Saturday, March 28, 2009

Biscotti & Cake Balls

I have been working on my recipe collection this week. I hope to have it written and printed by Mother's Day. It will be offered for sale here as well as at the farm table next to my cookies.
I have written the introduction and lots of mini 'stories' to help introduce the recipes. I have completed the section on Cakes, Cookies, Quick Breads and Biscotti.
I added my recipe for Cranberry Biscotti.
I still have a section on Cheesecakes and 'Baking as Dinner' which includes my recipes for things like Empanadas, Quiche and Tarts.
What has been the most time consuming is a large portion of my recipes are primarily from memory or just the ingredients are scratched on a sheet of note paper.
As for Cake Balls, I made some for my students and my kids this week. It had been a while since I baked for my kids and they were asking for something.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

What you Give & Life's Surprises

It was Sir Winston Churchill (British Prime Minister during World War II) who said "you make a living by what you get a life by what you give".

I don't know about you but these words inspire me. I love (adore) the restaurants around the country who have recently been inviting customers to pay what they can afford. Good for them and their customers!

I have a minor confession- my baking time has lapsed a bit lately. I remember a time where I baked each and every opportunity I could find.

In my effort to get back on the baking track, I have hired my older daughter to help me in the kitchen this coming summer to meet baking obligations. Lucky for me she was more than willing to help and make a little extra summer spending money. And, thanks to her willingness to help I see a completion to my recipe collection on the horizon!

As for Life's Surprises, recently I have been a bit betrayed by someone who should very much know better to give me not only the benefit of the doubt but also kindness to the very real fact that I have always been a loving and kind mother not to mention a very devoted and supportive wife.

I suppose though not every lesson in life is for me to learn. Sometimes, it might be the other person who has something to gain from the possibility of a 'new perspective'.

In the meantime, I will do my very best to heed Churchill's message and give what and where I can because that is where I 'gain' a life worth living.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Time Marches Forward, Cookies for Friends & Gardens!

I am online today because when I woke this morning it dawned on me that I have yet to post a baking update for March. I enjoy writing here but life often takes me to other places and on other adventures.
My baking business will get busier soon as I start to sell at the Farm.
My recipe collection is underway and will hopefully be ready in time for sale at the farm table or directly from me by summer.
Last Friday I baked an orange pound cake to remind my office mates of my love for baking. It's a refreshingly moist cake. I've included the recipe in my recipe booklet. I sent dreamy island cookies to an old friend for her birthday. Today I'd planned to bake Biscotti but have decided instead to go to a friend's book-signing cocktail party at Bleu in Mashpee. I will bake the Biscotti tomorrow.
As for gardens, I am planting my own this year. My youngest goes off to Kindergarten next fall and I want to spend as much time with her as I can so I have invited her to plant the garden with me. Who knows, maybe I'll create some new recipes from what we grow.