Video of the Day: Cream Cheese Coconut Pecan Pound Cake

Interesting...the baker in this video didn't totally rave about her own creation. It seems to me that she was testing a recipe never before made. She mentioned that there was an odd taste, and at first I thought she was going to try to reduce the amount of coconut in the recipe. Nope...she'd probably eliminate the whiskey. Wow...ok...so how about some coconut rum instead? I'll let you know how mine turns out!

Video of the Day: How Does Bread Rise

Bread rising is just as much a mystery to me as cake rising...Baking is so much like a science experiment. If anything is off, then you're in big baking trouble! :-)

Video of the Day: How Does A Cake Rise

How do cakes rise? I'm have had a few deflating cakes in my day...

Video of the Day: How to Use Instant Yeast in Bread Making

IMHO, if a recipe says just dump the packet of yeast in with the dough, you should either 1) ignore that instruction and do this first, or 2) find another bread recipe.

Video of the Day: How to Make Self-Rising Flour

The Holidays are here, we're going to be cooking up a storm, and we're bound to run out of something critical in the middle of the night when all stores are closed.  If self-rising flour just happens to be one of those ingredients that runs out on you with an 8AM deadine looming ahead, try this combination!

Video of the Day: Using Fruit As A Garnish

If all else fails...use fruit to add some pop and color to any dessert plating!

Video of the Day: Plating Tips - Part 2

More plating tips and tricks to feed those eyes!

Video of the Day: Plating Tips - Part 1

We eat with out eyes. Make your dessert plate visually appealing using some of these professional tips and tricks.

Video of the Day: Dessert Plating for the Holidays

Just in case you have the extra time, and like me, your "only" responsibility are the desserts, then check our some cool plating techniques! :-)

Video of the Day: How to Cover A Cake with Fondant

Now that we've made the fondant...how do we use it?

Video of the Day: How to Make Homemade Fondant

Fondant is not my forte, fancy schmancy cakes...I'm not that creative, BUT I LOVE  LOVE LOVE THEM! And I want one for my next birthday! :-) Mini Mouse or Hello Kitty...one or the other. I'm not sure which! Enjoy this video if you'd like to learn how to make those fancy schmancy cakes! :-)

Video of the Day: How To Make An Icing Bag

Forget about buying the icing bags from the specialty stores.  Have you ever realized you were out of piping bag, but it's the middle of the night now, all stores closed, and the deadline to deliver these are 1st thing in the morning? Hopefully today's presentation eases your panic! ENJOY this video! :-)

Video of the Day: What Is A Spring Form Pan?

What I've just discovered is that these interesting devices come in smaller sizes...can we say CHEESECAKE CUPCAKES! ENJOY this video! :-)

Video of the Day: Sourdough Bread Starter

I love love love sourdough bread and bread desserts using this starter like cinnamon rolls! If anyone has a starter they'd like to send to me I'd greatly appreciate it! :-) ENJOY this video!

Video of the Day: What Is Food Coloring Made Of?

I love these rainbow desserts I'm seeing all over the web and Facebook.  Unfortunately, I've seen and heard so many reports on the dangers of food coloring, so I've been apprehensive about trying out any of these rainbow delights.  What's your take on the food coloring debate?  ENJOY this video!

Video of the Day: Decorations for Desserts

I'm not really that creative when it comes to decorating my desserts. My idea of decorating is making my icing and passing the duties on to my cousin and aunt to make them beautiful. I make the food edible. But here are some decorating ideas you will enjoy! ENJOY this video!

Video of the Day: How to Cut in Cold Butter

Cold butter is a super important ingredient when making flaky pastry dough.  I sometimes put my butter in the freezer if I feel my kitchen will be too hot.  I also keep my flour in the refrigerator if I know I'll be prepping other dishes or prepping the wet ingredients.  Check out this video on cutting cold butter into your dish.  No need for fancy schmancy tools either. ENJOY!

Video of the Day: Baking Powder v. Baking Soda

Every time I pick up a recipe and see baking soda or baking powder I worry...Too much of one and you're muffins taste like steel. Too little of the other and there's no lift...Scary.

Video of the Day: Separate Egg Whites and Yolks

Seems like such a simple technique...until you find your yolk sitting in your whites. What a challenge when you have full control of one hand and unsteady control over the other.

Video of the Day: Pumpkin Puree

As the seasons turn I'm always looking for interesting ways to incorporate those fruits and veggies in season it into my dishes. Fall is high gear and pumpkins are in abundance!  

When I find a new recipe but I'm just testing it out, I prefer to use the canned stuff. It's only a $1 or so, and I don't want to waste electricity roasting it.  But when I'm happy with my spice blend and balance, sugar content, and just the overall flavor, then I'll whip out the big guns: FRESH PUMPKIN PUREE! I find that no matter what adjustments I've made using the canned stuff, the same flavor proportions work fine, but there's something about the bright flavor of fresh roasted pumpkin that gives my baked goods an extra pop!

Enjoy this video on How to Make Pumpkin Puree!