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Random Thoughts: Did You Bake That?

Now that the holidays are in full swing, I’m hearing a lot of people talk about what they’re baking for parties, dinners, just to have around the house. I was talking with my cousin today and she said she was making fudge and then cookies. She didn’t even sound upset about it.

It’s a fact that the only cake I’ve ever made was from a box mix, and it would have cracked the teeth of anyone who tried to take a bite. Aside from the cake-like shape, it was as heavy as a bowling ball and just as edible. I could swear the sanitation crew threw a dirty look at the house as they emptied the barrel. The truck’s steel teeth could only take so much.

Same with scones. My mother’s are flaky and perfect. My late brother’s had raisins, cranberries, whatever he felt like adding, and they were always delicious. I made scones once and if I’d thought of it before tossing them in the poor barrel, I could have dropped them off at TD Garden for the Bruins to use for practice.

Part of my problem is that my “combine until just mixed” is more like “combine until you achieve a concrete-like consistency.” Even recipes that say “combine until well mixed” ended up in the garbage disposal. When we had dogs, it wasn’t so bad but after a while they would back out of the kitchen when they saw me in an apron.

I’m a pretty intuitive cook, and I rarely follow the recipe. The difference I have learned through painful experience (and much laughter – which people promise is with me, not at me) is that while cooking does not require rigorous adherence to the recipe, baking does. That seems pretty bossy to me, so I’m leaving it to others.

Luckily I am surrounded by great bakers, so there’s always something tasty and tooth-safe in the kitchen. And there’s always the bakery.

The funny thing is that in my time I’ve received and bought dozens of dessert and baking cookbooks, and I still enjoy looking at them as I make my favorite thing – reservations.

What about you? Do you bake or buy?

XO Brenda

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Susie Nashawaty
Susie Nashawaty
2 months ago

lol😻 always loved cooking and baking, being Italian it’s never the same as no measurements are “required”! When others ask for my recipe I ask them to join me next time. So, in that spirit, all my kindergarten girls are joining next week, 7 of us, to make pizzelles and pasta! 70 yr olds making our fav Christmas goodies together! I’m truly blessed 🙏❤️

Joan Kirschner
Joan Kirschner
2 months ago

I’d say that baking is a combination of chemistry, art, precision and patience. I’ve always preferred the more random and intuitive type of cooking — you have a lot more latitude with soups, stews and similar dishes. Of course that doesn’t stop me from admiring and enjoying the results of baking by others!

Debbie Katsiroubas
Debbie Katsiroubas
1 month ago

Brenda, you are hysterical with relating your baking escapades! I think you’re probably being hard on yourself nevertheless if you’re not a baker, how about stand up comedian?

Nicholas F. Ede
Nicholas F. Ede
1 month ago

From your 1%, Over the past several years I have been experimenting with various kibbee recipe and have prepared an excel spreadsheet with 6 of the best. I have taken a piece from each recipe and have #7 which I make for Christmas. So far, so good!

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