Lemon Chiffon Pie with Pretzel Crust

This recipe for lemon chiffon pie is a version of an old classic. Tart lemony flavor that is not too sweet and not too heavy. I came across the recipe on Boulder Locavore. Her version is made with a cornflake crust that sounds amazing. I had pretzels on hand so that is what I decided to use for the crust. Pretzels and lemon chiffon? Yes, please.

Propane Tank Watermelons

It's prime camper time and I have had this project on my mind ever since we bought our little Jayco Kiwi travel trailer a few months ago. The propane tanks were ugly. I saw a picture online of someones clever idea to paint their gigantic home propane tank to look like a giant watermelon. It was so cute, so I figured I could do it too!

Schlotzsky's Style Buns

It's been awhile since I have posted anything. I have just been really busy with a vacation and getting ready for the summer garden. Today I really felt the need for a sandwich from Schlotzsky's Deli. Don't feel like driving there, so I will make my own! I worked at a Schlotzskys when I was in high school. I started out making the sandwiches and then graduated to baking the buns. This is my version. Theirs is a highly guarded secret that comes in a mix.
This recipe starts out very much like the famous no knead bread. I start the night before I have a day off. The dough sits overnight while the yeast works it's magic. It's really easy, and requires only 5 ingredients.
The downside? You need 2 small cake pans. This dough is really loose so it needs the support of a pan. I suppose you could make 1 giant bun in a 9 inch cake pan if you wanted to!

French Crullers for my Valentine

My Valentine loves donuts. I love my Valentine. And crullers.
These are one of the simplest donuts to make, and the dough ( pate a choux)  can be used to make other delicious and easy goodies too. Like cream puffs, eclairs, and profiteroles!

Chinese Takeout at Home! General Tso's Tofu

Since I have been following a vegetarian diet, there have been a few things that I have had a major hankering for. A BBQ pork sandwich is one. The classic Chinese takeout  known as General Tso's Chicken, is the other.
I can't imagine a veggie version of a  BBQ pork sandwich, but the General's is do-able. As a matter of fact, it was awesome!

Valentine's Day Macarons with Strawberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream

I really wanted to go big for my Valentine's Day post so, here they are. French macarons! On a stick! With a bow! Colored pink and luster dusted! Does it get more disgustingly Valentinesy than that? I think probably not. 

There is a lot of talk about these little gems being particularly difficult to make, but I have been using a recipe from one of my favorite food bloggers, David Lebovitz, without fail. 

Don't be intimidated. If you have always wanted to make some, do it! I did. 

Quinoa Salad

Sometimes when I have been indulging in too much comfort food, I feel the need for something light and tasty. A reminder of spring. (when this recipe is best by the way!)
Well, I needed that something today. Too many chocolate chewies I suppose.
This salad is very similar to tabbouleh, but different enough that I hesitate to call it that. Easy to make, and gets better as a leftover.

Double Chocolate Chewies

crackly, chewy

These cookies have been on my mind for awhile now. I work in a bakery, and we have been making GIANT batches. They are so simple. They are actually low fat. They taste like a brownie and a meringue made a baby! Oh, and if you care, they are gluten free as well. They're gooey on the inside, and the outside has that thin shattery layer that any good brownie should have. 

Cream Biscuits are Soooo Easy!

Veggie sausage is GREAT!

Thanks for breakfast girls!

A cold and sunny morning is a beautiful thing. A day off with my husband is a rare treat. Starting the day with home made biscuits, veggie sausage, and eggs collected fresh this morning almost feels wrong. Almost. This the easiest biscuit recipe ever. No cutting in the fat. Just measure, mix, roll, and bake. It is endlessly adaptable too.

In the mood for Pavlova

Since the weather has been so warm this winter, I felt like having something light and summery for dessert. Pavlova came to mind. Thank goodness for greenhouse grown berries! This dessert was really easy to make, and pretty impressive to behold.

My first blog post

I decided to start this blog because I love baking and cooking, and never seem to stop thinking about both. So, here goes. I am no writer for sure, this is just for fun.
I am a cake decorator, amateur baker and cook, crafter, and food lover. I love to experiment with recipes that I have never tried before, and this will chronicle my successes and failures. Hopefully mostly successes!
First up will be my very first sourdough starter.