The Best of the Blogs

These guys restore my faith in the world and the writing abilities of its inhabitants. Bravo to them and their skillage.

1. 17 and Baking
2. Cannelle et Vanille – Pretty advanced stuff (big words and weight measuring); beautiful beautiful photography
3. Sweetopia – Not many recipes so much as cookie decorating, but cool every once in a while

Inspiration

• Orangette – Incredible writing, modest photography, with an odd recipe or two
• Amy Atlas Events – Party planning specializing in colorful pretty dessert buffet tables

Recipes to Try (Breakfarst)

Orange-Cinnamon Honey Sticky Buns
From 17 and Baking (06/29/10)

Recipes to Try (Seasonal)

Fourth of July Flag Cake
From 17 and Baking (07/01/09)

Striped Peppermint Meringues with Chocolate Ganache
From 17 and Baking (12/03/09)

Recipes to Try (Decorative)

Chrysanthemum Cupcakes
From 17 and Baking (01/20/10)

Spring Gum Paste Flowers
From Sweetopia (05/17/10)

Recipes to Try (Breads/Rolls/Muffins)

Carrot-Flecked Dinner Rolls
From 17 and Baking (04/25/09)

Healthy Banana Apple Muffins
From 17 and Baking (08/26/08)

Soaked Lemon, Poppy Seed and Olive Oil Cakes
From Cannelle et Vanille (05/03/10)

Recipes to Try (Sweets/Desserts)

Lemon-Scented Pull Apart Coffee Cake
From 17 and Baking (05/25/10)

Orange-Espresso Tiramisu
From 17 and Baking (02/28/10)

Yeast-Raised Doughnuts
From 17 and Baking (02/02/10)

Caffeine-Spiked Mini Hostess Cupcakes
From 17 and Baking (01/13/10)

Mini Dobos Torte
From 17 and Baking (08/27/09)

Peanut-Chocolate-Caramel Crunch Bars
From 17 and Baking (06/17/09)

Lemon Chiffon Cake
From 17 and Baking (05/10/09)

Cold War Brownies
From 17 and Baking (05/05/09)

Simple Pear Tart
From 17 and Baking (04/15/09)

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chunk Muffins
From 17 and Baking (04/10/09)

Frozen Lemon Souffle
From Sweetopia (06/29/10)

Apricot, Pistachio, and Lemon Shortbread Tart
From Cannelle et Vanille (06/29/10)

Butterbeer Cupcakes
From Amy Bites (2010)

Featherlight Scones

Yield: 8 scones
Preheat: 425

3 cups all-purpose flour
3–4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup cold butter
1 egg
1 cup vanilla (or plain) yogurt or sour cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (add more if using plain yogurt)
2 tsp milk
Sugar

• In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
• Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
• Stir in egg, yogurt, and vanilla just until combined (Add a little cold water to make dough stick)
• Turn onto floured surface, knead 6-8 times (Or just pat down directly onto pan)
• Place on ungreased baking pan: roll into a 9 inch circle, cut into 8 wedges
• Brush tops with milk and sprinkle with sugar
• Bake at 425 for 12-15 min or until golden brown
• Serve warm

From Readers Digest, Taste of Home: Muffins and Quick Breads, Special 2008 issue