Celtic Libations

 Saint Patrick;s Day brings a host of traditional Irish  foods and drink. People do know and love lamb stew and boxty yet Irish stouts and ales. flummox them. What's the best to drink? How is stout different from ale? There are so many aspects to decipher.

St Patrick's Day is a day to try a big pint of stout - namely  Guinness . This iconic ale was first created in 1759 by Arthur Guinness in Dublin. He had a 9,000 (!!!!!) year old lease on Saint James Brewery. It first produced many beers but then concentrated on a dark one first called porter then stout. Now there is a difference between the two. Porters use malted barley while the other uses just barley. This give stout  a roasted coffee like, almost bitter flavor. The taste does make it excellent for baking. Many use it ,combined with chocolate to create rich cakes and cupcakes.Porter's taste is also good, with a chocolate-y caramel or even a light coffee taste.Many porter cakes usually have brown sugar to balance this out as well as complementing the flavor. Keep in mind if you;re on a pub crawl on Monday, go easy on the stout.It has a higher alcohol content than porter. You can simply nurse one for an evening. You could also go for a pint of porter which is lighter and won;t leave you with a hangover on Tuesday morning.

Of course there's no avoiding a good dream of Irish whiskey on St Patrick's day. Yet which one is the best along with should you of with Irish or Scottish whisky.The different spellings can tell you something. whiskey with an e is the drink being distilled  three times while the one without an e is distilled only twice. The triple distilling give the finished product a lighter flavor. It can also be produced with both unmalted and malted barley.Malted just means the grains are allowed to ferment in water until sprouts appear.They're then dried and this process gives the sugars needed for fermentation. There are many Celtic themed cocktails to make with whiskey, namely the famed Irish coffee. This is coming a good whiskey such as Bailey's with hot coffee and sugar.A  thick layer of cream is put on top of the cup and you sip through that.THis can end a wonderful evening meal of lamb stew or a roast leg of lamb. There is also Irish cider a  blend of whiskey and hard cider for an extra kick.if you;re a light drinker than stick with a whiskey sour, a mix of whiskey, lemon or lime juice and simple or maple syrup. You can tell the bartender to go light on the whiskey so it kind of resembles a shandy.

Monday is a day for having fun and drinking. Just pick the drink that bests suit you.It could be a gorgeous dark stout or a light whiskey cocktail. Either way celebrate with a toast and Slainte

Your Favorite Fall Treat

 This is the time of year when everyone gets back into the kitchen to either cook or bake. What's your fall favorite? Will you be air frying spicy wings for your tail gating party? IS artichoke spinach dip on your radar?Or I it sweets you'r thinking of? Are you buying flour for your apple cider doughnuts or spice cupcakes?

What treat do you want to make as this season changes? Let us know

Eating For Summer

 Now that it's May it's time to start thinking of summer and bathing suits. It's also the time to start eating right to fit into last year's shorts and bathing suits.A few dietary changes can be a big help.

What to eat for a healthier diet? Protein and greens. fire up the grill for some grilled chicken and turkey breast. These are perfect for a simple dinner complete with any kind of veggie and maybe a scoop of herbed rice.Salmon is another great protein that can make up a light supper or even lunch. Grill with a sprinkle of lemon along with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. You could add soy if you want or Italian seasoning for something different.mA Sunday dinner or grilled veggies is a nice change up from the usual roast and gravy. what's good about the leftover meats and veggies is that they can easily be added to mixed greens the next day for a filling lunch or even for a second dinner.If you're tired of all those barbecue then think chili. This classic can actually help in losing weight.The ingredients can help to reduce sugar and fat cravings!!It's also filled with fiber and protein which keeps you satiated and not in need of snacks or a heavy desssert afterwards.

What about those snacks and drinks? Everyone spent the winter gobbling all sorts of goodies and drink lush cappuccinos and lattes.it's time to snack light. A good change over is popcorn.it's not only low calorie but rich in much needed fiber. YOur best bet is getting a micorwave corn popper like Colonel Popper and buying the kernals. This gives you a an eight calorie bowl of snacking. Pop ir in olive oil for a better flavor and to add more nutrients. If you want it flavored then sprinkle on Kernel Seasons' flavorings. They have every flavor from kettle corn to butter and nacho cheese. Pretzels are another low calorie snack that are filling and can be taken everywhere. A bag of them in your office desk is a greatway to combat those afternoon munchies. Fruit is another good sanck. It provides the sweetness of a cookie or cupcake without all those sugar and fat. If you want something a bit more special then add a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top.

It's time to eat light. Switch over to low calorie ingredients and snacks. You'll feel better by eating lighter and less.

Papa Ganache A New Kind of Bakery

 Veganism is taking a strong hold on the American palate. It's no wonder that vegan bakeries are becoming more popular. They're becoming part of the hometown scene. One New Jersey mini chain Papa Ganache is this offering dairy and egg free treats.

I was lucky to visit the Cranford , New Jersey branch today. The owner , vegan baker and psychotherapist Lisa Siroti founded these good for you bakeries. There are no animal products used which means there's no cholesterol to fret over along with no transfat and  preservatives. It's a small batch bakery meaning the items are baked in smaller quantities than a regular bakery would.

Still there was a lot to choose from. I went in mid afternoon and there was still a good choice of cookies, brownies and baby cakes. (smaller two layer cakes)

They alos have cookie pops. I couldn't resist the cupocakes so I bought the creme brulee and the carrot ones.

I wanted to see if the frosting was as good as my homemade vegan one, I could taste the apple sauce in the creme brule one. I liked the torched raw sugar on top It did add that nice  crunch and burnt flavor that the real creme brule has. The icing was very solid in texture and then melted into creaminess .The carrot cupcakes tasted exactly like their non vegan counterparts. I love the burst of carroty flavor the cake had and the ultra creaminess of the icing. These could easily pass for the non vegan ones. I'm hoping to try their cookies and their big square Neopolitan ones that look like petit fours. Also their vegan bread sounds fascinating too. The pricing is expensive though. Each cupcake was five dollars while  giant cookies are $4.50 each. Smaller cakes start at $30 while a nine inch one is $50. 

Visit Papa Ganache if you're in the quaint and charming town of Cranford or visit their Marawan and Manasquan locations. It's a great place to  try delicious vegan treats.

Papa Ganache Cranford location 106 N>Union Ave.

Sweets From The Grill

 You may feel that it';s time to pack up the grill now that labor Day is just around the corner. Don't. You can still grill. In fact you can use it for baking some treats with fall's fruits.

Anything you can bake in an oven you can bake on a grill.It's just a matter of geting the right temp for baking batter and dough. This usually means putting down the lid to get the desired temp, usually 350 degrees Farenheit. Separate the ashed briquettes from the others.what would make a good dessert? Depends on what you want to serve after the dinner. You can try cupcakes using a scratch recipe or a box mix. Some home bakers add pudding to keep the crumb extra moist.Instead of topping themwith buttercream frosting think whipped cream with soem berries Yes you cna still get strawberries and it's the start of the second raspberry season). You could also top chocolate ones with toasted marshmallow for a take on s'mores.Cakes can also bake on the grill,Indirect heat creates the best ones.To get airier layers, bake the pans on the different tiers, like the  warming tray and the actual grill. You can also bake over a pan of water placed on the briquettes. This works well with upside down cakes like pineapple upside down as it it infuses the cake siwth a smoky flavor and keeps the fruit incredibly moist.

Of course you can also bake pizza on the grill.It does help to have a stone but you can place the pie directly on the grill plate. Just brush the grill with olive oil or a mox of garlic and oil for more flavor. Toppings can be wihatever you want. Try fresh tomatoes and basil from the garden. You cna also add diced peppers and broccoli if yo want or turn it into a meat lover's treat.  Close the lid and cook until the cheese melts . You can also make individual pies too.  A savory galette is also a great treat treat. Try one with tomatoes and onions or leeks and mushrooms. This rustic pie is also known for beinga sweet dessert filled with fruit. Since we 're coming into apple season, think a galette filled with Granny Smiths , mixed with cinnamon and sugar. You could also grill bake a raspberry one, regular pies can also be baked on hot coals. You can use what's known as fire bricks for even baking. Any Lowe's or Home Depot sell them. They/'re usually wrapped in tin foil before using,

Try your grill for baking. It's a fun way to cook up cakes and pies. You can create anything with dough , batter and hot coals.

Good Deeds For Memorial Day

 Our US military forces should always be remembered. Today we do remember the sacrifices made from the Revolutionary War to the recent Afghan ones. However we should also remember out living vets as well.

For the older vets , a nice lunch out or even inviting them over for some sandwiches and iced tea would be appreciated. Spend the afternoon together chatting about all sorts of things. You could even treat him or her for a n ice cream in the park or a cold coffee , sipped at an outdoors cafe. Bring the kids along so they can hear the stories and appreciate what these service people have done to protect the country.

For newer, younger vets, offer to baby sit their kids so the couple can have a romantic date night out. Give them a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant and possibly tickets to a local concert or movie. Invite them over for a good meal and talk. Bake them a plate of cookies or a tray of cupcakes. Think nothing of making a few extra jars of homemade sauce. It's a small thank you for their sacrifices.

Our vets have given up and sacrificed so much for the good of the nation Let's remember them with big and small gestures not just for today , but for the entire year. It's time to honor their service.

Lambing Season

 It's easter and you know what that means - thousands of home bakers will be baking a variety of lamb, egg and bunny shaped cakes again. Is it time to go through another round of intense holiday baking? You bet it is!

Three years I was following my Mom's tradition of baking lamb cakes for everyone. The pandemic hit and for two years Easter was a small affair with a lovely small cake from my local Acme. Now that life is back to normal, I'll be back at the Acme in search of cake mixes, Dream Whip for body, confectioner's sugar and flour.This mold will see active duty again this week and next for Orthodox Easter,It also means a thorough oven cleaning as well.

Of course there are questions and planning. For one friend, maybe a vanilla cake with a strawberry icing. For my house - the ever popular chocolate cake with a coffee frosting for a little brown lamb. Greek Orthodox friends always want the traditional  vanilla cake and vanilla frosting - there can be no other.I've been checking out my go to and best website for frosting recipes Two Sisters to see if there's a different type of coating to try. Then there's the question of full vegan for friends. Do I add almond milk and Just Egg to their cakes as well or can I use real eggs and milk for a fuller bodied cake? The decorations also count.Luckily food coloring has an indefinite shelf life so I can use the ones from the last lamb cake frenzy. As for the chocolate lamb, chocolate decorations work best, so it's buying a new tin of cocoa (and plan making and baking everything from mole to chocolate meringues this Spring). I know I'm not doing a tester cake like I did the last time. There was so much cake by Easter time. I will also need cupcake papers because there will be extra batter  and icing. The overage will yield two or three little cakes which are fun to decorate.

Yes, lambing season is here. That means my oven will be busy once more creating the cake everyone loves.It is a lot of work, but to seeing smiles of gratitude are worth all the baking and frosting.

TikTok Treats

 Tik Tok is just more than dance offs and book reviews. IT's providing the inspiration for holiday baking. It;s giving the world excellent cookie and candy  ideas. Best part is that you can even add your own recipes and favorites to the mix.

If you want to see some of the latest trends , first download the Tik Tok app and then go into baking. It's an amazing amount of fun recipes done within just a few seconds. I love the holiday pumpkin rolls one, a tiny film of ingenuity and thread. Then there are the pizookie videoes which feature that clever marriage of pizza and giant cookie. These are easy to make and would be great for any Christmas tree party. Another fun Christmas party treat is the Christmas tree bread, made only and simply with chocolate ganache, what looks like store bought puff pastry and some clever twisting. The dough is cut into a tree shape with some stars cut from the extra dough and then the tree branches are twisted. The stars then are placed onto the tree's middle then the entire bread is baked.For the truly ambitious there are Tik Tok videos on homemade gingerbread houses build with scratch gingerbread. You could even try hot chocolate bombs for an interesting gift. The candy videos are also fun and there are some interesting recipes like crockpot candy one or the treat made with Saltines!

Keep in mind that most of the TikTok videoes do not give measurements , cooking times or oven temps. You have to look on the web for the recipes which, luckily there are many. The app does have some really great cake decorating videos. The cupcake ones are really fun and easy to replicate. However if you want a more detailed video then go to Youtube. As we all know the videos are much more detailed and can give you recipes with exact measurements and show  how to decorate every baked good with precision. Remember all this if you want to make your own Tik Tok clip. You only have a few minutes to create a cohesive clip. Get everything you need together. The bowls, measuring cups and spoons along with whisks and beaters should all be laid out. It helps to measure out everything before hand, like  what's done on You Tube and cooking shows. A good idea is having the treat already baked and decorated. You don't have the time to include the baking and decorating time together. Decorating is another thing. You can show how you added whorls and faces on your creations. The last is picking out the music. Go for a holiday theme background. wear an apron if you want to,

Tik Tok is a great way to get inspiration for your holiday table/ There are some neat ideas you can try. It could be a pizookie or a pan of fudge. Take a look at the app and have fun.

Easter Givings

 Today is Holy Thursday and it starts the beginning of the four day Easter holy days. It's a time of celebration but also reflection too. Think about those who don't have what you have and those who don't have your bounty. 

We are getting vaccinated at astonishing rates yet there is still so much to do for a safe recovery. Try to help those in need. Share your Easter dinner with  them or treat them to groceries so they can have a sumptuous meal too. Bake extra cupcakes or cookies and bring them over along with candy for the kids. If everyone has been vaccinated , then think about a socially distanced barbecue. Throw in an Easter egg and candy hunt too.

We may not be able to go to church to celebrate but we can celebrate each other. Start with generosity. It will go a long way and brighten up Easter for everyone.

What Do You Want To Bake

 This is the season for heavy duty baking. It's even more intense this year as we leave boxes of treats for our loved ones and friends. The question is what do you want to bake. Do you want to keep within your skill set or go beyond? Do you want to stick with one kind of baked good or expand? Ask yourself these questions when you're planning your holiday baking.

Christmas season means cookie season. There's nothing like a plate of shortbread or chocolate chip cookies along with fancily made and decorated ones. Before you start, ask yourself do you want to stick with the familiar or go beyond? You could uses mixes such as Betty Crocker's . These are basically already mixed and just need eggs and butter. You can turn the mix sugar cookies into fancy ones with the addition of colored sugar and sprinkles. Many would prefer starting from scratch. Nothing beats the holiday spritz cookies which can be baked into so many different shapes and decorated so many different ways.  The classic recipe is just a mix of butter, sugar, flour and egg along with a dash of almond or vanilla. The dough is then chilled and rolled. Keep in mind that spritz cookies don't always work out. There's also a lot from one batch and they bake very quickly. Baking them really is nothing more than a rapid assembly line. If this is too much you may want to stick with easy to mix, easy to make cupcakes. Just bake a dozen of either chocolate or vanilla or both flavors. A fun icing is a peppermint buttercream which goes well with chocolate. The frosting can also be tinted and be festooned with all sorts of decorative pieces, from pretzels for reindeer antlers to marshmallows for snowmen.

Some home bakers are turning to cakes for a different holiday dessert. A simple layer cake with a lovely frosting is always a plus. You can try a spice cake with a maple frosting to finish off a Christmas dinner. Another idea for those who want to go fully traditional is the Christmas fruitcake. It's a bit more labor intensive for some but the result is well worth it.The recipe calls a variety of dried fruit from dates to raisins to candied orange peels. You can easily omit these if they're not your family's cup of tea. Spices abound in any fruitcake recipe. There are cloves,nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice. Of course it wouldn't be a fruitcake without the alcohol .Bourbon, rum or brandy can all be used to douse the fruit before adding it to the batter - not the cake after it's baked.The alcohol is usually mixed with orange juice for more flavor for the dried fruit. If this is too intense, you could try baking a panettone. the Italian fruit bread. It really is a bread thanks to the addition of yeast.It also requires a special pan for it but you can also use a coffee can too. This is a great bake for all those who honed their bread making skills this year. If this recipe works out for you , then try the other Italian Christmas pandoro, or golden bread. This rich confection has egg yolks along with  half a cup of whole cream and two sticks of butter added in for its' deep yellow color and lush flavor. You do need a special pandoro pan for it to create the risen star shape.

Bake what you feel comfortable with this CHristmas. Being confident helps in creating no fail treats everyone will love. Just go with your skill set and make something amazing for family and friends.

 

Weddings Now

October was usually the time for lovely fall weddings however that's all changed. The pandemic has forced us to look at how we gather and throw parties.It's not a question of what shall we serve but rather how can we do it without getting guests sick. There are ways of maneuvering  around the restrictions. 

In the old pre-pandemic days there used to be wedding receptions full of endless courses.There was the sushi bar followed by the pasta buffet. Everyone took from bountiful trays of hors d'ouevres and appetizers. a fun idea would be different food trucks set up along the street or in the wedding venue's parking lot. This is a plus because everyone likes what food trucks produce, The bride and groom can have their favorite foods served, whether it''s pizza or tacos. Several trucks can be set up because they're not that expensive per person. have hamburgers and corn dogs along with pizza and bulgogi, if you want a truly international affair. As for dessert, ice cream trucks are fun but just a bit messy. People will be wearing relatively fancy dress and the last thing anyone wants is a drippy cone or Popsicle. A better idea is a cupcake truck that doles out mini wedding cakes. These can be a variety of flavors too or the happy couple's favorite ones. You can also have already made meals that have been boxed in fancily decorated cardboard containers or plastic tubs. Fill them with  filet mignon sandwiches or lobster rolls. For a side think a small cup of grape tomatoes with a side of dressing. As for the cake, it can be cut in front of everyone and then instantly boxed to take home.

Can there be a relatively normal sit down dinner? Yes but keep it very small. Limit it to the immediate family and the  bridal party. This is reminiscent of weddings of the past where only a few were invited. The family can become involved , especially if the reception is held in the parents' backyard. You could bake a large ham or roast beef and serve it cold, if you 're involved in the wedding. leave it to rest for thirty minutes  - about the length of the ceremony. Slice it right away so that not too many people handle it or are around the meat. As for sides , think scoops of potato or macaroni salad in individual ramekins to cut down on contact.If you want some kind of salad, think hollowed out Roma tomatoes filled with cottage cheese. The cheese be glammed up with the addition of chopped red, yellow and green peppers along with oregano. Decorate with parsley sprigs. Should you have a traditional cake  with just a small group? Yes!!!! Bake a simple two layer with just butter cream frosting and flowers. If you feel it's not enough . then go for a southern tradition and bake a groom's cake. as well. This is usually the groom's favorite flavor, namely chocolate but it could be any flavor - except the wedding cake's. It can be decorated with the groom's favorite team colors or reflecting his hobbies.

Weddings and how we celebrate them will be different for the course of the pandemic. Make the best and most of the day with delicious foods. They can be from food trucks or from your kitchen. What matters is that they celebrate a day full of love and hope.

Happy 100th year wedding anniversary to my grandparents, Joe and Rina Helble.

Your Best Bake

Now that we're globally quarantined, it's time to bring out your best baking pictures and recipes. We need to show what we have and how we're conquering - yes conquering - this pandemic. We have the time, we have the flour, eggs, and butter, Let's do it. Send me your pix.

It could be a birthday cake.

A cake with fondant decorations

                                     A Greek bread (thanks Eva D.for this lovely pic)

                                                         Cinnamon rolls

                                                                   Loaf breads   

Cupcakes

                                                                       Croissants
                                                                           and

of course cookies.

Show us and this hungry world your best bake. Have fun with it. Now GO to it!

Comfort Food For Now

With all hell breaking loose around us, it's the best time to cook and bake those dishes and treats near and dear to our stomachs and hearts. It is definitely time for a slice of meat loaf or a big chocolate chip cookie. Indulge in what you want.

Luckily most of our comfort foods can be home made. There's no need to go out to restaurants and fast food joints. It's easy to make your version of Quarter Pounders and Whoppers at home. You can use Beyond Burgers for a healthier spin. Load it up with slices of onions, pickles and an easy to make version of special sauce.This is a mishmosh of mayo, French dressing and ketchup spiked up with white vinegar and dill pickle relish, Your side? Air fried French fries.  Get a few Idaho or Russet potatoes for the crispiest and meatiest. For real comfort, think Tater tots wrapped in bacon. You can also air fry these to get rid of all that bacon grease. Of course most people turn to meat loaf and mashed potatoes for their comfort foodsThink about amping it up some with the addition of sliced portabella mushrooms and wrapping it in bacon for a truly flavorful bite. Add a rich mushroom gravy spiked with with cremini or baby bella mushrooms and a good  jigger of sherry. To add to this try cream cheese mashed potatoes. These are the same recipe as basic mashed potatoes but have the added creaminess and cheesiness of the cream cheese. There's also garlic powder for more flavor. Spoon tons of gravy over them or just plop scoops of butter on top.

Of course comfort foods also mean sweets too.  Giant chocolate chip cookies are the perfect bake and comfort food. They have the perfect combination of butter, chocolate and brown sugar. You can add walnuts along with pecans too. Another comfort bake are M&M cookies. These are great made with the dark chocolate M&Ms. Whip up a batch  and enjoy them with a good book and a cup of your favorite tea.Another great comfort cookie? Peanut butter. Again, it's a fabulous mix of peanut butter, butter and brown sugar. Dip baked ones in melted dark chocolate for the ultimate peanut butter cup taste. Of course nothing beats cupcakes,You can have fun with these too. Imagine devil's food ones piled high with a minty buttercream, then topped with chocolate sprinkles. Or bake butter cake ones frosted with mounds of fudge frosting. Cupcakes are great to bake and ice during a quarantine because they are labor intensive and can help you pass the time when cabin fever sets in. Ice cream , for some is another sweet comfort food. A scoop is nice but jazz it up with some hot fudge and whipped cream.Create a tin roof sundae with a layer of Spanish peanuts and a few maraschino cherries. You could also throw all of this in a waffle cone for some fun.

Yes, you should eat healthy during these stressful times but also treat yourself to some really good comfort food. Have a dinner of burger and fries. Bake those cupcakes and cookies. Indulge yourself. Think of it as a remedy for these anxiety filled days.

Sharing

With today being Martin Luther King Day, it's time to think of sharing. It can be our time , gardens , talent, whatever have you. Food , the growing and preparing of it is a great way of keeping his wish for unity alive. It makes us a family, wed together with ingredients and recipes.

One of the best ways to honor Reverend King is donating time. The best is helping out at the soup kitchens in your area. Many just volunteer during Thanksgiving and Christmas yet it shouldn't just end there.  The needy are hungry all the time. Spend these weekends at your local soup kitchen along with Spring and summer ones  too. Suggest cookouts when the weather gets warmer. Urge stores to donate grills , and wood chips along with barbecue grub like dogs and burgers,along with cabbage for cole slaw and potatoes for potato salad. Donate time at the senior centers too and veterans home too. They made need help with events and parties. Another way of helping out is sharing home grown fruits and veggies. Start planning a slightly bigger garden this year. Any overage can be donated to both soup kitchens and food pantries.  Think about planting popular ones like tomatoes which can be used in everything from sauces to salads and lettuce, good for salads and sandwiches.As for fruit, fruit trees do take time to produce fruit. If you do want to donate some, then think about growing melons and strawberries  which can yield large harvests quickly.

Helping to cook also is a big plus to many kitchens. Another idea to promote unity is proposing community dinners where everyone comes and cooks. Grammar or high school gyms can be used for this as the school kitchens have more than ample room for a slew of cooks and bakers. Community dinners are a great way for new families to  mix with the town's veterans. Different dishes reflecting all the many nationalities can be made. It will be exciting as some taste shawarma and za'atar for the first time while others proudly serve  decades old family recipes such as meat loaf ,stuffed peppers and meatballs. A cookbook can even be made up with the featured dishes and sold with benefits going to the school. Bakers can feel good about whipping up a batch of cupcakes and/or cookies. Donate these to senior centers and veterans homes. You can also bake up loaves of healthy artisanal bread and rolls too which make for  healthier lunches and dinners. If there's a birthday , then bake a sheet cake that can be shared by all. You can also make an ice cream sheet cake during the warmer months too at your local centers and shelters.

Reverend King wanted this country to be unified with us blending together as one. What better way than with sharing food.It 's what brings us together.

The Veteran's Initiative

With today being Veteran's day, it's time to think of what we can do to honor them along with helping them.The best bet is working together as a community to make sure our vets are well fed and tended to. It may eve bring us together.

One of the best ways to honor them is reaching out. You can volunteer at veteran's homes , helping to cook and bake. Another pair of hands will be appreciated , especially when it comes to cutting and paring veggies.Also be on hand when the vets have birthdays, especially a milestone one. If you're a baker contribute a home made birthday cake or cupcakes, If they're on strict diets, then think about creating fruit bouquets similar to Edible Arrangements. They're easy to create , especially if you have metal cut out molds or paring knives. You can also contribute savory dishes such as veggies and dip or chips and homemade salsa. A homemade dinner is also a great way of saying thank you especially if you have vets in your neighborhood. It's also a great way of learning about history from someone  who has first hand experience. Another way of saying thank you is just taking him or her out for a meal or even a coffee. They'll probably enjoy the company more than the food.

The community can also come together to help vets. Think about having large communal holiday themed dinners like Thanksgiving at your schools. The school cafe or even gym can serve as the dining area. The cost can be diffused by turning it into a pot luck buffet. This is also a good lesson in inclusiveness as well. Have students and their families cook up or bake family favorites or heirloom recipes. It'll give vets a chance to try a possible array of Indian, Filipino and Caribbean dishes as well as such Thanksgiving classics as cranberry sauce and stuffing.  The students , especially the older ones, will gleam info about the country's involvement in recent wars. It may even inspire them to consider public service as a career choice. Another way of honoring them is having block parties. If the weather is mild in your area, then think about a holiday one. It's not just a good time for a plate of Christmas cookies but plaques thanking them for their service. Gift them with gift cards to their favorite restaurants or coffee houses like Panera, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts.

Don't honor veterans just on today. Honor them everyday. They fought  like the heroes they are. Celebrate them always.

A Fancy Barbecue

Could a barbecue be  elegant? Can  lobster and London broil replace dogs and burgers?The answer is yes. It's just a matter of elevating the menu and adding a fancy spin on backyard dining.

First of all establish some sort of dress code for the guests. The best bet is looking to beach weddings for inspiration. A semi formal look would be fine. It's not overly formal, and comfortable enough to relax in. Think slacks and a button down shirts for men while any summer dress and sandals will do for women. As for the host's end, if you're doing the grilling , grill in old clothes, then change.If it's too much serve food that can be made in advance.What do you serve at this sort of gathering?Good food , but not the usual messy fare. The best way to decide on a menu is think of what you would have at an indoor party. One of the easiest paths to take is having a buffet.It's a no brainer to set up tables at your yard's parameters , leaving the space in between for tables and chairs. Have chilled bruschetta topping just warmed Italian and French bread slices.You can do a different spin on it , by putting swirls of basil or kale pesto on the slices.Polenta rounds  topped with sauteed cremini and shiitake mushrooms are another lovely opener.  Try cherry tomatoes stuffed with minced mozzarella - a perfect warm weather treat, especially when paired with champagne.

What about the main fare? Serve spiral ham and London broil along with roast turkey.  All can be grilled, the turkey  does need to be tented with aluminum foil when cooking outside. Another idea is barbecued shrimp which can be put on mini skewers for easy  no mess handling . Want to add another level of elegance? Then think of serving barbecued lobster tails. Surprisingly , they're easy to cook on the grill. Start with a lemony marinade of lemon juice, zest and olive oil - or canola oil for a lighter touch. Best of all the tails are a fast cook - only taking ten to twelve minutes . They can be cut into nuggets for easier, no fuss eating. Scallops are another elegant choice. Soak them in a lime marinade for something different. As far as sides, think classic yet simple.An avocado mousse, made with cream and spiked with chili peppers is a good choice,perfect with chicken or seafood. A Spring greens salad is also an ideal foil for any red meat main dish. As for ending the meal, place plates of petit fours and fancy homemade shortbreads on the table.Confectioner's sugar dusted cupcakes are another lovely way to end. Serve coffee and tea in fancy plastic cups that you can buy from Amazon. These come in silver or gold and provide a classy touch.

Yes, a barbecue can be classy and elegant. It starts with smartly dressed guests dining on fancy food on fancy plates. What a great way to start the summer grilling season.

The Lamb Experiment

Since mid March  up to today I have baked and iced five lambs, using my Mom's Wilton Easter lamb mold, along with her cake and icing recipes.

What have I learned?

That greasing and flouring any cake pan is vital to having an easy to remove baked product. 

Dream Whip is crucial to producing a dense yet surprisingly light pound cake. I plan on making cupcakes with it.

Crumb coats are very important in creating a smooth first coat. You need this in order to create fancy stars squiggles and rosettes.

Vegan cakes don't work. This little lady's head fell off .Also the taste wasn't as great as the Duncan Hines mixes I used.

Variety is truly the spice of life. I made a chocolate cake with coffee icing for my friends who love chocolate. This is the flavor combination I will be flirting with for the next few months.

As for everyone else, it was vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream.I also learned that it takes time to master Russian tips . Mine have come out like pink blobs.Also all lambs require seven cups of icing not five.

Another thing I've learned. Not to bake five lamb cakes and then ice them. It is a lot of work, well received but still labor intensive.

The Lamb Experiment Part One

I decided to do a tester lamb,just to see if I can do it. First there was the form.

Then it was greasing the two sides. I used I Can't Believe It's Not Butter to grease it. If you're planning on making this lamb, then use big gobs of margarine or Baker's Joy,. Every dent and indentation has to be greased.

Onto flouring. I used my tried and true Stop and Shop flour. Again, I think I was a little too generous with it.Both sides do need to be coated but don't go overboard -like I did. Once that's done then it's time to prepare a tray or pan to catch any drippy batter.I lined a cookie sheet with tin foil.

                             Now it's time to mix. The Dream Whip recipe calls for four eggs

             Plus one package of cake mix. I used Duncan Hynes French vanilla along with one packet of Dream Whip. The liquid was just one cup of cold tap water - that's it. The Dream Whip is the sugary looking mix on the right

This is the batter , mixed with an electric mixer for four minutes.

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It takes five cups of batter to fill the pan. Make sure it's filled in evenly,especially around the head and ears.

You have to put four to five toothpicks in the neck area to make sure the head stays on. You can use skewers too, but it may look like Frankenlamb.Just be careful when it's sliced.

Now it's tying the neck and body to make sure that the batter doesn't outgrow the pan. You can use both foil and twine. I used both.

                                      Keep in mind that when baking the front of the lamb is the back. The       backside has a steam hole in it as indicated by the circles around it. Use it when you have to insert a cake thermometer (recommended) or a toothpick to check the cake's doneness.

There was enough extra batter to make four cupcakes.

The cupcakes took only twenty minutes. The lamb a good fifty , both in a 350 degree oven.

These were the best cupcakes I've ever made.I am definitely going to add Dream Whip to box mixes from now on (and maybe nix all that icing too)

This is the back side baked. The white is the flour which I now know I added too much. It can be scraped off with a butter knife or even a spoon.

This is the front. You can see the indentations for the eyes, mouth and nose.

It does have to be wrapped up for the night before frosting.Use Saran wrap to retain the moisture.

Tomorrow - the icing.

I don't know how my Mom did it, baking these for family, neighbors and friends. Hopefully mine will be just as loved. We'll see.

A "Sweet" Taste of Cake

If you want a perfectly made cake look no further than Yotam  Ottolenghi. This famed British chef and baker can create the ideal one, rich with flavor and moist with texture. Now fans and home bakers can whip up exact copies, thanks to his and Helen Goh's new recipe book, Sweet  based solely on treats from the oven.

Chef Ottolenghi and fellow baker, Australian , Helen Goh, give the world their best recipes. Chef Ottolenghi wrote about  two of them in yesterday's New York Times Food section. He and Ms. Goh have been together as fellow bakers and partners since 2006. She started in the savory side of Ottolenghi's vast food empire and later graduated to the sweet side.It was at this point that he recognized that saw his own restlessness and insatiable drive for perfection. They made the perfect team.  They share a passion for precise measuring and timing along with weighing the right amounts to create the perfect sweet. She also brings her Australian and Malaysian heritage to the table as well. The site sells the famed Aussie cookie yo-yos, a crunchy sandwich cookie filled with  passion fruit buttercream while the pastry shop offers  billowy powder puff cakes and her famed chocolate one that an Australian newspaper once called the "world' best" Her Malaysian influence is seen in Chef Ottolenghi's bakery , especially in her chiffon cakes and pandain infused pineapple tarts. She has also brought her cupcakes, scones madeleines and cheesecakes too, that also features cakes from his childhood..

Chef Ottolenghi and Ms. Goh gave two of their recipes from the new book. One is that famous chocolate cake, the other is a pistachio and rose water semolina one.The chocolate one is deep in flavor and rich,It is also a buttery one, using a cup plus one and a half tablespoons of the unsalted kind.To offset the cocoa's intensity,  a teaspoon and a half of instant coffee granules.As for the chocolate itself, both dark chocolate pieces and a half cup of Dutch processed cocoa. The flavor is magnified by the addition of a choice of icings. -a rich  chocolate ganache or an espresso cinnamon marscapone topping. If this is too intense there is pistachio and rose water semolina cake, This relies on pistachio and cardamon for a mellow blend of taste along with almond meal. There is a lot of butter needed too, namely a cup of it plus one tablespoon. That and four large eggs create the golden crumb.It can be served plain with just rose water syrup drizzled on top but it can be made lusher with a rose cream made with both creme fraiche and Greek yogurt. More rose water and confectioners sugar sweeten it. The cake is decorated with candied rose petals,easy to make just pesticide free rose petals, egg whites and granulated sugar.

Chef Ottolenghi and Ms Goh have created the ultimate baking  cookbook. The recipes are richly satisfying. Get it and bake!

A Marriage Of Old And New Rosh Hashanah Dishes

 The Jewish New Year is upon us and it's a time to celebrate with the traditional. It's also a time to embrace the new as well. Both ideas can also mean the Rosh Hashanah table, with a marriage of family recipes along with introducing different dishes. This will make for a more interesting meal.

Brisket has always been the centerpiece of the holiday table. It's been enjoyed  for generations, usually braised. Many will cook ones with onions added, to give it a sweet and earthy flavor. A sweet and sour sauce , with crushed tomatoes, brown sugar and garlic, can also be used. More adventurous cooks can try rubs such as a garlic and onion rub or ones spiked  with chile powder. Chicken is another choice to try for the holiday. Think of making it with cinnamon and apples for that touch of sweetness that represents a sweet new year. Another recipe that's a blend of sweet and savory is  one made with pomegranate or cranberry juice along with Granny Smith apples and the traditional ingredient of honey. Cayenne pepper is added for bite and kick.This calls for the chicken to be cut into pieces and cooked in a Dutch oven.Every family has vegans and they should be considered into the equation as well.Think tofu, zested up with cumin and ginger Moroccan  style. This is an easy dish, with first cooking the tofu, then setting it aside to create a sauce redolent with onions , garlic and scallions. Almonds and apricots are added for crunch and sweetness.

Side dishes are just as important as the main ones. If the family insists on traditional then think tzimmes, but maybe with a slight twist. Try a trio of yams, sweet potatoes, and carrots, cooked in orange juice, honey and chicken broth.If it's too sweet add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to cut the sugar. Salads can also be incorporated into the dinner. Use the super green of the moment - kale mixed with pomegranate seeds covered with an almond halvah (!) dressing. For crunch and zing try the Sephardic Jewish  inspired lemon fried cauliflower .This is breading the boiled florets in a breadcrumb batter and then frying them in oil. They are then drenched with lemon juice to cut the oiliness.Carrots are a big part of any Rosh Hashanah meal. Roast baby ones with olive oil, honey,  and orange zest. They can be also served with basmati rice , spiked with raisins and almonds. This is also a good main dish for vegans too.  How to end the meal? With the traditional honey cake. The timeless recipe is spiced with cloves and allspice but it can be modernized with coffee and even whiskey (!) It can even be baked into cupcakes Decorate with dried apple slices and drizzles of honey.

Rosh Hashanah is a time of celebrating the new while holding on to tradition. Create a holiday meal that reflects this. Use old and new recipes to create a unique New Year's dinner.