The Baker Chick

Roasted Strawberry Pancakes

June 17, 2013 22 Comments

I’ve been waiting since May for a couple quarts of those adorable teeny farm-picked strawberries that make for the most delicious baked treats. They came to NYC late this year and I always seem to miss them at the Greenmarket. Finally Friday was my day! Right before my favorite produce stand closed, I got my hands on two heaping quarts of these little beauties and I knew a weekend of berry-licious baking was in my future. (You may be getting two strawberry recipes this week- hope you don’t mind!)

Filed Under: Breakfast, Recipes Tagged With: Buttermilk, Strawberry

Classic (One Bowl) Chocolate Cake

June 13, 2013 42 Comments

I know I just talked about avoiding turning my oven on in the summer, but if I am going to turn it on it has to be for something 1- easy and 2- delicious. Also- it happened to be my husband’s birthday and he wanted cake and that’s what he got. Classic, rich, fudgy chocolate cake that is so easy to throw together I may be turning my oven on for it on a weekly basis.

I have never had too much luck with layer cakes, (they always seem to be lopsided or the filling ends up oozing out the sides,) so I was very proud that this baby was straight and pretty. (Though I still need lessons in decorating, “rustic swirls” seem to be the only trick up my sleeve as of now.) The fact that this cake is much more fluffy than dense helps with the layering too- maybe next time I’ll be brave and try 3 layers!!

Filed Under: Cake, Classics, Recipes Tagged With: Buttermilk, Chocolate

No-Bake Cheesecake with Quick Blueberry Sauce

June 10, 2013 20 Comments

No Bake Cheesecake with Quick Blueberry Sauce via The Baker Chick

I’ve mentioned my hot-as-heck kitchen before, and though it doesn’t stop me from still turning my oven on frequently, I love any chance I have to make decadent desserts without it. A light and fluffy cheesecake with fruit sauce is one of my favorite desserts, but can sometimes seem too heavy for warm summer days right? I love a dense and rich classic NY version, but was hoping to make something a little more creamy and airy.

Filed Under: Cake, Cheesecake, Recipes Tagged With: Blueberry, Cream Cheese

This and That

June 7, 2013 8 Comments

Happy Friday!! It’s gross and rainy today and I unfortunately don’t have a new recipe to share. Today’s nastiness was preceded by a couple perfect days and I wanted to be outside more than I wanted to be in the kitchen. That paired with feeling a bit under the weather means you’re getting random updates today instead! :)

I’ve been meaning to do a “Life lately on Instagram” post for awhile and I’m pairing it with a little update on some new features on the blog that my wonderful designer Shay has put into place!

Two pretty spring moments in NYC. That second pic is near the Resivoir at Central Park- so picturesque.

That’s my Itty-bitty kitchen! And a egg disaster. Wah wah.

My dear talented friend Laura has been nominated for a TONY for her performance in Cinderella on B’way!! On the left- our friend Natalie and I took her out for Fro-yo on her nomination day. (It’s become a tradition.) On the right- in the dressing room after the show with my mama and sisters.

Here are a couple DIY projects I’ve attempted lately- on the left- a re-finished and distressed those chairs- I love the pop of color. On the right- I ordered some of my instagram pics and made a little clip on collage thing. It gives our guest room a nice touch huh?

And for the blog updates- notice that I have a new bar on the top of the screen making it an easy reminder to sign up for my email newsletter! In the top menu bar- you can see that I’ve added a “Recipe Box” tab which is for all you Ziplist users! Also- I’ve added buttons to connect with me on Instagram and Google+!

You will also notice a footer that we added with my instagram feed as well as some popular posts. Fresh and new!!

Have a wonderful weekend folks! :)

Filed Under: Life

Lemon Cream Pavlovas

June 5, 2013 25 Comments

I recently polled my Facebook page for ideas of summer recipes that are light and refreshing. I got some wonderful feedback and feel newly fueled with inspiration to get me through the summer months. The general consensus was lots of summer fruits, berries and of course bright and refreshing lemon!

I’ve been wanting to make pavlova again with a new twist, as it is in my opinion one of the loveliest and lightest desserts out there. I had a vision of the crisp, chewy and airy meringue with tart lemon curd and fluffy whipped cream- which kinda sounded like the best part of lemon meringue pie without a crust. I remember the Berry Pavlova I made last year being so light that I almost ate it all myself. I remedied that by breaking this one down into smaller portions. 6 perfectly sized desserts that are so light & bright they scream nothing but summer.

Filed Under: Cake, Recipes Tagged With: Lemon

Hazelnut Macarons with Chocolate Frangelico Ganache

June 3, 2013 28 Comments

The time has almost come my friends. You know- when it gets so hot in NYC that my un-airconditioned kitchen becomes unbearable and I complain about it constantly? (Ok- maybe I should try to do that less this year!) Anyway- though some people were bummed that it was unseasonably cold Memorial Day weekend, I actually loved it. Nothing is more cozy to me than turning on the oven to bake when its cold and dreary, even if it’s supposed to be summer out.

I thought a gloomy day would be the perfect chance to try my hand at a new variation on my favorite Macaron recipe, since you really can’t make them when it’s humid and warm. I’ve never made macs with a nut other than almonds and I was so excited to add some hazelnuts to the mix.