I love ice cream.  Nope, that isn’t the secret at all…that is coming up..but…I love ice cream.  Vanilla did not used to be a big hit with me.  It seemed to me that vanilla ice cream was an empty canvas, or a plate to hold the good stuff like hot fudge sauce.  When I started making homemade ice cream, though, I decided that vanilla…real vanilla …was a flavor to be reckoned with..and not one to ignore.

I found a french vanilla flavoring at the store the other day, and I was writing an article for a local magazine on..ice cream.  I …read more

Carrots are not often served cooked around here. Not because we don’t like them but because my kids will go through a five pound bag of organic carrots in about two days..so if I want to do carrots I better have them on the menu for the day I shop.

I wanted to do something a little different to go with lunch the other day. Usually scones are a breakfast item here, I just don’t think of them for lunch. But with a salad and some Brie these are a great way to round out a light meal.
They are sweet from the glaze. The vanilla mellows out the lavender to make a great taste combination. A few months ago I read about a technique where you grated cold butter into scones and biscuits to give a more tender product. This really does make a difference and I have …read more

So next week is going ot be awesome on Baking Delights….Not only is it the Daring Bakers reveal on the 28th BUT …….

Chai Spice Snowballs (and you thought the Mexican Wedding cookies were good)
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Vanilla -Rose Crackles  …..just …wow. Crispy-tender-chewy.
See you tomorrow for Blogsurfing!
Images: Marye Audet
Content: Marye Audet for Baking Delights 

 
These cookies are a fantastic addition to tea, or coffee in the afternoon.  In fact, they are great for an after school snack. They are light, buttery, crumbly and everything I think shortbread should be.  I like them better than Lorna Doones and trust me, that is BIG.

There is something comforting about yellow cake. I am not sure exactly what does it for me, the cheerful golden color, the delicate taste? Something. It goes with everything, it is easy to make and if you are in need of a birthday cake it is always a good start. Add a deep, rich chocolate frosting and you have all that is childhood on a plate.
My mother was not much of a cook. She just didn’t take any enjoyment in it. However my best friend lived across the street in the midst of a large, boisterous family. I was …read more