Fall Game

Fall is here! 

Here's a "Would you Rather" game we put together for fall. So grab a partner, or play by yourself, and enjoy!

1.) Would you rather...
a. Sit in a pile of wet leaves
b. Sit in a pile of dry thorns

2.) Would you rather...
a. Have one HUGE pumpkin thrown at you
b. Have a TON of little pumpkins thrown at you

3.) Would you rather...
a. Eat a soggy muffin
b. Eat a rock hard muffin

4.) Would you rather...
a. Look at pic #1
b. Look at pic #2
c. Look at both at the same time!!
(Left = pic #1, Right = pic #2)

Our Other Favorite Sites

Here are our favorite baking sites aside from this one. Enjoy these references!

1. Sally's Baking Addiction - Sally is a WONDERFUL writer, baker, and blogger. Her posts are REALLY creative and helpful! 

2. My Baking Addiction - My Baking Addiction,you are so amazing! These recipes are to DIE for.

3. Bakerella - Cool recipes + cool giveaways = AWESOME!

4. King Arthur Flour - Top notch recipes from the pros!

Which baking blogs do YOU love? 

Fresh Party Salad Platter

Ingredients

• large plate
• small cup
• cucumbers cut in circles
• tomatoes cut in circles
• carrot sticks
• celery sticks
• dip for veggies

Directions

1. Fill the cup with dip, then place it in the center of the plate.

2. Arrange the different veggies around the dressing.

3. Set the platter out for your lucky party guests!

Munchy, crunchy, and healthy!

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Ingredients

• thick pretzel sticks
• chocolate chips
• bowl of sprinkles (optional)
• cookie sheet(s) covered with tin foil
• bowl (for melted chocolate chips)

Directions

1. Melt the chocolate chips in the bowl.

2. Dip about half the pretzel stick into the chocolate sauce.

3. If you want, dip the covered pretzel in the bowl full of sprinkles.

4. Leave on the cookie sheet to dry.

5. Repeat for your other pretzels!!

Both tastes of sweet and salty come together in this snack!

Petite Cracker Sandwiches

Ingredients

• crackers (i.e. Ritz crackers)
• cheese
• cilantro
• sliced tomato

Directions

1. Place 2 crackers side by side.

2. Place a slice of cheese on one cracker.

3. Place a tomato on the same cracker.

4. Put a sprig of cilantro on the same cracker. 

5. Put the other cracker on top to make a sandwich. 

You can get more ingredients to make new sandwiches!

Eggless Chocolate Cake in Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup water
Any egg substitute you would like to use (check out Egg Substitutes to find one)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt 

Directions

1. Mix together the cocoa, baking powder, and flour add in sugar ,water, and butter and cream everything together.
2. Add in the egg substitute that you chose and keep creaming.
3. Pour the batter into your pressure cooker pan.
4. Turn the stove on with the cooker on it, keep it covered but without the pressure for 3-4 minutes on high heat, then put in the pan in the empty cooker (do not add water in the cooker). 
5. Cover it again without the pressure, lower the flame and let cook for about a half an hour.

Making Bread and Cupcakes

Here are some pics from when we baked chocolate cupcakes and bread...
They tasted really yummy!



Cupcakes...

And bread!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Earth Day is on the way, coming on April 22nd. It's important that we keep our planet in good shape, since we are living here and we don't want to end up knee-deep in garbage. 

Earth Day: AWESOME STUFF:

• water bottle from http://www.zazzle.com/
• reuseable tote bag from http://www.cafepress.com/
• coffee mug from http://www.cafepress.com/

Wear these goods proudly and show your support to the Earth! Happy Earth Day!

Spring Party Ideas

DIY Games

Pin the petal on the flower (a variation of "pin the tail on the donkey):

Materials:

• 2 or 3 sheets of foam (brightly colored)
• small sheet of foam in a different color (maybe lighter than other foam sheets)
• velcro
• bandanna or blindfold
• marker

Directions:

1.) Cut the smaller foam sheet into a circle. This is the center of the flower.

2.) Attach velcro around the foam circle.

3.) Cut the remaining sheets of foam into petal shapes.

4.) Attach the other side of the velcro to the petals.

5.) Write numbers, 1-5 or 6, on the petals and then on next to the velcro on the circle.

6.) Play by having a person blindfolded try to stick the petals on the corresponding number!

Homemade Party Treats

Springy Finger Sandwiches:

Ingredients:

• Bread, sliced into triangles
• cucumber slices
• butter
• cream cheese
• chopped olives

Directions, Cucumber Sandwiches: (Makes 1)

1.) Spread butter on each of 2 pieces of bread.

2.) Put a cucumber slice on each slice, also.

3.) Add salt and pepper, to taste.

4.) Make more sandwiches using more of the cucumbers, bread, and butter.

Directions, Chopped-Olive Sandwiches: (Makes 1)

1.) Spread cream cheese on each of 2 pieces of bread. 
2.) Cover the cream cheese with chopped olives. 
3.) Make more sandwiches using more of the olives, cream cheese, and bread.

Favors and Thank-You Gifts

Some spring-themed party favors:

• Plant-growing kits - they'll bloom just in time for summer!
• Flower hair clips - make 'em yourself by glueing a felt flower to a bobby pin.
• Spring garden decorations - encourage people to garden and make the earth a better place.

Enjoy these tips and ideas for your spring party!

Milkshakes!

Chocolate Chunk Milkshake

Ingredients: *

• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 3 spoonfuls chocolate powder (hot cocoa mix works)
• 1 scoop chocolate ice cream
• chocolate chips or chunks

Directions

1.) In a blender, combine milk, chocolate powder, and ice cream.

2.) Blend.

3.) Sprinkle chocolate chips/chunks on top. 

4.) Enjoy!

Banana Milkshake

Ingredients: *

• 1 banana, cut into slices
• 1 scoop banana ice cream
• cinnamon
• 2 1/2 cups milk

Directions

1.) In a blender, combine milk, banana, and ice cream.

2.) Blend.

3.) Sprinkle cinnamon on top.

4.) Enjoy!

Vanilla Milkshake

Ingredients: *

• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 3 cups milk
• whipped cream
• chocolate sauce

Directions:

1.) In a blender, combine milk and ice cream.

2.) Blend.

3.) Add whipped cream and chocolate sauce on top.

4.) Enjoy!

* You can add sugar as well!

One-Year Anniversary!

 Happy one-year anniversary, Bakers' Central! Our first post was published on this day, January 19th, but in 2013! In honor of this day, we wrote a story about baking. Enjoy!

I was racing to the grocery store to buy the ingredients for the cake. It was Billy's birthday and the party was in 2 hours! Why did I sign up to bake the cake? I thought to myself. I quickly stepped in store and ran to the baking aisle, not even grabbing a basket or cart on the way. Thank goodness, everything I needed was right here. I took out my shopping list: flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, vanilla extract. Then I sped over to the Self-Checkout and scanned all the items. Running home, my hands full with my purse and the bag, I nearly tripped over myself many times. Up the front steps I went, and into the kitchen. ONE AND A HALF HOURS UNTIL THE PARTY!!! I was panicking by now. I mixed, whisked, combined, and beat according to the recipe, and thrust the batter into the oven. The timer beeped after 45 minutes and the cake was ready. Holding my breath, I opened the oven. In all my rushing, I now wondered what the outcome of the cake would be. I gasped. It was beautiful! The cake was the pale color of honey and completely even without a single burnt spot. I stuck a fork through it and it had cooked all the way. I  ran at lightning speed to Billy's house and knocked on the door.

He looked at me in surprise. "The party is tomorrow! Didn't you remember?" 

I was mortified.

Hope you liked it!

B.L.T. Meals

I won't give away what B.L.T. Meals are just yet. See if you can figure it out!

Dessert

Blueberry Pie

Lemon Meringue Pie

Trifle (British dessert)

Dinner

Beef Teryaki (Chinese dish)

Lasagna (Italian dish)

Tacos (Mexican dish)

Lunch

B.L.T. :):)

Lobster Bisque

Turkey Sandwiches

Breakfast

Breakfast Sandwiches

Lemon-Poppyseed Muffins

Turnovers

Did you figure out what B.L.T. Meals are? Try making your own, and then eating them! Most of these actually are great for a cultural event.

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!!!

A New Business

Do you live in the Belmont, Cambridge, Arlington, and Watertown area? Are you looking for an allergy-aware baking business that (more importantly) makes DELICIOUS desserts? Email Bakers' Central (the business) at bakerscentral2013 at gmail . com. We can only sell our baked goods to people in Belmont, Cambridge, Arlington, and Watertown (MA) because of travel issues, sadly. Please tell us where and when to drop off your item.

Info:

• Email: bakerscentral2013 at gmail . com
• We make: cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and more
• Order: by email
• Please order at least a week before you need your baked good(s)

Thanks!

Holding on to the Good Weather

We have such good fortune, with all this good weather. It is so much fun to be outside with nature. But only about a month until winter! Make the most of this beautiful fall season before seasons change, and instead of fall walks you'll be sledding down a hill!

I like to go to a park and throw a frisbee or kick a soccer ball. 

I like to sip warm apple cider and eat apples and cinnamon for those in a rush. 

I like to look at clouds flying overhead. 

I like to hear the leaves scuffle beneath my feet.

I like to be cozy and warm, and know that I am safe from chilly winds.

Be thankful for everything fall has to offer.

Holiday Bread

These are some ideas for a holiday loaf of bread you might serve. These ideas work on most breads - such as cornbread, pumpkin bread, and banana bread. 

First, mix the batter for your desired type of bread. 

Some things you can add to the mix:

Chocolate chips

Mini marshmallows

Dried fruits

Glaze

How to make glaze:

Mix powdered sugar and water until you get your desired consistency. Spread over warm loaf. 

Happy (early) Holidays!

Halloween!

Today is the last day of October... I feel like when November starts it becomes more like winter. I have to wear a parka, and gloves and a hat. I start thinking about Thanksgiving and even Christmas! But the last day of October means something else: HALLOWEEN!!!! 

You already know about my Bat Witch costume. Sorry I didn't post pics of that like I said I might. I get so many yummy treats for Halloween, and also stuff I don't really like. What's your favorite candy? Do you even like candy, or do like it when people give out things like pencils and toys? Comment! 

CUTEST. CUPCAKES. EVER.

I found these while surfing the web... I included pic credit so you could find more about these cuties!

 It looks so yummy but I don't have the heart to eat it!

Pic Credit: cutestfood.com

Minions!!!!!!!!!

Pic Credit: lovethispic.com

Baby cupcakes! Shaped like babies! Are those real buttons?

Pic Credit: devotedtocupcakes.com










Cute, or what?

Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer - Awesome Item

A memory from long ago - baking pumpkin muffins on a fall evening. Well, today we ate pumpkin bread, from the same exact mix! It was a spiced crunchy crust with the softest, moistest inside I had ever tasted. Paradise in a single loaf of bread. It's from Trader Joe's, and it's a seasonal item. I say get it now!

Problems with Posting Comments

So, after a couple of hours of trying to figure out why sometimes comment posting works and sometimes it doesn't, my dad and I figured out that it has to do with something called "third party cookies". Apparently Blogger has three kinds of comments: "embedded", which is what we had before and looks the nicest, "full page", which takes you to a full page of comments on the post alone, and "pop up", which opens a new window. Embedded needs something called "accept third party cookies" enabled. These are not the cookies you can eat! Anyway, my dad says that some people don't have "third party cookies" enabled. So those people would not have been able to write comments. I have changed it to "full page" comments for now. I hope it works but the format isn't as nice.

Charles River Regatta!!

Next week is the Charles River Regatta!  For those who don't know, it is an annual boating race held in the fall and I think the biggest attractions (except for the race itself) are the little stands outside giving out (yes, for free!) apple cider, cookies, and other yummies like that. I just love to  stand out there with the wind in my face, sipping warm apple cider. It's a fall Must-Do. And it's totally worth it, honest.

   Hopefully, this will be what the weather is like those days, 10/19 and 10/20! Mark your calendars!!!

Wow, Best Costume Ever!

Ok, so now I have Halloween on  the brain. I have THE BEST costume ever...

A BAT WITCH! Creative, huh? 

So basically what I did was I made a bat headband by cutting out black construction paper into little bats, about 2 inches wide by 2 inches tall. Then I glued them on plastic straws cut into quarters and stuck them onto a plastic headband from Play Time (69 cents). It looked really good! I'm not done with it yet but perhaps I'll post a pic of it when I finish. Keep waiting! I want to have little bats dangling from my sleeves and a mask with wings on either side. Hopefully it won't look like Batman, we'll just have to wait and see.

3 Ways To Help The Environment

1. Organize a trash cleanup.
Scoop trash you find around your neighborhood into a plastic or paper bag. Be sure to wear disposable gloves or gloves you can get dirty. This is a lot of fun with a group of 3 or 4 friends. 

2. Cut down on paper use.
Try to go a whole day without using any more paper than you need to. Try using paper with one side written on already.

3. Organize your used paper. 
Ask yourself, "Can I make something out of this paper?" "Does it only have one side with writing on it?" "Can it serve another purpose?"

This is good to do since we only have so much time until we can't go outside anymore, it will be too cold.