My Favorite Baking Book

THE CRAFT OF BAKING

This is the most amazing Baking Book I own. I did my research for months to find this book. About two years ago I decided I wanted to teach myself how to bake. I am a very accomplished cook, but baking has a precise scientific approach that was unknown for me. Of course I dabbled in cookies, cupcakes and pies but I wanted more. I wanted unique flavor profiles and difficult techniques, not just a bunt cake with glaze or a standard coffee cake. My pallet wants more!



Banana Tarte Tatin



If you have ever watched Top Chef on Bravo, then you love Chef Tom Collichio. Pastry Chef Karen DeMasco worked for Tom at his restaurants Craft, Craftbar & Witchcraft. Karen has talent and this book is full of  baking details that are easy to follow. Details like what and why to use certain ingredients and even where to purchase them. She even has a few very useful tricks. This baking book is to me what Julia Childs  "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" is to the American who wants to learn how to cook. I have made about 3/4 of the recipes and each one is outstanding in taste and turnout. In this book Karen does a little side note for most recipes on how to vary your craft on that dessert. This is a nice touch for when I get adventurous. Some of my favorite recipes are, Pine Nut Tart with Rosemary Cream, Pistachio Brown Butter Cake, Banana Tarte Tatin, and the Almond Sable Dough for any pie. My mouth is watering now.



Pine Nut Tart with Rosemary Cream







Home Made Valentine's Day Treats!

One of my favorite things to do, is make treats and crafts for my two little Nieces. They love everything they get in the mail from their Sissy.
They call me on the phone to tell me that "Sissy makes the best treats ever"! My cookies are the BEST, my home made pasta is the BEST, etc. It is so nice to be appreciated.

When my nieces come to visit we get out the Super Shooter and make cookies together, they love baking with Sissy!For the heart cookies I used my Wear-Ever Super Shooter electric cookie maker, and made a quick powdered sugar icing then sugar sprinkles on top. Kids love bite size snacks and desserts, that is why I make these for my Nieces. The sugar cookie recipe that comes with the Super Shooter is the best I have tried, and I have tried about 20 different recipes for a good sugar cookie. A friend gave me this gadget and I thank her every time I use it. I can make cookie wreaths at Christmas, make canapes' for a tea party or brunch, fill puff pastry, devil eggs, or festive cookies for a care package. The Super Shooter cookies are made from a couple design plates from holiday themes to dogs. If you are looking for a Super Shooter check out the thrift stores or go online. Just make sure it still has all the parts.

I crafted the bird ornament for my sister for her Valentines gift. She hung this on the knob of her new side table. The lolly pops are actually gummy candies made from fresh blackberries, they are so delicious. I put lolly pop sticks into the gummy for added fun for the little ones. I also made a home made card to send with all these goodies. A home made card makes a difference when sending a special gift!

SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE (Spritz Cookies)
1/2 Cup Butter soft
1/4 Cup Vege Shortening (butter or reg flavor)
3/4 Cup Sugar
2 tsp Vanilla Extract (or any extract you want to use to change it up)
2 1/4 Cup Sifted Flour
1/4 tsp. Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Kosher Salt (I use a pinch more)


Electric mixer cream on high butter and shortening until soft. Add sugar gradually to cream about 5 min until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
Sift flour, baking powder and salt together; add to wet mixture in 3 additions mixing well after each addition.
Shape dough into 2 logs. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Assemble gun per your instructions and make your cookies.
If you do not have a Super Shooter you could make these into tablespoon balls and flatten with sugar on the bottom of a glass to create sugar cookies.


I had to research for this recipe. It seems like most people that have a type of cookie shooter are missing the recipes.


I love kitchen gadgets, old or new they are all so fun!