I Never Promised You an Organic Garden

It is only the second week of my baking challenge, and I am already breaking the rules I created.  I had a really strong craving for chocolate-chocolate chip muffins this week, but alas Cooks Illustrated doesn’t have a recipe for them.  So, instead of making one of the Cooks Illustrated recipes like I was supposed to, I pull out another favorite in our house:  ”I’m Just Here For More Food” by Alton Brown.  To make up for my transgression, I did bake a batch of granola bars too, though. (more…)

I decided to start my baking adventure with a peach cake from the July/August 2011 Cooks Illustrated.  Peaches are in season right now, and we have a couple local sources so it seemed like a good place to start.  For a first dish this turned out to be a little bit more complicated and time consuming than I had hoped, but I have to say I am pleased with how the cake turned out.
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If you happen to be reading this while standing, let me advise you that now is a good time to sit down.  I have an announcement to make that many of you may find hard to believe …  I am baking.  In fact, it has become my newest project. (more…)