Just Baking

Towards the end of 2006, the New York Times ran an article that fired thousands of ovens: no-knead bread. While we didn’t really cover it here at Just Baking, a quick search shows plenty of people did. I’ve included an instructional video on how to make no-knead bread and will give some […]

Baking really is chemistry. It’s all about chemical reactions. Sometimes it takes trying a recipe outside what you are comfortable with to remind you of that fact. Take this bread for instance. It’s dense and tasty and it requires just a few ingredients and a little bit of time to make. […]

Radio and TV news people were handed a dream teaser today, “Pizza is a health food? Find out more coming up.” I heard this six times throughout the day today on the news radio channel while driving. Of course I never did hear the follow-up as I usually exit the vehicle once […]

History shows that the name pound cake originated from the fact that the original pound cake recipes contained one pound each of butter, sugar, flour and eggs. I am not convinced that is the real reason. I think the real meaning behind the name pound cake comes from the fact that you will certainly pack […]

I’ve been away a while, and not baking for that time.  I’m here to report on why I haven’t been baking…
I’d read all the books about how to bake artisan breads in a home oven.  I have 2 stones, one for the dough, one above to even out the temps.  I use a shallow pan […]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words “Rich and Delicious”? Well… yes, Dr McDreamy, my favorite Grey’s Anatomy surgeon is what comes to mind first with me too. OK…let’s try this again. Let’s add the word chocolate? Now what? Right… that would go well with Dr McDreamy too, […]

Pineapple upside-down cakes are familiar to most people and often seem associated with the 1970’s. My mother made hers in a heavy cast iron skillet and I loved to fight my brother for the candied cherries. My mom made sure that each piece had at least one cherry assigned to it, but it […]

Several years ago I returned to a dairy-free diet when I discovered that I had not outgrown my childhood milk allergy.  Since I had never been fond of milk or cheese (I know, it’s just me and the cows on the cheese) there were only a few rough spots in the transition.  The primary issue […]

As shows like Semi Home-Made Cooking and 30 Minute Meals rise in popularity, it would appear that the average American is very easily swayed by attractive people that flaunt “easier” ways to make presumably labor-intensive dishes, but in reality their cooking skills don’t go much further than the ability to work an oven. Beyond that, […]

This year is destined to be the year of the Tres Leches Cake. Its name literally translates to ‘3 milk cake’ and is infused with condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. More bakeries are carrying a version of this cake and I’ve noticed it appearing more often at work functions and […]