tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25132045522339955672012-02-16T02:19:32.236-08:00..making every day a little bit sweeter..Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.comBlogger1651100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-48142006979295147402012-02-16T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-16T00:00:15.970-08:00

If there's one thing I love as much as baking it's packaging.   In fact, it may border on an obsession.  But I figure if you've spent all this time making your delicious treats don't they deserve a beautiful presentation? There used to be a shop in San Francisco that sold a pair of macarons in the most adorable white gift box.  I was instantly smitten and wanted to replicate it at home.

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-68782404359452099142012-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-14T09:48:07.973-08:00

Sending hugs and kisses to all my loved ones near and far. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!  Basic Vanilla Sugar Cookie 1 cup butter, at room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a standing mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until light and

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-37132265519960273492012-02-12T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-12T00:00:03.989-08:00

If you're an aficionada of Steel Magnolias (the movie) like I am you'll know exactly what this post title is referring to.  If not, read on...a Louisiana accent may help! Truvy: What are your colors, Shelby? Shelby: They're blush and bashful. M'Lynn: Her colors are pink and pink. Shelby: My colors are blush and bashful, Mama! M'Lynn: How precious is this wedding gonna get, I ask

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-15106991689072573062012-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-10T08:58:02.813-08:00

Sending birthday wishes to my dear friend Anne Marie today.  If only I could send these to you overseas! GRATULERER MED DAGEN! Chocolate Cupcakes (adapted from Cook's Illustrated) 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips 2/3 cup (2 ounce) Dutch-processed cocoa 1 1/2 cups hot coffee 1 1/2 cups (8 1/4 ounces) bread flour 1 1/2 cups (10 1/2 ounces) granulated sugar 1 teaspoon

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-5321234531787477252012-02-07T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-07T00:00:10.890-08:00

I recently joined the online baking group Tuesdays with Dorie (TWD) and I'm so excited to be a part of this community!  They became famous for taking on the very Herculean task of making every single recipe in Dorie Greenspan's book "Baking: From My Home to Yours."   It took them four years, but they did it!  When I found out they were accepting bloggers for their next Dorie book, "

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-56133633916299348332012-02-04T09:01:00.000-08:002012-02-04T09:42:24.489-08:00

Here's a recipe for caramel-peanut corn I was planning on making during the holidays, to give away as gifts, but unfortunately never got around to.  After making what seemed like tons of cashew toffee the thought of dealing with another pot of bubbling, boiling molten sugar didn't seem so appealing. But the Super Bowl is tomorrow, which also happens to be my nephew's third birthday, and

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-59596228142052137592012-02-01T08:33:00.000-08:002012-02-01T18:23:12.296-08:00

A while back I was on Dorie Greenspan's blog and one of her posts talked about how whoopie pies have become as trendy in France as macarons are here.  Never in a million years would I have foreseen that.   Since I've never made whoopie pies before I figured now is as good a time as any to try.  I wanted to see for myself what all the French fuss was about. I used a great recipe

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-76747834447799591532012-01-28T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-28T09:00:01.178-08:00

In the office I had a reputation for harboring contraband.  Yep, it's true and I'd gladly be a repeat offender.  Why?  Because my so-called illegal good was nothing more than a toaster.   A toaster for goodness sake!  Nine times out of ten I was using the toaster for cinnamon raisin bread.  The glorious smell of yeast and spices would permeate the hallways of our floor and most people

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-67693815809566664892012-01-26T16:27:00.000-08:002012-02-04T15:57:29.044-08:00

Call it ironic (or maybe sacrilegious!) but even though I love to bake from scratch I actually tend to prefer store-bought or box mix  treats.  Crazy, right? - but that's how I roll.    I first tasted the fudge marble version of Patti Cakes many years ago when I was visiting Jill and her family in Cape Cod one summer.  After one bite I was hooked.  Their moniker comes from a close

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-71327950880423167742012-01-21T14:00:00.000-08:002012-01-21T14:00:02.259-08:00

I can't believe Micah is already two years old...time does fly by so quickly.   Was it just a year ago that he had his dinosaur-themed first birthday party?  These days Micah is all about Elmo from Sesame Street so that's the theme Evelyn chose for his party.   The kid's got good taste - I love Elmo as well...he's too cute for words.  Unfortunately I couldn't attend Micah's big party this

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-62721775402895292702012-01-14T08:24:00.000-08:002012-01-14T08:24:22.828-08:00

"Look to the cookie!"  Who would have thought that a simple black & white could evoke such wise and thought-provoking words from Jerry Seinfeld?  Seinfeld aside, these iconic New York cookies will bring about harmony to your taste buds...guaranteed!  If ever there was one cookie that I always bought and never considered making at home it would have to be the black & white.  Why?  Mainly

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-63843724773345601972012-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-01T00:00:18.845-08:00

My dear friend Mimi's much beloved daughter Elle Bijou was born on New Year's Day 2011.  In fact, she was the very first baby born in Louisville last year - it even made the local news!   To celebrate Elle B's milestone Mimi asked if I could make some edible favors for the party she was having January 1st.  Of course I would!  These monogram cookies are just the thing Mimi was looking for

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-26213946259415208632011-12-24T12:09:00.000-08:002011-12-24T12:09:23.159-08:00

I don't think there's anything better than a flaky and buttery croissant, especially when it's fresh from your own oven.   Sound too good to be true?   It's not as unattainable as you may think and you don't even need to buy a plane ticket to France.  All it takes are three P's:  planning,  preparation and perseverance.     You know I love me some Cook's Illustrated and the most

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-70584702070647117472011-12-23T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-23T00:00:10.322-08:00

A quick post to show the fruits of my labor this holiday season.  Just a pic of some of the treats I made, and gifted, to friends and family.  Some are old favorites and some are making their debut to the party:  Dark Chocolate Truffles  Raspberry Marshmallows Hat and Mitten Sugar Cookies Spiced Candied Nuts No-Bake Rocky Road Bars Macarons (the ones above are raspberry and

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-14379613302271917062011-12-22T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-22T00:00:01.066-08:00

My favorite ice-cream flavor of all time is Thrifty's Coconut Pineapple.   A close second is rocky road, but the kind with almonds, no walnuts please. I was on the lookout for new recipes to try for this year's holiday treats and I saw this one for no-bake rocky road bars from America's Test Kitchen.  After endless hours spent baking cookies it was a nice change not to use the oven. 

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-26470022244107558572011-12-20T13:17:00.000-08:002011-12-20T13:17:46.816-08:00

I find it funny that whenever some people hear you're from California they automatically think it's sunshine and warm weather year-round.  Maybe that's true in the south, but up here in the north it can get downright freezing.   My place in San Francisco was built many, many years ago so the heating system can be "quirky" to say the least.   When the mercury starts

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-4201063188752170902011-12-19T15:25:00.000-08:002011-12-19T15:25:43.840-08:00

Marshmallows are one of those things I never really thought to make at home.  It's so much easier to grab a bag of Jet-Puffed when I've got a craving for hot cocoa or Rice Krispies Treats.  Since I wanted to add some new goodies to this year's roster of homemade Christmas gifts I thought to myself, "why not marshmallows?"  I've seen other people make it so how hard could it be?

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-13584221296245813652011-12-17T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-19T15:49:54.326-08:00

Notice anything different about these walnut snowballs?  They look like my favorite Christmas cookies, they taste like my favorite Christmas cookies, but there's something else.  Can you guess?  Alright, I'll tell you.  They're 100% gluten-free...yes way!   Gluten-free baking can definitely be a challenge; I speak from experience.  But I wanted to share a recent discovery that I think

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-64921687607987394472011-12-16T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-16T11:15:37.259-08:00

When I started this blog two years ago I had no clue about all the swag that was out there to be won.   I've entered my fair share of blog giveaways, especially when its cookware or mixers, but I never actually won anything....until now! How ecstatic was I when I received an email from Rosie of Sweetapolita last month telling me that I was one of the winners of her chocolate

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-12009192729241112222011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-13T00:00:09.894-08:00

I know it's winter when stores start stocking Cuties California clementines.  I love them!  My mom says that when I was a kid I used to eat oranges like a fiend so it's no surprise that Cuties are one of my absolute favorites.  The December 2011 issue of Everyday Food featured a tangerine cake with citrus glaze on the cover and I knew I had to try it with the Cuties.  They baked

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-77148806475293688262011-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-11T14:46:49.154-08:00

It's already December..is it me or has this year just flown by?  So far this month I've been super busy with all my holiday candy making.  To date I've made 100 pounds of cashew toffee (with some help from Mom) and there's still plenty more to go.  Thank goodness I only do this once a year. After being up to my eyeballs in candy I needed a break, a cookie break to be exact.  I first

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-24207582961556841202011-12-07T11:37:00.000-08:002011-12-07T11:37:58.679-08:00

Despite its moniker mandel bread is not a bread at all, but actually a cookie.  It's an Eastern European Jewish treat very similar to Italian biscotti. I first tasted mandel bread many years ago at a work potluck.  I mistakenly thought they were biscotti and was corrected by the colleague who brought them in.  They were so crunchy and light, not heavy and tough at all like some

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-51929056984593243302011-11-17T00:00:00.000-08:002011-11-17T00:00:01.766-08:00

I preface this post by saying it's basically a teaser.  Why?  Because I can't share the recipe for this delicious carrot layer cake with you....just yet!  It's one I'm testing for Cook's Illustrated and they're still tweaking it a bit.   But I can share with you the technique used to make the cake.  Instead of baking the cake in two round pans it's baked in a half-sheet pan.  Once cooled

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-16129483155857758422011-11-10T00:00:00.000-08:002011-11-10T00:00:13.011-08:00

My friend Jesse's birthday was last month and my gift to her was a cake of her choosing.  What did she request?  Flourless chocolate cake.   It's a super-easy but very elegant dessert you can make that uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen:  eggs, chocolate and butter.   That's it!  If you want to go a bit over the top you can even add some espresso.  I won't tell

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-45632999754434687742011-11-03T00:00:00.000-07:002011-11-03T13:04:59.906-07:00

I'm lucky enough to be a recipe tester for Cook's Illustrated, the ne plus ultra cooking authorities, so when a Paris-Brest recipe landed in my Inbox many, many, many months ago I was super excited.  I had every intention of making it straight away until procrastination and summer vacation distracted me.  When I saw that the recipe was published in the current issue of the magazine (

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-25596227520897959252011-10-27T00:00:00.000-07:002011-10-27T00:00:01.317-07:00

I had some extra dough leftover from a recent cookie order so I made pumpkin shaped cookies to celebrate autumn and Halloween.   Now that I look at them they may not be so botanically correct with the green leaf and vines but they still taste good! Happy Halloween to all the little goblins, ghosts and witches out there! Basic Vanilla Sugar Cookie 1 cup unsalted butter, at room

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-40819707236350916992011-10-22T00:00:00.000-07:002011-10-22T15:09:55.630-07:00

It's ironic that I love to bake because diabetes tends to run in my extended family, especially the maternal branch.  Whenever I make them something inevitably the first comment I get is, "Can you make it less sweet?"  I too am a fan of less sweet desserts, so I'm not one to talk, but you've got to have some sugar otherwise what's the point? I'm visiting the

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-19328656797724394392011-10-18T00:00:00.000-07:002011-10-18T00:00:07.326-07:00

Doesn't this coconut cake look absolutely delicious?  Trust me when I say it tastes even better than it looks.  Why the "quadruple" in its moniker?  Because every component of this cake is infused with coconut: the cake, the filling, the frosting and of course the outside coating.   If you're a coconut lover you definitely need to make this cake.  In the span of one week alone I

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-22861568883326822222011-10-14T11:38:00.000-07:002011-10-15T15:46:12.686-07:00

If ever there was a king of Halloween candy it's got to be candy corn.  Love them or hate them they've been around since the 19th century and I think they're here to stay.    Candy corn may not be my personal favorite, they were normally the last things to be eaten from my trick-or-treat loot bag, but I think I've reinterpreted them in a fun way with these cupcakes.  How great

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com120tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-68903098738522443742011-10-04T00:00:00.000-07:002011-10-04T00:00:07.499-07:00

This French Silk Chocolate Pie was recently featured on an episode of Cook's Country TV.   There was something so nostalgic and retro about it that, despite my apprehension about pies, I had to make it.    In the world of baking my Achilles' heel always seems to be pies.   You know why?  The darn crust!  I could never get it right, until now!  Cook's Illustrated has a foolproof pie crust that

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-65957652410787516462011-10-01T10:59:00.000-07:002011-10-01T23:58:03.764-07:00

My friend Brian's birthday was a few weeks ago and as a belated gift I wanted to make him some sweet treats.  I first saw these hi-hat cupcakes on Martha Stewart and they've been on my "must-make" list for quite some time.  Aren't they fun and whimsical? You can personalize hi-hats with any flavor combination you want for the cupcakes and frosting.  The original recipe uses seven minute

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-29265412184665638332011-09-24T00:00:00.000-07:002011-09-24T00:00:06.170-07:00

These are cookies I recently made for two separate orders, both in honor of some little ones.  The initial cookies are for the christening of a boy named Anthony and the onesie cookies are for shower for baby Madison.

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-8145337767803705982011-09-20T00:00:00.000-07:002011-09-20T00:00:05.083-07:00

Don't you hate it when a product you love is suddenly discontinued?  I certainly do.  So when Bear Naked stopped making my absolute favorite granola, Native Mango Agave Almond, I was in disbelief.  Such a shame because it was the best store-bought granola I've ever tasted. But no use crying, especially after the company confirmed to me that they weren't bringing it back to market.  To console

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-6469286459259162092011-09-18T16:53:00.000-07:002011-09-18T16:53:58.735-07:00

Afternoon tea is one of the best British traditions I can think of.  I went recently with my friend Marina and it was so much fun.  I can't think of a better way to spend a few hours than drinking tea, nibbling on dainty treats, gossiping and people watching! Cucumber sandwiches and petits fours are great but the main attraction for me is always the currant scones.  Slathered with a generous

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-82666845140667022292011-08-27T13:00:00.000-07:002011-08-27T13:00:01.961-07:00

One of the best things about being a baker are the gifts that I can make for family and friends, especially for the milestone moments in their lives.   What better way to show you care than with something homemade?  My gift to Anne Marie and Henning for their wedding today are these cookie favors.  I really love how they turned out.  The monogram on the cookie coordinates so beautifully with the

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-2828722825367229302011-08-22T00:00:00.000-07:002011-08-22T00:00:06.721-07:00

I love it when something you think is so complicated to make turns out to be super easy.    You can impress your family and friends and they won't be none the wiser! These palmiers (aka "elephant ears") are the perfect example.  It just takes two ingredients, puff pastry and sugar, to become crispy, buttery and deliciously caramelized cookies.   Granted, you can definitely go high-end by

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-53514321980747028602011-08-15T00:00:00.001-07:002011-08-15T03:22:12.555-07:00

Peanut butter was one of my favorite foods as a kid and I still love it today as an adult.  There's nothing better for breakfast than some creamy peanut butter smeared on a warm, toasted English muffin.  It's one of my favorite ways to start the day.      Although chocolate chip is probably the most popular cookie in America, for me it takes a backseat to peanut butter.  This Cook's Illustrated

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-75370937058717759432011-08-08T00:00:00.000-07:002011-08-08T00:00:15.855-07:00

  Fraisier, the classic French cake, was last month's Daring Bakers' challenge.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to participate due to some prior baking commitments, but I figured better late than never, right? My interpretation of a fraisier is pastry cream and fresh strawberries layered between chiffon-style vanilla cake, topped with a cream cheese flavored whipped cream and finally covered with

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-43105011849609671082011-08-01T00:00:00.000-07:002011-08-07T17:28:11.756-07:00

My cousin's hair salon, Hair Cuts Etc., celebrated its 10th anniversary over the weekend so she ordered some macarons for the party she was having.  Her only request was that they coordinate with the purple and dark pink color theme.  For the macaron flavors I decided to go with something fresh and fruity, blackberry and strawberry. The last time I made macarons was back in February so I was

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-25786229776890243082011-07-27T00:00:00.000-07:002011-07-27T01:24:22.685-07:00

As a follow-up to a prior post I wanted to share with you the cookie favors I made for my cousin's twin boys' first birthday.   I really like how these number sugar cookies turned out.  There were going to be girls as well as boys at the party so I kept the color palate primarily gender-neutral.  Unfortunately the twins couldn't enjoy the cookies but I think their guests did. Happy Birthday

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-76830925228456753022011-07-22T09:16:00.000-07:002011-07-22T09:16:16.999-07:00

So I went to my local Safeway recently as I was craving one of my favorite Hostess products, their delicious crumb cake.  Imagine my dismay when they were no where to be found on the supermarket shelf.  All they had were cinnamon streusel coffee cakes - so not the same thing.    Oh well.  To console myself, and in homage to the store-bought classic, I made this homemade version.  With crumb

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-83728480674629890822011-07-10T14:41:00.000-07:002011-07-10T17:34:41.889-07:00

My parents and I are driving down to Southern California later this week to visit relatives and also go to The Price is Right game show...lol, it's on my dad's bucket list!   While we're there my cousin is having a party to celebrate her twin boys' first birthday.  I offered to help with the baking so I've been testing out new cupcake recipes.   Since we'll be making a lot I needed something

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-31752773543920143762011-07-06T08:50:00.000-07:002011-07-06T12:47:00.708-07:00

  Apologies in advance to all flower lovers since these daisies aren't botanically correct, but you'll forgive me won't you?  The Barefoot Contessa featured these cookies on her show a while ago, in white and yellow, and I knew immediately I wanted to make a pink version. Perhaps I went a bit overboard with the abundance of pink tones in the cookie and packaging, but I can't help myself, it's

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-49095852290580179422011-07-05T00:00:00.000-07:002011-07-05T00:00:06.529-07:00

Pound cake...hmmm...my first memories are of the Sara Lee variety.   Remember those?  They were pretty much the only pre-made cakes that my mom would buy for us when we were kids.   The great thing about them was since they were sold frozen there usually was one in the house at any given time. I've been meaning to make a pound cake made with cream cheese for some time now.   Additional

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-30840404643003218742011-07-02T15:40:00.000-07:002011-07-05T09:52:26.711-07:00

When it comes to cake pops I'm a bit torn.  On the one hand their cuteness really captures my fancy, but on the other their intense sweetness has my teeth aching.  Dilemma, dilemma.   The solution?  Make them, just don't eat them! This time, instead of using a boxed cake mix and ready-made frosting, I made the cake pops with a  homemade high-ratio yellow butter cake and lemon curd swiss

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-12245823799107907512011-06-24T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-24T09:24:53.411-07:00

Given the number of years I've been baking you'd think that I'd be pretty proficient at it.  I'd like to think that for the most part that was true, but there's one thing where I definitely lack skill - pies .  I don't know why, but for some reason I've never really had much success with them; ironic considering how much I love making tarts.  Perhaps it's the double-crust that's my downfall?  

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-19054908493409847832011-06-21T18:18:00.000-07:002011-06-21T18:18:34.296-07:00

  Summer has finally come to the Bay Area, after months of rain and gray this spring.  Even today in San Francisco it was a hot one, in the low 80s, which is considered a scorcher for us.   This weather leaves me craving something refreshing.     I stocked up on more meyer lemons from my brother's tree and was anxious to use them right away.   Normally I'd make lemon bars but today I wanted to

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-88006942472397561322011-06-18T09:09:00.000-07:002011-06-18T09:09:56.206-07:00

My nieces are on break from school and their mom has been taking them on various day trips to local cities and attractions before the start of summer camp.  One such journey was with me to Sausalito, a quaint town just north of San Francisco.   The kids have been wanting to go on a cruise for some time but since that wasn't in the cards this year my sister-in-law thought the ferry ride from San

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-46478235438986114152011-06-07T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-08T21:34:37.547-07:00

My niece's co-worker ordered goldfish sugar cookies for her son's first birthday party this month.  I just love the color theme she chose.  The orange and blue are reminiscent of the colors I use on my blog.     The inspiration for these cookies came from one of my all-time favorite snacks, Pepperidge Farms Goldfish Crackers.  I think they turned out super cute.  Hopefully the kids don't

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-38901167584152977102011-06-04T18:10:00.000-07:002011-06-04T19:01:45.341-07:00

Fresh, ripe cherries always herald the beginning of the summer for me.  I just love them - especially the sweet, crunchy bing variety.  But beware, don't indulge in too many at once or you'll be sorry....if you know what I mean! The Saturday before Memorial Day I went cherry picking in Brentwood with my nieces and sister-in-law.   It was the first day of the season so we headed out bright and

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-48176136988013820242011-06-01T00:00:00.000-07:002011-06-01T00:00:11.678-07:00

Do you want to hear something funny? I've re-discovered all that is great about the library.  Which is pretty ironic because when I was a kid I practically lived there, I loved it so much.  But, the advent of amazon.com, coupled with a steady paycheck, pretty much killed that love affair.   A few months ago, in an effort to scale back on my amazon addiction, I was reminded by my sister that the

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-84735842552786488892011-05-30T13:32:00.000-07:002011-05-30T19:04:28.390-07:00

I recently went to Wayfare Tavern, Tyler Florence's restaurant in the Financial District, to celebrate my friend Evelyn's birthday.   Dinner was pretty good, but what really captured my fancy were the fresh popovers, hot from the oven, that were served as the bread course.   They were so delicious I even helped myself to Christine's share, but that doesn't count since she's gluten-intolerant. 

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-87055445718609616402011-05-21T15:26:00.000-07:002011-05-21T19:26:16.452-07:00

I don't know about you but I'm a bit of a Costco fanatic.  I just love the place, which can be a really dangerous (and expensive!) habit.  My friend Grace and I have, on many an occasion, made the trek there during our lunch break from work.   We're crazy like that.      For someone like me it's a great place to stock up on baking staples.  I buy unsalted butter there like it's going out of

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-1098607812029232992011-05-17T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-17T14:10:01.376-07:00

As I've gotten older, argh!, certain foods that I once hated I've now grown to love.  Are you like that too?  Take avocados, for example.  I simply couldn't stand them when I was younger, but nowadays I'd sell my right arm for some chunky guacamole.  Ironic, isn't it? Custard was another item on my frightful food list.  Maybe it had to do with the silky texture.  Flan or maybe crème brûlée for

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-82069570959050388722011-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:002011-05-14T23:05:55.829-07:00

Rose Levy Beranbaum was on the Martha Stewart Show recently to promote her latest cookbook "Heavenly Cakes."   Rose is a true authority in baking and her first book "The Cake Bible" is one of my favorites. When it comes to cakes this lady is an expert! She made this whipped cream cake on the show and when I first heard that there was no butter or oil in the recipe I was definitely skeptical.  

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-45573196037834684832011-05-13T09:48:00.000-07:002011-05-13T19:58:22.169-07:00

You may have noticed a drastic reduction in blog posts last month.  Apologies for that, but I had a very good reason for the drought.  I was focused on something very special - a dessert table to celebrate the christening of a very special baby, my goddaughter Elin Louise. After months of brainstorming, planning and testing I can now unveil the final results. I was quite happy with how the

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-48450988861056247972011-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:002011-10-02T10:12:41.266-07:00

I had the pleasure of tasting a really delicious homemade cheesecake a few weeks ago that was unlike any I'd had before.  This wasn't your typical New York style, i.e., super dense and heavy.  Instead it was light as a feather with the perfect balance of cream cheese and subtle sweetness.  Topped with fresh berries it was too tempting for me to resist.  Ok...I admit I helped myself to more than

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-62261842989206123222011-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-19T12:40:21.244-07:00

Earlier this year Martha Stewart launched a great new show all about baking called "Martha Bakes".  If you haven't seen it already check it out on the Hallmark Channel.  Every week she presents different recipes and techniques around a common theme.   A recent episode was all about pâte à choux.  Pâte à choux is one of my favorite doughs because of its versatility.  You start with a basic

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-88684688800499255992011-03-27T00:00:00.000-07:002011-03-27T00:00:08.636-07:00

As I've mentioned before I love carbs, especially for breakfast.  So this month's Daring Bakers challenge, yeasted coffee cake,  was definitely calling my name.  There really isn't anything better than a warm slice of cinnamon swirl bread chock full of nuts to start your day.  To gild the lily even further you can't forget the icing.  Whenever yeast is involved I get a bit apprehensive but

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-38614501989796532142011-03-12T00:00:00.000-08:002011-03-12T07:25:28.148-08:00

Why is Boston Cream Pie called a pie when it's obviously a cake?  I did a little research online and apparently the "pie" part came from the tins that the cake layers were baked in.  See, you learn something new every day. The Mar/Apr 2011 issue of Cook's Illustrated magazine featured this cake and it immediately jumped to the top of my "must-bake" list.   I can't remember if I've ever had

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-90342281088276669842011-03-08T00:00:00.001-08:002011-03-08T16:51:11.718-08:00

When it comes to unusual food names the British definitely take the top prize.  Care for some bubble and squeak or spotted dick?  How about toad-in-the hole?  By their names alone they don't necessarily get your taste buds salivating do they? Now here's a British dessert that completely belies its peculiar moniker, fool.  In this case strawberry and blackberry fool.  Looking for the perfect

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-47223480107409316902011-03-04T00:00:00.000-08:002011-03-05T07:27:39.643-08:00

A ruffle cake similar to this one first caught my attention on Amy Atlas's blog.  It was the star of a Valentine's Day dessert table and rightly so.  I just love how pretty and romantic it makes the cake look.  It's so different from other buttercream cakes I've seen so I was compelled to try this new decorating technique. My friend Elin won't at all be surprised about why this cake has

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-17884750102697056692011-03-01T00:00:00.000-08:002011-03-01T00:00:17.757-08:00

Since I had success with his rendition of white cupcakes I decided to try another one of Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc At Home cupcake recipes.  This time it was carrot cake and once again I wasn't disappointed.   These cupcakes are really moist and absolutely delicious.   Just between us...by the time I finished writing this post I had eaten four unfrosted ones! Instead of frosting them with the

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-37925607879623512202011-02-27T00:00:00.000-08:002011-05-20T17:48:43.627-07:00

This month's Daring Bakers' challenge brought back wonderful memories of Lake Como for me.   My friends and I travelled there to attend our friend Christine's summer wedding in the charming town of Varenna. You can't imagine how breathtakingly beautiful this place was - right out of a postcard.   Sun, lake and amazing Italian food...what could be better?  Unfortunately no sightings of George

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-74892404030580020262011-02-26T12:01:00.000-08:002011-02-26T12:52:39.584-08:00

If I were to say Bakerella what immediately comes to mind?  Cake pops of course!  They're taking the blogging world by storm.  I got Bakerella's book last fall and I'd been meaning to try them out ever since.  The  book is chockablock full of so many creative ideas.    The cake pops in the picture are lemon cake mixed with lemon frosting and then dipped in Ghiradelli white chocolate candy

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-9112566293319827562011-02-19T00:00:00.000-08:002011-03-02T21:53:13.535-08:00

I bought Thomas Keller's cookbook, Ad Hoc At Home, a few years ago with every intention of recreating their famous buttermilk fried chicken.  Well, I never got around to making it.  The thought of deep frying in my small kitchen was a bit too daunting (and messy!) for me.   Fortunately there are plenty of other delicious recipes in the cookbook to try.   My goddaughter's christening is this

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-29621446446657824062011-02-17T00:00:00.000-08:002011-02-17T00:00:07.350-08:00

What to do with all the egg whites I was left with after making a few batches of meyer lemon bars?   Normally I'd make macarons, but lately I've been feeling "been there, done that" about them.    My friend Debbie at work mentioned that one of her favorite cakes was angel food.  Now there's a recipe that would require a lot of egg whites.  Perfect!   I started with Cook's Illustrated's cake

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-78670175900280395142011-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:002011-02-14T00:00:12.716-08:00

Sending virtual hugs and kisses (and some mini red velvet cupcakes and chocolate macarons!) to those near and dear to me. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! xoxo,T

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-89475524863805905802011-02-13T12:38:00.000-08:002012-02-08T18:08:23.346-08:00

Being a Californian means you get really spoiled when it comes to the abundance of amazing fruits offered here year round.  When I'm hankering for something citrus-y I love to make meyer lemon bars.  Lucky for me both of my brothers and my parents have meyer lemon trees on their property that are never in want of fruit.    Buttery, crisp shortbread topped with refreshing and subtly-sweet

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-63991449020474686202011-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:002011-02-01T00:00:00.778-08:00

In lieu of cards I send my nieces, nephews and goddaughter Valentine cookies.  For this year's batch I decided to go the classic route - simple hearts frosted in pink and red.   To keep them from being too boring I sprinkled fine grained sanding sugar onto the still wet royal icing.  Once dried the cookies have this shimmer and sparkle that makes them really beautiful.  If you're unsure of your

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-51396543908029628582011-01-21T14:36:00.000-08:002011-02-12T08:23:08.786-08:00

My niece Sophie's 11th birthday is this week and she's having a bunch of her friends over for a sleepover...her first ever!   She asked me if I could make some cookies for the party and of course I said yes.  I came up with these two-layer birthday cake sugar cookies since Sophie gave me carte blanche to make whichever design I wanted.  Love that she's such an easygoing kid. The paper topper I

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-82046756992301721942011-01-16T02:43:00.000-08:002011-01-16T02:48:34.057-08:00

Micah turned 1 this month and his parents hosted a brunch recently to celebrate this milestone.  My present to the birthday boy was the cake and cookie favors for the party.  Ev says Micah's favorite book at the moment is about a dinosaur.  She found the cutest Meri Meri dinosaur party supplies on diapers.com so I made sure the treats complimented this theme. Overall I'm happy with how the

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-55039877141726061162011-01-14T00:00:00.000-08:002011-01-14T00:00:11.863-08:00

A new year rolls around and most people use that as motivation to clean out their closets.  In my case it wasn't the closet that needed a thorough once over, it was my pantry.  As a baker I seem to collect (alright hoard!) baking ingredients.  I admit it's an addiction, but I can't help it!   So what are some of my spoils?  Let's see: 15 pounds of Ghiradelli white chocolate candy making and

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-8879784486893322402011-01-12T00:04:00.000-08:002011-01-12T00:04:00.088-08:00

The winner of the $35 gift certificate is comment #21, bonj67, who's favorite MJ song is "Man in the Mirror". Thanks to everyone who participated...hope to see you again for the next one!

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-37672744035603418542011-01-07T17:59:00.000-08:002011-01-07T21:41:10.193-08:00

Apparently there's a Michael Jackson revival going on and among an audience who definitely caught me off guard.  I'm finding, quite by surprise, that kids born in the early to mid-2000s have rediscovered the King of Pop.   My friend Grace says it's because of the documentary "This Is It."   Who would have thought?  Despite all the strangeness surrounding MJ and his life you've got to admit the

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-91429719333955530112011-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:002011-01-03T00:00:00.821-08:00

I was reminded of how much I love quiche when I was  invited to Henning and Anne-Marie's flat for brunch last November.  Anne-Marie made the most delicious quiche lorraine that was the perfect entree.   The recipe she used had crème fraîche, sort of like a French sour cream, which you can find at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods.  Unfortunately I didn't have any lying around my house and my craving

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-9729538233009405602011-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:002011-01-01T00:00:07.700-08:00

The year began with bread.   What better way to start 2011 than with some mini panettone?  If you haven't guessed I'm all about the carbs.  Stick me on a deserted island and the one food I can't live without is bread.  I'll take it in any form: bagel, baguette, pita, croissant, tortilla, biscuit , English muffin.   You name it, I'll eat it.   I'd been meaning to make panettone for Christmas but

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-10785240890479005942010-12-23T00:00:00.000-08:002010-12-31T22:27:33.061-08:00

I'm all about the cookie platter when the holidays roll around.   Because I'm a baker I don't go for the store bought kind.  For me it's homemade treats or nothing.  What better way to show how much you care than with cookies from your own kitchen? The key to a delectable platter is variety, it is the spice of life after all.  It's nice to offer people different tastes and textures.  And let's

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-14555441288178226882010-12-22T21:40:00.000-08:002010-12-31T14:45:28.624-08:00

If there were ever two cookies that heralded the holiday season it's these two, walnut snowballs and coconut pyramids.   I only make them in December - any other time and it wouldn't seem right. Walnut snowballs go by many different names: Mexican wedding cookies, Russian tea cakes, noel nut balls, etc.  Whatever their name they taste delicious and are my absolute favorite holiday cookie. 

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-83754117249020394732010-12-21T00:23:00.000-08:002010-12-27T17:58:45.207-08:00

I decided to go the minimalist route when I was packaging the macaron gifts.  This way they were the stars of the show, just as they should be.  Aren't they so pretty?  I love how they look like little jewels in a box.  The flavors I made were lemon, passion fruit, raspberry, pistachio and chocolate. Some of you know that it was the mysterious macaron that inspired me to start this blog.  That

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-67337747309877072712010-12-20T00:01:00.000-08:002010-12-27T18:04:43.131-08:00

I'm in the zone, a baking zone that is.  I just survived a marathon of non-stop baking this past weekend and came out victorious.  Nine pounds of cashew toffee (the last batches!), seven pounds of candied nuts, six kinds of cookies (including five different flavors of macarons!), two dozen chocolate cupcakes and one dozen mini fruit tarts.  Not too shabby...I even surprised myself!  Thank

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-11950864492807815322010-12-18T11:11:00.000-08:002010-12-27T18:07:07.563-08:00

Be forewarned: these nuts are seriously addictive.  And it doesn't help that the recipe is so easy to make.   These nuts are fabulous with drinks, for snacking or topping on your favorite salad.   We're talking instant gratification! Candied nuts make a great homemade Christmas gift and I'm surprised it's taken me this long to make them.  But most recipes I found weren't to my liking.  Any sign

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-2038657466379246342010-12-14T20:26:00.000-08:002010-12-27T17:51:41.993-08:00

I'm loving how this year's batch of holiday sugar cookies turned out.  I think they're too cute to eat.   What do you think? The snow globe I totally copied  from the Martha Stewart Show.  The episode aired last December and ever since then I've wanted to make them. You can find the moose cookie cutter as part of a set sold by IKEA, available only during the holidays.  My friends Anne-Marie

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-36223731347771489632010-12-11T22:54:00.000-08:002010-12-27T17:52:19.932-08:00

Here's the packaging I went with for this year's cashew toffee.  Even though brown and sage green aren't your typical holiday colors I thought they complimented the toffee beautifully.    The brown candy boxes are from this place and the sage ribbon I found at my favorite new shop, The Ribbonerie, in San Francisco. They have every type of ribbon you could ever imagine..and lots more!  The

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-72282755662571445172010-12-05T20:04:00.000-08:002010-12-31T22:53:51.308-08:00

Can't believe that Christmas is less than three weeks away.  I'm one of those overzealous people who likes to extract as much holiday spirit out of the season as possible.  Where was I the morning of Black Friday?  Not in line at the mall, that's for sure.  I got up super early and headed to Home Depot to get my Christmas tree of course! Christmas is also the busiest time of year for me and my

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-87230619800933672972010-11-27T13:58:00.000-08:002010-12-27T17:54:44.242-08:00

This month's Daring Bakers' challenge was to make a crostata, an Italian tart made with pasta frolla (a sweet short crust pastry dough).   Crostata is a great dessert for novice bakers to try because it's so easy to make and the finished product looks and tastes really delicious.  All you need to do is line a tart tin with the pasta frolla, spread some jam and, if you're feeling adventurous,

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-45226354242832658222010-11-21T17:36:00.000-08:002010-11-21T17:40:04.725-08:00

Just saw the documentary "Kings of Pastry" at the Balboa Theatre.  For anyone who's a fan of French pastry it's a definite must see.  Who knew a three day competition  could be so tumultuous?  Not me, but it makes for great entertainment!   

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-79270007413898571722010-11-21T09:42:00.000-08:002010-12-31T14:48:35.937-08:00

This weekend I took a fantastic petits fours class offered by Dragonfly Cakes.   Luckily I didn't have to travel very far; just across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito.   You may have seen Dragonfly's adorable little cakes on the Williams-Sonoma website.   Well, I can confirm that not only do they look good they taste absolutely delicious.   Just a touch of sweetness, exactly how I like it.

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-76133394616814229802010-11-19T17:30:00.000-08:002011-01-02T11:08:51.178-08:00

I don't think I'd be exaggerating if I said that Elin's baby shower was a complete success.  It was a fabulous party and all the guests seemed to really enjoy themselves.  Baby showers are relatively a new thing in Norway and has only recently made it's way across the pond.  Norwegians usually wait until after the baby is born before giving gifts but I'm so glad that Elin decided to buck with

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-61578527176241278132010-10-31T18:39:00.000-07:002010-10-31T18:40:07.757-07:00

I'm still here...I promise.  Sorry I haven't been posting so much this month but I haven't stopped baking!  Far from it.  For the last few weeks (and months!)  I've been busy testing out treats upon treats for my dear friend Elin's baby shower.   I'd love to share them with you now but I want everything to be a surprise for the guest of honor.   The shower is next Saturday and I can't wait!  I'll

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-9847492868637912272010-10-25T15:24:00.000-07:002010-12-31T15:04:28.534-08:00

The San Francisco Giants clinched the 2010 National League pennant and are heading to the World Series! Ok, so I'm the first to admit that I'm not much of a baseball fan.  Frankly the sport is a bit too slow for my taste and there are too many confusing rules.  But it's great to see the Bay Area uniting behind its motley crew of a squad.  Black and orange has blanketed the city and Giants fever

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-11081080651231575802010-10-08T08:25:00.000-07:002010-10-08T08:26:29.266-07:00

Congratulations to Lynda who has won the $40 CSN gift certificate!!!  Her favorite Halloween candy is mini Snickers bars...good choice!  Thanks to everyone who entered.

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-84298849652456970082010-10-03T13:50:00.000-07:002010-12-31T15:06:49.218-08:00

The November/December 2010 issue of Cook's Illustrated is on newsstands now  and I highly recommend you pick it up.  As soon as I saw the Chocolate-Raspberry Torte I knew I had to make it right away.  You wouldn't think that something that looks this good would be so easy to make, right?  Wrong!  It's so simple to make and it will easily impress your family and friends. Chocolate and

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-17698568782830349002010-09-24T09:39:00.000-07:002010-12-31T15:13:34.092-08:00

I first glimpsed a version of these cookies on foodgawker, posted by Jamie (aka Sophistimom).  There's nothing I love more than a simple shortbread cookie, especially one bursting with citrus flavor.  I tweaked the original recipe a bit and made them gluten-free by replacing the all-purpose flour with superfine brown rice flour.  It worked like a dream.   The finished cookies were delicious

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-30275903081580419912010-09-19T12:55:00.000-07:002010-12-31T15:14:51.142-08:00

I buy baking equipment and supplies like it's going out of style.  What can I say? It's an addiction, just like some ladies can't get enough of shoes and bags.  Don't get me wrong, I love me some stilettos and hobos just as much as the next gal, but I'll never have my fill of tart tins, decorating tips, cake pans and cookie cutters.  My pantry is already overflowing with treasures I've amassed

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-29679977047842325682010-09-18T09:31:00.000-07:002010-12-31T15:16:44.323-08:00

A friend ordered Yo Gabba Gabba! themed cookies for his 2-year old's birthday party.   Have you seen this kids show on Nick Jr.?  I haven't, but from what I've heard it's like Sesame Street on crack.  Since I wasn't familiar with the show I had to rely on images I found online for inspiration. These cookies were fun to make and I applied a few new decorating techniques.  Fondant was used for a

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-62605617305433988552010-09-06T11:10:00.000-07:002010-12-31T15:17:54.101-08:00

These sugar cookies were commissioned by a friend's wife for a bridal shower she was hosting.  She saw them on some website and asked if I could replicate.  I was happy to oblige.   Think they turned out really cute although the pale pink base is a bit too similar in color to the white polka dots.  Next time I'll make it more vivid so that it really pops.  Basic Vanilla Sugar Cookie  1 cup

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-30759704998418232662010-09-04T10:54:00.000-07:002010-12-31T15:19:13.135-08:00

Doesn't this Japanese cheesecake look really cool?  I think so.  I love the zebra stripes! What makes Japanese style cheesecake different from your usual American version is its light and airy texture and subtle sweetness.   I do enjoy a slice of New York style cheesecake every now and then, but even the thinnest slice can feel like a ton of bricks because it's so darn dense.  The Japanese

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-69892087166404648442010-08-27T00:01:00.000-07:002010-12-31T15:26:54.489-08:00

Fire and ice....I think that pretty much sums up the essence of the Baked Alaska.  I've never made it before so I was looking forward to completing this month's DB challenge.: brown butter pound cake and pistachio ice cream enrobed in a cloud of meringue and then brûléed to  perfection.   Baked Alaska seems so retro, doesn't it?  Couldn't you just picture Mad Men's Betty Draper, in her finest

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513204552233995567.post-39750669379750301952010-08-23T16:45:00.000-07:002010-12-31T15:28:58.277-08:00

I think most people have a love/hate relationship with coconut.  Which side are you on?  Me, I'm definitely pro-coconut.  But I caveat that by saying I absolutely love coconut in sweets, not savories.   Oh gosh, not in the savories please.     These cupcakes have a refreshing tropical flare to them.  The white cake is tender and moist with just a hint of coconut.  The mango curd has a silky

Truchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813816993845611824noreply@blogger.com11