random doodles, photographs, baking projects and doo dads from my day. ya know. just a place to drop my love.

Fruit tarts are my favorite, mostly because I hate pie. Ugh, I know, everyone loves pie. But, I've never been a fan.

Anyway, I make tarts instead. YUM.

This was actually made during the summer put I'm only posting now. Haha. This was a farmer's market baking day, I believe.
( Fruit Tart, step by step )



Okay, it seems like a lot of work, and it is! But, these always get rave reviews, and I think they're pretty fun to make.

(Measured in weight)

I will buy bananas a lot of the time that I never use, so into an easy banana bread they go. I love this recipe, it's super moist and tasty!





Ugh. I really need better lighting in my apartment!

Recently a close family member lost someone close to them. It was a really hard time for her and her family, and since sometimes I'm not the best at expressing my emotions when speaking, I asked if there was anything I could do for her. She asked if I would make a couple cookie trays for the family. I was more than happy do something for her, no matter how small.

This is the first tray I made. (The walnut tray)



in the back you'll notice some cocoa cuts, in front of that are the BEST chocolate chip cookies, and in front of that are some simple walnut shortbread jam cookies.


I used a recipe for the cocoa cuts from a culinary school baking book that I have. Most of the ingredients are weighed out in ounces. I realized pretty soon on when I started baking that you have to be able to do both. And really, weighing out ingredients is simple. I usually read through my recipe first and mark which ingredients can be measured in the same bowl. This makes clean up much simpler.

I bought a scale at Target, for about $15, though much nicer ones can be found if you're willing to spend a few more bucks. ;)

( Cocoa Cuts )

Next I did the best chocolate chip cookies.

I love chocolate chip cookies, you can definitely put it on my all time favorite list of always welcome treats. Pretty much any time I make a tray of cookies I use these. I've let the dough rest over night in the fridge before, and I think that even improves the flavor a little. But, mostly I'm too impatient and just go for it.

I'm not exactly sure what makes these cookies so amazing, but I suspect it has something to do with melting the butter and the extra egg yolk. Anyway, I use walnuts in mine, but the original recipe was just plain. I also prefer milk chocolate chips, but you can use whatever you want. I've also done granola, dried fruit, lots of stuff. : ) You're going to have to forgive me, as I can not remember where this recipe came from. I found it a while back in a folder stuffed with un-tested recipes.

( BEST chocolate chip cookies )

Next I did a pretty simple walnut shortbread sandwich cookie. The dough for this cookie is useful for a lot of things. I always make tarts with this as the crust. Sometimes I will do ground hazelnut instead of walnuts. And really, you could pretty much use any nut you like. But, this has a really great flavor, and is pretty damn simple to make.

Again, measured in weight.
( walnut short dough sandwich cookies )


And I also made some quick peanut butter and jelly bars.


Sorry no recipe!! But, they were delish! ;)

If you try any of these cookies, definitely gotta recommend the chocolate chips!

Baking a lot recently.

Let's start with:

Cinnamon Cookies, which will be used as a topping for a carrot cake I'm making tomorrow. (1/2 batch)

( Baking pics! )



recipe: http://www.recipezaar.com/Cinnamon-Cookies-48241 * The only change I made was I used raw sugar in my cinnamon-sugar mix. Turned out delicious!

Next I made Caramel Apple cupcakes:

( recipe and more pics )


Added walnuts on top to make it look a little more interesting.


And finally my favorite Red Velvet Cake! (Strawberry Red Velvets)




I'll post the carrot cake I'm baking tonight soon. We're moving on Friday so we're really busy. But, not too busy to bake! Muahaha.

These are just teasers. But, I've had this whole week off and needless to say i've gotten to take some fun pictures. But, neither of the pictures I'm posting were taken by me, because they're of me.

But, I have some great shots of Medicino and Fort Bragg and all the random places we stopped along the way.

I will also be baking a ton of stuff tomorrow in preparation of my friend noah's wedding! So, more highlights from my week off coming soon.

Made this last week when Paul made an AMAZING crock pot chicken. Oh my god, it was amazing to sop up the juices from the chicken. Holy moly.



From this recipe: http://community.livejournal.com/picturing_food/4813129.html?thread=36171849

I've made it a couple times now, and it's really versatile. Have added zucchini and it was fabulous!

Paul holding a delicious fritter

( recipe and more pics under cut )

Ah, my niece is adorable. I asked her what her favorite food was, she smiled all big and said, "food coloring!"

Ahaha. So cute and funny.

(When I bake with her I always make her some colored fondant to play with.)

It's been great this summer so far, being able to walk to the beach is amazing. I've always lived within a ten minute's drive, but never this close before. Been getting into the water and swimming a lot too. Lovely.

Post dated a bunch of food related things.

delicious. :)