baking Archives - start with a bowl

What’s inside – Substance over style

It’s what’s inside that counts. I am so excited to see that baking has become so popular. Scroll through your Instagram. I bet you follow at least one baker. In my feed, I am overwhelmed by pictures of pretty desserts. Intricate piping, torched meringue, 3D sugar work, and gold leaf top every confection. Oh my…

Starting with Sourdough

The first time I tried making a sourdough started was a few years ago. I had been binge watching The Great British Bake Off. I ordered a Paul Hollywood book (How To Bake) off of Amazon and got to work. I was unprepared for both the mess and the commitment. A sourdough starter is on…

Starting with Sourdough

Cookbook Review – Back to Baking by Anna Olson

When I need tried, tested, and true, I reach for Anna Olson’s book Back to Baking. I bought this book when it was published in 2011 and the pages are sticky with the delicious fruits of my labours. I have lots of baking books filled with incredible recipes. When I go to the cottage, or…

Rise Up! A journey to bread

How was bread invented? I’ve often wondered this. It has to have been an accident. I can fathom that someone mixed pounded grains with water, and added salt for flavour, but how did the yeast get in there? How did they know how long to wait and how long to knead it? Did some genius…

Rise Up! A journey to bread

Amy’s Kitchen Year – Thank you Ruth Reichl

The other day I found myself telling a friend she needed to read Ruth Reichl’s book My Kitchen Year. While my friend loves to cook and eat, that wasn’t why I suggested she read it. One fall morning last year I was lying in bed listening to the radio. I love to do that in…

Amy’s Kitchen Year – Thank you Ruth Reichl

English Muffins

I love the British TV Show The Great British Bake off. It’s a guilty pleasure. I know, as an actor I should reject reality tv, but I love watching these home bakers compete week after week. I love Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, who judge the show, and I love Mel and Sue who…