Bar cookies are a great 'first recipe' for someone who's baking for the first time. They're one of the easiest cookies to make, in terms of preparation: you just pour the cookie dough into the pan, and shove it in a preheated oven. Even now, after more than a decade of baking, I prefer making bar cookies when I'm tired or running short on time. I don't have to shape the … [Read more...] about Basics of making bar cookies
Food & Drink
Basics of making refrigerator cookies
I love making refrigerator cookies, especially during the holidays when I bake in bulk. The advantage of refrigerator cookies is that you can mix the ingredients ahead of time, and then store the dough in the refrigerator for as long as two weeks. I can just bake a fresh batch of cookies when I need them, or place the dough in a jar and give as a gift. Refrigerator cookies are … [Read more...] about Basics of making refrigerator cookies
Baking cookies: basic tools
There are thousands of cookie recipes on the internet, and more can be found in cookbooks or even the packaging of ingredients. But before you can bake cookies, you need tools. Don't make the same mistake I made: driven by dreams of being the next Martha Stewart, I walked into a baking supply store and spent a small fortune on equipment I barely used. Get the basics, but … [Read more...] about Baking cookies: basic tools
How to save while eating out
We know, we know—it's cheaper to cook your own food than to eat out. But you still deserve an occasional night out with your friends, or a Sunday lunch with your family. If you're an entrepreneur, taking clients out is a necessary business expense. And for some people, trying out new dishes is a passion and a hobby--and as long as it's within your budget, there's nothing wrong … [Read more...] about How to save while eating out
Basic tools for grilling
Who doesn't love an outdoor barbecue? But aside from the traditional backyard barbecue you can also grill indoors using a grill pan on your cooktop or an electric char grill (just make sure your kitchen is well ventilated). If you plan to grill frequently, you will need tools to help you keep your grilled food moist and evenly cooked. Here are some of the things you may … [Read more...] about Basic tools for grilling