BIZZY BAKES

"Baking GALS (GALS stands for Give A Little Support) is a group of volunteer bakers from around the country who bake and ship homemade goodies to our heroic military men and women who are currently deployed in a war zone. Our goal is to show our support and send a little bit of home to remind them that we appreciate all that they do for our freedom." It is another month and I am baking once again through the group, Baking Gals.   This is not a big deal to do, but I can only  hope, it makes a difference to those receiving my cookies.  In selecting cookies, I look for quick, easy and delicious recipes.  QED means, I can bake more quickly and since I do this in a limited time frame, that is important.  The recipes, we send should be good to eat but those that are not going to melt if they end up in a hot area.  As a result, I leave out frosting or decorations.  I do include chips in the cookies as well as nuts and dried fruit, depending on th...

I had decided to use Flour  (the book) for my baking.  I have to send, at least, one cookie from the book, to the soldiers.  Then, I want to find one from King Arthur's Flour, the second book, I had chosen. When, I received Joanne Chang's delightful book, flour , with a small f, even though I have been capitalizing it. Old habits die hard and I capitalize titles of books.  Sorry Joanne.  My excuse is that I am a teacher.  What kind of an example would I be for my class? There is a characteristic of Joanne Chang's personality that is very pleasant.  She talks about her path to baking.  She explains the magic of flour in baking.  She gives you tips and teaches her readers in a respectful manner.  She kept me with her, when I picked up the book.  I wanted to read her introductions to the recipes.  I am not telling you , she is exciting or dramatic.  She is more like an old friend who wants to bake with you.  The ton...