I’m not sure if it’s the cold weather or the fact that I have A LOT of idle time with my kids this winter vacation week but, we’ve loved making “No Bake” sweets in the kitchen. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been cooking a bit but, it's more enjoyable constructing delectable treats that are simple to make. Today we made Chocolate Cake Truffles. I’m not sure where I got this baking itch. Mom was celebrated for her seemingly complicated desserts, save the Earthquake Cookies and Banana Chocolate Chip loaf. She'd whip out the three-layer tortes or … [Read more...]
Chocolate Haystacks
December 28, 2011 By 16 Comments
Nothing is easier than a recipe that clearly states "no bake." Chocolate Haystacks are beyond simple to make and they're the perfect "no bake" activity for your kids. They're hassle-free, oven-free and they create a chocolaty mess comparable to finger painting. What could be more fun? Sometimes, all you have to do is look in your pantry and chances are, you have the ingredients to create the tastiest of treats. I had no idea the Peppermint Bark we made last week was so effortless to make and only required three ingredients, all of which … [Read more...]
Viennese Crescent Cookies
December 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Today we celebrated Jewish Christmas. We relaxed at home, went to the movies and then ate Mexican food (we usually eat Chinese). I decided this morning was the perfect time to try to replicate Mom’s Viennese Crescent Cookies as they’re often associated with Christmas. Viennese Crescent Cookies, or Vanillekipferl, are similar to sugar cookies and the most distinctive characteristic is their shape: they are formed into crescents. The cookies use ground nuts for flavor, either almonds and hazelnuts. Since my daughter loves nutella, I … [Read more...]
Hazelnut Financier
December 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment
My Baking Skills class at the Institute for Culinary Education definitely widened my baking aperture. Before attending the class, cutting up a pre-made log of Tollhouse cookie dough and sticking it in the oven was my definition of baking. I never would’ve thought I’d be baking cakes I can’t even pronounce in English. One of my favorite items on our hit list is the Hazelnut Financier cake (pronounced fee-nahng-syehr). These are lovely French tea cakes, that also go by the name Friands, which aptly means "dainty" or "tasty." After becoming … [Read more...]
