Baker's Corner

Oh boy, oh boy! Have I got some goodies to share with you. A LOT of goodies, actually. Since I haven't written a Baker's Corner post in a while, I've got a pile of recipes and photos to share. Time to get excited...it's baking time!

First, take a look at these treats: 

Drooling? I am. ;) Now, let me tell you about these treats. Starting with the top left...

1. Whole Wheat Banana Spice Muffins. If you know anything about me, know this....I love muffins. It's my favorite breakfast. I especially like them with crumble or glaze toppings. It's *almost* eating a cupcake for breakfast - how naughty?! But I also like to balance naughty with nice, and in this case, that's where the whole wheat comes in. But seriously, the glaze is what makes these muffins. Do NOT attempt to make these without the glaze. The glaze is heavenly. Enough said.

2. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. These cookies were a hit. I brought half to work, and half to my church group. Both groups loved them. I mean it's peanut butter and chocolate, the perfect match. Then pair that with milk....wow. You know, I learned to dip my cookies into milk from my husband, Josh. I remember dipping Pepperidge Farm chessmen cookies in milk as a kid, but that's it (not sure why those specific cookies either). Anyway, Josh introduced me to the concept of dipping every cookie in milk, and I think he's on to something. So this is what you do: (1) heat the cookie, (2) pour yourself some milk, (3) dip cookie into milk, and (4) eat it. Milk & Cookies - it does a body good.

3. Lemon Lavender Macarons. I'm going to be completely honest & up front with you. These macarons failed. I was devastated. Oh sure, the picture looks good, but those were like the only pieces that didn't crack. My baker's guess is that I over beat the egg whites. I saw it coming too when I was mixing it together - too many air bubbles. That that be a lesson for you; learn from my mistakes. The good news, however, is they still tasted awesome. I used this recipe, but added a teaspoon of lavender extract to the "cookie" and lemon extract and lemon peel in the cream (used the vanilla buttercream recipe). When making the buttercream, and it looks grainy, just keep whipping. It comes together at the end. Trust me. These are quite the effort, so make sure you give yourself time and don't rush it. The end.

4. Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake with Strawberries. When I walk into the grocery store, and I see the glistening strawberries on display, I'm done for - I. Must. Buy. I just picture sweet, juicy strawberries on top of buttery pound cake and topped with creamy whipped cream. When I came across this recipe, I knew I had to make it. And I was not disappointed. If you're looking for a pound cake, try this one. It's lighter and the hint of lemon makes this cake sing. 

5. Meyer Lemon - Brown Butter Cookies. These were so, so good; like taking a bite of sunshine. Browning the butter is totally worth it. I feel like I've told you this before, but whatever, I'll repeat it: brown butter is the bomb. It just adds a little something to your baked goods. Here's a tutorial on how to do it. Then add meyer lemon, and this is just the perfect spring/summer treat.

6. Peach Cherry Galette. I'm going to admit something...pies intimidate me. Yes they do! I've made a few of them pretty successfully, but it's a goal of mine to make more. (Gosh, my list of things I want to make just grows and grows). Are you intimidated, too? If so, I think a galette (aka crostata) is a like a beginners pie. Give this a whirl. When I shared this picture with my mom, she thought I bought the galette. So be like me, and look professional, and make this thing. Oh, and I just used 3 peaches and about 1/2 cup pitted & halved cherries (original recipe is just peach). Tip! Put the peach in boiling water for about 45 seconds to make it super easy to peel. Go for it!

I'm pinning sweet treats daily, so feel free to follow me on Pinterest

Check out my other Baker's Corner posts for other inspirations.