http://www.joythebaker.com/blog Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:31:20 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en   I've got a guilty conscience.  Here's a little peek inside: Dear Coworker David,   Tonight when you were detailing the twenty one shots you had for your twenty first birthday, I stopped listening at about shot number four... the Raging Bull I think you said.  How do you remember all twenty one ... http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/11/vegan-pumpkin-walnut-bread/   I have really great news friends!   Number One: I had chicken and waffles for dinner last night.  Hot dang!  Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles... you were great news for my belly. Number Two:  Remember a few days ago when I was telling you how lovely the people at Minted.com are? ... http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/11/i-love-minted-minted-com-totally-loves-you/   Here we are, staring November right in the eye.  Am I the only one giving November dirty looks?  I mean seriously November... how did you sneak up on me like this?  Did you just trample over September and October to rub your impending holiday spirit in my face? I'm not sure ... http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/11/custom-holiday-card-giveaway/    I'm putting on an orange leotard tomorrow.  An orange leotard.  I'm also putting on bright blue leggings tomorrow.. and white leg warmers... and sweat bands.   I'm going to encourage the big, puffy, curly hair that I spend most days trying to tame.  Yes, there will be blue eye shadow. I'm going to ... http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/10/smores-icebox-candy-bars/   These eggs aren't the only thing that's scrambled.   My brains.... also pretty scrambled right now.   As far as I see it, there are two solutions to the scrambled brain mess that I've got going on inside my head right now: a whole weekend worth of sleep or a bag of ... http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/10/my-favorite-scrambled-eggs/   Have I introduced you to my little sister Lauren?  Lauren... this is everyone.   Everyone... this is Lauren.   Lauren and I grew up in the kitchen together.  We made brownies, we burnt cookies, we frosted crooked cakes, and we could plow through a box of Peanut Butter Captain Crunch in 10 minutes ... http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/10/laurens-peanut-butter-sandwich-cookies/   I cleared out my cooking cupboard and piled everything up on a table... I'm trying to make a point.   I think it's important you know that you don't need cabinets full of fancy equipment to make glorious things happen in the kitchen.   I think it's important you know that I ... http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/10/my-kitchen-basics/   Today's Maple Pecan Muffins are dedicated to Tracey.   Tracey, you are dear and darling... and 15, which is equal parts hard and rad, I know.   Let me tell you a little about Tracey.  Tracey had her 15th birthday last week.  Tracey's best friend Maggie sent me a pretty precious email ... http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/10/maple-pecan-muffins/   Hey!  Can I share some fun news!?  Sweet... thanks. What makes dinner with friends even more fun and lovely?  A dash of holiday spirit... aaaand whiskey.   I love the months between September and January because I get to cook and cook and cook.  Something about the holidays inspires people to gather ... http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/10/we-do-dinner/   Persimmon Pudding, from tree to table.   Step One:  Find a neighbor with a gorgeous, almost cartoon like persimmon tree.  Ask your Mom to help you pick persimmons... Mom always likes to help. Step Two:  Entice neighbor and Mamabear with the promise of fresh baked persimmon pudding if you're granted access to ... http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/10/persimmon-pudding/