Let's just dive right in shall we?
I just love when I get emails from PR companies or publishers that want to share the launch or re-launch of a FABULOUS baking book. This one Baking Basics and Beyond by Pat Sinclair is a keeper. Very helpful little baking book. It has kicked up recipes inside. Like savory blue cheesecake, banana bars with brown sugar frosting... Luckily they were nice enough to give away 2 books!
This is the new edition of Baking Basics and Beyond by Pat Sinclair. It's a down-to-earth, reader-friendly baking guide is updated with beautiful full color photos throughout. According to Pat Sinclair, "If a little kneading is good, is a lot of kneading better? Not for biscuits, as I learned the first time I made them. I discovered that biscuits are tender and flaky only if I follow two key baking techniques--cutting in shortening and gentle kneading. I've learned many more secrets like these over decades of baking professionally for companies such as Pillsbury and Land O'Lakes." Included are many traditional and old-fashioned American favorites such as Buttery Crescent Dinner Rolls, Dark Chocolate Cake with Praline Filling and Cranberry Nut Tartlets. Most of the recipes are easy and recognizable, if not extremely familiar. Some of the recipes, such as Turtle Cheesecake Pie, are variations of classics but with a little twist that makes them unique.
Baking Basics and Beyond differs from other books on baking because it concentrates on basic techniques and simple directions. No prior experience is necessary.
Although Sinclair has a master's degree in Foods, much of her baking experience came at home. She began baking in elementary school by learning how to bake from her mother, especially how to make a pie crust.
Reprinted with permission from Baking Basics and Beyond, by Pat Sinclair, Agate Surrey, December 2011.
All you have to do to enter is leave ONE comment telling me what your favorite baking-guided cookbook is/was.
I'll do the drawing Friday March 2, 2012 and announce the TWO winners.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
Did you know you can turn your ice dispenser into a candy dispenser? Can you imagine?
Did you hear? Ben & Jerry's is coming out with Greek Style Frozen yogurt! And it's NOT boring--it has stuff in it--lots of stuff! Goodbye boring ass strawberry and vanilla frozen yogurt!
I saw this on Pinterest and it had no link. Would love to know where to buy this. Anyone know? Cute right? Found it. Thank you reader for sending me the link. Apparently she isn't taking orders anymore? 
My latest obsession is this site called freecabinporn.com. It's NOT what you think. It's all about absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking photos of various cozy cabins from around the world.
Are you getting enough magnesium? I wasn't, but am now. It's a powerhouse mineral.
Are you an avid knitter or crotcher? However you spell the latter. If you are, you need to check out this group called raverly.com. It's like a candy store for knitters, complete with patterns, tips, boards, photos, links, etc... It's like the modern take on knitting.
Tell me this is not a joke. . An app that let's you walk and type, AND let's you see in front you while walking? Was this developed because of all those people who texted while walking and fell into a sewer or pool? The Type & Walk App. For realz peeps.
Prevention magazine says you can shrink a size in 14 days. Hmmm. What do you think?
Have you ever made your own almond flour/meal? I've wanted to for a while, to make a good batch of classic macarons. It's also a staple for those gluten free kitchens. Here's a fabulous tutorial to make your own almond meal at home.
Can I be totally honest? I've never ever thought to make baked potatoes in a crock pot. I just learned about this from this blog. I feel like an idiot -- why didn't I think of this years ago?. Excellent tip and time saver!
Anyone tried using a dryer sheet for collecting dust on the floors or baseboards? This article says it works. I'm tempted to try it. Have you?
I must have this coat and this dog. How did the photographer keep a straight face and not giggle the whole time? You can actually buy this on Etsy.
All this hype these days about clean eating for whole body detox; so many theories on it, so many ways to detox each promising to be the right one. NPR recent article about clean eating detox stated one particular VALID point: "The body is constantly filtering the toxins in alcohol, food and medicines, not storing them," Boston dietitian Maria Adams tells The Salt. "So they're not going to build up. I think the reason people feel better on a cleanse is probably just they're losing weight and are less bloated."
Interesting article, and scary the amount money of that crazy GOOP detox program costs: over $400!
Let's go from detox to mini burgers! Since Oscar night is right around the corner, Wolfgang Puck has a lot of his recipes appearing on the web. And here is one of them using Wagyu beef and a perfect remoulade sauce.
James Beard 2012 Awards Semi finalists. Here here! Glad to see Joanne Chang is on there (from flour bakery in boston).
Real Caveman Diet--there was fruit! If you read this article, you'll see there was real proof the cavemen (and women) ate fruit. Recently they found pieces of dates on a 40,000-year-old Neanderthal. Very interesting read.
Photographer Rachel Hulin captures AMAZING photos of her baby in mid flight in various ways. It's just amazing. How did she do that?
News Boy cap for cats! I need this in my life.......right?
Want a quick and easy Banh Mi meatball rice bowl? All the flavors of bahn mi in a meatball in a rice bowl. FABULOUS.
My neighbors have some of the most gorgeous and friendly chickens I've ever seen. They don't come out much due to coyotes in our area, but when they do I make sure to hang with them for a bit. Here is a video I shot of my favorite rooster kicking it. He loves the camera (no, this was not edited, just perfect timing).
Flickr has a great set of "dogs underwater" photos.
Did you see the concept of this blog? Wild.
That's it. Have a fabulous weekend kids! Don't forget to enter the cookbook giveaway (above).
2/24/12
friday links PLUS giveaway!
12/29/11
friday links AND cookbook giveaway
Let's just get to the good stuff. There's lots of good stuff we need to click on.
Is this not the coolest clock?
I'm a leggings junkie no doubt about that. Have you seen these "Leggings in a Bag"?
Or how about these leggings from Billabong. LOVE!
Super cute dress for summer.
Crazy brownie combo that totally works. Bacon-bourbon brownies. I am so trying that one.
I just love this new 'chalk board paint' craze that's going around. Martha Stewart gives a small tutorial on how to make that fabulous check board like calendar.
Want to make your own chili powder at home? I never thought of doing this, but apparently it is a LOT cheaper. From Nick at Macheesmo
Do you use parchment paper on a daily basis? Here are half-sheet parchment sheets already perfectly sized for you baking sheet. Brilliant!
The latest food craze and I love it. The Meatball Shop in NYC. A place I must go. Have you been there? Even the website is cool. Click on the little meatball slider image in corner! LOL
Dean & Deluca spice rack. It is so pretty but so expensive. I need way more than a rack to hold all my spices.
Are you throwing a party for New Years Eve? Want to learn an inexpensive way? Here are a few smart tips from thekitchn. Don't make a full meal! True.
Peanut butter smores with strawberry marshmallows AND bacon peanut brittle. Irvin is a genius at eatthelove.com
Tips and places to use coupons for organic produce? Right here.
That bow is just fabulous.
Slouchie hats are in. Love or hate?
I'll take this one too. Would be fabulous in a black & white color too.
Dear Sir Richard Branson: please hire me. I will do a fabulous blog post all about your perfect Necker Island. 
Petite indoor gardens. How cute is this?
Can boot trays be made somewhat pretty? Yes they can.
Lately I've been into hats, like this one. Element Thistle hat. How cute is that?
Does your pie crust always shrink? Follow these steps--this is exactly what I do. It works.
I really want a Soda Stream. Talk about saving money on soda. What a great invention.
Extra dark brownies with fresh lime. This is new but I can definitely see why it would work well together.
Chubby Hubby Truffles! From Brown eyed baker. Heavenly.
Just in time for New Years Eve party, Heather makes a champagne mousse.
I do love the mini pie craze that's happening now. I'm all for it!
This is the backsplash I want!
This is how I should be spending my winter, right here.
Argan oil seems to be all the craze lately. Do you use it?
Now this is a fabulous way to display your travel photos. Love love!
Cherry pie shortbread bites from raspberri cupcakes. I have no words, just drool.
Pulled pork empanadas with peach bbq sauce. Clever little baker!
Pepperoni pizza monkey bread! Thanks Shawnda at confections of a foodie bride.
SWEETS ON A STICK is the only cookbook that provides recipes for cakes, cookies, brownies, pies, and candies that are convenient, eye-catching, and a treat to make. You will find everything from cake pops and mini pies to cookies and marshmallow kabobs. From fruity to chocolate, crunchy to smooth, there are dozens of tasty bites to tempt your taste buds.
Parents will encourage kids to play with their food when they get together to create these delicious and decadent desserts, including unique holiday creations such as:
• Coconut Christmas Wreaths
• Abominable Snowman Pops
• Gingerbread Cookie pops
• Christmas Tree Cookies
Whether its cake pops or candied fruit, this book offers a variety of treats to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. Many of the recipes in this book make the perfect activity for a play date or party. Invite kids of all ages to make, bake, and decorate—then sit back and watch as they laugh and play with the unique results. It’s just plain fun for everyone involved, and with full-color photos and step-by-step instructions, this book is guaranteed fun for the whole family.
All you have to do to enter is leave a comment here telling me what kind of "sweets on a stick" you'd like to see.
11/30/11
friday links
Normally I do not believe in this stuff, but I gotta be honest it's so spot on. Now that I'm older and a tad bit wiser (we hope) I'm reading it more thoroughly.
About 10 years ago I got this book: The Secret Language of Birthdays. Sure I got it for the surprise, the wow factor, the 'let's see what celebrities have my birthday' (Jim Henson and F. Scott Fitzgerald). Neat right? The book breaks down your birthday into sections of: those born on this day have this and that element about them, they should excel at this, stay away from that, then goes into number & planets (which I still don't understand), then into tarot, then Health (which I love), then personal advice, and finally your own personal strengths & weaknesses. The book also is filled with charts galore on the 48 periods, the grand cycle, the four elements, the ten plants, etc...oh all those charts I still don't understand. But it's the individual birthday readings that I'm digging. It's a big book, a really big book.
Every time I have friends over and they see that book they delve into it to find out if what they are is true; sitting there for a couple hours reading away....
But I never really read the fine print stuff about your own health, wellness, diet, exercise, things/people/places to stay away from, ideas/dreams you should pursue...until now. What struck a huge cord with me was the food recommendations: it told me to stay far far away from processed foods. That these take a huge toll on my body and while this is certainly true for everyone, it really rang hard for me as over the course of halloween and thanskgiving I indulged in way too many bad foods and was on the borderline of depression. I finally took this advice to heart and just starting eating cleaner and have had much better results. Sure this can be said for everyone though. The book also explained my "creative side of food creation"; stating that those born on this day have a very imaginative brain without really trying or thinking about it. True! Here's an example of Dec 18., no not my bday, just a random example to show you (there is a lot more; hard to fit this all in one or two photos).
I think you might like this book, it's not your average horriblescope reading; it's way better and will tell you stuff that just might shock, surprise and/or make you happy, but most of all make you go out there and achieve what it is you really want in life. :-)
Anyone else in love with kicked up leggings such as these? Oh I just love these leggings. So stinking cute.
Recent trip to Sephora I saw Josie Maran had some neat lip stain stuff. Kind of curious but fearful of lip stains because they are ALWAYS way too dark and sticky, chemical like. Well I had tried on her lip stain stuff and it was not sticky and read that it was free of chemicals. Didn't think much of it until hours later when I saw in the mirror that the stain was still on there. Wow. This stuff does work. I didn't get it, but had wished I did. The color I tried was the most neutral, the Mambo.
Who likes Uggs? What happened to these Uggs? I don't think sparkles are supposed to be on Uggs.
Did you see these peanut butter cupcakes? Sweet sarah.
My cooking bud Nick over at Macheesmo did a great post on tips & tricks for freezing. Perfect for this time of year really.
Do you have naughty people on your Christmas list?
Want to give them coal for Christmas?
Rum balls this time of year can be gross. Use this recipe for the perfect rum balls; these are done just right.
Mini gingerbread whoopie pies from King Arthur. I will be making these.
Speaking of mile high cupcakes. Did you see these over at Culinary Concoctions by Peabody? Hi Top Triple Chocolate Cupcakes. It has a layer of CHOCOLATE SWISS MERINQUE BUTTERCREAM in there! That is like my all time favorite--I could eat a bowl of it, no prob.
Any of my readers out there do the Primal Blueprint? Kind of like the Paleo lifestyle craze? A grain free diet? Curious to hear your thoughts on it. It's had quite a huge success rate and I firmly believe that sugar and carbs (bad carbs that is) are the enemy. It's supposed to help enormously with inflammation: that wonderful little ailment we get when we age. But what struck a chord with me most was this blog from a woman who did the primal lifestyle and blogged about it here at primal girl. I don't do a lot of carbs, except for taste testing when baking; almost off soda, really don't do a lot of pasta. But I really want to go to the next level and eat more/better choices of proteins as well as eat more veggies. To be honest I do not eat a lot of veggies and I should. I do eat a lot of fruit though.
Love to hear your thoughts.....
The recipes in the book aren't that bad really. I mean they all look really good. And I can see why one would never miss the bread, the sweets, the carbs if you ate this way.
The primal lifestyle is almost like the paleo lifestyle, but the paleo is more restrictive. No grains, legumes or dairy. While the primal has no grains, limited legumes and dairy. It would be hard for me to give up dairy--that morning espresso with milk? Oh no!
Have a fabulous weekend kids.
