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HUFFING WITH THE DARING BAKERS…TIME FOR PUFF PASTRY!
“All things require skill but an appetite” George Herbert VOLS-au-VENT with The DARING BAKERS The September 2009 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Steph of A Whisk and a Spoon. She chose the French treat, Vols-au-Vent based on the Puff Pastry recipe by Michel Richard from the cookbook Baking With Julia by Dorie Greenspan. Lisa of La Mia Cucina and Ivonne of Cream Puffs in Venice, the fun and talented creators of The Daring Kitchen, commented on this challenge … ‘The September 2009 Daring Bakers’ Challenge has been chosen by Steph of a whisk and a spoon. Steph chose Vols-au-Vent, which we are pretty sure in French means, “After one…
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Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: NO MEAN BEAN – A VANILLA BEAN
Ah, you flavor everything; you are the vanilla of society” Sydney Smith When Foodbuzz invited proposals for September’s 24 24 24 I knew it was time to explore my favourite bean, and I’m thrilled they picked me. No, I’m not talking about the French bean, neither the kidney, not the haricot, unfortunately not the java bean…and NO, not even Rowan Atkinson. It was time to get to the heart of the VANILLA BEAN! My exposure to this intriguing bean, in essence, actually knowledge of it’s very existence came via 2 of my favourite blogs – Canelle et Vanille & Tartlette. Both blogs beautifully inspirational, nurtured by ‘Pastry Chef’ bloggers who…
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Chocolate Genoise Cake with Mocha Mascarpone … cake nirvana
“All the world is birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much”George Harrison I don’t think it’s going to be easy going back to regular frosting or whipped cream again. This was my maiden attempt at making homemade mascarpone, & I cannot believe how luxurious cream can get. Bless the Italians. Panna Cotta has been on my faves as dessert for long enough; now along comes mascarpone! WOW!! I bought a local brand of mascarpone a while ago, used it with Balsamic Strawberries here, though the dessert was delicious, the mascarpone itself was very disappointing. My homemade one just ROCKED! I made the mascarpone for my dad’s birthday…
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BALSAMIC STRAWBERRIES WITH WHIPPED MASCARPONE
“You have to ask children and birds how cherries and strawberries taste.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Strawberry season is setting in here. Yes, it’s winter & still quite cold, but this is when we begin to see strawberries entering the market. Steeply priced, but far too tempting to turn away from, I bought a box to see what I could do with them. I also stumbled upon some locally made mascarpone cheese & my heart skipped a beat. You see most mascarpone we get here is imported & exorbitantly priced. I was thrilled to find a local variety & bought 2 tubs. Bought some goat cheese & fresh mozzarella too.…
