Just Baking

Lebkuchen is a form of gingerbread common in Germany. The difference between Lebkuchen and what we Americans typically think of gingerbread is it’s made with honey instead of molasses, hence the lighter color. Lebkuchen was first made in the 13th century by Franconian monks though the development of the name Lebkuchen is still a mystery. […]

I believe the saying goes, “A day late and a dollar short.”  And I certainly felt like that was me today.  Here it is three days after Christmas, the budget is a little tight for obvious reasons and I’ve just been given so many gifts that I shouldn’t want for a single thing.  And I […]

Looking for ways to use up that leftover eggnog sitting in your fridge?  Here are a few:
Bake up a batch of my favorite new cookie of the holiday season:  Eggnog Cookies.  I haven’t had a chance to test out the recipe myself, but the ratings are high (A sure sign the recipe is a winner!).
Make popovers!  The […]

For most of us the holidays mean an abundance of baked goods.  And, if you’re like me and have way more cookies, too many pies and more cake than you know what to do with the following tips might be just the help you need.  I for one hate the thought of letting cookies go […]

Every family has some foods that are only prepared once a year, but that everyone absolutely loves.  Something that you look forward to literally all year long, and that when mentioned the whole family’s eyes light up. 
Have you ever asked why you have that food only once a year if everyone loves it so much?  I […]

There is something magical about Christmas morning. The anticipation, the gifts, the time with loved ones, and in my family, the breakfast!  We would always head to my grandma’s house for breakfast, and man alive could she cook.  Fried potatoes and eggs, croissants, bacon, and whatever was left over from her Christmas Eve party she […]

I’m competitive.  And baking is my sport.  I take to the kitchen like an Olympian to a gym, knowing that I must challenge myself each time if I want to sustain that culinary endorphin rush.  So each holiday season, I strive to find a new recipe that will wow and vavoom the dessert socks off […]

Baking is a bit intimidating for a lot of people.  I’ve known people who can cook a really good bit of fish or season a steak to perfection, but ask them to make some rolls to have on the side and they become instantly sullen.  I think the reason that baking evokes so much fear […]

If you’re like me, you love making food gifts to give. They’re easy, inexpensive, and mean so much more than a store-bought treat. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy receiving a box full of homemade yummies? With Christmas right around the corner, forgo store-bought goodies for homemade treats by dipping all kinds of things in melted […]

I think I might officially be old. To begin with, I turned 36 on Monday. Then, while I was standing in the sold-out venue of a Shins concert 2 days later, the following thoughts ran through my head: “Man, it’s after 10pm and they just started playing; it’s way past my bedtime”, and “What could […]