Diary of a Baker Mom: February 2012

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hi,

Here's a super easy trick to add a little something fun for your next treat. :)

Cookie cutters!! They're so very easy to use, come in every possible shape and size these days and the kids just love them. At least mine still does. ;)

Here's hoping you have a fabulous day spending time with you and yours! :)

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.