Meringue Cookies

Happy New Years, Everyone!

I know, I know, it has been way too long since my last post.  I hope you can all forgive me.  I won't bore you with the details, but I believe I finally was able to make some order to the chaos that was my life.  With that said, I hoping to come to at least twice a week to begin.  (I must take baby steps, don't want to get overwhelmed again.)  So, without further ado, here is my latest addition.....

After all the indulging over the holidays I decided to make something that is fat free and relatively low calorie..... meringue cookies.

I have not made these in quite some time.  They actually very simple to make.  The hardest part is just letting the egg whites mix.  I do strongly suggest that you use a stand mixer, but then again it could give you a very good arm workout.

This is the recipe I use:

2 egg whites
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1/8 almond extract
1/2 cup sugar

1) Preheat oven to 225.  Line cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper.  If you use foil make sure you spray it lightly with cooking spray.

2) Combine egg white and cream of tartar, beat until foamy.  Then add extract and sugar 1 tablespoon at a time.  Beating constantly at high speed for about 4 to 6 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved.  The whites should be glossy and form stiff peaks.

3) Spoon the meringue into a pastry bag with any tip you want or a plastic storage bag and cut a corner off.

4) Pipe meringue onto cookie sheets.  You can make them as small or as big as you want.

5) Bake in oven for at least 1 1/2 hours.  After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cookies in the oven to cool for an hour.


This is just a basic recipe and has so many possibilities.  The first thing that has no limits really is the extract.  Almond is usually the standard.  This will usually give you an angel food cake taste to them.  There is nothing wrong with that, but why stop there.  You can use orange, mint, lemon, strawberry... the list could go on.  I have just a few suggestions.  I have found out a few things after making them a few times.  First thing would be if you can, the pure extract will give a better taste then imitation.  I know pure extracts can be expensive, so if you rather not then I would suggest adding more or the imitation, increase the amount to at least 1/2 teaspoon.  You could also add more on the pure.  I usually do.  It comes down what you like in taste.  Another suggestion I have is try not to make them more them about 2 inches in size.  If you start going bigger, you are looking at longer baking time.  Something fun you could do is to add food coloring.  You can match the color to the flavor or the holiday you are making them for.  Just add the color in a little at a time until you reach the desired color.  You may want to go just a shade darker because while they bake the color fades some.

I hope some of you decide to try these easy to do cookies and my suggestions help.  I would be curious if anyone tries.

Until next time.... Happy Baking!

Homemade Gift Baskets

I was reminded by my daughter's iTouch just the other day that it was only 95 days until Christmas.  (Still not sure if getting that Countdown to Christmas app was a good idea or not)  But that aside it did get me thinking about a few things.  I know trying to start my own home business is a relatively new adventure for me, but I have been baking for several years.  Many of friends, family and co-workers have had the misfortune pleasure of trying out many different baked goods over the years.  A few years ago I did make up a few gift baskets for my husband's co-workers and office staff.  I wanted to do it again this years, but I am actually at a lost at what to make.  I know I know, that must sound strange, but it is true.  I know I could always make old standbys like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, gingerbread and other typical holiday things.  But there is nothing typical about me.  Is that good or bad?  Anyway.....  what to bake, what to bake?

I now know I will be scanning the websites looking for different things, hoping to find a few things new to try.  Of course I need to narrow my search.  I need to look for things that are individual, like cookies. or things that can be easily divided like loaves of bread.  I also really don't want to to make things I made before.  Before I made Rocky Road Brownies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Individual Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Peanut Butter Blossoms and Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies.

I did make a post on Facebook asking for some suggestions.  I know not everyone reads that, so that is why I am writing this post.  I hoping to may be reach a few more people that might be willing to help with my dilemma.  I am open to any ideas you may have.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Sugar Cookie Cutouts

Today I finished baking 4 dozen sugar cookies.  I know you are thinking that isn't  a whole lot of cookies.  Normally I would agree with you since when I just bake for fun that is what do on average but, not this time.  This time they were cut-out sugar cookies.  Still not usually a big deal with all the types of cookie cutters out there.  And again I would usually agree, but I was not able to get a cutter in time for what I needed.  But, thanks to a fellow baker and friend, I was told what I could do.  She suggested just making a plastic template and then using a knife to cut them out.  The process took some time, but I like to think the results turned out rather well.  You tell me.....

Sugar Cookie cut into the shape of a Fleur de Lis.  Sprinkled with yellow and blue sugar crystals.

These were made for a beginning of the year Boy Scout meeting that takes place tomorrow.  I will let you know what everyone thought.

Thanks again, I Heart Sprinkles, for helping me with my cookies cutter dilemma.

I have more cookies and cupcakes to make for this upcoming weekend.  But, I will tell you about them later.

Until next time....... Happy Baking!

OMG!

I know it has only been two days since my last, but I thought I would honor you with my presence again this week.  Sorry had to poke fun at myself.  I am really going to try to get back into the swing of things again.  Which means, you my faithful readers will be seeing more of me..... (I just hope I can come up with things to talk about).

Obviously, I haven't baked anything new, but as always I am searching the web for new ideas.  Nothing has jumped out at me recently.  Maybe I need to find some new websites.  I just keep seeing the same things over and over.  And I know my husband will never get tired of my chocolate chip cookies, but even he has to admit we need variety.

I did get some new toys to try out.  My mother decided to send me some baking tools for Christmas.  She sent me some of those silicone cake molds.  I now can make a giant cupcake, a three tiered present, a house and an American flag with little stars.  But, the best thing I got was a pan where I can make every letter and number just by moving pieces around.  The first thing I said was when I opened it was, "What letter can I make?"  But, I wasn't allowed.  I guess I need to wait until someone needs a letter cake.  So, anyone out there need a cake?  LOL!

I did find out one thing though.  The cake that I will be making next month will be another Transformer cake.  So, I will need to get out those star tips again.  Lucky for me I find decorating a cake that way therapeutic.  The only details I need now are what kind of cake and if they will need cupcakes or not.

Well until next time....... Happy Baking!

Microphone Cupcakes and Other Things

I feel like I am always apologizing for not posting a blog.  So, again I am sorry.  I just have been really busy working a job in retail and of course the holidays.  I hoping now that things are calming down at work, I should be able to get back into blogging and baking.  I did do a little bit of baking over the holidays and I will tell you all about them.

First, I made my PB and J snack bar for my Christmas holiday party.  They were well received by everyone.  I did have few that were disappointed that I didn't make my angel food cupcakes again, but they got over it.

This year I didn't have as many "gift" baskets to make this year with different things in them.  So, this year I only made about 6 dozen chocolate chip cookies and gave them to a few people.  But, because of them I will be making a birthday cake for a little boy next month.  I don't know what yet, we haven't worked out the details yet.  I also sent a dozen cookies to a dear friend in the Netherlands, unfortunately because of a bad winter storm here in the States and few storms that had parts of Europe shut down, after almost  two weeks she still doesn't have her cookies.  I just hope they are still edible by the time she gets them.

Lastly, I got to make some microphone cupcakes for a little 5 year girl who was having a Justin Bieber theme party.  She asked specifically for my strawberry margarita cake because it was "SOOOOOO good and it was Pink!"

There are not to hard to make.  It is just any cupcake you want to use, some icing and sprinkles.  As I already said the cake was strawberry margarita, the icing was butter cream tinted black, chocolate sprinkles and then sugar ice cream cones.  The hard part was trying to figure a way to get them to the party without incident.  It took some time, but with few of my ideas and my husband's ideas, we were able to come up with something and it worked out perfectly.

I'll let you know as things come up.

Until next time........ Happy Baking!

Weekend Update

I hope everyone had a great holiday.  Mine was ok.  I was unable to take my little trick or treating because she was ill, maybe next year will better.

Even though I was unable to enjoy the holiday festival that our HOA holds every year, I did submit two cakes for their cake walk.  I decided to bake a Cinnamon Apple Angel Food Cake and a Red Velvet Cake.  I like to think they both turned out rather well.  See for yourself.....

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

(I did end up covering the whole cake, but I wanted to show you the cake too)

Cinnamon Apple Angel Food Cake

(It is a Angel Food Cake with a Cinnamon Apple Glaze)

I have not heard any feedback on how they tasted.  I think I am going to try and find out from the organizers by the end of the week.

One other exciting thing happened this weekend also.  I got an email from a  potential customer.  She is looking to have cookies as her wedding favors.  Of course, I already have a million ideas for running through my head.  I hope I hear back from her soon.  Keep your fingers crossed!

I have a few other things in the works.  I will let you know as they come up.

Until next time....... Happy Baking!

A little bit of a slow time

Not much has happened for me since my last posting.  I have been spending most of my time surfing the internet looking for the right Red Velvet Cake recipe for the cakewalk next weekend.  I finally found one with a cream cheese frosting.  I was actually surprised most of the recipes called for a cooked frosting similar to butter cream.  But, I have been told by many the a red velvet should have a cream cheese so that is what I went with.  I can't wait to make a whole cake this time.  Up until now I have only made cupcakes.

Yesterday, I did make another carmel apple trifle, but this time I made a few adjustments to fit my family's personal taste.  I used a smaller box of vanilla pudding, used 2 cans of apples instead one, and used a homemade angel food cake instead of ladyfingers.  It was a bigger hit than the last one.  But, the one thing it did do was leave me with a bunch of egg yolks.  I had no idea what to do with them.  I know it isn't that big of a deal to throw them away, but since I know I will be making another angel food for next weekend, I figured I need to find something to with at least some of those egg yolks.  The only thing I came up with so far was Creme Brulee.  If any of you have any suggestions and it doesn't have to be a baked good either, please let me know.  I am willing to try anything.  I am almost positive that I will try my hand at the creme brulee.  That should be fun.

Lastly, I would like to thank a very dear dear friend of mine, S.  She designed two business cards for me and I think they look absolutely fabulous.  I am hoping this weekend to get to a office supply store and get some business card paper and get some printed up.  Once I get them printed up I will show all of you.  Again S, thank you so much.  I think you deserve some chocolate meringue cookies as payment.

Until next time..... Happy Baking!

Caught up a bit

I was able to catch up with myself a bit today.

First thing, I made some adjustments on the flier and I think I have something that will work.  Keep in mind it will be in color, I just didn't want to waste the color until I knew I had the right thing.

What do you think?

I also believe I have come up with a price list.  I bounced a few ideas off of few friends and we came up with the same idea.  Cookies will be $12 a dozen.  Pies should be $12 to $15 depending on the pie.  Cupcakes will be $24 a dozen.  Cakes will start at $20.  Cakes cannot have a specific price because they can have the most variety.

So, now the last thing I really need to do is start getting the word out.  Wish me luck with that.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Weekend Update

Sorry everyone for not posting anything the last two days, but you all know how life can be.  But, I had few things go through my head this weekend.

First things first, I must say, "YAY"....... I got paid for my first cake.  Ok ok, I know it isn't a lot, but I am looking forward to many more.  I think there are some opportunities on the very near horizon.  I promise I will keep you all informed, if anything happens.

Secondly, I want to share that two of the people I sent all those cookies too last week got them and gave me some honest feedback.  I can't share the exact word he used because I think it would make a few of you blush because I did a little when he said it.  But, needless to say, I was told by him that they were the best cookies he had honestly.  The other person loved also them so much, she actually needed to hide what she had left so he would steal any from her.  Once I find out from the last person, I'll let you all know.

And lastly, I did try my hand at something a little new for me.  I made Chocolate Chex Caramel Snack Bar for a daughter's class.  She needs to provide snack for the class once a month and made the decision to try and make the snack instead of buying it.  There are a few reasons for this.  One of course is obvious...I just want to do it.  Second, I am hoping to give the kids something different then what they are use to and lastly I hoping it is a way to get more exposure to outside people.

Here is the final product.

It was a huge hit with the kids and teachers.  In about 3 weeks I will have an opportunity to bake for a teacher luncheon.  I can't wait to think of something to make for it.

Well, that is all for now, I'll let you know what else happens.  Today I plan on coming up with some sort of flier to get around my neighborhood.

Until next time.....Happy Baking!

Products I want to offer

I thought I would everyone an idea of the products I would like to offer.

I'll start with the cookies:

Chocolate chip - milk, semi sweet and white
Oatmeal Raisin - with or with out nuts
Sugar  - these can be made into and shape
Peanut Butter

I know this doesn't seem like a lot, but these can be the basis for many varieties.  For example instead of chips, chocolate chunks could be used.  With sugar cookies, they can be made into almost any flavor.

For more of the local area, I would almost be able to make anything.  I know there is still many things out there that I haven't tried, but I want to know.  But, I know I need to start somewhere....so here is a start:

Pies:
Fruit - Apple, Cherry, Peach, Pumpkin
Coconut Cream
Banana Cream
Lemon Meringue

Cakes: (these could also be made into cupcakes) and (frosting could butter cream, whipped, or cream cheese)
Vanilla
Chocolate
Lemon
Angel Food
Red Velvet
Pineapple
Carrot

Muffins:
Banana
Blueberry
Pumpkin Spice
Chocolate Chip
Poppy Seed

I like to believe this only a beginning.  I am open to any and all suggestions.  I can also make brownies and bread.  Please feel free to comment.

Until next time......Happy Baking!