Baking for Beginners

Devils Advocate Enhancements

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Fitzpatirkc) — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 18:00:00 +0000

Why would you experiment in a kitchen?

The phrase “nothing changes, if nothing changes” is parallel to following instructions. If you are looking for an absolute end result in the kitchen, one must follow a recipe. A kitchen should be treasured and respected. It is most certainly not a place where rapid change occurs and sporadic events arise. Contrary to the belief of countless millennials, recipes are set in stone for a reason. One doesn’t put on their helmet, or wait at a red light just because they felt like it that day. We all respect rules enough to abide by them. Recipes are not road maps. There are not alternative routes that we can take to obtain the exact same end result. Being creative pays no mind in the kitchen. Rather than being artsy and inventive, why not be obedient and precise?

We live in a day and age where it feels as though allergies are at an all-time high. Wouldn’t it cause you agita worrying that adding an unnecessary ingredient might trigger someone? Think about how much easier it would be to simply follow a recipe, rather than trying to play mad scientist. On the flip side, if your audience’s allergies interrupt a recipe, save your time and choose another! For example, if a recipe requires milk and individuals are lactose intolerant, why would you waste money on soy milk? Yes, it may be a substitute, but then you have to worry about the possibility of an alternative taste!

Another area of baking that one must be conscious of is food sensitivity. Removing and/or adding an ingredient can make a horrible impact. For example, if someone who is sensitive to salt is going to eat a pretzel, they anticipate a level of saltiness. Now if you intend on baking a pretzel, and decide to deduct nearly all salt from the recipe, you could ruin the treat for someone. Quit trying to beat the original, and follow instructions!

Publication Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Fitzpatirkc) — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 16:55:00 +0000

Publication Plan

I will be submitting a creative non-fiction story about overcoming anxiety while living abroad. I plan on submitting to multiple publications varying in tone and genre, because I strive to shed light on the significance of mental health.

Article Layout

Opening

Speak of what anxiety is
My relationship with anxiety
My upcoming trip
What I hope to overcome while abroad

Body Paragraphs

Airports and flying- the mindset it puts me in
Arriving abroad / learning cultural normalities
Handling time differences / battling with uncertain emotions
Coping mechanisms

Closure

Significance of pushing oneself
Acknowledging growth
Finding what makes you truly happy
Fortitude comes in various forms

Publications of Interest

Selection #1: Anomaly

I plan on submitting to Anomaly because of the truth and strength at which the magazine stands for. My piece incorporates moments of feeling as though I was an anomaly in a sea of normality.

Selection #2: All The Sins
All The Sins places emphasis on pieces that push limits and make names for oneself. I intend on my story being portrayed not for glamour and elegance, but for the beauty of a harsh truth that was conquered.

Selection #3: Assisi: An Online Journal of Arts & Letters
Assisi caught my eye due to the focus on human behavior. I was a sociology minor in college, so I am very perceptive of human interaction.

Module 6: Self Evaluation

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Fitzpatirkc) — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 20:18:00 +0000

I define success as being both genuinely grateful and proud of one’s well-achieved accomplishments. Over the past six weeks, I have learned that “success” is far from synonymous with “perfect”. I have always held myself to very high standards. Coming into ICM 506, my mantra was to write the best piece possible. Now although that mindset is extremely motivating, 506 taught me that there is and always will be room for improvement. The feedback I received from my professor and peers was unbelievably beneficial. From analyzing feedback, that our pieces are merely drafts, and to keep rewriting.

One of my favorite pieces from #506iv is Ava’s Autobiography: https://avaelise.blogspot.com/2018/07/autobiography-enhancements.html

I consider my voice as Ava Elise quite successful because this experience challenged me to explore dimensions of myself. I incorporated miniature pieces of my true identity into Ava’s background. For instance, my uncle owns a sweets shop, I adore baking, and I have family located in San Francisco. The way I was raised greatly influenced my outlook on life. Thus, I attempted to reflect such viewpoints through Ava’s Autobiography. Although I greatly altered details, keeping a sense of self within Ava was a beautiful and enriching journey.

From my experience as Ava, I have been inspired to continue onward with writing under a pen name. The creative confidence I adopted from ICM 506 is one of the strongest influences I have ever felt. The support from my classmates and professor has been marvelous and deeply appreciated. I find it astonishing that our little class is full of unidentifiable strangers, yet we have meaningful conversations nearly every day.

Although I do not wish to change my identity as Ava, I would reconsider altering my blog name. Instead of Baking for Beginners, I would rebrand as Baking On The Bright Side. One of the greatest life lessons I have absorbed is to analyze situations from a positive perspective. Combining Ava’s passion for baking with a dosage of the significance of positive lifestyle sounds like the recipe for life! Imagine the world we would live in if everyone took a moment to see the good in every situation, prior to the bad? I vow to continue on my journey to #BakeTheWorldABetterPlace, as well as #BakeOnTheBrightSide J

Module 5: Wikipedia Article

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Fitzpatirkc) — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 19:53:00 +0000

Wikipedia: Cranberry Muffin

Cranberry Muffins are baked goods most commonly consumed in the fall during cranberry season.

1. Origin

2. Recipes

3. References

4. External Links

Origin

For countless years, Massachusetts has been one of the main distributers of cranberries. Aside from immediate consumption, others used cranberries for artwork, food preservation, and even medicine: "Medicine men, or powwows, used cranberries in traditional healing rituals to fight fever, swelling, or even sea sickness." [1] As time went onward, cranberries began getting incorporated into common dishes such as breads, muffins, salads, and entrees. The cranberry muffin is viewed as a staple during the American holiday of Thanksgiving: "Depending on weather conditions, harvest begins in September and lasts into early November. Fruit may be dry harvested and sold for fresh market (high dollar value) or harvested in water and sold as processed fruit." [2]

Recipes

Cranberry Muffins [3]

Ingredients:
1.5 cups Chopped Cranberries
1.5 cups Flour
3 tsp. Baking Powder
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
1 Egg
1 cup OJ
1 tb. Orange Zest

Directions:

Set Oven to 400* and grease pan
Mix salt, baking powder, and flour together
Mix oil and sugar together. Once mixed, add egg, orange juice, and zest to the mix
Combine flour mixture and oil mixture
Sprinkle in cranberries
Bake for 20- 25 minutes

Cranberry Muffins with Walnut Crumb Topping [4]

Crumb Ingredients:
1.4 cups Walnuts
1.5 cups Flour
2 tbs. Granulated Sugar
2 tbs. Light Brown Sugar
1/4 tsp. Baking Powder
Pinch of Salt
2.5 tbs. Unsalted Butter

Muffin Ingredients:
1.5 cups Cranberries
2 cups Flour
2 tsp. Baking Powder
.5 tsp. Baking Soda
Pinch of Salt
1/4 cup Sugar
1 cup Low- Fat Yogurt
1 stick Unsalted Butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425* and grease pan
Roast walnuts until lightly browned
Mix flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt together
Mix in butter, walnuts, and topping
In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, egg, and butter together
Sprinkle cranberries into mixture
Bake muffins for 20 minutes
Cool for 5 minutes

References

[1] “Where Tradition Meets Innovation.” Massachusetts Cranberries, Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association, 2003, www.cranberries.org/history.

[2] Sandler, Hilary A. Cranberry Production: a Guide for Massachusetts. Cranberry Experiment Station, College of Food and Natural Resources, University of Massachusetts Extension, 1997.

[3] P, Ginger. “Cranberry Muffins Recipe.” Allrecipes, 22 Aug. 2006, www.allrecipes.com/recipe/8393/cranberry-muffins/?internalSource=staff pick.

[4] Parisi, Grace. “Cranberry Muffins with Walnut Crumb Topping.” Food & Wine, Meredith Corporation Allrecipes Food Group, Mar. 2001, www.foodandwine.com/recipes/cranberry-muffins-with-walnut-crumb-topping.

External Links

How To Make Homemade Pie Crust

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Fitzpatirkc) — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 18:52:00 +0000

How To Make Homemade Pie Crust

You spent the entire day out in the orchard hand picking the finest apples one could reach. You collected a few Granny Smiths, a cluster of Red Delicious, and of course, the delectable Honeycrisp. Making a homemade apple pie has been on your bucket list for quite some time now. However, can you really classify a pie as being homemade if the crust is not? Put down the pre-made Pillsbury crust, and pick up a pastry blender. It’s time to #MakePieCrustGreatAgain

INGREDIENTS

Ready in: 40 mins
Serves: 8
Quantity: Two crusts

2 Cups Flour

1 Tsp. Salt

2/3 Cup Butter

5 – 7 Tbs. Water

1. Prance on over to the oven and preheat to 375 degrees. Get excited! This is going to be #sweet. It's very important to have an oven thermometer to display an accurate temperature. Nearly all ovens run either hot or cold, so it's significant to be aware of your oven's tendencies!

2. Place flour into a large mixing bowl (Preferably one that compliments your apron J ) Pro tip: dumping flour over the sink ensures a clean execution / no mess!

3. Rest butter on top of flour and cut with a pastry blender. It is much easier to cut butter if it is room temperature! (In case you’re a #BeginnerBaker, see below for what a pastry blender looks like J )

4. Sprinkle salt and add water to the mixture (Brownie points if you can look this graceful while doing so!)

5. Mix ingredients together until a soft dough is formed. Be careful not to over-beat the mix! You want an airy, dough texture, not a flat soup!

6. Roll dough out until it is flat

7. Bake dough for forty minutes until golden brown. Voila! Enjoy your homemade pie, and know you are #BakingTheWorldABetterPlace :)

Module 4: Persona

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Fitzpatirkc) — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 16:16:00 +0000

Module 3: Devils Advocate

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Fitzpatirkc) — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:31:00 +0000

Professor Kalm

ICM 506

30 July 2018

The significance of being open minded in the kitchen

The phrase “nothing changes, if nothing changes” is parallel to a sedentary mindset not allowing for growth. According to Merriam- Webster, growth can be defined as “progressive development”. The kitchen is one of the most ideal locations to dance with change and proceed by adapting to it. Contrary to many beliefs, recipes are not meant to be set in stone. Being set in one’s ways can arguably be just as harmful as not trying at all. Some of the most beneficial discoveries stem from the initial commitment to attempt a new task. The endless possibility of success is the enticing factor we must look to for hope.

Recipes can be viewed as roadmaps to one’s journey in the kitchen. Although maps do not lie, often times, travelers do not question the possibility of alternative routes. This same mindset can be applicable to baking. Being open-minded in and out of the kitchen allows for one’s creativity to flow full force. Areas such as food alternatives, flavor, and unnecessary ingredients may all come to recognition!

We live in a day and age where it feels as though allergies are at an all-time high. Perhaps a recipe calls for an ingredient that is not doable for your audience. How does one handle such a dilemma? One may argue to simply choose another recipe since it will save time and hassle. However, what might be a more flexible option in this scenario? By opening one’s horizons and allowing oneself to experiment with alternative ingredients, one may establish an even better recipe! For example, if a recipe requires milk and individuals are lactose intolerant, soymilk is a great substitute!

Another area of baking that one must be conscious of is food sensitivity. In some instances, removing and/or lessening an ingredient can make a beneficial impact. For example, hypothetically speaking, say one is cooking for someone who is sensitive to salt. If a recipe calls for 2 tbsp. of salt, by lessening the amount, perhaps one might realize the recipe did not actually need all that salt in the first place! On the contrary, one may worry that the recipe could come out entirely different. Although there is a possibility of failure, how could one possibly compare that closed mindset to the countless possibilities of discovery?

Have you ever viewed a recipe and thought, “hm, this could use___!” If so, congratulations! You are officially a pioneer for change. I commend everyone who allows for one to put doubt aside, and unapologetically try something. For those who rarely ever add to recipes, I can understand where one may be coming from. Perhaps one is so content with the original recipe that he/she does not look to alter a good thing. However, I truly encourage all to be daring and dive deep into one’s taste buds. Change can arise for the good, or for the bad. Above all else, it is necessary to accept and move forward with whatever change occurs.

Works Cited

“Growth.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/growth.

Autobiography Enhancements

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Fitzpatirkc) — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 22:02:00 +0000

Draft 2:

I can attest that a spoonful of sugar does, in fact, help the medicine go down. Growing up, one could always seem to find me alongside my mother in our quaint Tuscan- inspired kitchen without fail. It felt as though there was not enough air to inhale anything aside from flour, and personal space was a vastly foreign concept. Between the electric mixers and my mother’s deafening tone, it was too crowded to even hear oneself think. Yet, our lifestyle was just the way we liked it. My mother and I, we were inseparable. When I was young, I believed that my mother was superwoman. When I grew older, I learned my childish beliefs were in fact spot on.
I am incredibly grateful to have grown up in Bronx, NY. Instilled in me is a fiery soul that takes nothing for granted. From a very young age, I learned that nothing is earned without sacrifice. Seeing my mother voluntarily slave away in the kitchen has molded me into an individual who takes great joy in giving back to others. After school, most children ran to the streets to play stickball. Young Ava, however, raced up north Carlton Avenue to greet her oven after a long day apart.
As I grew older, I turned my passion into a lifestyle. Dedicating my existence to making other lives sweeter has been the most enriching journey I have yet to embark on. When one takes a bite of my treats, I aspire for a wave of nostalgia to emerge. Perhaps a scone takes one back to lounging under the iconic maple tree on grandmother’s lawn just before the sun began to set on another perfect day. Maybe the blueberry crumb cake recalls upon a simpler time when your wife was healthy enough to share a bite to eat and chat about the outrageous current events. Regardless of the scenario, I hope to create treats that recall a sense of home. #BakeTheWorldABetterPlace

Draft 1:

I can attest that a spoonful of sugar does, in fact, help the medicine go down. Growing up, one could always seem to find me alongside my mother in our quaint Tuscan- inspired kitchen without fail. It felt as though there was not enough air to inhale anything aside from flour, and personal space was a vastly foreign concept. Between the electric mixers and my mother’s deafening tone, it was too crowded to even hear oneself think. Yet, our lifestyle was just the way we liked it.

I am incredibly grateful to have grown up in Bronx, NY. Instilled in me is a fiery soul that takes nothing for granted. From a very young age, I learned that nothing is earned without sacrifice. Seeing my mother voluntarily slave away in the kitchen has molded me into an individual who takes great joy in giving back to others. After school, most children ran to the streets to play stickball. Young Ava, however, raced up north Carlton Avenue to greet her oven after a long day apart.

As I grew older, I turned my passion into a lifestyle. Dedicating my existence to making other lives sweeter has been the most enriching journey I have yet to embark on. When one takes a bite of my treats, I aspire for a wave of nostalgia to emerge. Perhaps a scone takes one back to lounging under the iconic maple tree on grandmother’s lawn just before the sun began to set on another perfect day. Maybe the blueberry crumb cake recalls upon a simpler time when your wife was healthy enough to share a bite to eat and chat of the outrageous current events. Regardless of the scenario, I hope to create treats that recall a sense of home. #BakeTheWorldABetterPlace

Beat Enhancements

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Fitzpatirkc) — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 21:45:00 +0000

Draft 2:

When one envisions baking, stereotypically, an elderly woman in a patterned- pastel apron often comes to mind. Obtain valuable baking insight from someone vastly disparate than the norm starting with yours truly, Ava Elise! Get ready to break out the whisks and bowls, my proteges! I am not afraid to stir the pot both in and out of the kitchen. From red velvet brownies, to Keto cinnamon rolls, I tackle everything. Come one, come all! Life is short, so I encourage you to lick the bowl! Bon appetit!

Draft 1:

When one envisions baking, stereotypically, an elderly woman in a patterned- pastel apron often comes to mind. Why not stray away from the clichés, and obtain valuable baking insight from someone vastly disparate than the norm starting with yours truly, Ava Elise!

Module 2: Resume

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Fitzpatirkc) — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 20:00:00 +0000

I decided to create my resume in the format of a cookbook, since my passion helps me navigate life. #BakeTheWorldABetterPlace

Module 1: Baking The World A Better Place

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Fitzpatirkc) — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 16:08:00 +0000

When one envisions baking, stereotypically, an elderly woman in a flour-clad apron often comes to mind. Why not stray away from the clichés, and obtain valuable baking insight from someone vastly disparate from the norm. Whom might act as a beacon of refreshingly honest wit with an idiosyncratic perspective? Pleased to introduce myself, I am Ms. Ava Elise! Get ready to break out the whisks and bowls, my protégés. I am not afraid to stir the pot both in and out of the kitchen. Bon appetit!

Module 1: Ava's Autobiography

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Fitzpatirkc) — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 15:59:00 +0000

I am incredibly grateful to have grown up in Bronx, NY. Instilled in me is a fiery soul that takes nothing for granted. From a very young age, I learned that nothing is earned without sacrifice. Seeing my mother voluntarily slave away in the kitchen has molded me into an individual who takes great joy in giving back to others. After school, most children ran to the streets to play tag or stickball. Young Ava, however, raced up North Carlton Avenue to greet her oven after a long day apart.

As I grew older, I turned my passion of baking into a lifestyle. Dedicating my existence to making other lives sweeter has been the most enriching journey I have yet to embark on. I moved from the east coast to San Francisco, CA, when I was twenty-four years old. My longtime dream of opening a sweets shop with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge finally turned into a reality. Today, I am incredibly proud to state that San Fran Sweets has been booming for three whole years!

When one takes a bite of my treats, I aspire for a wave of nostalgia to emerge. Perhaps a lemon cream scone takes one back to lounging under the lush maple tree on grandmother’s lawn just before the sun began to set on another perfect day. Maybe the blueberry crumb cake recalls upon a simpler time to when one’s spouse was healthy enough to share a bite to eat, and chat of the outrageous current events. Regardless of the scenario, I hope to create treats that recall a sense of home.

#BakeTheWorldABetterPlace

Impression Piece

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Fitzpatirkc) — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 14:14:00 +0000

Saving Grace

Pressing lips on glass laced with agony will only numb you for a while. When you wake up from that daydream, I hope you find a new object to be your muse. I was once in a dark room with no windows, nor air. It felt as though there was no way out- no room to breathe. Right, when I believed that all hope had fleeted; I realized there was a way in. I challenge you to lean into what frightens you. You may discover that your beautiful mind lies deep in some foreign land. I would love for you to take me there. You don’t scare me: not in the slightest. I see your soul, and it shines so brightly. I adore you, not for whom you think you are, but for whom I know you to be.

Baking for Beginners

Devils Advocate Enhancements

Publication Plan

Publication Plan

Article Layout

Opening

Body Paragraphs

Closure

Publications of Interest

Module 6: Self Evaluation

Module 5: Wikipedia Article

Wikipedia: Cranberry Muffin

Contents

Origin

Recipes

References

External Links

How To Make Homemade Pie Crust

Module 4: Persona

Module 3: Devils Advocate

Autobiography Enhancements

Beat Enhancements

Module 2: Resume

Module 1: Baking The World A Better Place

Module 1: Ava's Autobiography

Impression Piece