Leaving 2013...And Entering 2014!

2013 was a great year. 

On January 19, the first post of Bakers' Central was published. On Jan. 19 of this year, we'll have an anniversary celebration. Bakers' Central is turning 1 year old!

Also, look at what YOU have done for us. Without viewers, it can be hard to even be motivated to keep posting. We just want to thank you for all your support. 

Come 2014, take the time to reflect on your achievements. Let's see, Bakers' Central:

• Started a blog
• Got some viewers
• Launched a business
• Had some customers

And overall, had a great year. Take all your old achievements from this year and tell yourself to do greater things with them. 

Ask Yourself: What did you do in 2013 that you will take to another level in 2014?

Flavorful Fun

When you're baking, it is important that what you are baking has a taste, and more importantly, a good taste. If you're baking cookies, cakes, cupcakes, or pies, you're probably going to want a sweeter taste. For a taste like that, some good ingredients would be sugar, vanilla extract, fruit, etc. For a saltier taste, you might use salt and maybe pepper. Remember that flavor is always the key to baking.

New Year's Eve Party

Wow. It is almost time to leave the year of 2013 and enter 2014! Here in the United States, there are about 5 days left until January 1st, New Year's Day. 

Are you hosting a party this new year? Staying up till midnight can be boring if you don't know what to do. There are many questions to ask yourself before you throw a compatible party for all your guests.

Question #1: How many people to invite? 

It all depends on your space. Visualize all the people you are considering inviting in the space. Does it look uncomfortable to you? Also, will everyone get along well enough?

Question #2: What can I do for entertainment? 

Try choosing a movie for all ages, that is appropriate for younger kids and still a classic favorite for everyone else. Also check out New Year's Eve specials on TV. You can also organize a scavenger hunt  for guests to find goodies.

Question #3: What food can I serve?

Be aware of 2 things -  messiness and preferences. For preventing messiness, suggestions for appetizers are crackers and cheese or our Fresh Party Salad Platter (see The Bakers' Central Recipe Experience). The main meal could be a buffet with things like sandwiches and pasta. For collecting preferences, try using Evite to send invitations and ask about meal choices or allergies. 

Enjoy your party!

The Dangers of Fast Food

Fast food can be really bad for you. According to the Massachusetts Medical Society Committee on Nutrition, fast food has high fat content and can increase body mass index (BMI). BMI is a number that is calculated from how tall a person is and how much they weigh. 

But that is not all - there are things like trans fats lurking in fast food, too. Trans fats can ruin your tastebuds then go down, where they can clog your arteries.

Also, the packaging on fast food items can be dangerous to the environment. There are tons of wrappers that get littered and left behind at beaches, parks, etc. 

Be more aware about your diet, and don't try to eat too much fast food. It is dangerous!

Holiday Party Planner

Throwing a party this holiday weekend? Here are some references to tips about food, games, decorations, and entertaining your guests. 

Food

Chocolate - covered pretzels from Bakers' Central

Candy cane kiss cookies from Sally's Baking Addiction

Cake pop cake from Bakers' Central

Games

Snow globe craft project from Spoonful

Decorations

Place cards from Bakers' Central

Centerpiece for your dining table from HGTV

Entertainment 

Elf movie (review) from Common Sense Media

Egg Substitutes

Many people do not use eggs when they bake because they are either allergic to it or they simply do not want to use them. I myself am a vegetarian and prefer not using eggs in my baking. Here are some ways I found to substitute eggs.

Egg Substitutes:

flax meal - for 1 egg you can use 3 Tablespoons water and 1 Tablespoon flax meal. If you need it for 2 eggs then you can double the amount and so on.

Ener-G egg substitute-  1 egg is equivalent to 1/2 tablespoon of Ener-G egg replacer and 2 tablespoons of water. 

applesauce - 1 egg is the same as 1/3 cup applesauce or ¼ cup applesauce and 1 teaspoon baking powder.

silken tofu - For 1 egg you can use 1/4 cup blended silken tofu. Make sure that it is completely smooth and does not have any chunks. 

yogurt - Use 1/4 cup of yogurt for 1 egg.

bananas -  to use bananas to substitute eggs, you can use a ripe and mashed banana  for every egg the recipe calls for. 

Wonderful Moments

Has there ever been a time when life is just PERFECT for you? I feel amazing when I receive a present from someone close to me - it makes me feel loved! What is your favorite moment? It can be anything from sledding to diving to even having a massive pillow fight. Ah, you'll find that reflecting on something you love will really make you smile. 

The Holiday Season

December is the season to be jolly, in baking. 

Why?
Because think of the upcoming holiday season, and all the things we eat over break.

Like what?
Well, there's peppermint hot chocolate, and cranberry muffins, and sugar cookies with sprinkles, and juicy pears (healthy, too!).

There is also a sense of cozy-ness from the cold wind and frost. Whatever holidays you celebrate, make sure you make the most of it. I love the holiday I celebrate in December: Christmas! I like to spend time with family and friends and, mostly, eat until I can't eat any more!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!