Recipes in Review for the first 6 Months (January-June)

Here I will record most of the recipes I've tried not just in January but throughout the year, and rate them based on how doable I felt they were using spoons as a rating system- since it's suiting to the particular challenge/subject of this project. Most will be a mixture from either Pinterest or Mastering the Art of French Cooking (50th Edition), which you can also see in the Creative Resources page.

Recipes

Cooking:

Potato and Leek Soup

•  Potato and Leek Soup: from Mastering the Art of French Cooking, by Julia Child pg. 37-38. The meal was the soup with a side course of Brie Mini Biscuits found on pg. 198 under Camembert Biscuits (but substitutable with Brie, or Liederkranz cheeses). I found both these recipes fairly easy to make- especially the soup which is basically chopping potatoes, and slicing the leeks, throwing them into the hot water, checking on the mixture every once in a while, seasoning and at the end blending. In fact for any beginner cooks I recommended looking out for easy soup recipes. The biscuits took some more time and added to the total preparations and efforts of the meal but made a nice addition to the soup. 
• Final thoughts: Would definitely return to making the soup again, and perhaps the biscuits now with some experience.
• Total spoon recipe rating: 5 spoons

Baking- Desserts and Baked Goods

• Camembert Biscuits: From Mastering the Art of French Cooking, by: Julia Child pg. 198. As mentioned above the biscuits were included alongside the soup prep but took on their own learning- I had never done biscuits before so it was a good opportunity and introduction into bread/non-dessert baking. Extra considerations with the biscuits, before cutting or making you'll have to let the dough cool until it is firm, then cut out onto cookie sheet and allow for bake. So in preparing that alongside a meal extra time considerations are recommended to allow extra prep time. 



Brie Biscuits with a side cheese and cracker plate

• Final thought: a great addition to soups and if you decide to use a smaller biscuit size as I did with cutting the recipe they come out as mini biscuits, which aren't as filling (a.k.a. more room for soup).
• Total spoon recipe rating: 3 spoons, two off for chilling the dough and the technique of rolling it out. 

• Chocolate and Almond Cake- Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, pg. 677.  This one is definitely a delicious cake recipe (made from scratch), and rich in flavour, which is probably why you only need one piece and why it's a one layer cake. Although, not a recipe for beginner or novice bakers to try alone (such as myself). It's definitely provided a good challenge. There is great technique involved in this recipe that you must follow preciously, not to mention figuring out melting chocolate. Example: I learned how to "fold" alternately fold in egg whites and flour into a mixture, definitely not a two handed job. I will say that any new techniques pointed out in the book Julia directs you to the full explanations and has a section just on baking terms at the front along with other useful information such as ingredients, measures and etc. The cake itself was delicious and well worth the efforts, a huge hit at the party. It's icing can be found on pg. 684.
• Final thought: a great crowd pleaser and recipe to take on with much more experience. the cake itself turned out perfectly and was delicious along with it's decadent icing on top. 
• Total spoon rating: 2 spoons, for new techniques learned and assitance needed first time around. Recommended for novice bakers with an experience sous chef or experienced bakers who are familiar with more complex recipes. 

• Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts- Pinterest recipe: This recipe was a surprisingly really easy recipe for me to do. In fact it was easy enough that I felt it could be done on my first solo attempt. When searching for a donut recipe that didn't use hot oil or a donut fry or even a donut tin there were certainly out there that would suit the time frame and what I had available, I came across this one and seeing how it was a baked donut recipe, with simple steps and ingredients already a part of my pantry I need not search any further. It's steps were clear, and along the way I found myself really starting to find excitement in creating this all on my own. A bonus was how I surprised my family with the delicious outcome. 



Baked Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts-
sorry for the thumb in it, got excited

• Final thoughts: An easy donut recipe, if you are a beginner-novice baker. Donuts turned out perfectly
• Alternatives used: Mini muffin tray, shortening instead of oil (just to grease the cookie sheet), and sea salt. 
• Total spoons= 4 spoons! A recipe that can be done totally alone, with some experience in cookies of course. They turn out great using the mini muffin tins and dusted in cinnamon sugar. For full review and thoughts check out the post titled  Recipe in Review: Baked Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts

• Sweet Potato Biscuits- bake FROM SCRATCH (Magazine Publication) (Jan/Feb 2017, Vol. 3; Issue 1) pg. 91: There is nothing like finding a new source of inspiration, especially if it has yummy and simple-ish recipes to try out and to die for desserts. Case in point, last weeks Sweet Potato Biscuits, came from none other than my new favourite magazine titled "Bake from Scratch" (review/post to come). I found it one Wednesday afternoon visiting my Aunt and shopping oddly enough at Walmart for another ball of wool for my Grandma. And of course

  

  From google images, of bake from scratch magazine
  I also have my own copy of this exact one.

  could pass up the opportunity to check it out- but that's all for another post. The recipe was actually not bad. I found this time making biscuits (it being the second time) less nerve-racking as the first and looked forward to another opportunity to test my dough making knowledge. Only possible extra steps were making sure the sweet potatoes were mashed and chilled by the time you're ready to bake, and of course the kneading process. I've also noted in my recipe log a new tip: If the recipe specifies both systems of measurement- i.e. in this case it was grams and teaspoons- chose one and stick with for all ingredients. The conversions may not be the same.
• Final thoughts: A great end recipe to try, especially with chili as we did on Super Bowl Sunday (or any Sunday), and it turned out to be a family favourite, which means perhaps in the future I'll be making it again. Bonus, recommendation: Goes great with a heaping bowl of chili on a cold Winter's day!
• Total spoon rating: 4 out of 5, this recipe was definitely easier having completed it a similar recipe previous, and also a bonus was not having to chill the dough, we could make, shape and bake right away. Also bonus points for being a huge crowd-pleaser! Everyone loved it and were taking seconds and third biscuits!

• Mocha Brownies with Coffee Frosting and Crumbled Oreos- Broma Bakery Blog: (Broma Bakery Blog) (Broma Bakery Blogs- Mocha Brownies with Coffee Frosting and Crumbled Oreos) This was one of the most easiest recipes, popular and delicious one I've tried in my baking experiences (apart from cookies). It was also a one bowl batter, with little clean-up and effort. Yep. Can't beat it. Also making it one of the perfect recipes to end with before I chose to take a baking break. In search for the perfect dessert recipes to make for Family Day celebrations I remembered coming across an article in my favourite baking magazine- bake FROM SCRATCH- that suggested the top food blogs to check out. Out of easy ideas and options I scrolled through cake and other brownie recipes until I found this one. Relieved that it was a five step recipe mainly involving the use of heating up and stirring in the microwave I was sold! This one wasn't too daunting to do before work and finish after by making the icing. 
• Final Thoughts: Yes! Would definitely make it again! I did 96% of this on my own, and made the icing. It's a great and easy recipe to try out if you are looking to bring something simple and delicious to the next gathering, as it was a HUGE hit with my crowd!
• Total spoon rating: 5/5! So glad I did this one for the celebrations!

• One Bowl Lemon Cake with Coconut Cream Icing- Broma Bakery Blog: Yes! Another recipe from this blog, but it's an awesome resource with great recipes. Looking at how simple the brownies were I couldn't help but explore further along and also find another easy recipe to make that would compliment the brownies and add choice for the desserts. This cake was delicious, fresh and also a huge hit. Although at this point I knew that it would be my last recipe in a while as it had been two months and several weekends in a row of baking. Which meant two weekends of cleaning up (ugh!). However I had signed up to do the desserts and so honouring my commitment I helped out and let my co-chef/mother do a bit more of the prep and baking. Did I mention that I was working this whole weekend as well? Anyways, the cake was made in a stand mixer, and I used the hand-mixer for the icing. A delicious coconut cream cheese icing, that was definitely light but fluffy didn't seem to come. Over-all delicious! This too got much phrase. 
• Final Thoughts: If returning to baking eventually and only having to do this recipe I'd try it again. Perhaps knowing how to use the stand mixer better and having more enthusiasm. Lastly another great celebration recipe to cap off two months of baking!
• Total Spoon Ratings: 3/5
• Back at it with Raspberry Butter Tarts, from The Messy Baker baking/cookbook, pg. 138: Here is what I liked most about this recipe, it was easy. Aside from cheating with the pastry shells/tart shells which I bought this time around making the actual filling for the butter tart was pretty straight forward. Just like any butter tart recipe it called for butter, sugar, lemon, eggs and vanilla. Your basic ingredients most of which if you are consistent baker probably in the pantry. I also thought adding in the raspberries to the recipe as brilliant. Normally most butter tarts (homemade or not) have a tendency to be overly sweet and sugary (which is totally fine if you have a huge sweet tooth) if not and you're looking for a tart that's has a nice balance
  
  I recommend trying it out. Really, the only variation is putting the berries in the tarts and on top as garnish. I found they made the tart less sweet and more enjoyable for the less sweet tooth people in your family. An important side note to this experience is in patience, I may have took them out of the oven too soon and therefore the pastry wasn't quite ready to hold up the gooeyness of the tart filling. A couple more minutes taking it to the full time and they would have been perfect. Other than that this recipe turned out great! 
• Final thoughts: Yes. I would definitely try this recipe again. Not only the filling was easy but now knowing how important it is to wait for the full time they'll be even better next time around. Perhaps with my own pastry shells too...
• Total Spoon Rating: 5/5! Definitely a crowd pleaser and everyone appreciated the tarts and efforts, soft shells and all!

• An Update- Two Easter Recipes and a Mothers Day Cake:


• 1. Easy 4 Ingredient Easter Fudge, via. Pinterest: So for this past Easter- which was a month ago I do realize this is a late update- I decided to try something totally different than my usual baking plans and make fudge. After all who doesn't like chocolate/fudge on Easter... I know I do. Anyways, this recipe was another easy one that I did the Saturday night before Easter Sunday, and therefore had ready the next day.
  
  It consisted of lots of chocolate, marshmallows, chocolate covered Eggs and condensed milk. The only trick seemed to be once more converting the American measurements/measures into Canadian units (a future post may be on this dilemma). One last suggestion- if you are apt to trying this is my version was a fairly basic fudge recipe which made it a little more gooey than most especially those that add more into the fudge. It was still delicious and a huge hit once more. 
• Final thoughts: I would try to do fudge again, but first find a Canadian recipe and secondly find one that includes more stuff mixed into the fudge- nuts, fruit, etc.
• Total spoon rating: 5/5 for easiness and enjoyability!

• 2. Rice Krispie Treats  Bird's Nests, via Pinterest: Out of most so far this recipe was the most fun to make and the easiest- which left me quite pleased and inspired to do it again. Funny, how the more you bake, the more you figure out what recipes one prefers. For me it's been easy, quick, simple yet fun, such as this one. I don't think it took us more than 10-15 minutes to put it together leaving the rest of the afternoon to hang out and spend quality time together. Once served on Good Friday these treats were a huge hit and brought back some nostalgic childhood memories. Everyone also enjoyed how cute and delicious they were just as we enjoyed making them. In fact a month later people are still raving about how much they enjoyed it for dessert.
• Final thoughts: Would definitely do again! You can't go wrong with Rice Krispie Treats and baking! Yummy! 
• Total spoon rating: 5/5- the perfect and easy recipe to present as an Easter treat. Would definitely try this again! 

• Chocolate Snack Cake/Mother's Day Cake, from now-forager.com: This was an impromptu recipe but sounded easy enough. Oddly, a lot of these were mostly last minute but with help I was able to attain the necessary ingredients. Like some others, this recipe followed the trend I've come across picking recipes in which the ingredient quantities were in American

  

  Mother's Day 2017- Chocolate Snack Cake from now-forager.com

  units- totally fine, it just meant a little extra math and in this case the portions seemed to be off. It still turned out reasonably okay, was easy enough to combine and was still edible- that's the main thing-. Although, this time for sure I've learned to find recipes that provide measures that home bakers such as myself can easy decipher and measure out. Oh well, it's all a part of the learning experience!
• Final thoughts: I perhaps would try this recipe again, only this time be sure to convert all ingredient amounts into their proper quantities from American (ounces to the cup equivalent). 
• Total spoon rating: 3/5, it was well laid out and the steps were easy to follow with the exception of trying to convert the ingredient quantities. *On this one I chose to skip the step of making my own frosting and went instead to store bought*

Birthday Baking- Two Recipes (One new and One old)

Yes, I did chose to do some baking on my birthday...errr... for my birthday but only because I really enjoy it and enjoy sharing the outcome with friends and family. So since chocolate is one of my favourite ingredients and faux food groups- you know "snacks, chocolate, desserts and sweets" as the essential four food groups my birthday cupcakes did involve chocolate in both cases. 

• The first recipe was: Easy Chocolate and Cherry Cupcakes, from Farmer's Market Desserts (book) pg. 45, makes 12 cupcakes : Surprisingly this one was easy, the only real prep work that needed to be done ahead of time was pitting and cutting the cherries along with perhaps chopping the chocolate for the icing on top- which was even easy enough to be done in the microwave despite having to do the initial prep of cutting up and pitting the cherries I found it simple. Perhaps it's my gained experience and confidence in the kitchen but everything went smoothly and we were done making the batter and scooping it into the pre-set out cupcake papers before I knew it. There was some waiting though, as the cupcakes did take time to cool before icing them and the icing itself did need to set to be more spreadable but other than that the recipe was straight-forward making it a huge hit with me already. *Although, I will mention that I 
  
  substituted the cherry kirsch for pure black cherry juice. The amounts needed wasn't that much or detrimental to having in the recipe, and with not much more use for it after the recipe it made sense to go for a cheaper substitute that still turned out amazing well in the end.* All in all, this is definitely a recipe I'd do again and it became a huge hit with my family! 
• Final Thoughts: Definitely worth doing again- both in terms of baking and deliciousness. It was a huge crowd pleaser, that my parents at least were bragging about all week: Dad: "This cupcakes were real" Mom: "You should definitely try them... so good I'll have to have a second helping"~ You know that the cupcakes must have been good if family is taking second helpings, and trying to practice their "street slang". As the baker I was also pleasantly surprised at how quickly they were able to come together and easy to follow the recipe was, the icing even could be done in the microwave. 
• Total Spoon Rating: 5/5 (Excellently easy recipe and totally delicious), this was one where it was actually both delicious and half nutritious as it contained some form of fruit (the cherries) in it!

Final Recipe- for this page:

• Hot Fudge Sunday Cupcakes, makes 28 cupcakes: This I believe was one of my Pinterest recipes that I tried way back in March and seeing how it was an easy to make I decided it would suit for some early morning Birthday baking. These ones I took to work and shared with everyone there- they were glad that I had brought chocolate in and complimented me on how delicious they were! Again, a huge crowd pleaser. To make these cupcakes it was an easy do it that day kind of recipe- you just throw everything into a stand-mixer turn her on and wait. I will admit that this batch turned out a little better than the first, we set the timer at 20 minutes (because the recipe says it can be from 18-25, so 20 seemed somewhere in the middle) and the time sure seemed right. They were moist, creamy and delicious. The perfect cupcakes to celebrate to make for a crowd, celebrate with and indulge in!
• Final Thoughts: I would definitely make again, if in a pinch. They are your classic chocolate cupcakes and are equally delicious as any cupcake recipe out there. In fact, even better the second time now that I have figured out how the right time to bake them. 
• Total Spoon Rating: 5/5, these are simple, easy and delicious!