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Tag Archives: Baking
The Daring Bakers strike again! Our hostess for this month’s challenge was Mary over at Alpine Berry and she chose the Bostini Cream Pie. The original recipe is from Donna Scala & Kurtis Baguley of Bistro Don Giovanni in the Napa Valley as well as Scala’s Bistro in San Francisco. By the way, the mashed potatoes at Scala’s have even more butter in them than the Bostini!
Long story short, I put this challenge off until the very last moment – today! I just was not that inspired, maybe it was because I am not a big fan of the Boston Cream Pie and this was all to similar. Then I thought about it … my man is from Boston, the Red Sox’s will probably win the series and I should just challenge myself regardless if I like Boston Cream Pie or not. So, I seized the bull by the horns and did it! The recipe is very straight-forward and simple. I think I was done within two hours. My custard came out really nice – even though it did not set in the molds; but, I did anticipate this, so I saved some just in case. My cake had a spring to its step and the blood orange juice/zest I used was divine. You can not go wrong with dark bittersweet chocolate and butter for a glaze!
As I mentioned I was suspect on the custard in the mold and I am glad I went with my gut …. it did not work. So, I spooned the leftover custard on a plate and went from there! The outcome, we both really enjoyed it! The creamy vanilla custard was fantastic with the orange cake and a bit of chocolate. Would I make it again, Yes; but, for company who do not have a heart condition – something like 1000 calories a serving!
When The Daring Bakers were presented with our September challenge by Marce from Pip in the City, I kind of cringed ….. I do not consider myself a baker at all. L. & I were chatting it up early one morning and he asked me why? My response was that the technical parts and the amount of time I have to put into it kind of irks me, I want instant gratification. So, I got myself out of bed, made some espresso and started Cinnamon (mine are Cardamon) & Sticky Buns.
WOW – half way through the challenge I was having a blast. My dough was silky, smooth and rising to the occasion. My cardamom sugar was sweet & spicy and my pecans and dried California (to add some local into this challenge) Apricots were chopped and my caramel/bergamot glaze was so tasty that I was afraid I was going to eat it all before actually glazing. Overall, it was a pretty good time so far and I was feeling damn good! Next came the part of baking I always hate … putting it all together. I usually do it so quickly, because I want to see what it is going to be like, that it does not come out the way the picture shows – I like to call it “natural looking”, to make myself feel better about it. This time around, I took my time, kneading, rolling, measuring, sprinkling, rolling, cutting and putting these sweet little buns into the right spots! I then covered them up and put them into the fridge to spend the night. I thought about them all night! I got up at 4am, put them next to the nice warm stove, covered them with some warm cheesecloth & let them rise until 8am, at which time I put them in the oven and …… They did just what they were supposed to do – I was so excited!
I could not wait for L. to see them! I set the table, and made the espresso. L. woke up to fresh cardamom & bergamot smells mixed with Italian Roast espresso … sleepy eyed he made it into the kitchen and all he could say was “Jesus Christ, this is great!” I gave some to our neighbors as well; E.’s response was that Sticky Buns were “OUTRAGEOUS” with the nut/fruit combo and Bergamot caramel glaze!
I faced my fears & I conquered this challenge and I can honestly say I am pleased, excited and can not wait until the next one …. Bring it on!!!
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I love cupcakes for many reasons: they are super cute, easier on the diet, they seem to always make people smile and maybe, probably a little, because my grandfather use to call me cupcake. Anyhow, it became my thing a few years ago after scoring the recipe from Magnolia Bakery, to make cupcakes for those I love (who do not live near us)on their birthdays and to send off a surprise package!
Anyhow, once I saw that Laurie of the Quirky Cupcake was hosting an event I had to participate. I made a Coconut Cupcake which was frosted with a Lime Cream Cheese Frosting. Before frosting them, I did lightly brush the tops with more of the Lime simple syrup.
The lime is suspect in these. You only expect coconut and then you bite into it and WOW, you are suddenly on a white sandy beach sipping a tropical drink!
This is not the usually dinner that we serve around Chez but instead it is my second challenge with the Fabu DBs. This particular event was hosted by Veronica & Patricia and it was for a Milk Chocolate and Caramel Tart.
Now, I am not a baker by any means. I can whip up a mean multi-course dinner but when it comes to baking I am usually a flop; therefore, I was pretty darn excited when I was invited to become part of this group. I loved their inspiration and I needed the challenge to get me away from the norm. This was my second challenge & in all honesty, I was scared. Much to my surprise, it was fun and easy! Here are my exact words to the group once I finished it …
“Perfect! I finished my challenge yesterday & I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was! Served it to L. and a guest for dessert. I was doubting it big time, for a few reasons: I don’t usually make tarts, I felt the caramel filling was some what suspect, my milk chocolate topping disappointed me (maybe my cream had to high of a fat content? even though my melted chocolate was cooled down, it started melting the whipped cream)and I tried it twice, finally had to use the last batch. I put it in the fridge to cool while we had dinner and I thought for sure I was going to hate it. I told L. and W. to be really honest, that they would not hurt my feelings – L. said he would had preferred Dark (we both love dark), but that it was very good and W. said it was f—– great (sorry for the profanity, but those were his words and he is somewhat reserved)! My thoughts: it looked awesome even though the cream topping was not that pretty and I loved the caramel filling and the crust: but, would had preferred a darker chocolate!”
Take a risk and challenge yourself. Enjoy!
I was very honored to be asked to participate with the Daring Bakers! Not only because I find all of the Bakers incredibly talented; I was also looking forward to the challenge!
My first was definitely a challenge. We were asked to make a Strawberry Mirror Cake. Honestly, I have never attempted something as difficult since I was about 15 and I tried to make Floating Islands. While my Mirror Cake did not come out the prettiest, hence, why I wrapped a brown ribbon around it, it did taste wonderful and the smell of fresh baked cake and very fresh strawberries made our home smell wonderful all weekend!
L. has been away & now I am leaving – our paths will cross today! I wanted to surprise him with some love when he gets home! Baked my little heart out yesterday!! Homemade yogurt and zucchini bread!
Labors of Love …….
Verbena with a basil buttercream filling
Lavender with a honey buttercream filling
Hibiscus with a strawberry rhubarb filling
Okay … I am in love with Macarons. Not the coconut ones (or as my sweet 6 year old friend M. calls them … “the American ones”), instead the actual French ones! I am trying to master the recipe for M.’s sister’s tea party next week & as you will see from this photo, I have a lot of work ahead of me. Mine actually look like Driedels! Let me tell you, looks are deceiving as these babies ROCKED and they received more compliments from my astounding taste panel than I have ever had!
I used three recipes for them & varied them a bit: The actual cookie part – I used the Basic Macaron Recipe and flavored with almond extract. AS well I ground my own almonds. The filling I used two different ones: a Blood Orange Curd & an Italian Buttercream (flavored with Vanilla Beans).
A BIG THANK YOU to those of you who inspired me!!!
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