On Abraham Lincoln, the top hat imbued honesty into his every word. On Fred Astaire, the hat conveys every movement as beauty and grace. Even Mr. Peanut wears a top hat when he’s steppin’ out in style. So, how does that tie in with cupcakes?
archive for January, 2011
A BIG sandwich for the big game: stuffed rye sandwich
January 28th, 2011 by
Recipe: None
“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.”
–Bill Shankly
Whether you see football as a sport, hobby, religion, or societal bane, you have to admit the association between football and good eatin’ is a big plus. Any sport where planning the tailgating menu is as important as knowing the players is A-OK in my book.
Heart of gold… or heart of darkness? The cookie with a fickle heart.
January 24th, 2011 by
Recipe: Heart of Gold Cookies
Fancy – it doesn’t HAVE to be fussy…
The following blog comment was posted by “Angela,” in response to a post on linzer cookies:
“Another favorite trick of mine to use with any mini cookie cutter. Bake a dozen each of 2 different types of cookies (ex.: sugar and snickerdoodle, or chocolate fudge). Then while they’re still warm, cut the centers out and swap them out! As the cookies cool the pieces stick together and you get, for instance, a sugar cookie with a cinnamon heart in the center.”
Bring on the bling!
January 21st, 2011 by
Recipe: Bake Sale Fudge Cupcakes
“PJ, you need to decorate some fancy cupcakes for a Valentine’s blog post.”
ARGHHHH! Those two little words I (don’t) long to hear–
“Decorate.” “Fancy.”
I immediately go into whine mode.
“Can’t MaryJane do it? She’s SUCH an artist, so good at all that… stuff.”
All that picky, intricate, delicate, SUPREMELY IRRITATING DECORATING STUFF.
For which I have all the patience of a 4-year-old at a birthday party…
Star of the bake sale: fast fudge cupcakes
January 20th, 2011 by
Recipe: Bake Sale Fudge Cupcakes
Don’t you love it when you find a recipe that does just exactly what you want it to?
I was looking for a good bake sale recipe recently. You know, something fast and easy, something “grab & go” (no wrapping required); something tasty, relatively inexpensive to make… and chocolate.
Come on baby, do the (pizza) twist!
January 18th, 2011 by
Recipe: Pizza Twists
From the surprise endings of movies like The Sixth Sense and The Usual Suspects; to crullers, martinis, and – of course – Chubby Checker, some things are just better with a twist. After all, who doesn’t love…
Chilly? Have some chili. Topped with chile (cornbread).
January 13th, 2011 by
Recipe: White Chili with Cornbread
Is it time for the annual January thaw yet?
Not quite… but we’re getting close.
I’ve lived in northern New England for 35 years. Before that, I lived in southern New England. I guess, culturally speaking, that’s akin to saying I live in the Deep South, and before that I lived in the South.
It’s all below the Mason-Dixon line. Just as all of New England is in the North.
In fact, New England, for those of you a bit, shall we say, “geographically challenged,” is that jumble of little states in the upper right corner of the United State map.
Beat the back to school blues with Breakfast Cookies
January 12th, 2011 by
Recipe: Breakfast Cookies
“Mom, can I have cookies for breakfast?”
I know we’ve all heard it at some point in time getting the kids ready for school, or (insert early morning sport) practice, or even just on a lazy Sunday morning when they think they can catch you off guard. Well, how’d you like to be able to say “Yes?” Wouldn’t that just beat all, and leave your offspring thinking you’ve finally gone over the edge? Not really…
Let the good times roll… Parker House rolls
January 9th, 2011 by
Recipe: Parker House Rolls
I’ve always loved Parker House rolls.
I mean, what’s not to like about these soft white rolls? Mild, very slightly sweet flavor. Tender, melt-in-your mouth texture.
And butter. Lots and lots of butter.
The one thing I’ve never liked: how you make them. read the rest of this entry »
A loaf with a story: Jan Brett’s Crunchy Whole Grain Bread
January 7th, 2011 by
Jan Brett, a wonderful writer and incredible artist, has been delighting families with her internationally famous books for years. Featuring magical tales of children and animals, and intricate, beautifully painted pictures, Jan’s books are the source of many a bedtime story.
We were thrilled to find out recently that Jan is a baker, too. And that she’s developed a recipe for a delicious whole-grain bread – using all kinds of our King Arthur flours and grains.