I don’t wear a hat like that…maybe I should
Once again it is time for the “Last day of …” post. This time I am really posting on the last day of the month, yeah! Oh what an exciting month April was, with some nifty holidays, e.g. Easter. This year I was even more traditional in baking than last year, using German cake pans and Austrian recipes. It was quite fun, this month, and I also had a little make over and got a header design. *how nice* So, what did you miss? Check it out after the break!
The month actually started with a post about the Saskatoon’s First Food, Fork & Foodie Event, which was a wonderful food blogger meeting with people from mostly Saskatoon. I would says that all food bloggers from Saskatchewan are more than welcome, making the trip though is another question. It was nice to meet other people who share the same passion as I do: blogging about food. It was evident how different everyone approaches this task and interesting to the see the different style. I learned quite a bit at that first meeting, like I should get my own business cards. *who knew* I hope the hear soon about the second meeting.
After that Easter was just around the corner and I baked an Easter Wreath, which is rather traditional in the southern parts of Germany. Usually another teacher of my German language school makes one like that but she was sick and was wondering if I would do anything. Though at first I didn’t quite think I had the time I changed my mind and went ahead. It was the first time I made one like that and while working on it the dough didn’t seem to work with me as well as I would have liked it. But, the second rise did the trick and it turned out beautiful, everyone was happy, including the sick teacher.
I just noticed that I never posted about the Easter cake I made…oh my. I guess it kind of got lost in the Easter weekend and mayhem that usually happens when the whole of the family gets together. I am talking about 5 nieces and nephews that are very active and very demanding. (I love them to pieces!)
So, lets hurry on to some simple but nice cookies and a husband favourite: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. I think as long as my hubby has these ones the world could end, it would be ok. He really likes to munch on them and I like them very much too. Honestly, oatmeal is not my go to thing, but these cookies are good, especially if you had some apple sauce and cinnamon. Makes the cookies a bit softer and add a hint of spice.
April marked a little mile stone: I had my First Guest Blogger. Helene, who won the first giveaway, was so kind to write about the cookie cutters she received. She also chatted about baking and cooking and how it all feels like in New Zealand. Thanks you again Helene!
My most ambitious project during the month of April though were the French Croissant I made Easter Monday. Ambitious because puff pastry is a bit on the tricky side, with folding and resting and more fold and more resting. The whole process takes about 12 hours and I guess that can be extended for a while, depending on how many layers you want or need. My Easter Monday was spend in the kitchen, mostly, and I was labouring away. But it was all worth it and the croissants were fantastic. Of course this is not for every Sunday morning but I will keep it in mind.
What else is there, after you made croissants? How about Chocolate Covered Bacon? Yes, you read that right! I love it! Now I just need to figure out a recipe with them, maybe as decoration or ingredients. This post received mixed reviews. A friend was not really convinced by it, neither were my mother. But, I also had some people who thought it was rather a good idea. I think I just need to make some when I am back home in Germany and see how they all like it.
Thanks to the Easter baking I had a good bunch of egg whites left over. There is only one thing, that I can think of, to make with that: Meringue, German style of course. Whip up that batch of egg whites and go crazy on the form and colour. You can make little roses, or ringlets or solid pieces. They can be eaten as is or you use it in a dessert.
Another first happened in April: my first Review of a Product. The item in question: brownie liners from SweetArt Supplies/Victoria. I had no idea that such a thing exists but I was taught better. I must say that they come in really handy because the portion size (at least to me) is perfect. It’s a bit bigger than your average brownie but lets all be honest, we eat more than one piece anyway.
At the end of the month I was invited to a Bridal shower and volunteered to make the cake. After some thinking I decided to go with a classic Black Forest Torte, which included chocolate, cream and cherries. You can never go wrong with that unless someone doesn’t like any of these. How crazy that would be! *ha* People always make a bit deal out of a torte like that, it was not as complicated as it looks. Buttercream tortes are more difficult in my book. So, I was happy with the result, the bride-to-be was happy as well and the guests liked it too. *success*
On the same day was a themed birthday party and I was asked to make the cupcakes for that too. The theme: Carnival, so of course the cupcakes had to be colourful, Carnival Cupcakes! Genius idea: use ice cream cones as liners and tint the batter with food colouring. Ach, it was beautiful (though a bit labour intense of course)! Top it off with some multi-coloured icing and you are good to go.
The final post of April was about a savoury dish: Beef Roulades with Bread Dumplings and Red Cabbage. It’s a traditional German Sunday meal and a bit fancy too. Making roulades and bread dumplings from scratch is somewhat labour intense but certainly worth the work. My family loved it and are always happen when I treat them with something special. Served with red wine and you are good to go.
What’s left? I guess a little look out into May. This month is Birthday month! Meaning, Baking in Saskatoon will turn 1 Year! *wohoo* *celebration* I wish I could bake a bunch of birthday cakes but who is suppose to eat them? I surely will think of something special…maybe a re-do of the first post: Buttercreme Torte according to my grandma. I might do another giveaway, which will be food related but not. *mystery* Of course I will bake and cook up some more recipes, probably starting with some muffins.
Stay tuned, step by often and don’t miss it! Follow the blog by clicking the “Follow” button in the right menu. You will receive an email for each new post. Also, you can follow on Facebook! If you are on Pinterest, I am there too, as “Andrea MacLeod (Baking in Saskatoon)”.
Have a great May!
