Daring Bakers: Marshmallow Cookies!

This month was fun.  We got to choose which cookies we made.  The choice was between marshmallow cookies and milano cookies.  Since I had never heard of milanos and was reminded of the marshmallow cookies we used to get (on occasion- okay, so maybe 5 boxes in my life, but they were always this special, exciting treat), I chose to make the marshmallow cookies.  Plus, why pass up an opportunity to make marshmallows for the first time??  I couldn't do that...

So, here is my experience with this challenge, in pictures of course!

I made the dough first, but only used about 2 1/8 cups of flour, and a bit of xanthan gum.

Then, I rolled them out and cut 'em up!!

I love the shapes I got using my - newly rediscovered - Great-Grandmother's cookie cutters.

Aren't they cute?

They even came out perfectly =D.

However, considering that I only used 3/4 of the dough (the rest being in my freezer), I got tons of cookies!

Don't you just love the cookie cutters?  I do.

Once that was all done, it was time for marshmallows!  This was super exciting =D.

Then I piped them all out, and let them sit.  

(Next time, put much more marshmallow on each cookie!)

I plopped a bit of food colouring into the last little bit, just for the fun of it.

Then, chocolate.  Next time, not so much oil, they melted pretty darn fast.

Before they had set, they shone beautifully.

And, of course they tasted wonderful as well!  

I seriously think that you should try these, and don't bother with the gluten, these will no doubt do the trick =D.

The July Baring Bakers' challenge was hosted by Nicole at Sweet Tooth.  She chose Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Cookies and Milan Cookies from pastry chef Gale Gand of the Food Network.

Thanks to Nicole for this challenge, I enjoyed it very much.

xoxo

Lauren

PS - The flours I used was a mix of Bette Hagmans mix (6pts rice, 2pts potato and 1pt tapioca) and corn flour (not starch).

Daring Cooks: Cod with Powdered Flavours

This challenge I sort of pumped out last minute.  Being summer, the days sort of just disappeared in front of me, and then I had to get ready to go on vacation.  I'm likely not in range of a computer as you read this.  However, I'm glad I did this challenge.  Essentially what we had to do was poach Skate (a water animal semi-like a sting ray) wings in a butter emulsion.  As Skate was not to be found, I opted for Cod, which was very good.  The second part was to make traditional flavours powdered.  That was interesting, and although some of the ones I made weren't my favourites (too sweet!), I'm very glad I tried it.   

Thanks to Sketchy for this challenge =D!!

Brown the powdered milk...

Toast the coconut...

Dehydrate the onions in the microwave...

Slice up the lemon zest...

And chop the green beans =D.

Aren't they pretty?

Don't forget the butter!!

Then boil the beans...

And make it all look pretty (after the fish is cooked, of course)

Yum.  The powders are all heaped on the side - Carrot, Lemon, Coconut, "brown butter" and onion.  Nice and simple.

After trying the regular version (and eating his beans), my brother chose to make his own, more savoury version.  Sounds good to me =D.

Try this, its fun.  Plus, you get to make the flavours match your tastes (dried spices work beautifully, as do homemade extravagant ones =D).

xoxo

Lauren

PS.  If your comments don't show, Don't worry, once I have computer access, I will get to them!! 

Canada Day!

I hope that you all had a lovely, awesome Canada Day!!  Personally, I had a leisurely morning of French Toast and family, followed by Transformers : Rise of the Fallen with a friend.  With all of the July Forth Preperation posts popping up around the net, I thought that I should say a little something about Canada Day.  

I'm fairly certain that every Canadian has a different tradition or ritual or something on this day.  Some people do barbeques, others have a lazy day with their family.  Some have parties, some go to work, but I'm sure that most of us think about what it means to be a Canadian.  And what Canada means as a whole.  Or at least thats what I do =D. 

To me, being a Canadian is about being yourself, while always respecting those around you.  I believe a large aspect of our culture is our multiculturalism, and the acceptance we have for other cultures.  Yet, while acknowledging the various cultures around us, I personally don't let those cultures define who I am or who anyone else is, unless they choose to do so.  I believe in a positive society with communities that are communities, not just wherever you happen to live.  Canada is a place of hope, graditude and people.  I know that we often fall behind the shadow of the States, but I believe that not having those expectations allows us to evolve as a county.

Although I have yet to travel the world (to the extent I would like) I know that Canadians are respected in most areas of the world.  In my experience, when we visit a new place, we try to adapt to their customs while we are there, as it is not ours to take advantage of, but theirs to share with us (if they choose to do so).  

Canada as a whole is a beautiful place.  If you have not seen it, I encourage you to do so.  (Although I have not seen the movie, I have heard that One Week showcases the beautiful scenes throughout our country)  We have mountains, lakes, rivers, prairies, beaches, snow, sun, trees and much more.  Every one of our seasons is different, and they vary throughout the country, and provinces, and cities.  I think that this year I am going to do my best to see and really explore the parts of Canada I happen to be in.  Regardless of where you are, finding new treasures and locations are always a beautiful thing, and Canada has one of the most amazing landscapes.

Anyways, have a wonderful day,

xoxo

Lauren