When you’re a baker who blogs (about baking), everything in life turns into an excuse to bake. And I’m not just talking about birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, Sunday dinners and such.
Your sister randomly says in conversation she loves apple pie. Upon realization that you have never made one, you make her come over the next weekend to try your first ever attempt complete with her favorite vanilla ice cream. (After this, she now “randomly” said she likes a bunch of other things. Hi sister!) Read more
Are pancakes and waffles just a vehicle for you to enjoy syrup? They are for my husband who I really don’t think can taste them with the insane amount of syrup he pours on them. Hmmm – I guess it’s all relative with the amount of ketchup I enjoy. But we’ll discuss that on another post.
So syrup – I’m not really a fan of the overly sweet pancake syrup, although I think Aunt Jemima and I could still be friends. I’d much rather dress my sweet breakfast treats with a touch real maple syrup. And I skip the butter. Not because I’m trying to be healthy; just don’t think it’s necessary. That was UNTIL I discovered Clinton St. Baking Company’s Maple Butter. Read more
There are few things in this universe that I like more than coconut. And for all of you coconut lovers out there, this recipe is for you! I’m keeping this post short and sweet so that you can get out there and make these for yourself. The recipe is super simple and you can mix the ingredients all in the same bowl, no special tools or techniques required. And the ingredients – nothing exotic here and all easily accessible no matter where in the globe you are. And the taste – dreamy! Read more
Chocolate purists need to take a chill pill and give white chocolate a break. Who cares if it doesn’t have cocoa solids and hence, technically not chocolate. White chocolate is sweet creamy and delicious and by far my favorite of all the chocolates. And it works wonders in this cookie. Read more
My little corner of the internet turned 2 a couple of days ago. And the last year was particularly awesome. Among my most memorable moments are interviews with Daisy Martinez, Beth Lipton and Sarabeth Levine; my first pie crust; my first pie; and lots of savory baking.
In looking back on the last year’s posts I came to a couple of realizations. The first is more obvious – I’m a cookie lover as cookies make more appearances on A Chica Bakes than any other baked good. The second realization is a bit startling. Read more
I say this around this time every year but where the heck has this year gone! I can’t believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve that that next week 2010 will be over. I’m taking a little break until Jan. 1st. But before I go, I have a ‘lil something to give to one of you – a Tate’s Bake Shop gift pack. I know you have seen them around in the last month and really, really want one. If you haven’t seen them around, well, I’m telling you – you really, really want this! Read more
Remember when I told you I was on a pie making kick? Well, actually, it’s a pie crust making kick. It started with this apple pie and then moved on to this beauty – Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.
Thanks to Amy, I took pecan pie to the only place it should go – where it says wassuuuuuup to buddies chocolate and bourbon. I know I have said many times that I’m not a chocolate lover and quite the light weight when it comes to alcohol. But I am so glad that didn’t stop me from this glorious confection. Yes folks – it’s absolutely glorious! Read more
So yea, I’m on a Sarabeth kick. But I wasn’t kidding when I told you her baked goods were all sorts of delicious. Take these cookies for instance. I made them before these muffins from Sarabeth’s cookbook after trying them at her booking signing and falling in love. And this is coming from the self-proclaimed “I’m Not a Chocolate Girl.”
Yes – I’m not into chocolate but I AM into these cookies. As were a few of my girlfriends after they tried them at my recent ladies brunch. My sister couldn’t even wait until food was served and sneaked a couple when I turned my back.
They aren’t for the faint of heart as they are FULL of chocolate flavor. Read more
When I first came across the cover of this new cookbook, Sarabeth’s Bakery: From My Hands To Yours, I was immediately smitten. I mean look at it, GOR-GE-OUS!!!! And when I learned it was for the first cookbook of Sarabeth Levine, I knew I had to have it.
See, Sarabeth is a New York icon. She is Pastry Chef and Founder of “Sarabeth’s” Restaurants with 6 locations in New York City, one in Long Island and one in Key West, Florida. She is the creator of the SARABETH’S line of jams and preserves which are sold nationally and abroad. And now, she has added cookbook author to her resume. Busy , huh! (Oh she also just started a blog too. Check it out.)
I went to the first signing of her book tour a few weeks ago at Williams Sonoma in NYC and had the pleasure of meeting her. When I told her I had a blog and wanted to interview her, she graciously agreed. What follows is a snippet of my conversation with this special lady.
Sarabeth – if you read this – it was truly a pleasure meeting you and speaking with you. Thank you so much for sharing your delicious recipes with us in this wonderful book.
Oh and the book – it’s a gem folks. Not only does it have great photography and easy to follow recipes, but her tutorials for each section are invaluable. Grab it for yourself or for that special person in your life. For a preview, check out these Maple Walnut Muffins I made from the book.
ACB: How does it feel to see your first book on the shelves?
SL: Remember when Cinderella put on her beautiful gown and went to the ball? Deep down inside, she couldn’t believe she was there. And that’s how I feel because I’ve never really seen myself as an author. I have only seen myself as a pastry person…a baker. And I do not believe it yet. I’m really excited. I’m so proud of the book and I can’t even believe it’s mine. Read more
This muffin looks pretty simple and unassuming, right? Pretty blah, right?
Well don’t be fooled folks! It may look a bit boring but I can assure you it is not. Think of it in the same vain as the performance by The Wiffenpoofs of Yale University on last night’s season premiere of The Sing Off on ABC. I have to admit that when I first saw these ivy league boys grace the stage last night in their white tails and ties I was like “What the heck??!” But as soon as they opened their mouths they totally shut me up and won me over with their sassy performance.
So don’t rule out these muffins either. Read more
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