---What's better than a layer of old, tacky contact paper? TWO layers of old tacky contact paper!I am now moved into my new house...sort of. I have spent the last three days ripping out a ridiculous amount of old, icky contact paper, in order to make way for the new stuff. I haven't been able to put away any pots and pans, baking implements, or utensils til I get this done. Add to the chore of Read Full Story

I know, I know--it's been almost a week since my last post! But you won't believe what I have had to deal with down here. I won't bore you with the details, but it's been a roller coaster of drama getting into the new house.The good news is that finally--finally!--the tenants have left. The house is clean, and we're scheduled to close escrow on this puppy on Friday at noon. Meanwhile, due to Read Full Story

The inspiration and credit for this post goes directly to my good friend, Joe Pastry. I saw his posts on Hot Cross Buns, and it was one of those projects that just couldn't wait. The kids and I are feeling under the weather today, so we mostly stayed in, and I found myself with a perfect opportunity to make these delicious sweet buns.It was also excellent timing, because I wanted to do Read Full Story

This was meant to be a longer post, honestly--then my three year old woke up screaming, with a fever. After calming him down for twenty minutes, I find myself too tired to come up with pretty words to describe this cake. I'll have to let the pictures do the talking for me.There's nothing fancy or special about the components of this cake, the thing is how you put it all together. See, I've Read Full Story

I love chocolate. Let me just say that. Chocolate in just about any form....in fact, I am actually eating some chocolate frozen yogurt right now. (The kind with little brownie bits in it.) So when I read the recipe for February's Daring Baker Challenge, I was pretty darn happy. I've had flourless cakes before, they are fudgy, and rich, and dense, almost more like a candy than a cake. And Read Full Story

I'm going to show you a picture of a cake I don't want you to make. No, really-- hear me out. It's not actually the cake I don't want you to make, it's the cake with the topping that I chose for it together.Was this another failure, an experiment in creativity that missed the mark? Not quite. See, I had a couple of things I've been really wanting to try--the Orange Chiffon Cake recipe in my Read Full Story

One of the more professional books on breadmaking I own is Jeffrey Hamelman's Bread: A Baker's Book of Techniques and Recipes. It was actually one of the first books I bought when I was getting into making artisan-style breads, and I must admit I was a little intimidated by it. It's incredibly informative, going over every aspect of breadmaking, all the terms and ingredients. Although I Read Full Story

I believe I've found it. Yes, look no further--it's here. They may look humble--but just give them a try. Of all places, I found it in one of my children's cookbooks, so it's very easy. AND, even more unbelievable, it was a Paula Deen recipe.I have said it before, and I'll say it again--I am not bad-mouthing a woman with a multi-million dollar business based on cooking. I have a lot of Read Full Story

It has been raining for days down here, on and off. I managed to get the kiddos out to the park yesterday for some much needed clowning-around (even though it was pretty chilly, it was momentarily dry.) I absolutely adore the rain, because it's actually quite rare here in So Cal. I don't think I can remember a time when it has rained quite this much.My husband also came home today, and after a Read Full Story

Before Christmas, I tried some delectable little cookies at Trader Joe's. Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies. They were similar to Mexican wedding cookies, you know the little shortbread ones that fall delicately apart in your mouth...but chocolate, and spiced with the flavors of Ibaraa. Do you know Ibarra? Most of you are probably familiar with it, but in case you're not, it's a Mexican chocolate Read Full Story