As I look back at the past few months, it's been a complete whirl wind of events....moving back to the states, beginning classes at Concordia, coping with loss and immense change, creating new friendships and losing old ones, and meeting a spectacular guy. Some days I really wonder how I got to this point, but I'm so thankful for all that has happened and the experiences I have had. But mostly, I am content with where my life has landed at this point and I'm excited for the next chapter...and so, after a crazy few months, my summer back in Wisconsin begins and it's shaping up to be quite the adventure! Bring on the beer, brats, and baseball...but mostly baking. :)
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| Gluten Free Oreos |
With summer class in full swing (by that I mean I only have a week and a half left of a 3 week independent study) and working at a childcare, I am certainly keeping busy. However, once this class is finished, my baking and other various cooking projects for the summer will be up and running. I've already made a few goodies as test batches and I'm sure there will be plenty more. I think I'm going to have to start recruiting a few taste testers to make sure these items are acceptable for the public arena. *Experience required*
Currently, I've been experimenting with some new bread recipes and locally sourced ingredients. I'm particularly excited for the start of farmers market season and the numerous possibilities of fresh produce. :) My passion for food (especially locally grown and produced ingredients) has been reignited thanks to a very special guy. Be sure to keep an eye out for his up and coming website on reeducating urban America on the importance of knowing where our food comes from!
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| Nutella Cinnamon Rolls |
So back to the baking...any requests for treats this summer? I'm planning some big things for canning soups and veggies for the fall. Should be a good time trying out some new recipes and utilizing some of my old culinary texts. As I page through my Australia pictures, I'm eager to get back to using fresh, summer ingredients and use all of those bright flavors that garden produce has to offer. I've certainly missed the flavor combinations of the coastal cuisine in Perth. I've particularly been missing the tropical tastes of mango and passionfruit. Fortunately I am able to find some decent mangoes already, but I'm still in search of passionfruit pulp as it is not the season for fresh passionfruit quite yet. Getting back to the kitchen was a much needed release for me and I hope to keep it up! This week's baking included gluten free Oreos, Nutella inspired cinnamon rolls, and cheesy jalepeno herb bread. Let the experimenting begin!
~A
P.S. You can submit applications for taste testing at anytime. :)
