Desserts is stressed spelled backwards! ...right? -- almond biscotti

I have to confess, I am not particularly fond of sweets or sugary things. It seems a little disjointed that I wouldn't bother touching some of the things that I bake, but I think that it makes sense. I do what I do because I enjoy it, not what I get out of it. However... as a coffee lover (sometimes addict), I can appreciate certain sweets that I can dunk into my mug -- croissants, scones, donuts, and yes, biscotti.

Introducing Robin

I hate surprises. I don't know what it is about them that I hate the most. So instead, I've compiled a whole list of reasons!

• I have no control over something complicated and requiring a lot of coordination -- the environment in which I so arrogantly believe that I thrive and excel in. 
• They reinforce the idea that I don't know everything in the world.
• I am reminded me of the unwelcome fact that I can be very easily fooled.
• I usually end up crying. Somehow.

But there is one surprise that I did not absolutely hate! For my 21st birthday about a month ago, a group of very thoughtful people chipped in money to buy me something that I have been wanting since I first started baking at the awkward age of 14.

My very own KitchenAid.

A lazy Sunday -- fresh blueberry scones

Pre baked scones slathered in melted butter with raw sugar sprinkled on top!

Cake expectations -- rustic french apple cake

 May 9th-ish, 2012.

Yum.

Since I didn't (and I still don't) know how to measure tart pans and ended up buying, peeling, and slicing way too many apples for my french apple tart, I thought that I might as well put them to good use. A fellow Peer Minister used to tease me (she still does, now that I think about it) that one of my famous catchphrases is, "I can bake a cake with that."

And so I did.

Don't be a flake -- french apple tart

May 9th, 2012

Since I was under a deadline and was juggling about five other responsibilities at the same time, I didn't have the brain capacity to think too deeply as I was assembling this tart. No babbling about my life in this post, just some notes about the baking process (hooray!). 

As complicated as the apples look, it was actually the easiest part of the tart. All I have to say is that pastry dough is.... tricky.

Summer teaser -- strawberry lemonade cupcakes

April 10th, 2012

Right after spring, summer is my favorite season. All the fresh fruit, adventures out in the sunshine, and bright floral dresses bring out the child in me. Some of my close friends may argue that I'm still a(n overgrown) child but the rumors of my immaturity have been greatly exaggerated.

So back in April, when the nights were still a little chilly and the cherry blossom trees were bursting with pink, my mind was already set on summer. I drew an oasis in my planner. The specials board was inspired by warm, salty beaches.

And I made strawberry lemonade cupcakes.

The funny thing is, I didn't make these cupcakes in anticipation of sunshine. I was strolling through a grocery store one night in search of something to eat when I stumbled upon a display of a new flavor of cake mixes and frosting by a very well known corporation (their mascot happens to be a squishy character that giggles very often). Since I was starving, I bought both the strawberry lemonade cake mix and pre-made frosting. Naturally. 

When I got home and finally got some food and sugar into my system, I realized how silly I was earlier. Why did I buy this cake mix when I could bake my own strawberry lemonade cupcakes from scratch?? This is how the cupcakes came to be. Although these treats had a bright and citrusy finish, they had a stubborn beginning only to spite the ridiculously jolly boy made of dough. So hah. Eat that, you overly giggly mascot. Oh wait. You can't. 

Here are the details...