February, 2015 | Just About Baked

Samoa Magic Bars

February 27, 2015
Mir
Bars n' Brownies
26 Comments

When in doubt, always follow behavior patterns that have proven successful in the past.

Example: when I’m not sure what to bake, the answer is magic bars, pure and simple. Because no matter how basic a magic bar is, different flavors and combinations abound. And when there are Girl Scout cookies in the world, attention must be paid.

This is my one-year blogiversary, everyone. You’d think I’d be celebrating by popping champagne and downing one of my decadent desserts, and perhaps that will happen, too. At the moment, though, I’m feeling more contemplative than celebratory.

Hidden Treasure Girl Scout Cookies

February 25, 2015
Mir
C is for COOKIE!
20 Comments

Having choices never makes life easier. It just makes life better. Think about it: 40 years ago, women couldn't do so many important jobs because we weren't considered worthy. Gradually, thanks to women's rights and some common sense, the general…

Tagalong Cheesecake Bars

February 23, 2015
Mir
Bars n' Brownies, Cupcakes and Cheesecakes
24 Comments

It finally happened. Here in DC, we broke a record. Apparently, it hasn’t been this cold in over 100 years.

Why don’t I feel good about breaking that record?

Maybe because if I’m going to be a witness to record-breaking, I’d rather there be something more fun involved, like cheesecake eating. Has anyone ever broken a cheesecake-eating record? I’m sure. I’d like to be told about it, but please don’t send me any videos.

Oatmeal Raspberry Brownies

February 20, 2015
Mir
Bars n' Brownies
19 Comments

I can’t remember the last time I had a plain brownie. You know, I might have to go back to basics and make the perfect, thick, fudgy brownie.

But later. Because now, I’m doing yet another tricked-out version.

See, while the basics are fun, tricking anything out is exciting. Like my bathtub. A few years back, I decided that the only room left in the house where I could potentially get any privacy was the bathroom. It has a lock and all. Very fancy.

S’Mores Bars

February 18, 2015
Mir
Bars n' Brownies
22 Comments

I’m in love with Captain Hook.

Well, not love, exactly. But if you watch the series Once Upon a Time, which I’ve been binge-watching with Kenny on Netflix, you’re aware that their version of Hook is a heckuva lot sexier than the guy from the Disney movie. I mean, there’s no comparison.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, think Westley from The Princess Bride. This Hook is very similar, but with a bad guy streak. I’m super sold on him. If only I could win him over with my baking. But then, Kenny might not like that.

Thin Mint Cookie Dough Sandwiches

February 16, 2015
Mir
C is for COOKIE!
22 Comments

Some people have pathological hoarding issues. They keep everything obsessively, figuring that one day in the far-distant future, whatever it is will “come in handy.” Let me tell you something. It won’t.

Earlier today, my son threw away a broken paper fan. As he was getting rid of it, he eyed the plastic casing for the fan and said, “Maybe I should keep this. It might be useful.” I, the anti-hoarder, made it pretty clear that a broken fan plastic casing would never, in any way, be remotely useful.

Kit Kat Brownies

February 13, 2015
Mir
Bars n' Brownies
19 Comments

When I was little, my grandmother used to give me Kit Kats to eat when I went over for lunch. Even so, I was pretty surprised when I heard her tell someone that they were my favorite chocolate bar. Say what? Don’t you know me? It’s Reese’s PB cups, then, now, forever.

But my grandmother hated peanut butter. Wouldn’t even keep it in her house. So you can imagine what a disappointment I was. And I kept getting those Kit Kats.

Strawberry Ganache Tart

I’m kind of annoyed with dessert menus at restaurants.

First of all, they often just change seasonally, if at all. And when they do change, there are a couple of standbys that never shift. At any given time of year, you can be pretty sure that there will be crème brulee and molten chocolate cake on the menu, along with a fruit-based dessert (tart or crisp, usually) and an assortment of ice creams and sorbets.

Don’t get me wrong. I love all those things. But why can’t pastry chefs be allowed to really get creative? To have more fun? And, dare I suggest it, change the menu at least (gasp!) monthly? Would that be so terrible?

Meyer Lemon Crumb Cake

February 9, 2015
Mir
Cakes, Let Them Eat Cake
27 Comments

Do you ever buy too much of something? Especially produce?

Well, duh, of course you do. Produce, no matter how much you conscientiously eat, has a habit of slinking to the back of the refrigerator drawer and promptly becoming slime. And as the slime gets worse, most of us pretend it’s not there and instead focus on the bright, new fruits and veggies near the front.

Or maybe I’m just a wasteful slob. If so, tell me now. No, don’t. I don’t like painful truth. It’s much more fun to live in a world where your actions don’t result in veggie slime.

Mini Chocolate Chunk Cookie Cakes

February 6, 2015
Mir
C is for COOKIE!, Cakes, Let Them Eat Cake
25 Comments

In a week, the school where I teach will be littered with pink candy craziness. It’s really sweet to see, actually. Teenagers tend to get into the holiday a lot more than their adult counterparts, which explains why all those cheesy teddy bears and balloons get sold year after year.

In fact, when I was that age, I really wanted a teddy bear on Valentine’s Day. I got one eventually, and when I did, it took away all the mystique and appeal. I guess maybe it’s not always a good idea to get what we think we want. Turns out, a bear holding a heart is still just a bear.