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March 14, 2007
No, This Isn't A Baking Blog
But you might be tempted to think that after this post. Yes, it is yet another post about the baking I've been doing. Just so you don't completely lose hope, I have been knitting on the Jaywalker sock, but it looks just like it did the last time I showed it to you, but with a few more stripes. I know I told you the other day about my new cookbook, but I just have to tell you again. Everything I've made out of that book so far has been outstanding. Yesterday I made an apple pie - the double apple pie.
This pie is very different from any apple pie I've made before. First, it's made in a springform pan. Second, you use part of the apples to make an apple puree (pretend there's an accent on that first e) and then slice the remaining apples. Third, the crust has a small amount of cheddar cheese in it that really compliments the apples. I have to tell you that I've never been a fan of cheese in my apple pie, but having it in the crust makes it so you don't really notice the cheese itself, but it adds nicely to the flavor.
The pie turned out really well
A nice flaky crust and the pie wasn't runny (which is usually my problem with apple pies)
Then, because I was on a baking kick, I made blueberry muffins.
I actually baked these this morning, but last night I measured everything so I just had to mix the liquids into the dry ingredients and bake them. However, I liked them better after they'd cooled, so next time I think I'll make them the night before. These muffins are very yummy. Lots of blueberries and a nice moist muffin.
I do believe that it's a good thing my husband has a major sweet tooth and can put away baked goods like most teenage boys. If it has sugar, he's happy with it. I'm finding, once again, that baking is very soothing and it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Next up I believe will be a cheesecake, but I'm not baking it until the pie's gone. Even Travis would find a pie and a cheesecake too much for him. And speaking of baking, I've been thinking about joining A Year In Bread. It sounds fun, doesn't it.
Comments
Oh... you're lucky - I wish my boyfriend had a sweet tooth! I have quite a large one, and I just love baking. But just for me..? That's a bit boring. Plus, I can't eat (almost) a whole cake by myself.
Posted by: Dorothee at March 14, 2007 2:25 PM
i agree -- baking is so satisfying. i baked up a batch of brownies last night -- such a treat on a weeknight!
your comment about watery apple pie hit home -- i often have the same problem. did you use the same kind of apples you usually do? which kind did you use this time? i love the flavor of my apple pie, i could just do with a little less liquid!
btw, i followed your amazon link and a review mentioned quantity discrepancies in the US version (conversion problems from the UK version). it's possible the book has since been updated but i thought you might like to know :)
Posted by: jody at March 14, 2007 2:35 PM
Pie is a good dessert to make in my house because it doesn't do much for me (not the way chocolate does!) and my husband could make his meals of pie alone. :-) Happy baking!
Posted by: Elinor at March 14, 2007 2:38 PM
Oh my god, apple pie is my most favorite dessert, and that one looks scrumptious!
Posted by: Sundara at March 14, 2007 2:50 PM
shouldn't I be the one benefiting from all this baking and not Travis? who told ya to get the book?! :P
Posted by: yahaira at March 14, 2007 3:00 PM
I always bake when I'm stressed. The act of measuring and stirring and coming up with something that's just as you intended is really good for my soul.
Posted by: Carole at March 14, 2007 3:04 PM
Two of my favorite subjects: Knitting & Baking! It's fun to see these posts! That pie crust looks great... It's fun to have a new cookbook to try out--I always love that honeymoon stage.
Posted by: Amber A. at March 14, 2007 4:46 PM
mmm, i must try that pie recipe! i find most apple pie fillings to be too runny/goopy as well, which is why i usually make a galette instead. but yours look scrumptious!
Posted by: carol at March 14, 2007 4:50 PM
Nothing wrong with baking blogs. (My favorite is baking for my lab. Eight or ten people go through cake or cookies or muffins really quickly.)
Posted by: naomi at March 14, 2007 5:02 PM
your baking posts never fail to leave me salivating. and rats, all i have here in the sweet department is fat free ginger crisps!
i too love to bake, it is very methodical and calming to me. and of course the finished products don't hurt either.
Posted by: kaetlyn at March 14, 2007 6:11 PM
I always feel like eating after reading your blog. That muffin looks absolutely yummy!
Posted by: Stephanie at March 14, 2007 6:20 PM
oh god. i just gained 5 pounds looking at your photos! yum!
Posted by: gleek at March 14, 2007 8:00 PM
I'll give you my credit card number, you overnight me what's left of the pie. Deal? ;D
Posted by: Sharon at March 14, 2007 8:11 PM
Oooh that looks so yummy! I, too, don't care for cheese with my apple pie, but the recipe sounds intriguing. Looks like I'll have to bookmark the recipe!
Posted by: AJ at March 15, 2007 12:02 AM
I must repeat myself: what a delicious sight! I wish you would live next door, I would make sure you have no left overs... My husband agrees...
Posted by: Juliana at March 15, 2007 2:43 AM
MMM, this looks so delicious! It's great that you have someone to help you eat it all--that's always what holds me back from baking more, as I will eat more than my husband!
Thanks for the link to "a year in bread." I am actually taking an introduction to breadmaking course this weekend, so it couldn't be better timing!
Posted by: Sara at March 15, 2007 3:44 AM
yum.....you're lucky to have someone who would appreaciate your baking, nobody in my family would eat more than a few piece!
Posted by: yuvee at March 15, 2007 5:33 AM
Sigh.
Posted by: Marcia at March 15, 2007 7:27 AM
i'm loving the baking pictures! baking is just so much fun and so gratifying - I love being able to present the hubby (who can also put it away much like yours!) with a pie or cake. I put this book on my list for the library - hoping to get it soon. I'm checking out the link for year of bread. now that sounds tempting!!!!!
Posted by: stacey at March 15, 2007 7:44 AM
Holy cow. I am a teeny bit obsessed with that double apple pie -- looks amazing! I've never gotten a Nigella Lawson book before, but this one sounds really promising.
I worry that I might have to stop reading your blog. It inspires too much envy. ;)
Posted by: Ann at March 15, 2007 8:48 AM
Oh YUM! That pie looks gorgeous. Talk about food p*rn! :)
Posted by: Nicole at March 15, 2007 9:19 AM
Yummy! I used to think that I didn't like pie. My family always made pie for every occassion. Now, years later ... I realized my family made terrible pies!
Posted by: Lori at March 15, 2007 10:48 AM
That stuff looks soooo yummy Steph! You rock.
Hey, if you want to start baking bread, Brad swears by this book http://www.amazon.com/Crust-Crumb-Master-Formulas-Serious/dp/1580080030
It's his bread Bible.
Posted by: Jenn at March 15, 2007 2:13 PM
MMMmmmm... It all looks really yummy. Cheddar cheese in pie crust? Who would've thunk it?
Posted by: connie at March 16, 2007 12:25 AM
mmmmm i love this book! i've made nigella's chocolate and lime cheese cake, i think it's from her nigella bites book, and it's FANTASTIC.
Posted by: kris at March 16, 2007 7:45 AM
You make me hungry!!!!
Posted by: Keanalee at March 16, 2007 9:09 AM
I'm a big fan of her savory pies - the onion/potato/cheese ones are fantastic, as are her pasties - but as far as sweet goes the gooey chocolate stack is EASY but a show-stopper if you ever need a fancy thing to bring! Just make sure to assemble it at the actual eating site - it doesn't travel well but even in a gooey mess it still tastes AMAZING!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Susan B at March 16, 2007 9:37 AM
Mmmmmmmmm
Posted by: Jen at March 17, 2007 11:35 AM
Good Lord does that look mighty tasty.
Posted by: Nancy at March 19, 2007 7:13 PM
Hey, thanks for the mention. We certainly hope you come bake with us. It's going to be a blast!
Those are mighty tasty looking treats you have there too. That muffin reminds me just how long until blueberry season returns. Sad! Must go check the freezer for remnants...
Posted by: kitchenMage at March 21, 2007 2:29 AM
I love that book too but have never tried the Apple Pie, you have inspired me to give it a go, putting apples on my shopping list right now.
Posted by: Rebecca at March 21, 2007 10:13 AM
How to be a Domestic Goddess is one of my favorites! Her pancake recipe from the book is the best one I've tried.
Posted by: diana at March 23, 2007 10:19 AM
Love The Year in Bread site. My husband want's pizza for his birthday and what do you know...first recipe is pizza dough! thanks for the link!
Posted by: Heidi at March 24, 2007 4:51 AM
