Last December, I made a seemingly simple resolution: learn to bake. I decided (quite arbitrarily) that I needed to make a cake, a pie crust, and something else before I decided it was done.
Since then, I’ve made a (quite good) cake, (kinda horrible) frosting, and a pie (bad filling but good crust).
To consider this resolution complete, I need to bake one more thing. Something that’s not a cake and not a pie; something that makes people go “ooh, nice!” when you bring it out from the kitchen. But what? I don’t know… a clafoutis? tarte tatin? some kind of quick bread?
Ideas?
One of these: http://www.joyofbaking.com/FruitTart.html
I made one over the summer. I didn’t think it was hard, just time consuming (and vanilla beans are expensive!) In the end, it looked very impressive, and was extremely tasty.
creme brulee.
Only so you can buy a little blowtorch, if you don’t already own one.
The great thing about the recipe is not the absence of kneading it is the goodness (and beauty) of the result. I can’t knead a loaf as wet as the one in the recipe – it’s just too sticky. But, the bread is wonderfully moist. And, backing it in a hot covered pot gives it a great look and texture.
Just try it. If you feel an irresistible need to knead, work on your beloved’s back for a bit.
How about some nice scones? They are trickier than you’d think.
I vote for the cheesecake. I know cheesecake can be a pain in the a**, but it’s definitely a show stopper. I did a step by step recipe for it at my site – http://deglazing.com/2007/02/10/white-chocolate-raspberry-cheesecake-a-photo-tour/. Another thing that really gets people is flans or custards (minimal work, but very impressive).
Wow, some of these suggestions are a bit steep for a novice baker! But hey, its all about the challenge, I suppose. (Personally, I bake a lot and never make bread…what a pain in the…)
I was going to suggest Buttermilk Biscuits.
They are so dreamy…
Really good and really interesting post. I expect (and other readers maybe :)) new useful posts from you!
Good luck and successes in blogging!