Joy the Baker

What a week.  What a week.  Financial crisis. Bail out.  Katie Couric interviews.  Vice Presidential debates.  So much has gone on this week I literally feel exhausted by all of the news.  I do know one thing.  I need the phrase “Joe Six Pack” out of my life forever.  Seriously.  Out.  

I thought I’d treat you all to some blog love.  Why?  Because it’s free, and free is a long long way from 700 billion.  

Smoky Barbecue Sauce-  I know it’s not a dessert and I also know that summer is over but I could eat barbecue sauce by the spoonful.  Really?  Ok… maybe not.  But I love the idea of homemade barbecue sauce, especially if I get to use those darling flippy top jars.  Check out Cooking for Seven to figure out what they heck I’m talking about.  

Ginger and Chocolate Gingerbread-   Yes!  The perfect introduction into Fall.  I’m also thinking hard about pumpkin and chocolate combinations.  It’s not too early, right?

Double Chocolate Layer Cake-  Oh Amanda, you know just how to speak to my heart.  Yes.  My answer is Yes!  I’ll marry you.  Wait…. did you ask?

Sweet Cherry Pie-  Are there still cherries?  Is it not too late?  Maybe there’s something magical in Florida where Mike of Mike’s Table whipped up this pie.   Warm cherry pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream- I could die a happy happy girl.  

Banana Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies-  Abby, what have you done?  Would these be a proper breakfast food, because I’m seriously considering these with a glass of milky coffee in the morning.  Please and thank you.

These are super moist, giant Banana Cupcakes from Joy the Baker: the early years.  Of course, since I’ve only been rocking this blog for a few months, I suppose I should say Joy the Baker: the early months, but it sounds more romantic the other way.  How long do I have to wait to come out with a greatest hits album?

Enough about me.  Today I wanted to tell you about three beautiful blogs that I just discovered.  I spend a great deal of time working in the kitchen and on my blog and when I do venture out to other blogs, I hit up the same ones all the time.  I’ve found my comfort zone.  This week, though, I ventured out into deep cyberspace and came back with some really lovely blogs for you to check out.  Maybe you know these people.  Maybe I’m completely behind the times.  Whatever the case get to know and love these bloggers as I have.

Almost A Chef is a lovely blog with simple yet creative recipes.  Daniel is an untrained food lover, experimenting and really creating some fantastic dishes.  His Baked Pears with Fig in Vanilla Syrup caught my eye.  The photography is charming and he’s got a very readable voice.  He’s a new favorite.

Do you know about Sophie at Mostly Eating?  She’s an English nutritionist that focuses on both healthy and sustainable foods.  I love her photographs and her whole site is just warm and inviting.  I especially liked the article dedicatd solely to rhubard- which yes, makes me a complete dork.

Lastly, Ashley at Artisan Sweets is amazing.  She is my absolute favorite new find.  Ashley was a pastry kid at Spago and now lives in Washington with her husband, two darling sons and her garden.  The photos on her blog are outta sight.  And she has orange scented scones, so now you must go visit.  Her voice is very personal and warm, and I just completely love the work she’s doing.