Baking Beauties

Falling Temperatures...

2010-09-09T14:47:00.002-04:00

The recent heatwave is now a distant memory, replaced by drizzle, winds and cooling temperatures.
It has me thinking about all things autumn; pumpkin spice lattes, hallowe'en, baked pasta and hearty stews & soups.
So, the new round of recipes posted for our challenges reflect my mood change. I am just hoping that the heat doesn't return before we get through them!

Bite Me

2010-07-29T12:43:00.003-04:00

I am not trying to be rude... believe me. I am just introducing everyone to our new cookbook that we are working through.

I know a few of you have gone ahead and started testing out some recipes already - to great results I hear! This is wonderful. I have heard nothing but great things about this book and am extremely excited to cook and bake my way from cover to cover.

I have updated the schedule of recipes to complete, which brings us into September (oh my, fall already?!). So let's get cooking ladies!

We're Back!

2010-06-26T20:34:00.009-04:00

After a loooooooooong hiatus, we are ready to relaunch the baking/cooking challenge we started over a year ago.

What can I say?
I don't mean to rhyme,
but life got in the way.

I returned to work after being off on maternity leave only to find out that we would be having another baby in March! Now you can see why I was busy.
Anyways, we are ready to return to indulging in baking, for now. I say for now because we will be making a switch.

Baking Beauties will soon also be Cooking Beauties. That's right - to make things a little more feasible for every one's lifestyle (not to mention waistline), we will be starting to cook/bake out of a new cookbook titled Bite Me.

Not only is there a change in cookbooks, there is also a change in how often Baking Beauties will be required to complete each recipe. Instead of the ambitious "once a week" rule, a Baking Beauty will only be required to complete one recipe every other week. I guess we realized that people have busy lives and we don't want to deter people from joining in the fun by setting unrealistic expectations.

So, that's it then... for now. I will post a couple of recipes for us to bake from our original book of choice until we move on to our next venture.

Get your whisks ready ladies!

New Recipes

2009-08-26T20:51:00.004-04:00

Hey Guys,

So, I am sorry for posting this week's recipe late in the week again. I had good intentions of posting a long list. In fact, Misty and I drew up a long list a few weeks ago. Ask me where that list is now? I have no idea... which is my reason for the short notice recipe.
However, Misty and I will be making up a new list of upcoming recipes that I pinky swear not to lose.
I was very selfish in choosing something easy this week as I must devote all of my energy into making my nephew a cake for his birthday party. How can you say no to the most adorable three year old ever? You can't.
So, stay tuned for at least a month's worth of upcoming recipes, so you can plan accordingly.

Until then... happy baking!

My Apologies

2009-08-06T19:11:00.002-04:00

I am so sorry for posting the upcoming recipes so late. Please excuse my grovelling, but I have been sick over the last week and a bit. I am surprised I have been surviving through the work week!
Nevertheless, I have posted the recipes for the next three weeks, with more to come soon.

Thanks so much for understanding.

...and until next time,

Happy Baking!

Warm Welcome

2009-06-10T15:33:00.003-04:00

All of the Baking Beauties would like to send out a warm welcome to our newest member: Jennie from Tuffet.
Check out her blog!

Also, this week's recipe (French Apple Tart) is a must-do! It's simple and extrodinary (with a dollop of whipped cream of course!). I really recommend all of the Baking Beauties attempt it.

Until next time,

Happy Baking!

New Giveaway from Grosgrain!

2009-05-13T16:26:00.004-04:00

Grace Miller has agreed to do a guest giveaway for Grosgrain! She is offering the Kline necklace featured above.

Seriously elegant. Wood rings in the quiet hues of the woods at dusk are hand wired with constrasting copper wire and hung from slim jeweler's silk. Sterling silver clasp. I want it!!! Please let me win!!!

Conquering Croissants

2009-04-26T12:34:00.005-04:00

Hello Baking Beauties,

I am sure you all have seen that the next challenge (and it is indeed a challenge) is croissants.
I would really love you all to try this out. As is mentioned in the cookbook, the recipe is detailed enough that first timers can be successful, so I really do expect to find that each one of you have updated your blogs next Sunday with your results.

Just a quick note, the recipe mentions compressed fresh yeast. No need to worry, you may substitute dry yeast (regular or quick rise). Use 3 1/2tsp of the dry yeast and mix with the warmed milk to activate it.

Good Luck Ladies!

Like a Rollling Scone

2009-04-07T19:50:00.005-04:00

Hey Baking Beauties!

Just a quick little note to everyone for this week's recipe. I have been asked if we are allowed to alter the recipe by adding other ingredients.
For sure! You guys need to enjoy what you are baking, and it's not as if you are altering the technique we are using - so use your creative juices!

Can't wait to see everyone's results on Sunday!

Have a great Easter weekend everyone!

Better Than Pizza?

2009-03-03T20:04:00.005-05:00

Hello Baking Beauties!

I have just completed this week's challenge - Tomato & Cheese Galette. Let me tell you, it was delicious!
So, the recipe for the galette calls for 1/2 of the pastry recipe. HOWEVER, you will definitely want to make the full portion of the dough so that you can make two galettes. I used only two plum tomatoes for the entire thing, not the three or four per each they suggest; they must be using much smaller tomatoes!
Anyway, like the gluttonous fool that I am, I ate an entire one. It was that good ladies, perhaps, dare I say, even better than pizza?

Enjoy the easy challenge this week ladies!

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-02-26T19:26:00.002-05:00

Okay... so this particular post has absolutely nothing to do with baking, but a girl's gotta have more than one hobby right?
And, I'd have to say my biggest love other than baking would be fashion. So, when I happened upon Grosgrain Fabulous and her amazing giveaways (The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!), I was in heaven!
Check it out for info on all things crafty!

A Few Tips...

2009-02-25T16:22:00.003-05:00

Hey Beauties!

I have completed this week's challenge and have a few tips for those attempting the X-Cookies.
The recipe is quite straight forward and easy to follow - so no problem there. However, the recipe makes an astounding five dozen cookies, which is too much for even the most sugar toothed family. I would cut the recipe in half if I were to make them again.
As well, don't be afraid to really knead the dough. It is one of the rare recipes where the quality of the pastry will not be damaged with over-working.
I look forward to seeing every one's results on Sunday!
And, as always, Happy Baking!

Reminder

2009-02-22T09:51:00.002-05:00

Hey y'all...

Just a reminder to post your first challenge today! I can't wait to see all of the yummy results.

Until next time...

Get Going Gorgeous!

2009-02-12T19:31:00.007-05:00

Hello Baking Beauties!

After much deliberation M and I have ironed out the schedule for the next few months of baking adventures.
Remember, you only have to complete two recipes each month, but if you are up to the challenge, try them all!

See the side bar to review the recipes coming up in the next month.

Oh, and Happy Valentines!

Welcome Beauties...

2009-02-03T20:21:00.000-05:00

Lick the Spoon, along with her best pal MmmmGinger decided to challenge themselves this year by mastering the world of baking. We have decided to conquer the queen herself, Julia Child. "Baking with Julia" covers all things sweet and savoury, and so shall we over the next 250 recipes.

Each week we will complete one recipe from her classic baking bible, and post the results on our food dedicated blogs.

The rules are short and sweet (like us!):
* You must own the book "Baking with Julia" or borrow it from your local public library.
* You must participate in at least TWO out of every FOUR weeks. If you will be unable to participate twice during a month, you must let us know.
* You must post your results on Sunday.
* You must have a blog to post your baking adventures. If you want to just follow along with us, that's fine too; you just won't be an official "Baking Beauty."

If you are interested in joining, contact either of us with your info. We'll need your blog name, URL address and email address.

Bake on, my Beauties!!!
Lick the Spoon - ms_cbraun@yahoo.com
MmmmGinger - misty.lavoie@gmail.com