SHORTBREAD

"Krembo" Whoopie Pies (dairy free)

2012-02-08T12:08:00.005-05:00

Krembo (Hebrew: קרמבו‎, a portmanteau word meaning literally "cream-in-it") is the name of a chocolate-coated marshmallow treat that is very popular in Israel. Krembos are only sold in the winter. They are hand-wrapped in colourful aluminum foil, and consist of a round biscuit base topped with marshmallow cream coated in a thin layer of chocolate. Krembos have achieved the status of a pop-cultural item and a national icon. (WIKI source)

It all started with a batch of Pecan Chocolate Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, when right in the middle of baking I was introduced to said marshmallow/chocolatey treats. There was no way I wasn't about to find some harmonious way to join the two in chocolatey matrimony!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie + Krembo + Chocolate Ganache = TOTAL MOUTH EXPLOSION

Below is an Oatmeal Cookie Recipe... try out your own version of this delicious concoction

thanks nim + lior for being ever willing tasters :D

Oatmeal Cookies
Makes about 30

1 cup whole wheat flour flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter substitute, room temperature (earth balance)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions/
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat butter and both sugars in large bowl until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture and oats and stir until blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, until edges are light brown, about 16 minutes. Cool on sheets 5 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool completely.

Gluten Free & Vegan Wedding

2012-01-13T20:11:00.001-05:00

Sorry I have been behind on a few of my posts things have been a bit crazy with events and the holidays I have had barely any time to write... and not to fret some new recipes coming VERY soon! New Years Eve we had a very special event. We catered an appetizer only dance party wedding. Very cute and fun idea and everyone had a blast! Now usually when we do appetizer we give a few vegan or vegetarian options, however this time for the menu we were asked to create it completely Gluten Free and Vegan!

The Delicious menu was as follows...

Edamame Black bean Sliders topped with Red Pepper relish and Chipotle Mayo
Corn Jalapeño Cakes with Tomato Salsa
Black eyed Pea fritters with Hot Pepper Sauce
Wild Mushroom Polenta Diamonds topped with Fig Jelly
Baby Bella Caps Stuffed with Lemon Arugula Pesto
Truffle Pops

When You're Flying High...

2011-12-10T11:32:00.001-05:00

My boyfriend broke his leg last week in a skydiving course and unfortunately needed surgery. Needless to say... I made his amazing doctor cookies to say thank you for a job well done and acknowledge the service that exceeded all expectations. And that's the way this cookie crumbled!

CMYKake

2011-12-07T12:05:00.001-05:00

My brilliant illustrator/designer friend came to me a few days ago with a glorious task... a cake for a CMYK party you ask? Well... for those of you who are not such big nerds as we are click here, or just know that it is a color profile used in printing for graphic design. Needless to say we made an amazing 4 tiered cake and some mini ones too! Enjoy the shots.

Thanks Travel & Leisure Design Team for the Great pictures and GREAT IDEA!!

What do these three magazines have in common?

2011-12-02T12:38:00.001-05:00

They all used SHORTBREAD for a holiday party last night! The menu included three delicious recipes from each of the three hosting magazines. Click on the links to each recipe! (courtesy of the three magazines)

Woman's Day/ S'mores Gingerbread Men
Good Housekeeping/ Mini Healthy Cheesecake Bites
Country Living/ Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Peppermint Filling

Wedding Cake Decorating Party

2011-11-28T01:47:00.001-05:00

Long over due... As you can probably tell things have been a bit busy lately with fun events and parties so little by little I will be posted images from each event. The photos below were from a really fun and energetic wedding cake decorating bridal shower. Ready... Set... FROST!

Think Different...

2011-10-10T09:26:00.000-04:00

“We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and every one should be really excellent. Because this is our life. Life is brief, and then you die, you know? And we’ve all chosen to do this with our lives. So it better be damn good. It better be worth it.” – Steve Jobs

The man was a visionary who inspired us all. Steve Jobs you will be missed.
These cookies were inspired by a lost 1984 mac keynote video. See below for the clip. Click here for another apple related cookie.

link

the cookie inspiration...

Don't forget your umbrella...

2011-10-07T11:33:00.002-04:00

It's going to be one heck of a SHOWER!

Petit Four hats and iced sugar cookies all designed for a tea party themed bridal shower...

Click here to order your own custom treats for your special day!

Shower her with love!

Almond caked filled with apricot, raspberry and strawberry jams

Who doesn't need a tea hat?

Can I interest you in a cuppa?

A Cake for a Princess

2011-10-04T16:11:00.001-04:00

Last week we made a 4 tiered cake fit for a princess, and that is exactly who it went to. It was made to match the invitation and theme of the party. And she seemed to like it... see below!

Waste Not Want Not...

2011-09-28T13:42:00.001-04:00

That phrase was probably the most important phrase I learnt while cooking over the years. The last little scrape out of the bowl could yield you at least 1 more cookie instead of sending it down the drain with the rest of the scraps. A few weeks ago me and my best friend who is a awesome travel buddy/designer/photographer, decided to head up north to Portland Maine for a photographic and culinary adventure. Now who goes up to north country in the early fall without stopping at at least 1 apple orchard... If not two!?

We naturally went apple picking and when we arrived back in NYC we made a plethora of apple goodies... the main goal (aside from EATING) was to not waste a single part of the apple except for maybe the stem... She clicked away while I peeled, chopped and preped.

Our apple menu consisted of/
A German apple pancake (recipe on Marisa's blog)
Apple Cobbler
Apple Juice
Apple Sauce (see recipe below)
& Apple Pecan Bread

Now you ask how we didn't waste anything aye? Well even the peels we threw in the trusty 'ole vita prep and minced those suckers to juice and used it in place of water in a bread recipe.

Click here to be directed to Marisa Matluck Photography website for the German apple pancake recipe and more photographs from our apple picking adventure. Enjoy and wishing you all a sweet new year! (recipe below pictures)

photography by Marisa Matluck Photography

Spiced Slow Cooker Applesauce
Yield 8 servings

Ingredients/
8 apples - peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1/2 cup water (I used apple wine I bought last harvest near Bethlehem PA)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions/
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker; cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours. ENJOY!

Nutrition/ Calories: 150 | Total Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 0mg

"Jane Fonda, eat your heart out!"

2011-09-26T09:43:00.000-04:00

More Sesame Street goodies only this time it was a cake... Click here to see the cupcakes done a few months ago. ps if you don't understand the title click here. Thanks for reading :D

I've been Dumplinged...

2011-09-17T10:11:00.002-04:00

So I have stepped beyond my usual pastry creations for this particular post to get something I need to do out of the way. Consider this a celebration of out with the old and in with the new. Plus its always a great feeling conquer something you have never done before. See the book mentioned below for this recipe and many other delicious ones! (p.s. these are vegan and easily gluten free with swapping of rice flour!)

Side Note: I have always found it so interesting that each culture has their own version of the dumpling be it a kreplach, pierogie or gyoza... maybe I will try to make all of them... just sayin'

Unless you plan on frying your dumplings you're going to need one of these

Food processor + carrots + cabbage + shitake Mushrooms + sesame oil = yummy filling

Really great book... you can buy it here

Roll out dough into a log and cut 1/2 inch pieces to start rolling from (don't forget to flour your surface)

My attempt at a circle... my the dough is really forgiving so you cant tell its sort of heart shaped when your'e done!

Stuff with stuff...

Fold in half and pleat the edges starting from one side and going across

Refrigerate or freeze them until you are ready to steam! (steam for 8 minutes)

Sorry about my flour covered hands

mmmmmmmmm

Edible Straws + Cupcakes

2011-09-14T15:13:00.000-04:00

Do you remember when we were younger we used to bite the ends off of Twizzlers and use them as straws? Well man do I wish they had these to drink my milk when I was a kid! I found these fun Oreo Sippers and then had an Oreo cupcake order so I figured that they would be a fun addition to the usual cookies n' cream cupcake cookie topper. Next is trying to figure out how to make these straws myself!

Pop Goes The...

2011-08-31T12:54:00.000-04:00

I always love getting new and fun orders because it challenges me to try and make new things- I guess that is why I leave it to my clients to get creative with me... keeps things spicy! This week I had an order for whole wheat and dairy free POP TARTS... kids are happy because they get a fun treat- and mom is happy because she knows that theres NO JUNK and NO PRESERVATIVES in them! I would say it's a win win!

Cupcake Wars (Color War Style)

2011-08-24T14:28:00.000-04:00

The same camp that I did the bread making lessons a few weeks ago brought me back to create their own version of the show "Cupcake Wars" as a competition in color war. Thanks again Gabe for the shots. See below for the winner...

Red Team's Cakes

White team's Cakes (WHITE WON)

the clear winner...

the aftermath...

Challah (Bread) Making Lessons

2011-08-21T21:09:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago at Camp Seneca Lake (Honesdale, PA) I instructed a Challah making class which went over great! Everyone had varied ideas for shapes, flavors and toppings - and of course all were delicious! I wish I had "after" shots to show you but as you can imagine, 40 girls waiting for their fresh baked bread doesn't leave too much of a "photo opportunity"! Thank you Gabe for the fantastic photos!

Bubbles & Balls Party

2011-08-09T16:49:00.000-04:00

Below is an invitation and matching cupcakes for a very cute "bubbles & balls" themed party for a one year old... we also did truffle bubbles to match the party for a cute themed dessert spread!

Cupcake Decorating Classes

2011-07-25T14:04:00.000-04:00

Pictures from the second annual baking classes at Camp Seneca Lake. Cupcakes this weekend and a surprise for next weekend...stay tuned!

Winner of best decorated cupcake!

Down South Blueberry Jam

2011-07-16T18:30:00.000-04:00

Last week I went on an EPIC birthday road trip with one of my girlfriends down the coastal Carolina's and up the Appalachian Trail. I picked her up Thursday morning in a car full of camping gear, ingredients and zero plan beyond that. We headed down south and when we saw anything that looked remotely fun we stopped. I could go on and on about the many restaurants we ate at, people we met and random places we slept- but I will just indulge you on our blueberry picking escapade! On the drive between the Outer Banks, NC and Wilmington, NC, there was a blueberry picking farm, so of course we had to stop. We each filled out buckets with the deliciously ripe fruit and it was still only $1.50 for the two of us! Afterwards we continued on our drive down to Wilmington stopping at various Plantations and Farmer's Markets along the way. When we arrived at out destination with no plans, we walked the boardwalk until we met a nice couple who were about to leave their house boat for the evening. We decided to ask them how much it would be to stay for the night, considering no one would be paying at this point because it was already past 5pm. Me, being the skeptic I am started to walk away when I heard my friend bargaining them down from $300 for the night, to $100 if her "chef friend" were to make them breakfast the next morning... They of course were thrilled. Good thing I have ingredients in my car for such an occasion (especially the blueberries!) Long story short- I was up at 7am in the galley of our house boat, peeling Carolina peaches for the pancakes and simmering the blueberries for the jam/syrup... See the recipe below!

Blueberry Jam (vegan + gluten free)
Ingredients/
2 lbs blueberries
1/4 cup confectioners sugar (+ more to adjust to your own sweetness level)
2 Lemons, juiced
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon salt

Directions/
In a large stainless steel pot, crush blueberries with a potato masher. Add sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and boil for 15 to 20 minutes or until thick, stirring often. Taste and add additional sugar or lemon juice for desired taste. Pour into a jar and allow to cool before you refrigerate. Or pour right on top of your pancakes and enjoy!

An Apple A Day...

2011-06-30T12:44:00.000-04:00

But I definitely don't want to keep those doctors away! We all know the key to any man's heart is through their stomach but what they don't tell you is that breakfast foods are the perfect bait! The recipe below is a simple German Apple Pancake that looks like you slaved for hours... which is key for any desired retribution! So get out your 10" skillet and start crackin! Hey you could even roll it up and eat it on the go!

German Apple Pancake
Ingredients
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter (or earth balance)
1 large sweet Gala apple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-wide wedges
1/2 cup soy milk
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
4 large eggs
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
Confectioners sugar for dusting

Directions/
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450°F. Melt butter in 10" oven safe skillet over moderate heat, then transfer 2 tablespoons to a blender. Add apple wedges to skillet and cook, turning over once, until beginning to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. While apple is cooking, add soy milk, flour, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt to butter in blender and blend until smooth. Pour batter over apple and transfer skillet to oven. Bake until pancake is puffed and golden, about 15 minutes. Dust with confectioners sugar and serve immediately. ENJOY!

Edible Camera?

2011-06-29T16:01:00.000-04:00

One of my best friends is one of the worlds best photographers and I happen to be heading out to Florida to spend some time with her, shoot some pictures and soak in some much needed Vitamin D! So I decided to make a cute treat to bring to her... CANON LOVERS UNITE! xo

S'more Summer Please!

2011-06-24T11:37:00.000-04:00

IT'S BONFIRE SEASON!! And a bonfire would not be complete with out S'MORES! I had the pleasure of roasting a few myself last week but if outdoor fires aren't your thing- below are two recipes to get you through your summer s'more cravings! ENJOY!

Regular S'mores Bars
yield: Makes about 24 bars

Ingredients/
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted (or earth balance)
1 pound dark chocolate
4 cups mini-marshmallows
Sea Salt (optional)

Directions/
In a bowl combine well the crumbs, the sugar, the salt, and the butter and, reserving 1 cup of the mixture, press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a flameproof baking dish, 13 by 9 by 2 inches. Bake the crust in a preheated 350°F. oven for 12 minutes, or until it is golden, and let it cool in the dish on a rack. In a metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water melt the chocolate, stirring, Sprinkle the crust with the marshmallows and pour the chocolate over spreading it evenly. Broil under a preheated broiler about 2 inches from the heat for 30 seconds, or until the marshmallows are golden, let it cool completely, and cut it into squares. Top with remaining crust or chocolate shavings.

And of course I love topping everything with sea salt so go to town if sweet and salty is your thing!

Gluten Free S'mores Bars
Ingredients/
3 cups gluten free flour
1 1/2 cups (packed) golden brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 large eggs
1/2 cup Soy Milk + 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinager
1 tablespoon robust-flavored (dark) molasses
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup (1 stick) earth balance, melted
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (about 9 ounces)
1 cup mini marshmallows

Directions/
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 8x8" pan with pam. Whisk flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda in large bowl. Whisk eggs, soy milk mixture, molasses, and vanilla extract in medium bowl; whisk in earth balance. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients, stirring until dough is evenly moistened. Stir in chocolate chips and marshmallows.

Spread batter into prepared pan and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes. NOTE: Can be made 2 days ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

MILK STREET MEETS WALL STREET

2011-06-22T22:34:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow morning (Thursday June 23rd) Milk Street Cafe, (a beloved Boston restaurant) opens on Wall street in a 23,000 sqft space as a delicious new addition to the financial district. Not only do I think their food is fantastic but I think their design is GREAT as well (ps... I'm the designer :D) Stop by tomorrow morning for some delicious treats, prizes and a first look at a New York City food hall! From Sushi to a Grill, 2 salad bars and unique breakfast sandwiches, they have it all! - not to mention the fact that they are super health conscious and very accommodating to allergies! See below for the invitation and a few of my food shots for their menus. Click here to download their catering menu!

Cookies on Broadway...

2011-06-19T10:15:00.000-04:00

A surprise birthday party for a Broadway producer... what's a party without cookies!? Especially ones of her plays! There was a HUGE cake too but good too overwhelmed to snap some photos- oh well, cookies will have to do!

This post is brought to you by the Letters R, Y, A & N

2011-06-10T08:26:00.000-04:00

Sesame Street Birthday Party! What could be cuter?

all the pieces...