After a much needed break, I’ve returned with a Southern favorite: Coca Cola Bundt Cake. Okay, I know what your thinking… Coca Cola Bundt Cake is not really a thing, but I’m making it a thing for this month’s #Bundtbakers. The theme, as you may have guessed, is retro desserts. When pondering old-school desserts the…
I am feelin’ this mocha biscuit cake, y’all. And I gotta tell ya: I have a soft spot for desserts that come together easily…and this dessert falls into that category.
You and your chocoholic loved one will devour this Dark Chocolate Heart Cake on Valentine’s Day. I can’t believe Valentine’s Day is almost here. It feels like I was just baking a Nutella Glazed S’more Bundt Cake and complaining about how it felt like Fall would never come. Ironically, here it is the middle of…
What’s up, people? Are you ready for another round of the fabulousness that is Bundtbakers? I mean, I can’t hear you through my laptop so I’m assuming you all responded with a resounding “Yes!” This month’s theme is Strange but good flavor combinations. I found some weird ones out there, particularly this avocado pound cake…
Sometimes you need that extra somethin’ in your baking. Usually, I reach for Bourbon (god bless you, Kentucky), but lately I’ve been reaching for Amaretto. You may remember this lovely almond-infused liqueur from this california almond fudge pie or this incredible amaretto almond bunt cake.
My, my, my…I can’t believe summer is already here. It kind of snuck up on me. I swear I just spent 48 hours cramming for my last two finals(crushed them, by the way) and was looking forward to chillin’ Read More…
Happy All Things Thursday!
So many things have been swirling about my head now that school is finished and summer is here. Here’s just a few:
1. Apparently, America has a whisking problem. The experts at America’s Test Kitchen gives us(and when I write us, I mean most definitely me) a lesson on how to whisk properly. Seriously, I don’t know how to whisk? Thanks ATK for making me feel super-inadequate in the kitchen.
2. Kinda excited about the movie Chef. Jon Favreau is a pretty funny guy and I appreciate that he’s doing a small, non-blockbuster film. Plus, it’s about good food, so…sign me up!
3. Dave and I have an amazing possible opportunity on deck. I don’t want to jinx it so my lips are sealed but if we it works out, it would make for a fantastic summer. Fingers crossed!
Now, onto the food…
This is what happens when you try to take chocolate away from women: Wellesley Fudge Cake. Sifting Focus
Moist Banana Bread with Blueberries? I’m gonna have to say “yes”. Reluctant Entertainer
I need to make Chicken Baked with Herbs and Garlic. Looks easy and tasty. Simply Delicious Food
Seeing how much I love Chinese food, I really should start making it at home: General Tso Cauliflower and Mongolian Beef. Bakeaholic Mama and Table For Two, respectively.
Since I made that splendidly delicious Lemon Velvet Cake I’ve got a hankering to make other types of cake, as well. Perhaps I should start with The Best White Cake Recipe Ever. I Bake He Shoots and Add A Pinch, respectively.
The next few months should be low-key and relaxing. I’m looking forward to a summer filled with interesting books, overworked AC units and vats of Basil Beerade. Should be fun.
How do you plan to spend your summer?
Live, travel, adventure, bless and don’t be sorry.
Jack Kerouac
If you’re a trustfund hipster who has an interest in photography, stop wasting your money on skinny pants and go to photography school. The best schools are Brooks and the Hallmark Institute. Once you graduate, you’ll have a whole new way to be pretentious.
If you’re like everyone else who loves photography but doesn’t have 60-100k to drop on school, check out your local community college. Community colleges may get a bad rap, but the professors and facilities are typically top notch.
With today’s shifting economy for visual media, taking a couple of years of community college to learn the fundamentals followed by a few assisting jobs is the smart move.
A lot of people will tell you to skip school and just “shoot,” but I don’t agree. Here are 7 reasons why it’s a good idea to go to photography school.
1. Critiques
Your mom and the lemmings on Flickr may love your photos, but are they really any good? When you have to place your work alongside others and receive an oral evaluation, you’ll quickly begin to understand the difference between average and great work.
2. Learn Teamwork
Photography can be a solitary activity, but in photography school, group projects are a big deal. Just like on a commercial set, the people supporting the photographer can make or break a shoot. Photographers who are jerks and don’t play nice with others fail.
3 Get exposed to different work
The photography world is vast and a great professor can open your eyes to a whole new way of seeing.
4. Learn to use film and print
Film may be dying, but it’s still an invaluable learning tool for understanding how tonal curves work. Nothing breaks the Photoshop crutch like having to optically print a black and white negative.
5. Push your work out of the box
Most people seem to shoot the same junk over and over again. Photography school forces you to do a variety of assignments outside your comfort zone. I may not shoot sports, but I can do it because of school.
6. Learn from certified professionals
Unlike the self-proclaimed experts on the internet, a college professor has a vast amount of knowledge and has been thoroughly vetted. Why waste money on a 2 day workshop when you can learn from a true professional over the course of a semester?
7. Photography school network
A network of friends and fellow photographers is invaluable. As you step out into the professional world, you’ll always be able to rely on your network for honest critique and a free helping hand when needed.
If you’re one of those photographers who’s always on the net obsessing over gear instead of shooting, go take a class! Nothing will help you more than actually learning how to use your camera.
If you’re in the Los Angeles area, the Glendale Community College photography program still has a few spaces available in their summer session. The professors teaching the classes are the best of the best so if you love photography and have some free time this summer, sign up!
As of one week ago, it’s been 365 days of culinary adventures, gorgeous photography, and studio abandonment. There have been bouts of great food, failed recipes, a trip to Dumbass Starbucks, plus a good old fashioned perfect baked potato. I’ve been mesmerized by grilled chocolate sandwiches, magnetized by chocolate covered potato chips, and hypnotized by dark chocolate waffles. Are you noticing a pattern here? Read More…
Baked Maple Bacon Donuts! These are the donuts people have been talking about for ages. In fact, a buddy of mine asked me to join her at the Glazed Donut Cafe here in L.A.. I said I would once I realized they have a Brown Butter Maple Bacon Donut. I haven’t had a chance to get there yet, but let me tell you something…these bad boys will hold me until I do.
I have to admit, I was skeptical at first. I mean, I love me some bacon and I’ll never say “no” to a donut, but a baked maple bacon donut? I wasn’t too sure. It’s like putting two things together that have no business merging. Let me put it to you like this: cheeseburgers are fantastic and ice cream is to die for, but do you really want two scoops of meat-filled Rocky Road? I didn’t think so.
On the other hand, what have I got to lose? Worst comes to worst, I’m left with a pile of crispy bacon and six maple glazed donuts.
I think I’ll be alright.
Recipe for Cinnamon Donuts slightly adapted from Buns In My Oven
3/4 c powdered sugar
1 T milk or water
1 T maple syrup
Put powdered sugar in a small bowl. Add maple syrup and milk and whisk to combine. Dip donuts in glaze or spoon over the top. Top donuts with crumbled or chopped bacon. Enjoy!
