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cookies2

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies (For Two)

 Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies (For Two) %The Baker Chick

The number one question that I get asked when people meet me, knowing I have a baking blog, is- “How are you not fat?” Seriously- I get asked that weekly if not more often. I know it makes little sense- I’m baking, posting (and eating,) lots of treats per week and while I’ve definitely put on 5 lbs. since The Baker Chick was born, it hasn’t gotten out of hand. I exercise occasionally, (much to the dismay of my husband who is a personal trainer,) but what I really practice every single day is the art of moderation. For me if I eat a healthy diet I can still manage desserts several times a week as long as I don’t go overboard. I like a small slice of cake, or one brownie or cookie and then I typically give the rest away. It’s a system that works for me and I plan on sticking to it- as I never see giving up sweets in my future!

 Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies (For Two) %The Baker Chick

 Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies (For Two) %The Baker Chick


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Strawberry and Cream Napoleans

 Strawberry and Cream Napoleans %The Baker Chick

My Mama is in town this week! We have the cutest guest room (which is a NYC luxury but has only been used a couple times,) and I get so happy to walk by and see her in there. Living far away is hard. Anyway- my Mama is always wishing that we could bake together, so we didn’t waste any time making some kitchen magic this week.

I was dying to show her how easy and impressive the quick puff pastry I shared recently was, and we decided that a springy version of the classic French Napolean would showcase the pastry perfectly. Normally three layers of puff pastry sandwich pastry cream with a chocolate and vanilla glaze. In our case we layered thick whipped cream and juicy strawberries in between the most flaky and tender pastry. (I still can’t help but be amazed at how easy it is to make.)  Strawberry and Cream Napoleans %The Baker Chick


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Caramel Latte Bundt Cake

 Caramel Latte Bundt Cake %The Baker Chick

Oh I sure do love my bundt pan. I mean what’s not to love? You can essentially bake up a gorgeous looking cake that when glazed looks fancy and special with little to no effort. The pan really does all the work. Now don’t get me wrong- I enjoy the effort involved in creating fancy layered cakes as well, but when I’m in a pinch and need something fast with a high presentation factor- bundts for the win!

 Caramel Latte Bundt Cake %The Baker Chick

 Caramel Latte Bundt Cake %The Baker Chick


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Spring Asparagus Quiche with Leeks and Gruyere

 Spring Asparagus Quiche with Leeks and Gruyere %The Baker Chick

This doesn’t really count as me straying from desserts or baked goods right? I mean I made a pie crust and did bake it, so I figure that counts. It’s just that I don’t think I’ve ever posted anything on the blog that was actually dinner, and it feels like I’m breaking the rules. (I know it’s my blog and I can post whatever I want but you know what I mean.)

 Spring Asparagus Quiche with Leeks and Gruyere %The Baker Chick

 Spring Asparagus Quiche with Leeks and Gruyere %The Baker Chick


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Monkey Bread Muffins

 Monkey Bread Muffins %The Baker Chick

Have you ever made monkey bread? I honestly and truly believe it may be the first thing I ever baked- seventh grade- home ec. class and a can of biscuit dough. I’m also pretty sure we “baked” them in the microwave? It’s possible. Not familiar with monkey bread? I’ve decided t’s basically like the inside of a cinnamon roll. Rounds of soft dough are dunked in butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar and then baked together. I mean sound’s pretty similar right?  I’ve been thinking that I needed to make a for-scratch version of this for ages and thought a muffin-sized version would be fun. (Normally it’s made in a bundt pan but the muffin tins were cute as can be!)

 Monkey Bread Muffins %The Baker Chick

 Monkey Bread Muffins %The Baker Chick


smores

S’mores Brownies

 Smores Brownies %The Baker Chick

Did you have a good weekend? Mine was really great actually- Andy and I saw Iron Man 3 (loved it,) had some yummy Cinco de Mayo margaritas and on Saturday ventured to Brooklyn for to donate a batch of these brownies to the NYC Bake Sale. It was held at the Brooklyn Flea market (which I’ve always wanted to visit) and was a huge success! (They raised over 3,000 for No Kid Hungry!)

 Smores Brownies %The Baker Chick

 Smores Brownies %The Baker Chick


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Cinnamon Twists (plus quick puff pastry how-to)

 Cinnamon Twists (plus quick puff pastry how to) %The Baker Chick

Of all the things I learned at Blog & Bake, what I’m gonna share with you today blew my mind the most. Quick puff pastry seems like an oxymoron right? I mean regular puff pastry is essentially the same thing as making croissants and we all know that isn’t really a quick process. This however- is totally quick, easy and doable- and best of all- the results are amazing and can be used anywhere you’d use store-bought puff dough.

 Cinnamon Twists (plus quick puff pastry how to) %The Baker Chick

I made my puff into some delicious cinnamon twists, trying to figure out a way to add one last Cinco de Mayo recipe to the mix, thinking of my favorite cinnamon twists from Taco Bell. (shh don’t tell.) They’re not the same texture, but they sure were good. Flaky, buttery and full of cinnamon sugar. Perfect to serve at a party (they look great all standing up in a glass or vase) or dipped into some morning coffee.  Cinnamon Twists (plus quick puff pastry how to) %The Baker Chick


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Margarita Bars

 Margarita Bars %The Baker Chick

I told you recently that Cinco de Mayo was one of my all-time favorite holidays to bake for, so I couldn’t help but share another great and festive recipe. A true Fiesta isn’t complete without a limey margarita right? It’s one of the only cocktails that I can drink without immediately getting sleepy afterwards, so honestly it’s what I choose any night I want to have fun. (Which lets be honest, is only once in a rare while for this homebody.)

These bars are essentially the same concept as lemon bars, but with lime filling and plenty tequila mixed into the batter. They are easy to make, a beautiful limey color (thanks to a drop of food coloring) and the perfect festive treat for a weekend celebration. Most of the tequila cooks out of the bars in the oven, but just enough of the flavor remains to make these super margarita-y without being overly boozy. Olé!

 Margarita Bars %The Baker Chick

PS- The lovely Rachel from Rachel Cooks featured me in a little blogger interview series on her site. Check it out!

 Margarita Bars %The Baker Chick


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Basic White Bread

 Basic White Bread %The Baker Chick

Did you ever go to summer camp as a kid? I didn’t- but always dreamed of it. I always figured getting to spend all day with new friends doing fun activities would be the most fun ever. Well, last week I got to go to my adult version of “camp” which was really the Blog & Bake ® at King Arthur Flour in Norwich, VT. It was three days of all day baking glory- learning the ins and outs of their flour as well as how to make all sorts of wonderful recipes with it. I met some wonderful bloggers and learned so very much. Adult baking camp for the win!!

This basic white bread recipe is one of the first we made. It is so soft and is just to die for with a slab of creamy butter. (You should have seen the whole group demolish a loaf with some Vermont butter. Amazing.)

 Basic White Bread %The Baker Chick

 Basic White Bread %The Baker Chick