Bake #4 | Tiramisu
In case you're not up to speed, this is the fourth post in The Great Blogger Bake Along series. Read about it here.
This was the one. The one I was MOST nervous for. It didn't end up being as terrifyingly difficult as I thought it was going to be, but it certainly wasn't easy. And it was a little terrifying here and there. Of course I'm talking about the kind of terrifying that bakers go through... like when something breaks in half or a cake sinks in or part of something is baked well, and another part is burnt, or when a bake goes so bad you wonder how you call yourself a good baker at all. You know. Things like that.
The Challenge
Create Mary Berry's version of an evenly layered tiramisu cake. This is a well-known Italian dessert that features cakey layers soaked in a coffee/brandy mixture, chocolate, and a creamy mascarpone cream.
The Outcome
Well, it wasn't the worst bake I've done. Mistake number one, was that I forgot to put down some parchment paper for my sponge to bake on, and I nearly didn't get it out of the pan in one piece. But I saved myself from this by having greased the pan with an excessive amount of butter - haha! Once cooled, I had to slice the cake in half - like across the middle (see photos) but I measured one of my 7x7 inch squares of sponge wrong and was off by an inch! So I have a random one inch slice of cake on two layers. I also struggled with the mascarpone cream layer. I may have over whipped the mixture and turned it to butter. It called for the tiniest bit of sugar, so it wasn't very sweet, and this made it pretty bland in my opinion. Overall it turned out better than I would have expected, considering it was my first time!
Would either of us bake this one again?
My mom has made tiramisu before (using a different recipe) so I know she would make tiramisu again. For me? Yes, but I would make some adjustments. I felt the cream layer was too bland and I think mine needed more time to soak. It was a little fussy, but I don't mind fussy if it comes out beautifully. This was a great challenge, and I feel more confident to try it again!
Here's the glamour shots...
Here's my mom's report
"This isn't the first time I have made Tiramisu so it was fun to try another recipe.
It was great making the sponge. In the past I have used ready made ladyfingers, but the home made sponge cake was delicious. It was easy enough and beating the eggs and sugar for the full 5 minutes is a must.
The mascarpone cheese mixture was my challenge. Previously I have made this frosting using one method (the correct method for me, I might add). This recipe directed me another way, which I followed to a tee, knowing all the while that it would not turn out. Nonetheless following directions is often important when baking. This challenge clarified something for me. The bakers on “The Great British Baking” show must be experienced bakers, because they are NOT always given specific directions, requiring them to draw on their expertise for the proper outcome. This was one of those times for me. It asked me to beat the mascarpone chess then add 3 T. powdered sugar and the heavy cream. It was a curdled blob, never really becoming a smooth frosting. I whipped some more cream with 3 T. powdered sugar separately and folded that into the cheese mixture and was able to use it after all. My recommendation is to whip the cheese while cold. Whip cream and powdered sugar separately then fold into the cheese.
I put the coffee/brandy mixture into a bottle and squirted it over the sponge. Much less messy. I also used a bottle to make the chocolate decorations.
With the exception of the frosting I had no trouble making this cake and would recommend it. It looks impressive and is flavorful. It is a rich cake, so it’s best to make this when a group can help you eat it."
My mom's chocolate work looks so pretty, doesn't it?! Much more professional than mine.
Don't forget to use the hashtag #JoyLynnBakeAlong and join along on this super fun challenge - even just one week if you're feeling up to it! Bake #5 is the one I've been looking forward to the most. It looks really pretty and unique, but also super delicious. Coming up next...
Wednesday, May 3rd
A special Showstopper Bake by our guest Star Baker, Cameron!
(Guys, I'm so excited about this, you don't even know. I fan-girl over Cameron's bakes on the regular. I haven't even been privy to her creation yet, so I'm dying over here!)
Wednesday, May 10th
Bake #5: Mini Pear Pies
Easy Garden Box
Happy Monday, friends! It is almost May, and with that, I thought I'd share our garden with you today. We've been in our house for nearly...
Happy Monday, friends! It is almost May, and with that, I thought I'd share our garden with you today. We've been in our house for nearly two years now, but the great majority of that time has been spent working on the interior of our home - working room by room. The kitchen was our last big project and it was finished almost a year ago, but we've spent the last several months just enjoying the state of things before perhaps updating some bathrooms or flooring. Not to mention having added a puppy to the mix, we've been adjusting to having him in our space as well.
Now, however, we feel like it's about time we start showing our outdoor areas some love. We have been good about clean-up in the fall (we live in a forest... just imagine the sheer volume of leaves we have to clean up), and we try our best to keep shrubs and things well groomed, but it has gotten to a point where most of our backyard has gotten away from us. So much has become overgrown and as two people who wouldn't exactly call themselves 'green thumbs,' it's been a bit of a struggle. Right now, about 2/3 of our backyard is a muddy, tilled mess. We are hoping to get it all fertilized and seeded for grass, but because of all the rain we've been getting, it's mostly just a sloppy, goopy, mud pit. Good thing I've got my Hunters!
While we try to get our yard ready for grass, though, we thought we should also take this opportunity to add in a garden box. Why not, right? Everything else is a mess, might as well do it while we're already dirty!
Thankfully, it was incredibly simple thanks to some sand, cement blocks, planks of wood, and some dirt. Here's how we did it:
- We dug out the perimeter and made spaces for the blocks and planks.
- We placed some planks in the slots to be sure they'd come up even with the tops of the blocks. Then we evened things out with sand at the base and made sure our blocks were level with one another. Tom also used some metal poles to put down the center of the blocks and into the ground to keep them in place.
- Tom cut the planks to size and we made sure everything fit just right before filling the sides in with dirt.
- We layered topsoil into the box and planted our little seedlings in orderly rows.
Here are a few photos! We are so happy with the results and it only took us a Saturday afternoon to finish. Isn't it pretty?
Here is a link to the cement blocks we used - these were such a help!
So far, everything has been growing beautifully. Here's a list of what we have growing:
- Large tomatoes
- Cherry tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Rosemary (not doing so hot, though)
- Dill
- Thyme
- Basil
- Bell Peppers
- Cucumber
- Green onions
- Yellow Squash
- Snap peas
I also thought I'd also include some affiliate links of products that might come in handy:
So what do you think? Pretty simple, but cute, right? We're excited to start reaping the rewards of this little patch of land, and we're hoping our grass comes in just as nicely! Let me know if this garden post was helpful or inspiring for you! Do you have a garden at your place? What're you growing?
Happy Spring, friends!
Why You Should Be Visiting Avalon
I actually can't believe I haven't written this post sooner! Shortly after Tom and I moved to Georgia all the way from the tundra Midwestern plains of Wisconsin, Avalon opened its doors. At the time, we lived a short ten minute drive away, and even though we're now about twenty-thirty minutes away, it's still always worth it to spend our time there. It's been a place that amidst a much larger, bustling city and jammed up roads, I am able to find some relief from the culture shock of Southern, city living. It's a place I feel leisurely instead of rushed. It truly is its own little oasis - a mini-city-within-a-city - if you will. It may seem sappy to love visiting essentially a mall so stinking much, but let me explain what the hype is all about.
First, here is what Avalon is, for those who aren't aware:
In the heart of Alpharetta, this sustainably designed, 86-acre development with more than 500,000 square feet of retail, a 12-screen all premium theater, a full-service hotel (coming in Phase II), Class A office, single-family residences and luxury rental homes infuses resort-level hospitality throughout a walkable, seamlessly connected community of shopping, dining, entertainment, living and working. It’s more than just another place to go, it’s a place to be—a hub of local art and activity that delivers the luxury of the modern South.
This is a place where memories are made, new traditions emerge, families gather and community happens. Take a stroll down the Boulevard, make a wish at the fountain, catch a concert, play some lawn games with the family, and drink in the beauty of every season while you experience the ultimate in shopping, dining, and just enjoying. - Avalon's website
So here's why Avalon rocks....
1. Completely (and I mean completely) dog friendly
We have been visiting Avalon and strolling its walkways for years now. Just over three months ago, we brought our sweet pup home. The thing is, there are only a few options for dog friendly locations: dog parks, trails, and neighborhoods. My problem is that I wouldn't typically walk any of our area trails without my husband. I've heard of too many attacks or bizarre scenarios that keep me away. Many neighborhoods don't have sidewalks - leaving you on the street, and dog parks are... well... less than ideal in my opinion. I thoroughly appreciate having a beautiful, clean place to walk my dog, socialize him, and have plenty to look at and browse for myself. Dogs of any size are allowed in every.single.store. In fact, they're welcomed. With treats, water bowls, and lots of belly rubs from employees and patrons alike.
2. Plenty of parking
Ever get stuck driving around parking lots, just waiting for someone to leave? Not at Avalon. Maybe some of the busier Friday or Saturday nights can get a little packed, but I've almost never been stuck waiting for a spot to open up. Oh, did I mention it's also free? They have several parking garages, and somehow they even manage to keep those sparkling clean! However, if you don't feel like parking yourself, pull up to the front concierge and use their valet service. Bonus: the valets are some of our favorite people - they're all so nice!
3. Amazing food
This place has such diverse options, that no matter what you're in the mood for, you won't have to leave. Vietnamese, burgers, seafood, hotdogs, ice cream, fro-yo, sushi, deli sandwiches, wine and cheese, Mexican, fancy-sit down, pizza, cafes, and more. And honestly, if they don't have it on the main strip, Whole Foods is on the same property and I bet they do! Our personal favorites are CRU wine bar (get a flight!), Brine seafood, Antico pizza, and Barley Garden Kitchen (mmm beer). We still have plenty more to try!
4. Clean and safe
I don't think I've ever seen a piece of trash anywhere on the ground at Avalon. Not even gum. If you've ever seen Parks and Recreation, it's almost like the park in Eagleton where they pick up trash the moment it hits the ground. I'm really not exaggerating.
5. Great location
Directly off an exit of GA 400, Avalon is easy to reach from all directions. I think being up in the northern 'burbs of Atlanta, many of us can feel separated from the main city and feel like we miss out on some of the fun culture and entertainment unless we make the trek into Buckhead, Midtown, etc. But having Avalon and all its offerings makes me feel like we don't need to have FOMO.
6. So many stores
This seems like a given since Avalon is a mall, but these beautifully manicured boulevards and landscaped patios are surrounded by some of the best outdoor shopping this area has to offer. Pottery Barn, Francesca's, J.Crew, Athleta, Urban Outfitters, Crate and Barrel, Anthropologie, Lucky Brand, Orvis, and everything in-between. I know this has become such a cliche term, but there truly is something for everyone.
7. Super family friendly
The sidewalks are long and wide, leaving plenty of room for strollers and families with little ones who need running room. The main, turfed lawn behind the concierge is often a meeting ground for young families and offers a perfect space to get out some energy! For a place that gets a lot of foot traffic, I've never found it so crowded that it feels claustrophobic or difficult to navigate, and I think that would be seen a a bonus for many families as well.
8. Loads of entertainment
Live music, holiday celebrations, activities for the whole family, lawn yoga, and so much more! Check out their event calendar for information on exclusive parties and events, as well as free events for anyone and everyone to attend. Often times, too, they have goodie bags at the ready for the first patrons to show up for various celebrations.
9. Nicest staff!
Not only is every store and restaurant filled with the kindest, most engaging employees, but the Avalon staff (concierge, valet, security, etc..) are some of the sweetest people we've met. They recognize us and some know us by name, and are always ready with a dog treat or a "Hey! Good to see you guys back - hope you have a great time here today!" They are always upbeat and ready to answer any questions or just chit chat when they're not running around keeping things in order. Even our DOG recognizes them now! (Does this tell you how much time we spend at Avalon? haha)
10. Walk and drink
This may not be very interesting or surprising to some, but Avalon allows you to grab alcoholic drinks at any of the restaurants to-go. They'll send you and your drink on your merry way to wander the shops. I love this aspect! Obviously, you have to stay on the premises of the Avalon grounds, but it feels like a little luxury to be able to sip something yummy while doing a little window shopping.
Those are just a few of the ways Avalon has won me over, and I know if you visit, it'll win you over too. It's also such a perfect spot for happy hours after work, or for freelancers like me to work remotely when the weather is nice (which is most of the time). They have free wifi all throughout the grounds and of course a plethora of places to plant yourself with your laptop, grab a cool drink, and work somewhere bright and refreshing... with your pup in tow, too! It truly is its own community and they happily welcome new faces every day of the week. In fact, if you like it so much, you can live there. They have luxury town homes and apartments that contain added amenities on top of living in an already amenity filled development. So this is my unsponsored ode to one of my favorite places to spend time, work, play, eat, and shop. I truly just appreciate what Avalon offers so much, I felt compelled to write about my fondness of it today.
Visit Avalon's website to learn more
Have you made plans to visit Avalon yet? Let me know what you think and your favorite places to eat, drink, and shop!
Bake #3 | Ciabatta
In case you're not up to speed, this is the third post in The Great Blogger Bake Along series. Read about it here.
Ahhh ciabatta bread. I was super excited for this bake, because Tom and love a good pice of ciabatta. Though, I have only ever had it in small, square loaves, so having them in almost a baguette shape seemed odd to me.
The Challenge
Create a crisp, floury surface with visible air holes. This is an Italian bread that was created to compete with the French baguette.
Paul Hollywood remarked on the show that if you bake the bread to early, the holes will be too small, but if you let it over-prove, it will go flat. There's a fine line of when to stop the prove and get it baking in order for it to turn out just right.
The Outcome
I over-proved! I never thought this would happen to me, because I am NEVER patient when it comes to letting things rise and am always one to under-prove, but my sad little loaves came out flat as could be and very long instead of wider. This might have been due to the fact that it called for instant yeast and so the activation happened much quicker? But, my mom used regular yeast, and hers came out flat too. This was a tougher bake than I had expected! However, the flavor was to die for and we ate two loaves within two hours of taking it out of the oven. It also had a nice hollow sound when tapping on the bottom (good sign) and had a perfectly crisp, chewy crust. Next time, I would prove it for less time, and somehow try to get the loaves a little wider. I am always one to shy away from bread baking because of rise-times and fussy doughs, but I think the more I make bread, the more comfortable I am with trying it.
Would either of us bake this bread again?
Yes! Ciabatta is a good staple to have in your bank of skills, and it's fast and delicious.
Here's the glamour shots...
See what a mean? They need to be a little higher and wider. Nevertheless, so yummy, and a fun challenge! This is from Episode 3, Season 1 on Netflix. If you watch, you'll see many of the bakers had some of the same issues.
Here's my mom's report:
"I looked forward to this bake the most so far.
Bread is a staple in every country in the world. A simple bread has minimal ingredients and each culture has their own adaptations. My Mom baked every Saturday without fail. Finnish light rye bread and Cardamom Coffee braid. The smell that permeated the house will not be forgotten.
I have never made ciabatta. It was amazingly simple. I give it an A+. A few ingredients and a mixer with dough hooks and I was on my way.
I used regular yeast rather than quick rising so I had to raise mine a bit longer than the recipe noted. I also use a convection oven when I bake and am always pleased with the result. My pictures show that the air holes in the dough were present which is important in ciabatta. It is a flat bread, but a very nice staple with soup or salad. Don't be afraid to try this recipe. You will see that bread baking can be done. In one of my pictures are two lovely books on bread making if you want to get into it further.
P.S. It is suggested to let it cool completely, but don't forget the pleasure of warm bread with butter. Enjoy!"
Bake #3 is done! Join us next week for a challenge I am particularly nervous for... Don't forget to hashtag your photos with #JoyLynnBakeAlong for a feature!
Wednesday, April 26th
Bake #4: Tiramisu
Minimalist Style | 2
Have you guys been seeing this 'kimono' trend? I have been seeing it around the last couple of years, but was unsure of the point. I try to be more functional than stylish these days, so I kept thinking "Is it like a cloak? But it doesn't keep you warm..? Is it mostly for tall people? Or moms? Is it supposed to be fancy?" ... and then I tried one on. All those question blew out the window and I got hooked. So this is my first kimono and three simple ways to wear it - trust me, it probably won't be my last one.
On the topic of the functionality? I actually love it for summer. The summers here can be sweltering, and I love that the breathable material actually helps keep you cooler. The sun beating down on me doesn't feel nearly as hot, and somehow I've felt far less sweaty and gross when I'm donning it. It's also just really dang comfy while also feeling cute. I'd say kimonos are a win-win-win. Let me know what you think.
There you have it! Super simple ways to mix up the same item. Of course, these could be adjusted by switching out different types of shoes, or adding jewelry, or trying different hairstyles, but I figured I'd focus on the basic adjustments you can make with staple items you probably already own!
What do you think of the kimono trend? Would you give it a try, or are you waiting for it to pass?
Bake #2 | Florentines
In case you're not up to speed, this is the second post in The Great Blogger Bake Along series. Read about it here.
Do you guys know what Florentines are?! Because I don't think I'd ever seen one before watching them on The Great British Bake Off. Let me tell you about it.
The Challenge
Florentines aka lace cookies. Make sure they come out nice and flat, and crisp with small lace-y holes. Cover the backs with tempered chocolate and a zig-zag to finish the look.
The Outcome
YUM! Not only were these really pretty easy, they were TASTY. They're crisp, but caramel-y and the blend of nuts, fruits, and chocolate was sublime. I loved these and they did not get sent to Tom's office since we gobbled them all up!
I had never tempered chocolate before, and I think I managed to do it right, but it was taking such a long time to cool so I walked away to come back and try and get the zig-zags in later, but by then I was too late! So mine are zig-zagless. It was also fun and interesting to make our own candied orange slices. My mom and I each did a different method for that, but both turned out fine and mine was much faster than hers (here's the recipe I used). Also, you needed "golden syrup" for this bake, and I simply ordered mine off Amazon, but my mom actually made her own! She had one that failed, but got it right in the end. Though, she did say she'd buy it next time because it wasn't really worth the effort.
Would either of us bake this one again?
Yep! Definitely. It's a perfect little treat and one I'd gladly make for a gathering as something sweet but not overly-so.
Here's the glamour shots...
I'm bummed I missed the boat on the zig-zags in the chocolate, but clearly it didn't stop us from eating them ALL!
Here's my mom's report:
"Florentines are not a cookie I would ordinarily have been drawn to try. Which is why this challenge is fun. It reminds me of a book club. You are asked to read books you might not naturally choose, but are often pleasantly surprised. This cookie pleasantly surprised me.
It required two ingredients common in the UK, but not here. I discovered that golden syrup is easily made, so I went for it. I was very pleased but, joked that it would probably cool as hard as a rock. An hour later this is what it looked like.
I would not be defeated. My second attempt proved successful. It was to simmer for 45 minutes and the first time I had the temperature set too high. A very LOW simmer was required.
Next it was candied orange. It was a long process and frankly orange zest would have been just fine to my way of thinking.
Regarding the chocolate coating, I cheated and used semi-sweet chocolate chips melted. I worked in a candy store and know how to hand temper chocolate and was uncertain where to buy a piece of untempered chocolate. Demerit on that. Once all the ingredients were gathered they went together very quickly and baked according to the directions. Parchment paper is a MUST!
The cookies have many lovely flavors that blend beautifully. They are crunchy, and a delicious paring with coffee or tea. In some European countries they are a popular Christmas cookie. I would bake them again (if I didn't have any almond biscotti on hand)."
Woohoo for Bake #2! Join us next week for BREAD. Don't forget to hashtag your photos with #JoyLynnBakeAlong for a feature!
Wednesday, April 19th
Bake #3: Ciabatta
Four Years Married
Well... that went fast! Sometimes I feel like those double digit anniversaries will come on so quick, but at the same time feel like forever...
Well... that went fast! Sometimes I feel like those double digit anniversaries will come on so quick, but at the same time feel like forever (in a good way) - anyone else sense that?
What can I say? Year four has been one of the happiest and hardest years of our marriage. We've been stretched and challenged, yet loved more fiercely and more sincerely than ever. We have faced hard trials before (as every relationship does at some point) but the trial we've been facing this year has dug deep and brought us closer than ever. I truly believe that trials that any individual faces (let alone a couple) can either strengthen them or break them into pieces. In our case, it's strengthened us, but that's really due to the faith we have in Christ. He has a plan for us, and though it's not the plan we had envisioned, it will be crafted and perfected by our Maker.
Aside from our ongoing trial. I am so incredibly thankful that our marriage itself has remained happy, healthy, and as rich as ever in friendship and love. We've renovated a house, visited family, had family and friends visit us, spent so many waking hours together, welcomed the sweetest puppy into our lives, and pursued our dreams and hobbies side by side. This year has been slower, and one where we've felt settled and content. We all need seasons like that, don't we? Though as two restless souls, we will probably get the itch to "go" soon - ha!
It's hard to believe we've been married longer than a four year college stint. That we've witnessed each other grow from naive, young, college ruffians to naive, young, grown-ups. We've developed new opinions based on new perspectives. We've disagreed and agreed over and over. We've had deep, intellectual conversations, followed by the most ridiculous outbursts you ever did hear. We've adventured together, dreamed up a future together, experienced new things, and tried so many new foods. Maybe it's time to try some WORKOUTS this year - haha! We've learned so much about each other, and how to love more deeply than ever before.
As always, more than anything, I am so grateful for our friendship. One that includes so, so, soooo much laughing. Where sass is prevalent and sarcasm overflows. Where driving each other crazy is not a negative thing, but something we embrace and cherish because it makes life interesting. It's a friendship filled with car-ride duets, long talks (rants) about anything, and spontaneous adventures.
Tom and I are more similar than we are different and neither of us would have it any other way. Our stubbornness is perhaps a major fault in that regard, but we handle it the way we handle everything... with a sassy retort and a smack on the bum. Clears that mulish nature right up. I know you think I'm kidding, but I'm definitely not, and there is certainly a lot of laughing and forgetting about whatever it was we were being stubborn about!
Thomas truly is the love of my life, and I am so incredibly blessed to be the one who gets to spend every day with him and be by his side. He makes me a better person and still loves me amidst my inevitable faults and failures. Over four years (well, six actually) my love for him has grown immensely. He is patient (at least with me - haha), thoughtful, oh-so-handsome, and loves Jesus more than me. He is smart, witty, creative, and works hard. He's unapologetically opinionated and dramatic (another trait we both have ample amounts of) and loves to learn. He makes me feel beautiful and beloved and reminds me of this constantly. He is the man that I never dreamed of marrying, but who God knew was just right for me.
Happy four years, my Thomas. I am so blessed to be your wife, and I can't wait for many more years that feel like forever with you. In the words of Leslie and Ben: I love you and I like you.
Bake #1 | Cherry Cake
The first baking challenge from Joy Lynn's "The Great Blogger Bake Along" based on The Great British Baking Show.
Alright guys, Bake #1 is in the books (or the blog, in this case). I'm going to try and be brief, but I'm also sharing a little note from my mom with photos of her bake, too!
The Challenge
Mary Berry's cherry cake. Make sure the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the cake, put your frosting on when the cake is completely cool so it doesn't run off the cake completely, and be sure it was a good bake and not over or under-done.
The Outcome
This was fun! My mom would also attest to this, because we're both learning so much. Even as experienced bakers, we're running into challenges that make us question our skills a little, which is good! One of the major challenges I know I'm going to run into for all these bakes are the different ingredients. I did find caster sugar and glace cherries, but I made my own self-rising flour just hoping it was correct. The cake came out beautifully, but both mine and my mom's seemed dry. I baked it for the minimum amount of time, and it was quite crumbly. Perhaps it was supposed to be this way? The flavor was delicious, but neither of us would call it a "cherry cake" as the lemon seems to be the overarching flavor in this one. Has anyone else tried this cherry cake? Is it supposed to be dry? We thought maybe so, as a lot of European bakes are described as "crumb cakes."
Would either of us bake this one again?
Nah. Good flavor, and lovely with a cup of coffee or tea, but not a favorite.
Here's the glamour shots...
See my big mistake? The cake was actually quite cool, but I think my frosting was a tad runny and it pooled all in the middle! Womp womp!
Okay, so you ready to see my mom's version? Here's what she had to say, including some background about her, and our baking endeavors together. Make sure you read this because my mom is a hoot.
"When Joy told me she was doing The Great British Baking Show on her blog I was immediately on board. My family has always told me that I should be in business because of my cooking. Well, that has not happened. Actually the thought of being successful makes me kind of tired. How on earth would I ever keep up if the demand for my products grew? (haha) In truth I really love cooking and baking for my family and friends, at a pace that I set. Another disadvantage I have is that I am a perfectionist and my standards are quite high. Everyone might be throughly enjoying something I have done and I am still disappointed with something (too dark around the edges, too runny, flavor is "off ", uneven layers, and so on). I learned to cook from my Mother and have great memories cooking and baking with my daughters. Even my boys can find their way around a kitchen. In fact each spring the men compete for the best rhubarb custard pie.
The best thing about cooking and baking with your family is quite often the fun that ensues. This picture was taken after Joy and I got out of bed and started baking for an upcoming visit from her college friends. What a sweet memory of laughter and talking - the laughter is my favorite!
Which leads to my assessment of our first challenge. The cherry cake.
I learned that 2 tsp. of baking powder to a cup of all purpose flour is a substitution for British self raising flour. I discovered in my small town that candied cherries are only available during the holidays. I was fortunate to find one tub of green. The cherry cake you see pictured would probably be made for a St. Patricks celebration. That is, if it would ever be made again. It went together pretty easily and the cherries did not sink to the bottom which was good. So on that score it was a success. My bundt pan was old and when I put the thick batter in, there was some trepidation about it coming out of the pan. Joy and I happened to be FaceTiming when the cake was ready to be turned out. We both wish we had videoed the moment for you.... only half of the cake came out! (Laughter ensued for a really long time) If you look very closely you will see a gouge toward the back of the cake. Thank goodness for frosting. The cake had very nice flavor and the tart lemon frosting was delicious, but the cake itself was DRY, DRY, DRY! I won't have to make this cake again and couldn't really recommend it."
So there you have it, friends! Bake #1 is done and we're ready to take on the next one! Are you joining us? Tag your photos #JoyLynnBakeAlong for a blog post feature.