Opera cake

Yule log

Birthday cake!

Carrot cake

Italian buttercream cupcakes

Salted caramel buttercream yellow cake.

freakin' yum.

swirly bundt

I am practicing my marbling...

Fun with laminated dough

I had never even heard of such a thing when I started this class! But apparently, many common items, such as danishes are made with just such a dough. I made the dough in class, then put it away to chill for a couple days. When the day came to roll it out and assemble in class, I had to leave early. Luckily, I took really good notes and photos in lecture, so that I would be able to finish it off at home. The results? Delicious! Not as pretty as the teacher's, but I am proud that I was able to accomplish these delights myself. Side note- teacher's always looks gorgeous - something for which to strive.

cookies deux - almond biscotti and pecan shortbread

Straight from 1975

Huckleberry Pie

Summer wrap-up

I have been following this awesome blog called the Quitting Chronicles which is awesome, and you should totally check it out! I am inspired by her for several reasons, which I won't go into here. But, I really like that she does a monthly wrap up of her progress. I am steeling that idea (fake it till you make it, right?) but I'm doing a summer wrap up of my cooking and creative endeavors. Mostly baking because that's how I spend most of my free time. No wonder why I need a vacation! Here are the pastries, baked goods, and the like that I have made from July-August. Sheesh!

Freedom Cake, banana bread, pumpkin/chocolate swirl muffins, dried currant scones, cheese biscuits, flan, panna cotta, bread pudding, chocolate soufflé, cheese soufflé, crème brûlèe, new york cheesecake with raspberry drizzle, baked alaska, meringue discs, granita, sorbet, puff pastry swans, éclairs, croquembouche, coconut cream pies, apple pie, sweet potato pie, peach and strawberry crisp, blueberry pie, plum galette, fresh fruit tart, quiche lorraine, plum frangipane tart, lemon tart, mushroom galette, napolean, apple tarte tatin, croissants (pain au chocolat, prosciutto and gruyere, plain and almond), palmiers, apple turnovers, butterscotch banana cream pie, traditional banana cream pie, chocolate pudding and huckleberry pie. (breathe)

Plus white sangria, chicken kebabs, italian pot roast, taqueria short ribs with cabbage slaw, roasted peaches with burrata, basil, spicy honey drizzle and walnut crumble, slow-cooker short ribs, herb potatoes, zucchini turkey meatballs and hazelnut cauliflower salad. to name a few.

Banana Cream Pies

I got my first gig! That is, my neighbor friend asked me to make a couple of banana cream pies for a shower she was having at her house. I was so honored and excited!! I made two banana cream pies, one traditional with a graham cracker crust, the other with butterscotch pudding and a traditional pie crust. I think they turned out great! I could use a little practice on decorating and finishing, so that will be a fun task for the future!

Cookies!