Bake or Break

Weekly Mix: Mini Desserts

I must confess that I have a weakness for miniature desserts. There’s just something about tiny tarts and cupcakes and such that make me so very happy.

I’m guessing that I’m not alone in my appreciation of those little desserts, so I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite mini dessert recipes.

Continue reading...

Weekly Mix: Oatmeal Cookies

I adore oatmeal cookies. Their chewiness and heartiness appeals to me in a big way. You won’t see me turn down most any cookie, but oatmeal cookies just might be my favorite.

My love of oatmeal cookies is sometimes hindered by the presence of raisins. I’m not a fan. Not even a little bit. But, there are many ways to enjoy oatmeal cookies without the raisins. These are a few of my favorites.

Continue reading...

Weekly Mix: Baking with Cake Mixes {Plus a Duncan Hines Trip Giveaway}

I think cake mixes are one of the best baking shortcuts we can have in our arsenal. I don’t usually bake them straight from the box, but they are a great starting point for many delicious desserts.

I’ve shared with you before that my mother was all about cake mixes. Other great bakers in my family used them, too. The only brand they would even think of using was Duncan Hines. So, I guess it’s not a surprise that I’m no exception.

If you’re a cake mix fan, too, then you’ll enjoy some of my favorite recipes that start with a cake mix.

Continue reading...

Weekly Mix: Coconut

There may well be no more polarizing food than coconut. It seems you either love it or hate it. I am definitely in the former group.

When I first met Quinn, I was shocked to learn that he didn’t like coconut. I quizzed him mercilessly about his aversion. Is it the taste? The texture? It seems it’s all of the above.

For those of you who are on my side of The Great Coconut Debate, these are some of my favorite baking recipes that feature coconut.

Continue reading...

Weekly Mix: Baking from New York’s Bakery Cookbooks

I am fortunate to live in what many consider to be the greatest food city in the world. I know some may disagree, but I’m more than happy with what all NYC has to offer.

Even before we moved here, I would always look forward to our trips so I could make as many bakery visits as possible. Now having lived here for a while, I still have a growing list of bakeries I’d like to visit.

Whether you live in this area or not, you can treat yourself to some New York bakery treats with recipes from the bakeries and their bakers. Bakery cookbooks are some of my favorites, and I have a section of my bookcase dedicated to New York bakery cookbooks. I’ve baked many recipes from these books, and these are some of my favorites.

Continue reading...

Weekly Mix: Toffee {Plus a Giveaway}

If you asked me if I’m a fan of toffee, I probably wouldn’t answer very enthusiastically. I’d probably say I like it but don’t love it. But, as they say, actions speak louder than words. As I looked back through the archives, I found that I actually bake with toffee bits often.

So, what do I like about toffee bits? They add a bit of crunch and a lot of flavor to sweet treats. They’re sweet and a little salty. A perfect addition to cookies and brownies and bars!

Continue reading for a chance to win an iPad Stand and Bluetooth Speaker from Williams-Sonoma.

Continue reading...