BIZZY BAKES

What is the best baked good to make for a new class?  My answer would have been chocolate chip cookies but I had little time before school and could not envision making enough cookies for the class in that time.  Second best would be chocolate chip cake.  This blog is brand new to me and I kind of stumbled over it looking for the simplest recipe, "in the world." Truthfully, I did not expect a lot from this cake.  It was too basic but it would go quickly and the ingredients were easy to come by.  I was surprised that it was very good.  I admit, I filled it with chocolate chips and that certainly made it delicious and I would make it again. Chocolate Chip Cake adapted from Chichos Kitchen Ingredients: 2 sticks butter or margarine, at room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 eggs, at room temperature 1 teaspoon baking powder a pinch of salt 1 bag (10 ounce) chocolate chips 2/3 cup sugar and cinnamon (1 teaspoon cinnamon) M...

There is something special about baked goods made without flour. I saw this recipe on Creative Kitchen , a blog that has not only many terrific recipes but also, interesting ideas. I made this recipe from that blog and I think, it has topped, all other chocolate cookies, at least for now. I am always looking for new favorites and it is going to take a lot to be better than this full flavored chocolate chewy cookie. Flourless Chocolate Brownie Cookies (adapted - the only change I made was to bake these for less time) Ingredients: 3 cups powdered sugar 2/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 3 large egg whites, at room temperature 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips Method: Preheat oven to 350.  Cover cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix together powdered sugar, cocoa powder and sea salt. Whisk in egg whites until just moistened.  Add in chocolate chips. Spoon thick fudgy batter onto cookie ...

I have a deal with my class and have had the same challenge for them, for years.  Each week, if they return their work folders to me, signed by a parent, I bake them cookies.  I usually allow one or two to forget.  This year's class has not tasted a cookie yet, this year.  As a group, they could not pull this off. They are an enigma to me.  As much as they want the extras, they won't put themselves into it. I have never met this before and it is challenging me.  Fortunately, I like a good challenge. I am open to suggestions.  Discipline is not the problem.  If I lower my voice so it is barely audible, the class is quiet.  They do what they have to do but if I give them an inch, like taking a breath, they are rarin' to go.  If I would allow them to continue, I don't think they would ever stop. No, I am not exaggerating. As a result, bring in signed folders seem to be a distant possibility.  I, so badly, want to bake for them...

I am thinking cookies for my new class.  It is interesting, I didn't mention my baking to this class and no one said anything until yesterday (third day of school).  Obviously, it is a given to the class that I bake for my classes. I asked them how they knew this and of course, the answer was, your other students, told us.  Should I be pleased or taken for granted?  Being the teacher who rewards has a positive payback.  It is easy to explain. Threatening kids with punishments leaves a sour taste in everyone's mouth, probably especially the teacher.  Earning something is much more promising that losing it.  Of course, in the end, the results are the same but the attitude is different. This year, is a little surprising.  I have had siblings of these children and for the first time, most of them are at the other end of the spectrum, from their brothers.  With the exception of two of the brothers, the others are different, not only in p...

 Chewy Mock Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies - adapted from Goddess of Baking Yield: 3 Dozen Ingredients: 1 1/3 Cup Flour 1 Tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda 1/2 Teaspoon Salt 1 Stick of margarine, at room temperature 2/3 Cup Sugar 1/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar 2/3 Cup Mock Nutella, a chocolate hazelnut spread 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla 1 Egg 11/4 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips Method: Mix together flour, cocoa, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside dry ingredients. In the bowl of your electric mixer, cream together butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and continue to beat. Add chocolate hazelnut spread and vanilla extract. Add flour mixture and mix until just incorporated. Add chocolate chips and mix. Chill for at least 1 hour.  (I only chilled for one half hour since I was in a hurry and it worked just fine.) Preheat oven to 350. ...

These are another cookie for the soldiers.  I baked two variations of chocolate chip cookies.  You will find the other on My Sweet and Savory .    I think, this is my favorite, of the two but both were better than average.  Both came close to King Arthur's Flour CCCs. What more can I say about chocolate chip cookies other than these are soft and chewy and the way a great CCC should me, in my opinion.  There is one more thing.  This cookie has only brown sugar which is the key to a great cookie, opposed to a good cookie. Thick, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies - Adapted from My Recipe s Ingredients: 1 cup (1/2 lb.) margarine, at room temperature 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar 2  eggs 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (12 oz.) 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) Since I am sending these to soldiers who may be allergic to nuts, I ...

I rarely bake for myself and I rarely bake anything that is not gluten-free.  Years ago, a cake similar to this, was my favorite.  I decided, for the holiday, I deserved my own favorite and I made it.  I goofed in one important way.  I forgot, I was working with AP flour and used my gluten-free calculation for the size of the pan.  It rose and rose and rose way above the pan and eventually sunk in the middle.  It was fine to eat, just not the prettiest cake. Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake ( adapted from All Recipes ) Ingredients 1 cup canola oil minus one tablespoon 1 (8 ounce) package Tofutti cream cheese, softened 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup Rice milk 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Method:  In a mixing bowl, cream the oil, cream cheese and 1-1/4 cups of sug...