Just Baking

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 […]

When it comes to using chocolate with baking, there is a dizzying array of choices … unsweetened, bittersweet and even semisweet.  Then the forms … nibs, chips, blocks and more.  It’s enough to make anyone run from the kitchen, unless you have a good primer. The differences between the types of chocolate relate to […]

I tend to be one of the first people I know to try new products. Yes…I am a complete sucker for a new idea. I will try something new before the buzz about it hits the streets and the reviews are out on whether the product is great or a bomb. It should come to […]

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 […]

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 […]

There’s nothing like topping off a delectible dessert with whipped topping.  But don’t think that buying frozen whipped cream is the same as homemade - it’s not at all.  Making your own whipped cream is very easy and tastes so much fresher.  And don’t be intimidated by the process - it’s super easy.
You’ll want to […]

This past weekend was really busy.  With the holidays approaching, my wife and I had parties Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, and I had to smoke meats for a lunch this coming Wednesday.  While brisket, turkey and pulled pork were absorbing flavors from the cherry wood that was burning, I decided to make some more […]

I was recently given the opportunity to review a cookbook with 175 recipes using puff pastry.  Now before you stop reading, give me just a few more minutes.  I wasn’t big on puff pastry either - I had a few boxes in the freezer that I had bought on sale, thinking some day I’d […]

And this week’s Unusual Ingredient of the Week is Agave Nectar or Syrup as it is less romantically known over here in England.  As someone who suffers from food intolerances, I am always trying out new ingredients that might make life a little bit more comfortable for me, without compromising the flavour.  Obviously this is […]