Making Brownies Without Eggs?I am looking for a recipe for brownies without eggs.
A Cookie Assembly LineCooking lots of cookies in a hurry can be challenging. Create as much counter space as you can. If you need to, you can use the dining room table with a piece of cardboard under each sheet of aluminum foil.
Sweetening Frozen Cranberries for Baking?I'm looking for a way to make frozen cranberries not so bitter tasting. I want to put it in a bread that makes it sweet tasting.
Pre-measure Dry Ingredients for BakingMeasure out the dry ingredients to make your holiday pies or cookies, placing them in zip lock bags. Be sure to label with what and how many (two pumpkin pies, 4 dozen lemon cookies, etc) this product is for, and store in the fridge or a cool, dry cupboard.
Methods for Cutting Baking Time?Can I raise the oven temperature to shorten baking time?
Making a Cake in a Mug?How can I make a cake in a mug, but using packaged cake mix?
Baking With Shaped Pans?I have a heart shaped metal pan. Actually there are six heart shapes in the pan. I want to make a simple valentine recipe. Could I use a cookie, cake, or cookie bar recipe from a box? Which would work best?
I Left the Cake Mix Open, Can I Still Use It?I opened a box of dry cake mix, put it in a bowl and left it out on the counter for two days. I didn't add any wet ingredients to it. Is it okay to still use it?
Dragees (Silver Ball) Cookie and Cake Decorations?Is anyone else having trouble finding "dragees"? These are the little silver balls for cookies and cake decorating.
Glaze Mix for Cake in a Mug?How much glaze mix do I put in the baggie for the cake in a mug recipe?
Different Types of Flour?Can someone tell me what the difference between bread flour, self rising, and regular flour?
Homemade Herman Bread?I am trying to make homemade Herman bread, but as soon as the heat hits it the top falls. This makes the whole loaf heavy and dense instead of light and fluffy. What am I doing wrong?
Drinking Glass to Emboss CookiesI found a heavy drinking glass that has a star shaped pattern on the bottom. I use it to press down peanut butter cookies at Christmas time. But you could use that kind of embossing on almost any kind of rolled cookie to leave an impression.
Vinegar for Flaky Pie Crusts?I want to make my pie crust with vinegar. Does anyone have this recipe?
Baking Frozen Homemade Pies?I'm freezing unbaked, homemade fruit pies. I would like to know if I can bake them from the freezer without thawing them and what oven temperature to use. Will my Pyrex take freezer to oven use? Thank you.
Fresh Baked Bread Had Plastic-Like Taste?I just baked some bread last night using yeast and it had a funny plastic-like aftertaste sprinkled throughout the loaf. What could be the cause? I kneaded it by hand and baked it in the oven.
Fondant Patterns?I am looking for fondant patterns for the Build-A-Bear Cakes, especially the Christmas pattern. If anyone has some, it sure would be great, or a web site that has free patterns. Thanks.Cricket Girl
Making a Doll Cake?How do you make those cakes that have the doll standing up in the middle of the cake. Thanks for the help folks.
Decorating Alien MuffinsA fun way to decorate muffins with dried fruit!
Calculating Cake Baking Time?I usually make a big Christmas cake (2lbs fruit, 6 eggs, 2 cups flour, etc., that usually takes a good two hours to cook, problem is, there are now only two of us, and we never get through it.
Best Apples for Pie?What do you consider the best apple to use for a really good Apple pie?
Use Mayonnaise Instead of Oil for Chocolate CakesUse mayonnaise instead of oil when baking a chocolate cake. The texture and taste are so much better!
Titanic CakeI am looking for a recipe for a titanic cake.
Cake Doesn't Rise in New Oven?My cake doesn't rise properly. It comes out flat with little bubbles throughout the top. Could it be aluminum pans (tried disposable foil and regular aluminum pan)? Does it make a difference gas vs. electric?
Tackle Box CakeThis is a birthday cake a friend (Denise) made for my husband, an avid fisherman. Yes, the fish were edible.
Baking in a Can?Any one know about baking cakes in a coffee or other can?
Top Baked Goods With Nuts Instead Of MixingWhenever a quick bread or muffin recipe calls for nuts (and often even when it doesn't), I put them on top of the batter in the pan instead of mixing them in.
"Grill" Decorated CakeThis is my grill cake I made for a cook out. I baked a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Then I used decorator frosting to make the grill. I purchased 3 chocolate mint patties to represent the hamburger patties.
Bean Cake Recipe?Does anyone have a recipe for bean cakes?
Breadmaker TipsIf you use a breadmaking machine as I do, here are a few tips that help me. Firstly, once a week I measure out my dry ingredients in large recycled (coffee) jars so I have enough bread mixes to last me a week.
Have Kids Decorate Their Own CakesOur Grandchildren were visiting last week. I wanted to do something different for their party. This was the highlight of the party (the children attending were 2, 3, 5, 6 and 12 years old).
Cake Ideas for a Newly Ordained Pastor?I'm looking for a unique saying for the top of a cake for a newly ordained lady pastor in our church. Thanks for your help.
Handbag Cake Recipe in Just 1-2-3!Totally tasty! A yummy gift for your loved ones. Make up cake using directions on packet and pour into a greased and lined 205x205mm square cake pan.
School Bus CakeA school bus cake I made for a school carnival. The bus is made from a loaf pan cake and the cab is a miniature loaf, the lights are spice drops cut in half, the driver, and children are HEB buddy graham crackers.
Best Pan CoatingSo you have decided to do a lot of baking. The best pan coating is as follows:
Make Bread for the Birds With Old Flour I found an old 5 pound bag of wheat flour that got lost in the back of the pantry. Not wanting to waste it I used it in my bread machine and made loaves of bread to put out for the birds.
Using Candy Melts on a Cake?I would like to use the candy melts to cover a cake. What can I add to the melts to keep them from hardening so much? I need them to dry so they won't stick to your hands while eating the cake.
Use A Cookie Scoop And Parchment Paper For CookiesSave yourself a lot of work by using a cookie scoop and parchment paper when baking cookies.
Decorate Holiday CupcakesI decorate cup cakes with cute little marshmallow holiday treats. I just make my own icing from powdered sugar (1 box), 1 cup Crisco, a few Tbsp. milk and 1 tsp vanilla flavoring.
Save Money By Baking Your Own BreadOne way to save quite a bit on food is to learn your way around baking yeast. You can find a whole pound of it for about $2.50 at little shops or places that sell in bulk and you use it a tablespoon at a time - it lasts for months in the refrigerator.
Add Chocolate Chips To Generic Brownie MixAny box mix of brownies can taste better when you add some inexpensive chocolate chips into the batter. I have bought generic chips at Krogers and Aldi and they both worked just fine! This makes the brownies richer, creamier and tastier. I add 1/2 bag to the mix.
The Perfect CookieI've had many friends and relatives ask me how I make my cookies so soft, when theirs all turn out rock hard. Laughing to myself, I explain to them how easy it is! All you need to do is cut (decrease) the recommended time for baking by 2-3 minutes AND set the cookie sheet(s) on cooling racks.
Cookie Exchange For Angel Tree PackagesThe holidays are fast approaching and I wanted to share a cookie "exchange" idea we used at our church last year.
Use an Oven Thermometer for Consistent ResultsFood cooking too fast on the outside and not getting done in the middle? Buy an oven thermometer and check the temperature. Mine was cooking too fast. I keep an oven thermometer in my oven now. Gas or electric oven temperatures can get off.
Pool Theme Birthday Cake?I am making a birthday cake with a pool theme. On the top will be a pool (of course) with a beach ball and sour ring candy for a floaty and maybe a pool noodle. However, around the pool is giving me a bit of trouble.
Why aren't my cakes flat?Does anyone know why cakes are not flat when baked?
Nonfat Cookies and MuffinsWhen baking I like to leave out the oil, shorting and butter. Instead I add an equal amount of canned pumpkin, apple sauce, plum or prune baby food or put some canned unsweetened plums through the blender to puree them.
Make Refrigerator Pie Crust Taste BetterI love the convenience of refrigerated pie crusts, but I must say, I do not like the flavor of the crust when I am making a dessert pie (as opposed to a quiche). So, before I put my pie in the oven I pour about 1 tablespoon of milk in a cup and add a dash of vanilla extract.
Decorating Ideas For A "Pizza" Cookie?I would like to make one of those large cookies that resemble a pizza. Any ideas on how to decorate it to look like a pizza? Not a decorator but I was thinking there must be some easy way to take pre-made candies and make them pizzish looking. I read I could take fruit roll ups and cut out little triangles for green peppers and thats as creative as I got.
Making Ladybug Antenna for a Cake?Any suggestions for making ladybug antenna using candy melts, for a cake? Thanks!
What Kind Of Cake Icing Is Best In Warm Weather?What is the best icing for an outside wedding in warm weather?
Pretty In Pink Shower CakeThis is a photo of a Baby shower cake that I recently baked and decorated. I'd call it "Pretty in Pink", definitely for a baby girl. I sectioned it off in big blocks. some pink with white dots and some white with pink dots. It had a bib, a gift, a heart, baby booties, a bear and a butterfly.
Cake is Moist in the Middle and Dry Around the Edges?Why is my cake moist in the middle but dry around the edges?
How Long Do I Cook a Cake in a Different Pan Than Instructed?I want to make a cake that calls for using 3 - 9 inch round pans. Baking is at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. I want to bake it in a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. How long does it need to bake?
Why Are My Cookies Running Together?What did I do wrong? What makes cookies run together when they are baking?
Cookies are Very Thin and Hard?When I bake cookies they turn out paper thin. The directions says drop by tablespoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Mine stuck on the ungreased sheet. Then I greased the cookie sheet and they still turn out paper thin and hard as a rock.
Substitute Fruit Juice for Oil in BakingFor any baking recipe that calls for oil, use any fruit juice instead. The same amount that the oil should be. This is less fattening, healthier and makes for moister cakes, brownies, etc.
Use Lemon Juice In GlazesIf you make a glaze, try using lemon juice instead of milk in the recipe. It is great on banana bread, pumpkin bread or just about anything you use a glaze on.
Do You Use Baking Powder With All Purpose Flour?When a recipe calls for flour, but does not say all-purpose or self-rising, do you have to add baking powder to the recipe when you're just using all-purpose flour?
Keeping a Cutting Board from SlippingI knead my bread on a wooden cutting board, but the board was always slipping. I happened on the solution one day by chance.
Butter Cookies Not Spreading Out?I've made butter cookies for years but in the last few years sometimes they don't bake right. I use an oven thermometer and test my baking powder/soda. They seem to retract instead of spread out. On the same cookie sheet I'll have some that are fine. Any suggestions? I thought maybe the flour is old?
Extra Cupcakes for the KidsYou can have your cake and eat it too! My three small children used to be disappointed when we made cupcakes for bake sales or school events - all those yummy cupcakes and they couldn't have one!
Icing a Cake to Look Like a Book?I want to ice a cake in fondant so it looks like a book and want to turn the icing back in the corner so it looks like the page of a book is turned back.
Advice for Decorating Cookies?I tried searching for my answer on Thrifty Fun and was unsuccessful. I have a question for our cookie decorators. I'm using royal icing to outline my cookies.
Packing Baked Goods for a Bake SaleWhen our church has a bake sale, I take several of the cardboard box bottoms (that cases of canned soda pop comes in from the store). If a bake sale customer buys quite a few plates of baked goodies, all can be placed in the cardboard box bottoms.
Graduation Cake Ideas?I need a unique idea for a college graduation cake. One idea I am considering is a graduation hat cake. My daughters graduation isn't till May of 08, but since I am planning on making and decorating the cake myself, I am planning to make some practice runs at it. Her degree is in higher math, so theres not a lot there that I can use for inspiration. Any ideas?
Ball and Chain Wedding Shower CakeI made this for my daughter's wedding shower. The ball was a Styrofoam ball that I just covered in a #32 tip with black royal icing. I purchased some chain link at a local hardware store, it went over very well!
Basketball Themed Birthday Cake?I am throwing my 11 year old son a birthday party and he wants a basketball theme cake. does anyone have any ideas what to make the basketball hoop out of? I am making the cake myself to save money. Thanks
How to Know When a Cake is DoneWhen baking cakes, to test for doneness, I insert the blade of a paring knife. If it comes out all gooey with wet dough on it, I know it needs to bake for a few minutes longer. If the knife blade comes out as clean as it was when I inserted it, then I know the cake is done.
"The Punisher" Birthday CakeFinding the right cake for a 16th birthday party for my son was impossible. So I browsed websites my son likes, found "The Punisher" picture to look at while forming, decorating his cake.
Teddy Bear CakeHere's a Teddy Bear Cake I made and decorated for my Grandaughter Amy.
Ratio Of Flour To Sugar In Cakes?Does anyone know what the minimal ratio of flour to sugar is in a cake or banana bread? I don't like these to be too sweet, but I know that sugar serves a function so I can't reduce it too much.
Lime Green Wedding Cake with Fresh FlowersJust wanted to share a picture of my daughter's wedding cake. I really was concerned about the lime-green color, but it turned out very pretty.
Pirate Theme Birthday Cake?I want to know how to make a cake that is easy for a pirate theme birthday party. It would be great if you could send a picture with it also.
What is a Bundt Pan?Please, can anyone tell me EXACTLY what a bundt pan is? I find many recipes using this item but I don't know what it is. Thanks.
Add Coffee to Chocolate Cake MixWhen making a chocolate boxed cake mix, use brewed coffee as half the liquid required. It will give your cake a much richer taste.
Use A Ladle To Prevent OverflowWhen making cupcakes, I pour the batter from the mixing bowl directly into the cupcake pans. I use a ladle to stop the flow between each cupcake.
Delicate Textured Cookie?What is the secret to getting a delicate textured cookie?
Easy Photo Cake TipWhen you are decorating a special cake and would like to put a picture on it, just laminate the picture and frost around it! This will make any cake extra special.
My Cinnamon Rolls Are Too Dry?My Cinnamon Rolls Are Too Dry. What does it mean when my cinnamon rolls turn out dry?
Baking With Jelly Beans?Can I bake with jelly beans or how can I use them in cooking?
Soaking A Romertopf Clay Covered Casserole?My mother used to make the most delicious meals with a large Romertopf clay covered casserole. I've had it in a cabinet taking up a lot of space for years and not used it, because this method requires soaking for at least an hour and feel that the kitchen sink is not sanitary enough.
Making Low-fat Christmas Cookies?Making Low-fat Christmas Cookies Request. Last year I made all my Christmas cookies trying to make low fat and sugar free. I didn't use any oil. . .
Watch for Bake SalesWatch for Bake Sales. If for some reason you don't have time to bake your special event or holiday treats. Watch your newspaper for bake sales in your area and help out the organization that's having the bake sale. . .
Baking With Silicon BakewareSince baking with the silicon bakeware, I have noticed that the bottoms of my banana breads are not quite done. . .
Using Dry Milk for BakingUsing Dry Milk for Baking. Use dry milk for baking, even if you don't like to drink it. It's cheaper than buying whole milk. . .
Pyrex Bakeware in Different Shapes?Does anyone know whether or not you can buy Pyrex or other glass bakewear in shapes like hearts? My favorite recipe is best baked in glassware rather than metal, but I need a shape other than square or rectangle.
Keeping a Pie Crust from Shrinking?I read somewhere that I could fill a pie shell with beans using parchment paper to stop it from shrinking. I do not have any parchment paper. Is there any other method I can use? Pricking the shell and using cold pastry still allows the shell to shrink.
Marzipan GarnishMarzipan is not just used for cake decorating. You can buy premade sheets of marzipan and use them the same way you would use modeling clay to make any shape you want. Marzipan looks great garnishing any kind of cake or cookie.
Making Moist CakesTo make a moist cake use pudding in your recipe or use low fat milk.
My Cakes Aren't Rising?I've been making Miracle Whip cake for over 40 years now, and it has always risen to at least the top of the pan, but the last couple of times I made it, it only raised about half way up the pan. Does anyone know what the problem could be?
Putting Chocolate Curls on CakesAlmost any cake or pudding looks great garnished with dark or white chocolate curls. Simply use a paring knife to slice the curls off of a chunk of chocolate that has been cooled in the fridge in a while.
What's A Cookie Cost?Do you wonder if it is cost effective for you to purchase that $4 bag of cookies or to make your own? While there may just be a good amount of savings in making your own desserts and snacks you should take into consider the time factor. But, if you can squeeze in 20 minutes here and there, everyone will win with great tasting and less expensive cookies for their snacks.
Making a Slanted Cake?Do you have instructions on how to make a slanted cake? I have done a few regular looking cakes but would like to try the slanted kind.
Baking Cupcakes on More Than One Rack?In a conventional home oven, how do I bake 8 cakes at a time (4 on top, 4 on bottom). Do I swap racks in the middle of the bake or do I just add more time?
Silky Looking CakesProfessionally decorated cakes always seem to have a molten, silky look. To achieve this look at home, frost as usual and then use a hair dryer to "blow-dry" the frosted surfaces (on low) until it looks right.
Mini-Muffin Paper Cups?I am looking for Mini-Muffin paper cups that fit the mini muffin tins for minature cheesecakes. The only ones I can find are the regular or minature (very small) paper cups. Any help would be appreciated.
Cake With Too Much Brown Sugar?I made a mistake and added 2 cups of brown sugar to a loaf cake recipe. it should have been only 1 cup. The cake was a Poor Man's Cake, made with raisins, shortening, flour and spices, etc. I gave it as a gift (not realizing the mistake until later). Will extra brown sugar change the consistency or change the cake in any way, other than just making it sweeter?
Doubling a Baking Recipe?I have a recipe for a loaf cake, using raisins, brown sugar, etc. It gives the ingredients for 1 loaf, I want to make 2 loaves but I am not sure if it would come out right if I doubled everything in the recipe.
The Best Apples for Baking?What are the best kind of apples for baked goods? Not sure if I should just ask Canadians this (lol) as the USA might have different kinds of apples there. There are just so many different kinds in the grocery stores now a days. Would love everyone's input on this.
Baking Troubleshooting?Can you tell me what am I doing wrong? When I cook biscuits, muffins, cookies etc. they are either perfect on top and bottom but uncooked im the middle, or too brown on the bottom and uncooked in the middle and slightly uncooked on the top? I've adjusted racks, etc but still get same results.
Running Short on Frosting?If you are short on frosting for your layer cakes, just fill in the layers with jam, jelly or marmalade. Tastes great...
Measuring Brown SugarWhen preparing a recipe and it calls for "brown sugar" whether it be "light brown" or "dark brown", just remember you'll need to pack it in your measuring cup or your recipe will not turn out as it's supposed to...
Elmo Cake and TipsThis is an Elmo Cake with the Buttercream icing tip. I recently made a cake for a birthay party of 40 people or a friend. The theme was Elmo. Rather than make 2 Elmo cakes, I decided to make a big sheet cake and make Elmo as 3-D on top of the cake. It was a yellow cake with buttercream icing.
Hello Kitty CakeMy daughter said to me "you're the best mom in the whole world!"
Getting More from a Cake MixI remember reading somewhere that you can add some extra flour to a cake mix to get enough batter for an extra layer. The mix already has enough sugar, flavoring, etc, to support it. Does anyone know how much flour or additional liquid to add?
Baking With Baby Formula?I have one can of baby formula. At $30 a can I would hate to throw it out. Any one have any good recipes for cookies or cake to make using formula?
Icing Beautiful Cakes - Scoobie CakeTo ice beautiful cakes like this by yourself, after cooling completely, and removing from pan, freeze the cake. Then when you're ready to frost it, remove from freezer and decorate, it is much simpler that way!
Preventing Crust From Browning on a White Cake?Maybe some of you bakers can answer my question. I have baked wedding cakes for many years, but I have always wondered if there's a way to keep outside crust from browning on a white cake. If you lined the pan with waxed paper, would this prevent it? Store bought cakes have no brown crust so there must be a secret to this.
Use a Coffee Filter For Dry IngredientsUse coffee filters to hold dry ingredients when you are baking. You can get everything ready and it doesn't take your entire countertop. There aren't extra bowls to wash! You just throw the filters away.
Before Using BeatersSpray beaters with Pam or nonstick spray before mixing cake batter for easy cleanup.
Pillow Case Pastry ClothA pillow case makes a great pastry cloth! Fold up and save in your flour can until needed again. It helps for rolling pie crusts.
Whipped Cream IcingUse real whipped cream for icing. Just whip it up and add flavoring at the end for a tasty treat. I personally like to use vanilla, almond extract, or Bailey's cream liquor (for adults only).
Treasure Chest Birthday CakeThis was a huge hit at my son's Luau party. And it was super easy to make. You will need:
