Friday, February 17, 2012

Come Out of That Candy Closet

Valentines is over, but I'm hooked on hearts. I just feel like I'm not done yet; there are so many more cutesy things to make.And, honestly, I got way too many Valentine's themed baking supplies. Sprinkles, cupcake wrappers; you get the picture. You will be prepared for next year, I think. But then I realized, screw it, hearts are good all year long. Without further fanfare: on with the parade of pink.

Friday, January 27, 2012

For the Love of Bananas

Is it too early to start baking with Valentines in mind? There's a solid two and a half weeks or so before the holiday, but I feel utterly compelled to cover every surface in my apartment with heart shaped confetti. And, while I'm not one for big romantic gestures, chick flicks, or greeting cards, I do love me an excuse to do some themed baking.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Amazing Plum Cake

Here in Boston we are blessed with a multitude of Farmers Markets. There is literally one every day of the week, within a reasonable distance. At this time in the season, there are copious amounts of lettuce, tomatoes, corn, and peaches at the markts. And they are all great. But the farm good that has caught my eye (mouth?) this summer are these little plums. I have bought them now from several markets around the city, from several different farms, week after week. I started with the most yellow and orange little guys, and then worked my way towards the more traditional purple ones, and then back to yellow again.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Anatomy of a Road Trip

Whenever I embark on any kind of event (or any thing at all, really), after spending a short time thinking about how much fun it will be, I think about what would be good to eat while I'm doing it. So, when a friend proposed that I come with them to visit another friend in Rochester, NY, (7 hour car ride, anyone?) I was overwhelmed with ideas for what kind of baked good would satisfy us on a mini-road trip. I wanted something sweet, but not necessarily dessert-like; an any-time-of-day treat. It had to be easy to eat with your hands and not too crumbly. Finally, I needed something that was durable- something that would taste good after it had been left in the backseat of the car for several hours (or overnight, 'cause I forget sometimes). This recipe, the Strawberry Jam Granola Bar, seemed to slide on down a light beam from heaven right into my lap (It's called Foodbuzz).

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Gwendoyln and the Sustainable Chocolate Factory


It was my pleasure to tour the fascinating Taza Chocolate Factory last week, conveniently located next door to Boston in adorable Somerville, MA. Taza is a chocolate company that produces organic, direct trade, stone ground, Mexican style chocolate disks, bars, nibs, and other goodies. Although they offer tours to the public regularly, I was attended with volunteers from MA Farmer's Markets, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to Farmer's Markets in the area.