Diary of a Baker Mom: January 2011

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Where did the day go? More like where are the days going??

When I decided that I was going to get back to my Diaper Cake and Party Favor endeavor, I knew it would require a lot of time and dedication. :) So to start, I went back to Etsy to start over and see where it would take me this time (mind you, I tried this at some point last year too). So, for a start, my storefront is there: http://www.etsy.com/shop/babyshowerblvd

After spending much of the last 2 days researching and getting an idea of where I would fit in and how my products would make the mark. I think I am ready to list items and make a go for it. :)

If you're creative and make things yourself, I'd suggest checking out Etsy.com. Maybe you too will be able to make a few bucks doing what you like to do. :)

Monday, January 3, 2011

In the Spirit of Creating New Things...

In my spirit of creating things, I've been trying my hand at starting a business. What is your business you ask? It's creating one of a kind Personalized Diaper Cakes and Baby Shower Party Favors. :) It has been an off and on endeavor for me for some time now and I've decided it's time to jump in head first and get a move on. :)

I've got a website at www.babyshowerblvd.com (thanks to my dear husband) and today I spent time trying to open a "Storefront" on Etsy.com. You can find it at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/babyshowerblvd.

Follow me on Baby Shower Blvd. Facebook Page to get latest news and updates.

So, here's to another new (re) beginning... :)

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Here's to New Beginnings...

Happy New Year 2011!!

Here's to new beginnings, fun and fabulous times! After much encouragement from the (2) folks at home, I've decided to give "blogging" a go. :) Let's see how it goes...

As I think about what I'm going to write and share about, I am drawn towards the things I like (of course!)... baking, shopping, creating things and having a good time....

Looking forward to sharing some good times from here on out....

Cooking with Kids

USING A KNIFE...
If you're looking for some thing to use as an introduction to teach proper knife skills, cutting and chopping with your child, I think Extra Firm Tofu (I use the one from Trader Joe's) works great! It is not too wet or jiggly to start and after a couple of power pushes (kids love that kinda stuff) on paper towels, it's just right. The knife goes though easily; without too much pressure they are able to learn the cutting movement and not be worried about the piece of food flying away.

Baking Tips

SOFT FUDGY BROWNIES - Remove the brownies from the oven approximately 4 minutes earlier than stated in the recipe. Allow them to cool in the pan before cutting. The remaining heat will be enough for them to finish baking.

NON-STICK PANS - Non stick pans are great and I use many of them for baking in various shapes and sizes. However, even though they are non-stick, for baking you have to be sure to coat them with spray or the "old time" method of butter and flouring. :) If you don't, chances are your cake is not going to make it out of your pan in one piece.

MUFFIN PANS - are an awesome invention! They are easiest to use when used with a liner (nowadays available in various sizes, shapes & colors). Liners provide a great convienience in that you can just pick up the muffin or cupcake and go. They do not require any pre-work, no messy spraying or coating with butter; drop in paper cup, spoon in the batter, bake and you have minimal clean up.