baking adventure
Growing up in a Chinese-American household, baking (and good baked goods) were not a priority for my family. I didn't learn until I was an adult that I actually like bread- I had always had bad bread. Considering that I grew up on mostly wonderbread or wonderbread-like substitutes, it is shocking that I was even willing to try bread as an adult.
I can cook but I had always convinced myself I'm not really a baker. I just occasionally dabble in baked goods, when a really good reason calls for it. Also, I am ill at ease with the amount of sugar and butter (or lard in some cases) that goes into baked goods. I have made banana bread in the past that is supposed to be healthy- nuts, low on the processed sugar, no butter, whole wheat, etc. Sometimes it turns out okay but mostly it turns out like one of those health food protein bars and not at all like banana bread.
Well, I have noticed that lately, I have had cravings for some fat and sugar on a carbohydrate delivery system. Usually, I go to the grocer's, a local bakery, or a coffee joint and get my hit. But to try to live frugally this summer, I have committed myself to at least try to make at home what I crave. Not only will it help me save money, it helps me understand how much things really cost (in terms of both time and money) and what I am eating.
J and I have made a couple of things this summer- scones and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. They were fabulous. When we dig up the pictures, I'll post a full report. Today, I wanted to talk about my latest adventure. Right now, I am making pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.
J just recently finished a very big project (that went on for MONTHS) and is currently hosting/running/doing and event at the Philadelphia Park(ing) Day. Basically, on Park(ing) Day, people sign up in advance for a parking spot in the city and turn that spot into a park of sorts. J's is called Sketch Park- a park where people can sit around and draw/sketch/doodle/etc. I wanted to have something for him when he came home to celebrate. What better way than fat, sugar and carbs?
POST-SCRIPT
Made two batches (tot: 24) of mini-muffins. I used a silicone muffin tray with a light wiping of canola oil (an oiled towel works just as well as a spray). The muffins popped out very easily. The first batch (in the oven for 30 minutes) was undercooked and doughy tasting. The second batch (in the over for 35 minutes) had a light golden brown top, slightly crunchier and oooooh-soooo-yuuummmmy!!!
J appreciated the muffins as best he could, considering that he is very tired and sick. I think it is the post-stress crash plus the bug he caught from me.
I can cook but I had always convinced myself I'm not really a baker. I just occasionally dabble in baked goods, when a really good reason calls for it. Also, I am ill at ease with the amount of sugar and butter (or lard in some cases) that goes into baked goods. I have made banana bread in the past that is supposed to be healthy- nuts, low on the processed sugar, no butter, whole wheat, etc. Sometimes it turns out okay but mostly it turns out like one of those health food protein bars and not at all like banana bread.
Well, I have noticed that lately, I have had cravings for some fat and sugar on a carbohydrate delivery system. Usually, I go to the grocer's, a local bakery, or a coffee joint and get my hit. But to try to live frugally this summer, I have committed myself to at least try to make at home what I crave. Not only will it help me save money, it helps me understand how much things really cost (in terms of both time and money) and what I am eating.
J and I have made a couple of things this summer- scones and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. They were fabulous. When we dig up the pictures, I'll post a full report. Today, I wanted to talk about my latest adventure. Right now, I am making pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.
J just recently finished a very big project (that went on for MONTHS) and is currently hosting/running/doing and event at the Philadelphia Park(ing) Day. Basically, on Park(ing) Day, people sign up in advance for a parking spot in the city and turn that spot into a park of sorts. J's is called Sketch Park- a park where people can sit around and draw/sketch/doodle/etc. I wanted to have something for him when he came home to celebrate. What better way than fat, sugar and carbs?
POST-SCRIPT
Made two batches (tot: 24) of mini-muffins. I used a silicone muffin tray with a light wiping of canola oil (an oiled towel works just as well as a spray). The muffins popped out very easily. The first batch (in the oven for 30 minutes) was undercooked and doughy tasting. The second batch (in the over for 35 minutes) had a light golden brown top, slightly crunchier and oooooh-soooo-yuuummmmy!!!
J appreciated the muffins as best he could, considering that he is very tired and sick. I think it is the post-stress crash plus the bug he caught from me.
posted by Matty Lau at
12:13 PM
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