Annnndd....we're back!

As I sit here, there's a cat passed out by me on the new couch and boxes filled with randomness still scattered about the apartment. But, in my baking hiatus I've found myself jonesing to get back in the kitchen and bake! I have a few orders coming up, so I'm going to hit the kitchen this weekend for a "test bake" in the new oven. It's still gas, but it doesn't have a digital temperature display or a timer like the old one. So...I guess we will see how it goes!!

If you have any requests for recipes you'd like to see up here, shoot!

Also...I'm in the selling myself mode and am ready to take baking orders (in NYC) for Valentine's Day...or any day. Email me for more info!!

Brief Hiatus...

So...I'm going to be a brief hiatus from my baking & blogging over the next few weeks. I'm beginning to pack up my kitchen for the move to the new apartment and am not entirely sure when I will get to see all of my beautiful baking tools again.

That said...I'm sure there will be many new adventures (and possibly disasters...) in my new kitchen! AND...there should be room for me to play with my KitchenAide mixer. I also have a brand new hand mixer to replace my old, slightly sad, hand mixer which has taken to making sad motor sounds when I use it. It's only 5 years old, but I think I've given it a good run for it's money.

If you have any recipe needs or questions in the intervening weeks please feel free to email me!

Parmesan and Walnut Cheese Crisps - Two Variations

Every year Matt and I have a small New Years' Day gathering, it's a tradition in his family, and it's so much nicer (I think) than trying to deal with hosting a New Years' Eve party. And every year, I try to find some delicious snacks to serve. A few years ago I found some recipes for crackers to make with my cookie press. Of course, I've misplaced that cookbook, and needed to find new treats. I'm really hoping to find that cookbook when we move.

At any rate, I was watching TV the other day and this recipe came up. I had to find it. And of course, in looking for it online I found a bunch of variations. I cooked up two of them to see if there is a difference and if one was better than the other. They're both quite tasty! An excellent choice if you need to throw together something quick and salty, and if there are party-goers in your life watching their carbs.


Salty & Delicious Parmesan and Walnut Crisps (variation #1)
adapted from the Today Show

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 - 10 minutes
Yields: 1 sheet, 6-8 crisps

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated parmesan
• 3/4 cups walnuts, roughly chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, toss the Parmesan & walnuts together.
3. Sprinkle the mixture evenly on the parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake until bubbly & golden. Remove from oven & cool.
4. Break into random pieces

Parmesan & Walnut Crisps (variation #2)
courtesy of The Food Network

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Yields: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons toasted walnuts

Directions

1. Combine Parmesan and herbs in a large mixing bowl.
   
2. Set a 10-inch skillet over low heat. Add a 1/4 cup of Parmesan mix to the pan and sprinkle it so it is evenly spread and you have a lattice effect i.e. it should be a lacey and thin layer. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Carefully remove from the pan and cool on a tray.
   
3. Repeat with remaining ingredients until used up. Break disks into large crisps.

Enjoy!!