO_tiPs5tc/s400/DSCN1998.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
I really hope these go over well. I know if I were a mom, I'd be pretty touched to get my favourite flowers in food form. All credit for that thoughtfulness of course goes to Bonnie!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go prep to make my Mom's very favourite coffee cake for brunch in the morning. If all goes well, I'll let you guys in on it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until next time!</div>Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-36880185023281786582012-05-10T04:46:00.001-04:002012-05-10T04:46:52.987-04:00Dark Chocolate Lava Cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh yes, you read that right. Dark. Chocolate. Lava cakes.</div>
<br />
When I first stumbled across this recipe in February's Reader's Digest, I thought, no. This is too complicated. There's too many things I could mess up, and then that would be a terrible waste of chocolate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But then I kept seeing the magazine sitting around the apartment, and once in a while I'd pick it up and it would somehow end up on that page, the lava cake sitting there in all its glory... taunting me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And before I knew it I was bringing home bittersweet chocolate and chopping it up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJHcsj6fPFY/T6thd9BB-2I/AAAAAAAAA8M/wEcIIyjibxk/s1600/DSCN1900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJHcsj6fPFY/T6thd9BB-2I/AAAAAAAAA8M/wEcIIyjibxk/s400/DSCN1900.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The first step is to make the centers which starts, as you have likely surmised, by chopping up the best bittersweet chocolate you can find. (The recipe is actually by Ghirardelli, so please, if your store has that brand of chocolate, use it! Mine didn't though, so Baker's it is!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJqJRzCw0qA/T6thjwwWJyI/AAAAAAAAA8U/Va53r3zXqko/s1600/DSCN1904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJqJRzCw0qA/T6thjwwWJyI/AAAAAAAAA8U/Va53r3zXqko/s400/DSCN1904.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In any case, pop a pot on the stove with a bit of water in it, get it simmering a bit and set up a little double-boiler action with your favourite heatproof bowl. One day I will invest in a glass one so as not to sear everyone's retinas with the glare off this metal one.<br />
<br />
Anyway! Throw your 2 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate in there and pour a quarter cup of cream on it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LbSI5FKatgg/T6thqU6ZqvI/AAAAAAAAA8c/9ouggYj4zlU/s1600/DSCN1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LbSI5FKatgg/T6thqU6ZqvI/AAAAAAAAA8c/9ouggYj4zlU/s400/DSCN1911.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mix and heat it until it looks incredibly silky and smooth and delicious, as above. Then comes one of the toughest parts of this recipe: putting this luscious bowl ganache in the fridge and waiting at least an hour.<br />
<br />
... An hour?! I was ready to dig a spoon into it already! But I somehow survived the hour. Once it's firmed up in the fridge, you want to form the centers into equally-sized balls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mltCMRRrCNk/T6thwYOvCdI/AAAAAAAAA8k/SnsozscL2sA/s1600/DSCN1913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mltCMRRrCNk/T6thwYOvCdI/AAAAAAAAA8k/SnsozscL2sA/s400/DSCN1913.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Or, at least, equal-ish-sized ball-type lumps. They don't have to be perfect, they're going to be liquid in the end, anyway! For now, pop them back in the fridge while we get the next part ready.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-B8E22Qp5c/T6th5MyuBLI/AAAAAAAAA8s/mSK0i0XDQVE/s1600/DSCN1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-B8E22Qp5c/T6th5MyuBLI/AAAAAAAAA8s/mSK0i0XDQVE/s400/DSCN1915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Grease 6 of your favourite mini-pans or ramekins. I used a few of each since I didn't have quite enough of either. From my experience I must suggest going for a deeper dish like the ones on the right, the shallower glass ramekins did not produce a very good lava cake. Those ones actually fell apart when it was time to turn them out of the pan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEq4vobksog/T6tiA8VxKgI/AAAAAAAAA80/tqiwSrS-_74/s1600/DSCN1917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEq4vobksog/T6tiA8VxKgI/AAAAAAAAA80/tqiwSrS-_74/s400/DSCN1917.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So guess how the next step starts? Yep, chop more chocolate! There's something I really enjoy about the k-k-krrrch-THUNK of chopping big chunks of chocolate with my biggest knife. I was a little sad when I ran out of chocolate to chop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yXTnmJatwAQ/T6tiLFU6zfI/AAAAAAAAA88/jDHPyumo54o/s1600/DSCN1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yXTnmJatwAQ/T6tiLFU6zfI/AAAAAAAAA88/jDHPyumo54o/s400/DSCN1919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So take this batch of chopped chocolate and pop it in a clean double-boiler setup along with 1/2 cup of butter, and stir once in a while until it looks like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSceitYyR7I/T6tie0M8dxI/AAAAAAAAA9U/tDY79xA5C1E/s1600/DSCN1929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSceitYyR7I/T6tie0M8dxI/AAAAAAAAA9U/tDY79xA5C1E/s400/DSCN1929.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then put it aside to cool a bit while you work on the rest of the batter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epRgdZOh-SQ/T6timdhASmI/AAAAAAAAA9c/Unc9qOQq2uw/s1600/DSCN1930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epRgdZOh-SQ/T6timdhASmI/AAAAAAAAA9c/Unc9qOQq2uw/s400/DSCN1930.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That's 2 whole eggs, 2 egg yolks, 1/3 cup of sugar and a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Blitz 'em up with your hand mixer until the mixture becomes thick and light in colour, which takes around 5 minutes or so.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ujsmhv01tc/T6ti6zEyILI/AAAAAAAAA9s/rmdPb-5W5sg/s1600/DSCN1936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ujsmhv01tc/T6ti6zEyILI/AAAAAAAAA9s/rmdPb-5W5sg/s400/DSCN1936.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once you have a thick, creamy mixture, you can start folding in the chocolate and butter mixture. I added a tiny bit of the chocolate at first, stirring quickly with a spatula, to try to temper the egg mixture and avoid scrambled eggs in my lava cakes. Because that would be eww.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo1BHR23sZc/T6tjBkTK8II/AAAAAAAAA90/xFbfTNjg7iI/s1600/DSCN1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo1BHR23sZc/T6tjBkTK8II/AAAAAAAAA90/xFbfTNjg7iI/s400/DSCN1937.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Fold in your chocolate mixture, and then sift a 1/4 cup of pastry flour over the top and continue to fold.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HqP-6Oluhk/T6tjMkV9UzI/AAAAAAAAA98/WWRytBMfY-8/s1600/DSCN1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HqP-6Oluhk/T6tjMkV9UzI/AAAAAAAAA98/WWRytBMfY-8/s400/DSCN1939.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, the recipe didn't actually say to sift the flour, but I am telling you to, because I did end up with a couple of little flour clumps in my finished cakes and I do not wish you to suffer the same. As always, take the chance to learn from my mistakes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ke9mSoQ1rGE/T6tjYEI6SFI/AAAAAAAAA-E/0hLFkeuu3Uw/s1600/DSCN1943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ke9mSoQ1rGE/T6tjYEI6SFI/AAAAAAAAA-E/0hLFkeuu3Uw/s400/DSCN1943.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once you've folded in all your flour and chocolate, you'll have something that looks like this. I didn't try to mix it to be perfectly homogeneous because the batter was already deflating, and I didn't want it to lose any more lift than it already had.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bKMf7VN4c4o/T6t75eQATXI/AAAAAAAABAA/IQDAd-ia-wM/s1600/DSCN1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bKMf7VN4c4o/T6t75eQATXI/AAAAAAAABAA/IQDAd-ia-wM/s400/DSCN1946.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Pour a bit of batter into each of your molds/ramekins/mini-pans/whatever and pop one center in the (you'll never guess) center of each pan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCfU_7-2Iuk/T6tjx971e3I/AAAAAAAAA-c/TNMflSeEEu0/s1600/DSCN1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCfU_7-2Iuk/T6tjx971e3I/AAAAAAAAA-c/TNMflSeEEu0/s400/DSCN1948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Cover with batter. This is part of why a deeper pan is better than a wider one, better center coverage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_DF7-ToJ_Y/T6tj3s2KvxI/AAAAAAAAA-k/yk64At6l8Fc/s1600/DSCN1949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_DF7-ToJ_Y/T6tj3s2KvxI/AAAAAAAAA-k/yk64At6l8Fc/s400/DSCN1949.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
While your cakes bake in the 350 degree oven for 15 minutes, you can clean some of your dishes and utensils, and take a moment to marvel at the utility and utter adorableness of that pink cupcake spatula that followed you home from Home Outfitters.<br />
<br />
Or maybe that's just me. But seriously, look at this thing! I need another 20 of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJRmYrVodmE/T6tkAAZhz8I/AAAAAAAAA-s/Us47vZDktRI/s1600/DSCN1952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJRmYrVodmE/T6tkAAZhz8I/AAAAAAAAA-s/Us47vZDktRI/s400/DSCN1952.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After 15 minutes (and much cupcake-spatula ogling) your cakes should be firm to the touch. Let them sit in their pans for about 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5ot9RyhxvM/T6tkN4YILzI/AAAAAAAAA-8/_OdVr3G4b1Q/s1600/DSCN1955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5ot9RyhxvM/T6tkN4YILzI/AAAAAAAAA-8/_OdVr3G4b1Q/s400/DSCN1955.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As they sit, you'll notice they start to pull away from the edges of the pan a bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XRlrD2iSd4/T6tkT-awOMI/AAAAAAAAA_E/se7Nn-SrkmM/s1600/DSCN1958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XRlrD2iSd4/T6tkT-awOMI/AAAAAAAAA_E/se7Nn-SrkmM/s400/DSCN1958.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once 5 minutes have elapsed, you can flip it out onto a plate, pile on your favourite whipped topping (or ice cream, ice cream would be <i>amazing</i> with this!) and get ready to dig in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7lJYMEl9Lw/T6tkbnv1mOI/AAAAAAAAA_M/FfXZbh8328M/s1600/DSCN1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7lJYMEl9Lw/T6tkbnv1mOI/AAAAAAAAA_M/FfXZbh8328M/s400/DSCN1960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, look at that luscious little bite! And you can see that chocolatey center starting to ooze forth... Let's see if I can get you a better shot of that...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJP40LxRuwU/T6tkhFd9OaI/AAAAAAAAA_U/cCjtGm1Qs_8/s1600/DSCN1961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJP40LxRuwU/T6tkhFd9OaI/AAAAAAAAA_U/cCjtGm1Qs_8/s400/DSCN1961.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mmm, yes, with the whipped cream melting down over it and the gooey middle puddling onto the plate. You know, maybe I should clear a bit more of the cake so you can see the center better -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-miF4BbWTjnA/T6tkoFYg0YI/AAAAAAAAA_c/YMiaVgfWj3o/s1600/DSCN1964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-miF4BbWTjnA/T6tkoFYg0YI/AAAAAAAAA_c/YMiaVgfWj3o/s400/DSCN1964.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
- oh, gee, now the whipped cream is really getting in the way. Just a sec while I tidy this up a bit to get a better shot for you -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_iVwsQeEVIc/T6tkuWOwJpI/AAAAAAAAA_k/9IjarZd7BwI/s1600/DSCN1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_iVwsQeEVIc/T6tkuWOwJpI/AAAAAAAAA_k/9IjarZd7BwI/s400/DSCN1966.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh. Uh, I don't really know what happened there. One minute I was arranging the cake to take more photos and the next, the plate was empty! This has never happened before.<br />
<br />
Well, I guess to get a good look, you'll have to make some yourself! Full instructions are available on <a href="http://www.readersdigest.ca/food/recipes/desserts/lava-cakes">the Reader's Digest website.</a> What they don't mention is, you can save these cakes in the fridge for at least a day, and if you turn 'em out onto a plate and microwave for 15 seconds, they're <i>almost</i> as good as if you've just made them. Thought you might like to know that.<br />
<br />
I loved these cakes so much, I'm dreaming of all kind of variations now... Just imagine a white chocolate lava cake with a drizzle of raspberry sauce! Mmm. Someday.<br />
<br />
But just this moment I have some Mother's Day cookies to bake for a friend. I'll try and get a post together about them to share with you before the big day - which is this Sunday! Whoa! Where does the time go? I better figure out what I'm doing for my Mom...<br />
<br />
Until next time!Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112436920168884830.post-88445442349476227822012-05-07T01:19:00.000-04:002012-05-07T01:37:57.876-04:00TCAF: Of Comics and Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello, friends. Have I ever mentioned what an absolute comics fanatic I am?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am an absolute comics fanatic. And I don't just mean I read X-Men comics from the 90's (though I certainly do) but I mean I am mad about all kinds of comics, especially independent stuff that really breaks away from the traditional 'muscle-bound dudes in capes and skimpily-clad sexpots fight evil' stuff.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, man, am I ever lucky to live in Toronto, where every year I can visit the Toronto Comics Art Festival and meet & chat up my favourite artists! This year, though, I was a little broke. Work had been scarce lately, so I couldn't go and purchase my usual metric tonne of new comic books and graphic novels.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sigh.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I still wanted to go, though. But I needed to do <i>something</i> for my favourite artists. I would feel so bad just saying hello and not buying anything, and not doing anything for them. So at the last minute, the night before the event, I started decorating cookies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkU-rCAH0AI/T6c6XXuhHPI/AAAAAAAAA5w/kdH8camyTRc/s1600/DSCN1880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkU-rCAH0AI/T6c6XXuhHPI/AAAAAAAAA5w/kdH8camyTRc/s400/DSCN1880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately, since I was so short on time, I didn't get to do cookies for <i>all </i>my favourite artists, but I promised I'd make it up to those I'd missed at the next festival/convention.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyone recognise what any of these are? Well, if not, don't feel bad. I didn't expect there to be huge overlap between my lovely, baking-lovin' readers and us comic fans. I'll break it down for you though, because if you have any love for comics at all, my friends, these are among the best!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First, the cookie cutter that inspired it all:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myheB0cfnys/T6c-8-NeFyI/AAAAAAAAA58/u5I1PawTtUE/s1600/DSCN1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myheB0cfnys/T6c-8-NeFyI/AAAAAAAAA58/u5I1PawTtUE/s400/DSCN1848.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I've had a big 100-piece cookie cutter set for years, but only noticed the other day that this cutter bears an uncanny resemblance to a character in one of my favourite online comics: <a href="http://qwantz.com/">Dinosaur Comics!</a> Written by the extremely witty Ryan North, this comic is basically the same 6 panels of clip art dinosaurs having ridiculous, philosophical, inspiring, and/or completely inane conversations. It is hilarious, and I cannot stop reading it.<br />
<br />
Thus it began. If I was going to make a cookie for Ryan North, why, I needed to make one for <i>everybody!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuxjaoNrYlQ/T6c_DGUHFHI/AAAAAAAAA6E/J0TGdx2ojHA/s1600/DSCN1851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuxjaoNrYlQ/T6c_DGUHFHI/AAAAAAAAA6E/J0TGdx2ojHA/s400/DSCN1851.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I had to get creative with the shapes for some of these. The T-Rex, cat and basic shapes I had, but the shamrock and heart-with-ribbon took some custom cutting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ylhy2HpZg4/T6c_XwOmHWI/AAAAAAAAA6c/4HSnGULxPGk/s1600/DSCN1873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ylhy2HpZg4/T6c_XwOmHWI/AAAAAAAAA6c/4HSnGULxPGk/s400/DSCN1873.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It took 2 tries to get the icing on T-Rex right. This still isn't an exact likeness, but the previous one, well, just be thankful I didn't bother with a picture. I don't wish to be responsible for your nightmares.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now, just what has caught T-Rex's eye?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HFJ6KHFngw/T6c_oDb_r1I/AAAAAAAAA6s/DvafUXvh2rU/s1600/DSCN1879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HFJ6KHFngw/T6c_oDb_r1I/AAAAAAAAA6s/DvafUXvh2rU/s400/DSCN1879.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wuh-oh, Cricket! Might wanna get out of range there. The cute li'l black & white kitty cookie is based on Cricket, Yuko's cat, from <a href="http://www.johnnywander.com/">Johnny Wander</a>. This comic is an autobiographic comic by and about Ananth and Yuko, and sometimes they show previews and snippets from some of their other work. It is funny, cute, and always charming. And gosh, I love that cat!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is totally worth checking out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw4lc2cJ03M/T6c_QY8REII/AAAAAAAAA6U/181YldYOHRk/s1600/DSCN1867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw4lc2cJ03M/T6c_QY8REII/AAAAAAAAA6U/181YldYOHRk/s400/DSCN1867.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For this cheerful little cactus fellow, I needed reference since I was icing him onto a plain oval cookie. It's hard to see, but I used a toothpick to scratch out an outline to ice over. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVy6pejx8Tw/T6dABFJtzFI/AAAAAAAAA7E/ILZLUQ5F9Nc/s1600/DSCN1883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVy6pejx8Tw/T6dABFJtzFI/AAAAAAAAA7E/ILZLUQ5F9Nc/s400/DSCN1883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And voila! This my friends, is McPedro, the sassy talking cactus with a Scottish/Irish/Scirish accent from the brilliant comic <a href="http://www.girlswithslingshots.com/">Girls with Slingshots.</a> The comic is about 2 girls, cynical Hazel and optimist sweetheart Jamie, and their groups of friends and adventures. It's meant for college-age or older readers, mostly, though, and is sometimes a bit adult, so if you're offended by frank talk about sex lives, ehhhh, maybe go read this next one instead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ntBkOv2LTU/T6c_uKx58MI/AAAAAAAAA60/2ciPgOdDsbc/s1600/DSCN1881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ntBkOv2LTU/T6c_uKx58MI/AAAAAAAAA60/2ciPgOdDsbc/s400/DSCN1881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This little pot is called, well, Pot. He's the living, silent, loyal cooking device of the intrepid explorer chef <a href="http://kafkaskoffee.com/">Rutabaga!</a> This is a relatively new comic by writer and artist Eric Colossal, but I am head-over-heels-in-love with it already. It's a cute, cartoony comic about a chef who tires of the usual fare and goes exploring for new and exciting ingredients in a fun fantasy setting. A probable PG rating on this one guys.<br />
<br />
If you love fantasy, cooking, and humor, Rutabaga is an absolute must.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Na9stSsaGKc/T6dA9Gg5W2I/AAAAAAAAA7k/vAKnXY8FFlg/s1600/DSCN1880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Na9stSsaGKc/T6dA9Gg5W2I/AAAAAAAAA7k/vAKnXY8FFlg/s320/DSCN1880.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is... eh... uh... pardon me while I dissolve into nervous giggling for a moment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, I think I have it out of my system now. I'm not going to link directly to this one, because I really want to keep this blog PG. Really I do. So, uh, if you don't mind a rating a bit higher than PG, highlight the space below.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;">This is from the amazing comic Chester 5000 XYV by the fabulous Jess Fink. This comic centers around a lonely young Victorian-era bride whose husband is simply too busy for her, er, <i>needs</i>. So he builds her a robot to keep her company. And boy, does he EVER! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Keep scrolling, PG fans!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;">So there are many naughty, naughty, explicit scenes of robot and non-robot love. Did I mention the entire story is told without dialogue? And done extremely well? And that the characters are relate-able, lovable, and that the story is compelling? And that the sexy scenes are really, <i>really</i> sexy?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;">Google it, my adult-entertainment-friendly friends. Chester 5000 XYV. Okay, back to cookies and behaving now.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And for those of you who did not highlight and are happy to skip whatever naughty info is hidden there, this is simply a fancy keyhole. Moving on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzA1cUhAZjE/T6c_gAAEY5I/AAAAAAAAA6k/70O61_q39uA/s1600/DSCN1875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzA1cUhAZjE/T6c_gAAEY5I/AAAAAAAAA6k/70O61_q39uA/s400/DSCN1875.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the symbol of the Sincerists, a fictional group of folks in the alternate universe crafted in <a href="http://templaraz.com/">Templar, Arizona.</a> This group of folks tells the truth, all the time, no matter how blunt or brutal. I both love and hate them.<br />
<br />
This comic is for adults, too, lots of swears and adult situations. It often deals with unhealthy relationships and substance abuse. And it. Is. INCREDIBLE.<br />
<br />
The story centres initially around a young man named Benjamin who is trying to start a new life as a writer, in a new town. Then we meet his neighbours, and learn about the crazy, and yet entirely believable, world that Spike Trotman has written, illustrated, and brought to sparkling life. I don't want to give too much away, but it is a wild, emotional, hilarious, touching, disturbing ride. You've got to check it out. You will be amazed.<br />
<br />
The only downside was, well, I messed up. Spike didn't come to TCAF this year, and I missed the memo. Oh well, guess I'll just have to eat this delicious cookie myself. Life is too cruel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_eKfCvrFhg/T6dBEiFWF9I/AAAAAAAAA7s/DQAd6qF8Za8/s1600/DSCN1884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_eKfCvrFhg/T6dBEiFWF9I/AAAAAAAAA7s/DQAd6qF8Za8/s400/DSCN1884.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, gee, these cookies look kind of boring, huh? Just random words on blank white cards. But maybe they'd be more interesting if I told you that they were actually 100% accurate death predictions? Then what? What would the world be like if you could actually know, ahead of time, how you would die? This morbid yet fascinating scenario is explored in a soon-to-be-2-volume collection of short stories called <a href="http://machineofdeath.net/">Machine of Death.</a><br />
<br />
I can't even explain it to you fully. If the above premise sounds at all interesting, just click the link. I will add, though, that the idea sprung from the head of the aforementioned Ryan North (in a Dinosaur Comic strip, actually!) and that <a href="http://wondermark.com/">David Malki !</a> (the punctuation is part of his name. I don't know, either) was a co-editor for the books. I shared the cookies between the two of them, and saved one to go with the following:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDBlXkesoN0/T6dP_cKiO3I/AAAAAAAAA8A/5iJxZIf5iGg/s1600/bloody+shamrock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDBlXkesoN0/T6dP_cKiO3I/AAAAAAAAA8A/5iJxZIf5iGg/s400/bloody+shamrock.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the poor quality, I missed getting good pics of some of these because I was just <i>so</i> exhausted!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hope no-one's squeamish. That's a shamrock spattered with blood. <i>What the heck</i>, right? Well, if you're an Irish ninja on a cold, cold, day, and you're all out of shurikens, sometimes a frozen shamrock just has to do! What the heck am I talking about? <a href="http://drmcninja.com/">Dr. McNinja!</a> It... it is exactly what it sounds like. A crazy, ridiculous, action-humor comic about an Irish-American ninja, who is also a doctor. His is a conflicted life.<br />
<br />
And Chris Hastings, the awesome author and pencil-wielding-dude behind it, was also one of the many artists involved with the Machine of Death books.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ED8yfFblxIE/T6dAUwagIbI/AAAAAAAAA7c/shsgUYbZHNc/s1600/DSCN1895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ED8yfFblxIE/T6dAUwagIbI/AAAAAAAAA7c/shsgUYbZHNc/s400/DSCN1895.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite the fact that I was trying to save money, I did bring home some sweet, sweet swag. A preview of the next Machine of Death book, a beautiful and sassy print by Jess Fink, fun sentence-building magnets based on Dinosaur Comics, a lovely quickie sketch of my favorite Girls with Slingshots character, and of course, volume one of Rutabaga! Which I have already devoured, and I hunger for more.<br />
<br />
The magnets with the dress-up bear are from a comic called <a href="http://samandfuzzy.com/">Sam and Fuzzy</a>, which started as a comic about a cabbie and his talking bear friend, and evolved into something involving TV stardom, metal bands and their roadies, and a ninja mafia. That's the best I can do to summarize a comic that's been running 10 years! Also, I should mention it is fantastic. And that I suck and did not make a cookie for the creator, Sam Logan. But I will, next time he's in town, and it will be fantastic.<br />
<br />
The little set of buttons is from a hilarious comic called <a href="http://www.bearnutscomic.com/">Bear Nuts</a> by Alison Acton. The best way I can describe it is... picture if the Carebears weren't about love, caring and sharing, and rather, were about self-medicating, or being lecherous, or crazed, or drunk all the time. Sound fun? I thought so. It is of course, not a comic for kids. I am SO looking forward to making the cookies for it though. Click over for a minute if only to look at how bright, cartoony, and wonderful her art is! It is going to make great cookies!<br />
<br />
Okay, if you made it through all that, you are <i>such </i>a trooper! And you deserve to see something actually baking related.<br />
<br />
I finally, <i>finally</i> got my hands on this book!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIeS5vVHwAQ/T6dBKvQI8SI/AAAAAAAAA70/sQ75fjSLwlU/s1600/DSCN1893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIeS5vVHwAQ/T6dBKvQI8SI/AAAAAAAAA70/sQ75fjSLwlU/s400/DSCN1893.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have wanted this book since it was first mentioned on <a href="http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.ca/">the Cupcakes Take the Cake blog</a> oh so many years ago (at least, I'm pretty sure that's where I first heard of it, it's been a while!) and at last it is mine!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I "discovered" a little shop called The Cookbook Store, right across the street from the Toronto Reference Library, where TCAF is held. No-one ever told me there was such a thing as a store that sold <i>only cookbooks</i>! I would have spent hours perusing if my poor brother wasn't waiting impatiently outside the shop for me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you're not in the Toronto area, you can of course find <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Hello-Cupcake-Irresistibly-Playful-Creations/dp/0618829253/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336366291&sr=8-1">Hello, Cupcake! online.</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some comics and a cupcake book to read. I cannot <i>wait</i> to make more comic cookies, and goodness knows what kind of cupcakes I'll make next!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Coming soon for sure, though, is a how-to on royal icing, and possibly a post about lava cakes? Can't decide, just now... must read about cupcakes!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Until next time!</div>Baker in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11205776964050733695noreply@blogger.com6