Taste Melanger: Bread

Baking

Festive Baking - Croissants

6:45 AM

2 Comments

Baking

Gourmet Seven - English Breakfast Delight: Bagels

12:28 PM

14 Comments

Baking

Blog Hop Wednesdays: Crusty Garlic Bread

2:51 PM

13 Comments

Baked Goodies

It always helps to have a Quick Bread recipe

6:11 PM

22 Comments

Baked Goodies

Daring Bakers Challenge - Fresh, Fluffy, French Croissants

6:05 AM

I believe in signs. And in coincidences. Since happening of two incidents simultaneously is also a sign. No not in the superstitious - 'black cat crossed my way' kind. But in a positive way. Or as said by Paulo Coehlo in Alchemist, "When you really want something, the whole universe conspires to make it happen". No please don't expect anything dramatic after reading this line repeated by Sharukh Khan in 'Om Shanti Om'.

Unfortunately the whole universe has never conspired to make me the richest woman on earth. Nor has it magically taken away all my extra pounds to give a figure to die for. But still it puts a smile on my face with small happy co-incidences.

So when I came back from a relaxing holiday from Europe, I had already missed 10 days of even knowing what the Daring Baker's Challenge was. Forget about baking for the challenge. And after I got over the fatigue, unpacking and laundry, half the month had flipped past. So I knew it was best to skip this month's challenge but still curiosity got better of me.

And finally on 16th, I sat down on my sofa with a box of macaroons I got from a bakery in Paris, to check the challenge. So imagine my expression when I read the header of the challenge was "Fresh, Fluffy, French". No it was not macaroons, that would have been too filmy. But it was French Croissants, what I ate for most of my mornings during the vacation. And what I had been craving for even after coming back.

Now that was a sign - to relive my trip memories. And most importantly to recreate the taste so fresh in my mind. If you know me you would know that I would not have dared to bake puff pastry from scratch at this stage of my baking experience. That too a recipe from none other the last word on French cooking (at least for me) - Julia Child. Now how could I say no to that?

17 Comments

Bread

Guest Post by Melanger: Voisilmapulla - Finnish Butter Buns

6:42 AM

This is the post that I had been eagerly waiting to post for quite some time. Today I have the opportunity to introduce (if any introduction needed) to one of favourite baking blogs and the person behind it. Julia of Melanger Baking. Thanks Julia for accepting my invite and sharing your kitchen secrets with us.

From the moment I chanced upon her blog, I knew it was going to be a regular visit. Amidst so many great blogs around, what struck me most about her space was the innate homely feel about it. No fancy ingredients, no decorative toppings. But a trained hand that with a touch of warmth and love, transports you to a world of comfort. Just what I like about about cooking or baking – unpretentious comfort.

From then on, I was hooked to her engaging writing style and her great recipe depository. But the best surprise was yet to come. When after seeing a monthly theme of “Fruits & Nuts in Baking” on her blog, I asked her about way to participate (just like we do with our events). And was so very pleasantly surprised when she told me her themes are only for herself. A way to focus on a particular area of learning.

So every month she challenges herself with a theme and creates new recipes on the theme, with topics ranging from 'French Pastry” to “Everyday Cakes” to the latest “Home made vs Store Bought”. Now how can I not admire a person who sets her own benchmarks and challenges to do better? Now hopefully we know the secrets of becoming even better...or maybe not. For that let's welcome Julia.

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Pulla dough is popular in my home. But the first time I baked these particular Finnish butter buns was the same the weekend I received Anamika’s email asking if I would like to do a guest post on her blog. (Of course I would!)

So it seemed only fitting that I share this particular recipe, which I received from my lovely friend in Finland, then baked in my kitchen in Australia, and shared on Anamika’s blog in Bahrain, for all her readers around the world!

Thank you Anamika for the opportunity to publish share a guest post with all your readers.