A whole new week and more chances to win this awesome gift basket from Hersheys. Winner will be announced on Saturday. This is the third basket of four.

In order to enter leave a separate comment for each of the following:

1. Comment on this post.

2.Go to the Hershey Kitchens site and find a holiday recipe that looks the best ot you. Then leave a comment here telling what it is.

3. Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with the blog link.

4.Join the Baking Delights Flickr group and leave a comment on this post telling me that you did.

5. Subscribe to the RSS feed for Baking Delights and leave a comment telling me that you did… If you are all ready a subscriber just leave a comment saying so.

Last week you had four chances to win. This week you have five….are you STILL seeing a pattern? I dunno…might be!

Image:Hershey’s

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Is the suspense killin’ ya?

Is Dani from Sweet Treats!

Congrats Dani…

And as for the rest of you? Check back on Monday for more chances to win. :)  And I DO mean more.

Hey…life’s just a big party, right?

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For November the Daring Bakers assignment was a caramel cake with caramel frosting.  The catch was the perfect, homemade caramel syrup.

The rules were that we could add what we wanted but we had to use the caramel cake and caramel frosting.  I decided to use the caramel frosting between the layers and cover the cake with an Earl Grey & Bittersweet Chocolate Ganache.

Nice.  Very…Very…Nice.

Since I chose to make it as one of the something like eight desserts we had for Thanksgiving there was some left, and we were amazed to find that the flavor had developed beautifully overnight and it was more complex and intense the next day.  I would recommend making it ahead of time because of this.

The cake is dense and moist with the texture of poundcake.  I baked it in a springform pan and sliced it into three layers with no problems.I then drizzled each cut side with caramel syrup.  After that I added the frosting between the layers and then the ganache.

The ganache was created by using 2 teaspoons of loose Twinings Earl Grey tea in 3/4 cup of heavy cream.  I then brought it just under a boil and removed from heat, allowing it to steep for 5 minutes.  I strained the tea out and reheated the cream to a simmer.  I then added 8 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate, stirring until smooth.  I poured it over the filled and stacked cake, smoothing over the top and sides.  Since I had a little caramel left I drizzled that over the top and sides.

The Recipe:

CARAMEL CAKE WITH CARAMELIZED BUTTER FROSTING

10 Tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/4 Cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 Cup Caramel Syrup (see recipe below)
2 each eggs, at room temperature
splash vanilla extract ( I used 1/2 teaspoon)

2 Cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup milk, at room temperature

Notes from Natalie for those of you baking gluten-free:

So the GF changes to the cake would be:

2 cups of gluten free flour blend (w/xanthan gum) or 2 cups of gf flour blend + 1 1/2 tsp xanthan or guar gum
1/2 - 1 tsp baking powder

Preheat oven to 350F

Butter one tall (2 – 2.5 inch deep) 9-inch cake pan.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter until smooth. Add sugar and salt & cream until light and fluffy.

Slowly pour room temperature caramel syrup into bowl. Scrape down bowl and increase speed. Add eggs/vanilla extract a little at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down bowl again, beat mixture until light and uniform.

Sift flour and baking powder.

Turn mixer to lowest speed, and add one third of the dry ingredients. When incorporated, add half of the milk, a little at a time. Add another third of the dry ingredients, then the other half of the milk and finish with the dry ingredients. {This is called the dry, wet, dry, wet, dry method in cake making. It is often employed when there is a high proportion of liquid in the batter.}

Take off mixer and by hand, use a spatula to do a few last folds, making sure batter is uniform. Turn batter into prepared cake pan.

Place cake pan on cookie sheet or 1/2 sheet pan. Set first timer for 30 minutes, rotate pan and set timer for another 15-20 minutes. Your own oven will set the pace. Bake until sides pull away from the pan and skewer inserted in middle comes out clean. Cool cake completely before icing it.

Cake will keep for three days outside of the refrigerator.

CARAMEL SYRUP

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup water (for “stopping” the caramelization process)
In a small stainless steel saucepan, with tall sides, mix water and sugar until mixture feels like wet sand. Brush down any stray sugar crystals with wet pastry brush. Turn on heat to highest flame. Cook until smoking slightly: dark amber.

When color is achieved, very carefully pour in one cup of water. Caramel will jump and sputter about! It is very dangerous, so have long sleeves on and be prepared to step back.

Whisk over medium heat until it has reduced slightly and feels sticky between two fingers. {Obviously wait for it to cool on a spoon before touching it.}

Note: For safety reasons, have ready a bowl of ice water to plunge your hands into if any caramel should land on your skin.

CARAMELIZED BUTTER FROSTING

12 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound confectioner’s sugar, sifted
4-6 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons caramel syrup
Kosher or sea salt to taste

Cook butter until brown. Pour through a fine meshed sieve into a heatproof bowl, set aside to cool.

Pour cooled brown butter into mixer bowl.

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, add confectioner’s sugar a little at a time. When mixture looks too chunky to take any more, add a bit of cream and or caramel syrup. Repeat until mixture looks smooth and all confectioner’s sugar has been incorporated. Add salt to taste.

Note: Caramelized butter frosting will keep in fridge for up to a month.
To smooth out from cold, microwave a bit, then mix with paddle attachment until smooth and light

(recipes above courtesy of Shuna Fish Lydon)

The source for the  Caramel Cake with Caramelized Butter Frosting is courtesy of Shuna Fish Lydon (http://eggbeater.typepad.com/), as published on Bay Area Bites (http://blogs.kqed.org/bayareabites/).  This is Shuna Fish Lydon’s signature caramel cake…and it is fabulous!

Host was Dolores of Culinary Curiosity with co-hosts, Alex (Brownie of the Blondie and Brownie duo: http://blondieandbrownie.blogspot.com/), Jenny of Foray into Food (http://forayintofood.blogspot.com/) and  Natalie of Gluten-a-Go-Go (http://glutenagogo.blogspot.com/)to help with the gluten free changes.

And for more Daring Bakers check out the Daring Bakers Blog Roll!

Images:marye audet

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Mixers on counters and blenders on bases

Bright copper molds and chocolate on faces…

Cookies covered with plastic that won’t cling…

These are a few of my favorite things…

Christmas is in the air! 

I posted a holiday gift guide.  The theme is Favorite Things… Check it out and see if there are some of your favorite things there!

This year bloggers from around b5media’s Lifestyles, Health and Wellness channels are giving readers a special surprise. We’ve created a virtual mall to help ease the anxiety of shopping for those on your Christmas list who may be a little more difficult to buy for.

Stop by Kettle and Cup and select your favorite hot beverage, kick back and browse this years Holiday Gift Guide Shopping Extravaganza.

Cherie from Career and Kids has the perfect list for the business woman/working parent.

Mary Emma from One Book Two Book shares a suggest shopping list for the avid reader and artist on your list.

Everyone knows what to get a jewelry lover - but do you know what to get one who loves to make jewelry? Cyndi at Jewelry and Beading has the answer!

Cherie at Diabetes Notes shares gift ideas

to keep those visions of sugar plum fairies dancing for the diabetics on your list.

Chloe at The Doggy Blog shares an adorable wish list as written to Santa Paws.

Christine at Mad Cropper knows how to please those who are crazy about scrapbooking during the holiday season.

Quilters anyone? This unique craft makes for the tougher shopping experience - but that’s so yesterday considering we have a pro in our corner. Let Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork help you pick out the perfect gift.

Angela from Breastfeeding 1-2-3 provides a list of gifts for the breastfeeding mother on your list.

So maybe giving kitchen appliances isn’t the best idea - but what about a cool and unique Cooking Gadget? I’d say your bound to surprise the cook on your list with something from Cyndi’s list.

Peggy at Lively Women has put together a list of gift ideas for the health conscious female on your list.

Christine at Our One Heart shares tips and gift ideas to keep that Bride-to-Be happy during the Christmas season.

Tracee at BlogFabulous has put together an amazing store displaying gift ideas for the woman’s woman.

Christmas is for everyone and shopping for an Alzheimer’s patients can present a challenge - allow Mary Emma at Alzheimer’s Notes helps you overcome that challenge and get on to the joys of the season.

Have someone who might be looking to become a little more organized in the new year? Let Jennifer at Declutter It help you give the gift of time and organization.

Do you have a fabric-aholic or a needlehead on your Christmas list? Don’t get them the same old boring sing-song gift - let Chloe at Tangled Thread help you pick the perfect gift.

Unique gift ideas for the mixed media art lover on your list is what Cyndi from Layers Upon Layers has on display.

Have an aspiring to advanced chef on your list this year? Cyndi at Busy Family Meals has an extensive list to cover every stage of cooking from beginner to pro.

Eliza has pieced together a shop that covers mom, dad and baby at Babylune. Why leave anyone out?

Heather at The Food Bowl is taking care of pets and their people with a fun list that’s bound to connect you with the perfect gift.

Did someone say chocolate? Heather at Chocolate Bytes did! Our resident chocolate expert has put together sweetest gift shop you won’t want to miss.

Who says married couples are boring? Check out the letters to Santa as shared by Marc and Marye of Marriage Actually and see what might appeal to the married couple on your list.

Jennifer from Tree Hugging Family provides a wonderful list to help you go a little more green this holiday season.

Don’t forget about that single and dating friend or relative! We all know how difficult it can be to buy for them - Lucky for us we have Dating Dames and the Dames have the answers.

It’s never too early to start buying for your favorite gardener and Linette at Mother Earth’s Garden has a wonderful list to help you decide.

Have someone a little offbeat or kooky on your list this year? Let Jennifer of Offbeat Homes help you find the gift that’s spot on.

Linette at Play Library is haring the Best of Toys list this year - check out what’s hot and get to buying! We know how quick those hot toys sell out every year.

Have someone on your list who always hosts the best parties? Surprise that person with a unique gift as recommended by Linette at She Knows Parties!

Marcie from One Book Two Book and A Child Chosen shares a wonderful shopping list she’s broken down by age groups and hobbies.

Whether it’s tea or coffee you are looking for, Marye from Kettle and Cup has unique gift ideas that’s sure to add a little spice to your favorite hot beverage.

Haven’t figured out just how to shop for the junk lover and crafter on your list? Let Peggy from Junk Creation assist you with your selection.

Susan from Grounded Fitness has a little something for the health and fitness buff on your shopping list.

Liz at Health Bolt offers up a nifty gift idea list for everyone in the family - down to the computer geek.

Just what do you buy someone who’s crazy about genetics? Let our very own Grace Ilbay help you with that one at Genetics and Health

For those on your list who have a taste for wine and cocktails - check out Drinks After Dark and the shop full of gifts that Colleen has compiled that might just add to the element of surprise this year.

Eliza at She Knows Coupons has a fun list of items that will make any couponing mom jump with joy. The only thing that makes a coupon mom more excited than an awesome deal is doing it in an organized fashion.

Simply Home Remedies has what nearly any sustainable living freak would love to find under the tree in  the Simply Home Remedies Holiday Gift Guide...(also written by yours truly.)

And last but certainly not least, Gayla has compiled a list of MomGadget Favorites - A Year in Review 2008 instead of a storefront for you to shop.

From all of us at Lifestyles - Health & Wellness

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2009!

Image credit: Stock.xchng

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It would be because Marc Audet accidentally broke off the outside plumbing fixture and had to turn off all the water to the house and I can’t even start a loaf of bread without water.

SO how are YOUR preparations going?

Here is the menu I decided on which I will hopefully be finishing up shortly…

Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip with Lavash

Maple Glazed Roast Turkey

Sage Stuffing

Gravy

Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole

Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Pistachio

Green Bean Casserole ( YOU kno w the one)

Red Jello Salad (You have to be from the midwest to understand that jello is not a dessert…it is a SALAD)

Fruit Salad (mixed fruit with marshmallows and creme fraiche, lightly sweetened)

Potato Rolls

Whole Wheat Rolls

Cranberry Sauce (Erin is making it)

Pumpkin Pie

Praline Cheesecake (not sure..I may try to make a coconut praline cheesecake..I am still deciding)

The Daring Bakers Challenge which YOU can’t know what it is yet…

Chocolate Earl Grey Truffles

Starbucks Thanksgiving Blend Coffee

Earl Grey Tea

Lipton Caramel Truffle Tea

image:morguefile

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Last week I went to a friends house to be her assistant bread chef.  She has amazing recipes but they are all in German so she translates and I do what she says.

She is also one of the most inspiring people I know.  She has MS and has lost the ability to do much of what she likes;hiking, knitting, painting, baking…yet she is always cheerful and fun to be around.

We worked well together, me doing the mixing and initial kneading..and she, throwing the ball of dough against the table to finish the kneading process!

We created this Emmental bread together.  The only problem we had was that she translated the word for caraway seed as cumin seed..

Uh…you might want to go with the caraway. :)

The aroma in the kitchen as this is baking is intoxicating.  Would be a great accompaniment to a hearty soup and salad meal , with an apple tart for dessert.

• a 1/4-ounce package (2 1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups organic unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons gluten
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cup  emmental cheese, on a 1/4 inch dice
• 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon (optional)
• 1/3 cup thick greek yogurt, quark, or plain yogurt, warmed
• 1 1/4 cup warm water

In a large bowl proof the yeast in 1 1/4 cup warm water for 5 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy. Stir in the yogurt,  2 cups of the flour, and the remaining ingredients.  Stir the mixture until it is combined well. Knead the dough on a floured surface, incorporating as much of the remaining  flour as necessary to prevent the dough from sticking.  Knead for about ten minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.  Transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat it with the oil, and let it rise, covered with plastic wrap, in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it is double in bulk.

Punch down the dough, halve it, and shape each piece into a round loaf. Transfer the loaves to a lightly oiled baking sheet and let them rise, covered with a kitchen towel, for 45 minutes, or until they are almost double in bulk. Bake the loaves in the middle of a preheated 400°F. oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until they are golden, transfer them to a rack, and let them cool.

Image:MaryeAudet

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A whole new week and more chances to win this awesome gift basket from Hersheys.  Winner will be announced on Saturday.

In order to enter leave a separate comment for  each of the following:

1. Comment on this post.

2.Go to the Hershey Kitchens site and find a holiday recipe that looks the best ot you.  Then leave a comment here telling what it is.

3. Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with the blog link.

4.Join the Baking Delights Flickr group  and leave a comment on this post  telling me that you did.

Last week you had three  chances to win.  This week you have four….are you seeing a pattern? I dunno…might be!

Image:Hershey’s

Share This