This is the part where I take a moment to ask for your help.
This is the part where I tell you how much I need you.
Seriously people…. I need some inspiration. ย Give it up. ย Please and thank you.
I think I’ve found myself in a bit of a kitchen rut. ย What should I make? ย What do you want to see?
Hot? ย Cold? ย Sweet or savory? ย At what point will you stop putting up with my baking antics? ย How much cranberry juice is too much cranberry juice to drink in one day? ย What do I do about this giant blemish on my chin?
Ok… I suppose you should only answer the first few questions above. ย Send me some inspiration. ย Send me a dozen eggs. ย Send me a punch in the skull. ย I need your creative kitchen juice or your closed fist punches. ย Let’s be a team about this. ย I need you… but please don’t actually punch me. ย I was kidding about that part.
Update: ย You all are the most lovely people a blogger could ask for. ย Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for all the inspiration. ย I’ve already got a list working from all your suggestions. ย Keep em coming! ย I think you’re dreamy!
Aaaand another update: ย You lovelies have blown me away. ย Thanks for all the inspiration. ย Amazing! ย Let’s hug. ย I’ll be in my kitchen this weekend and be back next week with some pretty fabulous treats for you. ย Thank you. ย One the real…. thanks.
303 Responses
Indian food. So many spices to learn about and try and everything I’ve ever made was amazing. Now… where did you get that pot?!
Hi Joy, catching up reading your blog after being away from the computer for a month. Would LOVE to see a recipe for pretzel bread or rolls. I’ve seen them in stores and had them at restaurants; but it costs around $4 for a teeny loaf. It would be fantastic with a chicken salad….I’m currently looking for a curried chix salad recipe. Love your blog.
G
Alright, so since I have just become a vegan – I need to live my baking fantasies vicariously through others. And as you have so kindly asked for inpiration, this is a lovely outlet! (ofcourse with 300 others posting their baking reves I’m sure this will leave you with more than a few projects, let alone adding mine to the pile!) Are you ready for the onslaught of a repressed baking addict’s cravings? Here we go:
-Blueberry Pizza (my grandmother’s specialty!)
-Imperial Cookies
-Vegan Brownies (if you could find a good one – you would be my HERO!)
-Cacao nibs (in anything!)
-French Tortillon (a brioche dough in lanieres, filled with pastry cream, vanilla bean seeds and mini chocolate chips, folded and twisted. Golden!!)
-Pink Summer Berry Muffins
-Dense, rusty grain bread with a steaming bowl of Pumkin, Black Bean soup!
Ok, I’ll stop – because I could, quite easily, spend hours listing.
I’m excited to see what you concoct!
Cheers,
e.
Hi Joy and Everyone!
I’d love to see your version of a jelly roll cake. I just KNOW it would be better than the disappointing ones I’ve been cooking up.
sweet potato and chocolate…something.
i had this combo in japan in a chocolate straw type dessert. so good together. would love to see what you can make of it.
Hi Joy… the woman with so much inspiration….
I so love your website and your amazing recipes.
They always turn out so well and taste divine !
I have been challenged in making some genuine nougat – soft or hard something which will be to di for…
if you come up with something amazing and fantastic i will so ever be indebted ….
Ang From downunder
I’m sure you have a million fresh ideas by now but some gluten free baked goods would be cool.
Oh, and another idea, also stolen from PW: do an “Ask Joy the Baker” thread.
And apparently, my third idea: steal inspirational ideas from other great blogs!
(Forgive me if someone already suggested this – I’m supposed to be working, not reading all the comments. Bad MJ.)
If you follow Pioneer Woman, you probably remember her weekend with Pastor Ryan and her challenge dinner where she had readers suggest ingredients that he’d have to use to create the menu. (Salad dressing with lemon jello? Pork crusted with rice crispies? Was a memorable meal.) Why not adapt that idea for your blog? Maybe you could ask readers to suggest three ingredients and randomly pick a response to work into a recipe, menu, or some kind of post. Or you could do a sort of blog-exchange with someone like Ree or some other blogger you like, and set each other a challenge – each pick a set of ingredients that the other has to deal with. Expand everybody’s readership, too.
Somehwere north of Sausalito – there’s a restaurant and I can’t remember the name of the restaurant – BUT they have an amazing S’mores Pie – graham cracker crust, dark Hershey like chocolate, melted marshmellow with a crusty top – it is by far the best thing I ever tasted with the word “Pie” in the title – I’ve tried to re-create it with no success – I’ve never forgotten that pie!
How about some summery cocktails?!?!
I love your blog
What about all sort of food (entries, dishes, desserts) presented in glasses?
Hmm, Strawberry Soup ….I have had it on several occasions and think it be quite yummy & great for summer! I love your blog too!
I love this blog!
Ok, inspiration (if you’re still looking)… I do a fair amount of travel and have tried some really amazing desserts from all over the world. But finding decent ways of making them in the states can be complicated. My favorites are a rice pudding-like dessert called kazandibi (sometimes two words – kazan dibi) that’s popular in Turkey. There are also these jam-filled pastries popular in Russia around Easter called priyaniki. And then the more well-known favorites of mine are creme brulee and cannoli. I’ve had them so many different ways and I’d love to try more.
Good luck!
I would love to see something creative with acai berries. I have no clue what to make with those little beauties. I have made some sorbet but that is about as fancy as my little brain can come up with. Make me proud Joy.
Just found your blog, so I apologize for being late the party– but how about cake decorating tips for people with little patience for cake decorating/little skill for cake decorating/few cake decorating tools?
Or any type of dessert that requires (or is improved by) sea salt.
Love your blog, btw! Thank you!
Joy, you lovely, lovely, lady… I think it would be great if you would do a couple blogs on technique or answering weird baking questions… if you could clarify things that are confusing for us common folk (or maybe its just me?).
For instance, my boyfriend seems to think that I do not need to mix things in their seperate bowls as the recipe recommends and that I can throw everything in at once. I’m pretty sure this is false, but it would be cool to know WHY I have to dirty up four mixing bowls for one cake.
And FOLDING ingredients in. My mom says “you know, just fold it in. just like it sounds.” Right. Thanks, mom. So I’ve been “folding” things in like it sounds to me it should go, but maybe I’ve been doing it wrong all these years.
And should I really set my eggs out before I use them so they are at room temperature?
… so these are all the Great Baking Mysteries I can think of at the moment. :)
Thanks so much for keeping up your terrific blog… it has been inspiring me to do a lot of baking, and I know the fabulous ladies I work with, although they may not know it, also appreciate your blog because I am constantly bringing in Joy the Baker goodies to work!
I am thinking…spicy chocolate cake – seriously spicy with chilli pepper flakes, dried ginger, and may be a hint of cumin (or may be not).
The leading taste, of course, would be regular sweet chocolate cake, and the after taste of spices should be a surprise hit at the back of the throat.
OK, so I’m on my way to bed and don’t have time to read the other’s suggestions….Here are mine:
Soft Pretzels
Something w/ Choc./PB
Sweet Bread ~ Banana/Zucchini/Other
Love your blog!!!!
Summer is my most favorite time to bake. I love to bake with all the seasonal fruits and make jam. In fact, most people bake most in winter when there’s nothing to do, but summer is my favorite time. Fruit is my inspiration. I’m going cherry picking this weekend so there will be some cherry pie in my future and clafouti, coffecake, bread pudding. King Arthur Flour books and periodicals are wonderful for showcasing seasonal fruit recipes. Hope that helps you!
Jen
Joy, you should try making black bean brownies! There are now many different versions out there, but try one anyway! They’re very dense and yummy. :)
Okay, there are seriously so many comments on here I haven’t a clue if this has been suggested or not. First off…how cool that you are asking for suggestions! :) How about simple suppers? You know, family friendly stuff that Mom’s can whip up fairly easily. OR how about yummy birthday cakes? As a Mom of 5 there’s always a birthday cake to bake. Or basic recipes to teach your child to cook/bake?
Thanks Joy! ?
Dearest Joy,
I would love you to show me any or all of the following:
Steel cut oats
Chox Pastry (not even sure this is how you spell it)
What you made for dinner
What you cooked at work
Slice/bar recipes
How to teach my 8 year old daughter to cook
Thankyou for being so connected to all your faithful by asking us what we want.
I’m on the search for a gooey cake recipe. All the better if it pairs well with ice cream. Thanks for askin’!
Hello Joy,
I absolutely love your blog!
I saw the post about needing inspiration, and I have to say the savory vittles you make are the coolest, so here’s a savory one! I have a recipe that I have been dying to try, but it’s not really Kale season, and the rest of the ingredients feel very Fall to me. I am sure you’re booked on stuff to make for a good while, but when the season starts to turn, you may way to try this one (it’s been HOT here in NC for the last week, so I’ve been indoors praying for October when the heat goes away.)
The original recipe comes from a French Blog called A Flavor Capture.
But my dear friend Bailey translated it for me!
2 large onions
2 shallots
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon powdered ginger
40g unsweetened cocoa powder
12cL light red wine
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 bay leaves
150g minced kale
180g flour
1/2 packet of baker’s yeast
3 eggs
8cL vegetable oil
2 tablespoons of white cheese
150g of extra sharp cheddar or Parmesan, freshly grated
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
Mince the onions, shallots, and garlic. Add the ingredients to a hot saucepan with the olive oil. Add the cinnamon, ginger, and chocolate powder.
Stir in the wine, lime juice, balsamic vinegar and bay leaves
Mince the kale, and add it to the sauce so that it is covered.
Let the mixture simmer and reduce the wine over medium heat for 15 minutes just until the kale is tender. Remove from heat. Remove the bay leaves.
Preheat the oven to 180 C.
In a bowl, mix (energetically) the flour, yeast, egss, oil and white cheese. Add the kale mixture, then the grated cheddar, salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
Put in little silicon heart molds.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Eat almost hot, after removing from oven while the cheese is still melty, an aroma of red wine sauce, a bewitching fragrance of cocoa.
Serve with a salad that is sufficiently neutral to fully profit from the taste of the cakes.
So, if you’re diggin’ it, give it a try. And keep up the wonderful blogging.
Coconut! I would love to have some good summery coconut recipes! I found a wonderful coconut milk cake thats just to die for and would love to have some more. We just love coconut at my house!
I’m a bit late on this one, but I was busy thinking. You know, lately I’ve not been terribly excited to make large or stunning dishes. That coincides with a huge amount of CSA veggies, so instead, I’ve been making easy-to-throw-together tapas-style dinners. Maybe more dishes than the usual meal, but prepared fairly simply. This has kept me going; maybe you?
Anything puff pastry-ish but will LOVE anything you decide to post!
Some easy gluten-free desserts for those of us who don’t have many fancy ingredients or tools in our little European apartments? They would be much appreciated!
Thanks! And good luck!
Balsamic vinegar and strawberries is always a wonderful combination, and the Italians knew hundreds of years ago! So anything with those would be a bonus. But what I’d love to see is a jam cake. Years and years ago, when I lived in Tallahassee, FL, there was one baker who made this amazing cake with actual jams in the batter. I’d love a chance to have it again and make it for my kids, but nothing I’ve tried has quite recreated it. Of course, rasberry brownies are always a great hit, too. With fresh rasberries…Or maybe some interesting ways to cook fresh summer crookneck squash. I think we’re about ratatouille’d out! I suspect you have gotten enough feedback to do a couple of years worth of blogs by now, so I’ll stop! I look forward to seeing what you come up with-keep up the great work! It’s always fun to see what you’ve been up to and try one some of your recipes.
Cheesecake with balsamic strawberries? I made this just last week for a birthday to a thunderous applause and numerous pleas for seconds.
The cake was an Italian-style baked ricotta and lemon – no other cheesecake worth the eating in my opinion – with a biscuit base, and the topping went something like this:
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp arrowroot
250 grams of strawbs halved
a few mint leaves, torn
I dissolved the sugar in the vinegar with 1/4 cup of water over a low heat. Then I mixed the arrowroot to a smooth paste with 2 Tbls of water before adding to the balsamic and heating for a few minutes until syrupy. I let this cool and waited until it was an hour to cake-time before mixing in the berries and the mint. I didn’t want to combine them too early as I had read someplace that the vinegar will cook the delicate fruit.
I poured this deliciously sweet concoction all over the cake before serving. It looked gorgeous, tasted divine and was super easy. I imagine you could pour it over ice cream, albeit rather sparingly – or even make a balsamic strawberry and mint ice cream…
Long time reader, first time commenting… First, I think you are awesome! I love your wit, writing, and master culinary skills.
I’m not sure if food preservation is something you’re into, but I’d love to know how to make pickles, jams, etc.
So, if you’re feeling inspired… that would be fun to learn!
I want yeast bread. please! You’re recipes are great and your flourless peanut butter cookies as well as your sugar cookie recipe are forever ingrained in my mind. I’m sure if you brought me sandwich bread it would go into my mind’s recipe box.
I would love to see some ideas on how to preserve all those delicious berries and fruits of summer! Strawberries, raspberries, nectarines +++
Or how to make scones that doesnโt crumble.
Or peshawari naan bread.
Or some way to put my bag of star anise to use!
I would love to see some ideas on how to preserve all those delicious berries and fruits of summer! Strawberries, raspberries, nectarines +++
Or how to make scones that doesn’t crumble.
Or peshawari naan bread.
Or some way to put my bag of star anise to use! :)
PLEASE make something like a lemon raspberry cake. I just got one from Costco (where else, huh?) and the flavor combination is absolutely DIVINE. It’s like eating a lemon-raspberry sherbet, in cake form.
Basically what the cake is, is a soft spongy two layered white cake with a raspberry-jam-like filling and thin layer of lemon curd on top (it’s kinda translucent). The edges are bordered with cream and the sides are sprinkled with slivered almonds.
If you get the time, it would be great if you could make a variation of this cake; it’s simply delicious!
Hi from SPAIN….wow …lots of ideas and followers. Its great so much sugestions. What about lots of ICE CREAM gorgeous flavours?????
I love ice creams and im crazy with my ice cream maker. You can teach us your baking cooking techniques too. You are a good inspiration. And recipes with CHOCOLATE….of course. THANKS and kissessssss
Something with quinoa in it.
My new obsession is baking with booze: guinness chocolate cake, bourbon with bananas or peaches, margarita cupcakes etc. The store at which I work recently started selling a line of sorbets made with champagne and red wine flavors…
I also made my own salted caramel for the first time, so that is going into everything…
Also second the first comment for strawberry balsamic cheesecake I have been playing around with this idea and haven’t figured out how to do it yet…
I hope you are still reading suggestions!
How about: ANYTHING COFFEE!!
Coffee smoothies, ice cream, cookies, cakes, sauces!!!!
Coffee desserts are so popular right now (and expensive) esp. the smoothies, that it would be great to have homemade versions from the best online baker!
Thanks and keep up the great work.
when i was a kid, the mom of a friend of mine would always make us special pancakes when i stayed the night at their house. i have no idea what they were … i think they were some kind of german pancake. she would pour the batter into a 9×13 pan and bake the whole thing in the oven and it would puff up. it was SO good. i’d love to find a recipe and try and make it!
love your blog. it’s one of my favorite things & everything i’ve made have been HUGE hits. thanks for YOUR inspiration!
There is also a finnish oven pancake called krupsuaa that may be what you are looking for!
I thoroughly enjoy your quirky-serious attitude in the kitchen! If I didn’t, you would definitely not be on my SHORT list of food blogs to keep reading :)))
You know, why not make a blog post about food for boys. Not regular boys, but boys you like~ food that wins them over. The foods they just have to say in a funny voice because they like it so much (Key Lime Piiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaghhhhhhh!) And hey, if it never wins them over, blunders always make for good posts. Right? Right.
Hi Joy,
First, thank you for all you do. You inspire us, so this is really fun that you ask the same.
Lately, I’m taken by some of the sensual chocolate mixes like dk. chocolate with orange zest, ginger, chili, or curry. Maybe you could do something that would honor that sensual nature of mixed chocolate? It’s so lucious but often the baking takes away the creamy of the chocolate experience. Maybe chocolat-est puff pastry cups or a filo dough that has chocolate layers so the experience would be that of both flaky dough and chocolate luciousness? far fetched, but I imagine you to be sensitive enough to understand.
Hello! I really don’t think you can drink too much cranberry juice, add some carbonated mineral water and ta-da! It is fancy! :)
As to the blemish, my boyfriend turned me on to Clean and Clear, Maximum Strength Persa Gel-10. I know, how could a yucky smelly boy know more about this kind of thing than sparkly clean girl? I don’t know, but I have stopped questioning, because his crazy crap ALWAYS works (it is really annoying sometimes!) lol… anyway, that stuff is great, works every time!
As for the baking? You can never have too much baking, don’t doubt that people will continue to read, because we all will, you have a great layout, beautiful pictures and real talent! :) How about something with raspberries and pistachios? Or blueberries with something other than citrus (I know they are good with lemon in the baking arena, but I like variety!) :) anything coconutty is lovely, and I am really into baking with yogurt, ricotta, or any other creamy thing… I like a little protein in my baked goods, it makes me feel like they are a bit more healthy! :)
Anyway, thank you for the good read, I am excited to see what you make with all of these suggestions, there are so many! :)
Joy, I love, love, love your blog! I made your chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting for a shower and received rave reviews! People went crazy for them. So, I would love see more cupcake recipes. Or anything really. Everything you post always looks so good!
Joy, your baking antics are just that – a joy. I’ve shown so many people your blog and they ALL love it and have made something. THey love the recipes, the photos, and basically you.
I would like recipes for lots of different and gorgeous cupcake frostings/toppings. I’m the only one here who eats cupcakes, so I usually make a batch of vanilla cupcakes and frost them all differently so I don’t get bored. But then I end up making the same variations on frosting which is also getting boring! Help meee!
And I totally agree with the person who said something about brownies. Sure, I love a chocolate brownie or a blondie, but different kinds of brownies would make me happy. Love the idea of caramel, or different coloured, or peanut butter or coconut & white chocolate..
vanilla chiffon cake with whipped cream frosting and strawberries.
or maybe try to recreate the cheese filled coffee cake made by entenmann’s. even though its a store bought dessert/ breakfast treat, it tastes delicious every time :]
good luck with whatever you choose to create!
I love this site! My gluten-eating friends are always asking me for baking advice, but as a gluten-free baking girl, I can’t always provide the help they need….but I always sent ’em here!!!
As someone mentioned above, its blueberry season. I’m going blueberry picking (if this thunderstorm ever clears..) and I am combing the internet for that perfect blueberry cornmeal pancake recipe. I’m sure the honor should be yours.
I’d also love a great savory, herbed roll recipe!
Some people have mentioned ice cream cakes, and I for one definitely agree! They are PERFECT for the weather we have been having and maybe you could possibly throw in some candy bar pieces inside the middle to add some crunch. I know you already did a blog on how to make the Ben and Jerry’s cake but i would love some more ideas. Thank you, and I hope this helps your inspiration block.
P.S. Your blog is the best around and you have a wonderful personality, I will never tire of you and your antics!
I already commented, but someone suggest tres leches cake and i completely second that request.
Wow, you are popular! Love all of your ideas. I can relate to being in a rut with the blog. But, I noticed the first commenter said something about balsamic vinegar. Reducing balsamic vinegar to a syrupy goo when it gets all sweet is amazing on vanilla ice cream. Maybe something along those lines. Now I’m hungry.
I haven’t read through all the suggestions so I don’t know if this has been mentioned…
Have you thought about painting your kitchen? Maybe w/ all your ‘stuff’ that could be hard, so how about just a wall, or the floor, or the ceiling – maybe the door through which you enter? I love to change things around a bit in my house when I’m in a little rut, nothing like moving furniture around in a room to freshen it and get a new perspective on the space (but would hate to move my cooking equipment around – God Forbid I reach for a rubber spatula and it’s gone!)
Food-wise, when I’m in a ‘cooking’ rut I usually try make my super southern great grandmother’s tomato gravy and yeast rolls. Impossible – but if I ever get it right, impossibly delicious!
And, hey โ as a last resort, thereโs always beverage testing! I just saw a recipe using St-Germain elderflower liqueur and another using watermelon to make sangria that I want to play with. Maybe those are calling your name too?
Good Luck – I can’t wait to read about all your results…
I love you, Joy, and find you incredibly inspiring. With almost 250 suggestions, you don’t really need mine. But, how about something with brown butter?
One word – BLUEBERRIES!!
Hey Joy,
Do you still have an Easy Bake Oven in the back of the closet, maybe at your parent’s house? If so, can you come up with something fun for some very bored little girls to try? I’d be ever so obliged.
i saw someone suggested a flourless chocolate cake. . . you did flourless peanut butter cookies, so how about a cake??
i’ve seen recipes before for flourless chocolate cake and wanted to try it, but haven’t yet.
I have been making crepes like crzy here and have the sweet crepes down, but I am looking for some fantastic savory crepe recipes. Oh and it is coming up on preserve, canning, and pickling season and this midwest girl is always on the prowl for something extra yummy to put up in the pantry.
Watermelon cupcakes!
favorite childhood desserts
desserts containing fruit
anything w/ chocolate :)
how about something lovely, lemony, sweet and tangy on a turquoise platter of some sort. pretty and delish :)
Whatever it is I’m sure it will be wonderful…can’t wait.
Love your blog! Sorry if this has been said or if you’ve already done this but I would love to see some freezer meals! I’m expecting my first baby in December and I’m guessing things are going to get hectic! TIA! : )
I have a huge crop of cherry and heirloom tomatos coming soon! I need some ideas as to what to do with them! The yellow pear tomatos I will eat like candy, but I’ve got bloody butcher and cherry and some others that I want to do something with… more than the regular ‘tomato salad’ I make. :)
I love this site! I’m going berry picking soon and will be trying your blackberry pie bars!
How about cupcakes with avocado icing? I just read something about substituting avocados for butter in chocolate cake. Avocados might substitute for butter in icing too, and make a pretty color! Or how about aloe ice cream?
Rose Bakery Cookbook always does it for me, the photos are so inspiring and the recipes do not mut on off even ona less energetic day.
caramel swirl brownies! I have been trying to find a recipie but I can’t find any that are made without using a brownie box mix. I know that you are just have a bit of a block, but with all of your devoted followers it won’t be long till you are baking up a storm and dazzling all of us once again!
Tell us why you bake…. my motivation lately is to nurse a broken heart, but boredom, excitement, anger, passion – all motivate me to get into the kitchen as well.
I love your blog and it provides a much needed smile lately – so I hope you include many of the above suggestions by other readers in future posts…. I’m also encouraged to start experimenting a bit myself and am including your blog link on my bloglist that I regularly follow.
Summer drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic – recipes and reviews would be lovely if you have the time with all the ideas above!
something kid-friendly, easy, and not terribly fattening. too much ask for???
SImple. Frozen blueberries.
Hey Joy,
Since you’ve inspired so many of us on a regular basis, we are all so happy to try to give back a little.
Here’s one of my fave recipes. It’s called “Black Heart Cookies” and I usually make it when I’m feeling grumpy or sassy. Enjoy!
https://bitchinlifestyle.tv/Recipes/Bitchin-Kitchen/Recipes/Black-Heart-Cookies.html
Hi!
I just made palmiers yesterday and they were such a HUGE hit. It took me all of 10 min to make them but they looked so elegant and tasted so delicious! I grated some lemon jest and rubbed it in the sugar before rolling out the puff-pastry. It was the perfect summer treat! Thanks for the recipe.
As for inspiration, you could try some eggless recipes. Like substituting eggs with natural alternatives for a healthy and tasty treat. I have friends who are vegans and baking cakes or cookies for them is such a pain due to the lack of good recipes out there. Maybe you could help me out with that :)
Another idea………
My 17 yr old daughter went to an overnight slumber party at her friend’s home. One of the other mom’s brought an ice cream sandwich lasagna. Apparently it’s multiple layers of ice cream sandwiches separated by layers of frosting or cool whip or I have no clue. I just know my daughter can’t stop talking about it!
pancakes pancakes pancakes! i love all your recipes, but the pancakes are by far my favorite. i’d love to see what other fabulous pancake creations you can come up with!
YOu could make some flan or churros, they remind me so much of when I lived in Spain.
I’d like to see a refreshingly new mini croquenbouche, in an unusual or interesting flavor!! I’ve done a lovely chocolate & mocha flavored mini ones. But something summery would be fun!! Vanilla Bean Pรขte ร Choux with Lemon & Boysenberry Custard!! Oh Yum!! I can see them now….3 little mini cream puffs piled on a plate with crispy, shiny, golden strands of carmelized sugar spun around them! And a few berries as garnish! Beautiful! Let’s have a dinner party with that as the dessert!!
What I’d LOVE LOVE LOVE:
simple, kid-friendly, vegetarian dishes
I get so overwhelmed at the grocery store, farmer’s markets, and even just reading foodie blogs. My “go to” dinner? Air-popped popcorn. How about some specialty posts (kid-friendly, gluten-free, whatever) and then a series on Basics (or how not to hyperventilate at Kroger’s… baking for the cuisine-challenged?)
What about a cashew butter cookie made into an ice cream sandwich using dulce de leche or caramel ice cream?
Just want to let you know I posted your fabulous Puff Pastry with Gruyere and Prosciutto–I made them with my daughter and one of her friends and they were a huge hit! Thank you!
last night 2 thoughts occured: your mom& dad are such strong influences on you, i was wondering who inspires/influnced them? also–state & country fairs!!!! (now i have to look the movie up—)
How about a post about substitutions on some of your favourite recipes?
For example, rather than using shredded potato, I have lately been trying to use potato flour to make awesome potato pancakes, and had some pretty okay results. Cornmeal pancakes is tasty too.
Are there any non-wheat flours that work really well for cupcakes or muffins?
So yes, substitutions!
Cool. You have lots of people who actually have ideas, while I am in the same rut as you are. I HATE this weather. IT is hot and humid and my air does not keep up,unless I want a $1,000.00 electric bill. (NO – no I don’t) So I refuse to turn on the oven, and only run the dryer at night. . . . LOL! So I get in a terrible food rut.
However, my garden is starting to produce something besides spinach and lettuce, and I’ve got TONS of basil, so some new thing to use basil pesto in? A new idea for zuchini? (something savory – I’m zuchini bread reciped out) Uhhhhm, tomato recipes for later when the ripen?
Thanks for your blog Joy. I enjoy it.
FRENCH MACAROONS!:D please?
Can anyone help convert Stef’s Milchbrot recipe into cups, etc?
I Googled it, and for the first time Google has let me down…
I can’t give you any answers I’m afraid, I felt the same about 2 months ago but then I started this little Farmers Market, and now I’m being “hit” with inspiration very regularly! It seems as though the more I put myself out there, the more that people realise who I am.. If that makes sense… A friend of mine at work just challenged me to a Cookie Bake Off, despite the fact he’s never lifted a wooden spoon before, so this should be fun!! :)
Joy,
I adore your BLOG. It’s amazing how many wonderful suggestions your faithful followers have come up with! You have quite a fan base, my dear and I can see how much you appreciate them.
I fear my idea might not be too appealing, but why not toss it in the ring anyway, just to be different?
What if you took a few of the yummy goodies you already have mastered & try to re-create them using really wholesome ingredients & natural unrefined sweetness (not unlike your own) ;) Raw organic dairy, pastured organic eggs, Kerrygold butter (from pastured cows)… you get the picture….
I’m currently using sprouted whole grain flour for everything I possibly can, and while many things are good, only a few are “truly great”, so I would love it if a professional who’s work I can completely respect, would figure out a few things that can be truly great & wholesomely nutritious at the same time! Did you know that if you sprout a wheat berry before eating, or drying, grinding into flour & baking, that it digests like a vegetable? You body suddenly has access to every single iota of nutrition in that wheat berry. Imagine a carb becoming a vegetable! That excited me & that is why I’m suggesting this absurdity. If it doesn’t turn you on, there are plenty of ideas above….
no harm done…
Joy, how ’bout you come up to Seattle for a visit and I’ll make you some of my mom’s recipe for Melt-in-Your-Mouth Blueberry Cake. Mmmmmmm! But I love your blog–it’s the first one I look for each day! How about some kind of bread pudding (the kind that’s still a little soft and pudding-y) topped with some kind of berries…I wish I had a recipe for that (a healthful recipe would be nice, too!). Or grapenut or Indian pudding would by yummy, too. (Why am I in a pudding mood in the middle of summer??) Whatever you come up with it will be wonderful–it always is! :-) xoxo…
Oh boy do i have some great recipes from both of my grandmas back in Croatia. But lets wait for next time with those. My two all time favorite cakes are both well known, and are the ones my mom always made growing up. One is our winter favorite called Linzer Cake (or tart) and this is how it looks https://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/recipes/9911601250_linzer-tart-a-recipe.jpg, just in case here is a quick recipe for it the way my mom made it:
5 oz of each: sugar, flour, ground almonds, butter
3 egg yolks
peel of one lemon
cinnamon and ground cloves (I put quite a lot to make it a nice space cake)
4 oz of apricot marmalade
…and the real favorite, anytime cake and with no flour in it, it is the richest cake!
The Reform Cake:
13 egg whites
14 oz granulated sugar
14 oz grounded walnuts
make snow from egg whites and slownly add sugar and walnuts…you can bake it in a square or circle pan, we used to make it loaf looking, but important think is to make frosting layers as thick as cake layers, around 3/4 of an inch…we usueally made 3 layers of each
for frosting:
13 egg yolks
13 tbsp sugar
10oz chocolate
10oz butter
frosting is cooked in a double boiler and it is delicious! I’m sure there are many versions of this cake out there but this is how my mom made it, and mommy’s cooking is the best of course :)
i love chocolate croissants, have you done different types of pastries?
Hello,
I recently found your site and I love the lovely pictures of all the food. But sadly, I can’t eat any of it because at my house we can’t bake with gluten. This will be a challenge, but why don’t you try to make some things that are gluten free. With gluten free flours. Maybe graham crackers or bread, or cookies…Or Yes! We haven’t figured out how to make gluten free cinnamon rolls yet. You can do it!
Maybe talk more about sourdough starter. Our didn’t look so hot and so we didn’t even try to bake with it. More tips on it? What to make with it? You have so many suggestions already, maybe this one is to file away for fall or winter though.
Some sort of fruit salad or garden salad with a twist would be great for summer.
Hi Joy!
Wow, so funny you want inspiration because I’ve had a recipe idea on my mind for the last week but unfortunately, Im not so great at baking… cooking I’m wonderful, but baking.. well maybe you can be inspired.
Have you ever seen that movies Simply Irresistible which stars Sarah Michelle Gellar? If not, rent it! There are these lovely eclair thingys that she makes that everyone eats and just becomes, enamored with.
The problem for me is, I’m severely lactose intolerant so anything with a cream filling = disaster for me. I love coconut and that is a milk substitute for me, so how about some yummy eclairs, or better yet down home country cream puffs with a sinfully rich coconut cream (milk free) filling topped off with a nice drizzle of honey and some thinly shaved almonds!
Joy, you should fly to NYC. We can have a huge picnic here, and break the rut.
In other ideas, three words. Ice. Cream. Sandwiches. (a fruity version! fresh, cold, baked, delicious I’m sure.)
I love Tres Leche Cake! I would love to have a recipe that is ‘knocks your sock off’ good. Currently I use a cake mix, but would love a from scratch. My Mom has a friend that gets one from her sisters bakery that’s awesome, but she won’t share her secrets. :( If your up for it then so am I!!
Well hell, I am too slow. You got enough ideas here for the next five years. So my input is…..go on a cruise. Relax and eat! LOL
what about homemade granola? not too sweet but with an amazng flavor?
or some quiches would be lovely! with summer veggies.
or something with olive oil?
yum! :)
Do a smoothie fest….or give us ideas on easy family meals for hot summer days that kiddos will eat. Sorry – no inspiration, just requests.
I check your blog allllll the time and make tons of your recipes and LOVE them, but I was inspired by this blog post looking for inspiration [little bit ironic but hey, just go with it]. Anyway, I don’t have any amazing input, but basically ANYTHING with toffee is amazing in my book. Like chocolate toffee cookies, or toffee chocolate crunch or…mmmmm. i’m hungry…
Its blueberry season! How bout fresh blueberry pie?
Seriously joy, I need you to make a really good vanilla souffle. I have tried recipe after recipe & nothing satisfies my gooey vanilla cravings. Vanilla milkshakes, vanilla mudcakes, hot vanilla. I LOOOOVE VANILLA
Ice Tea Infusions! Mint, ginger, blackberry, peach, orange, so many choice…
Candy – I can’t explain my sudden desire to make candy but there isn’t enough information in the blog world to help me. Brittle, toffee, caramels, yummy….
something with marzipan would be a dream come true. :)
Do you know how to make dark chocolate covered raspberries?
In short, berry-liciousness.
Granola bars – crunchy ones, not chewy
Pizza dough
How about another weekend blog – I have used your pizza, brownie cookies and ceasar salad combo more than once. My hairdresser told me how she makes zuchinni fries and they sounded delicious. How about a beach theme along the lines of Barefoot Contessa?
How about some basic baking needs – for those of us just starting out, I’m curious as to what ingredients you think every good kitchen has. Then … on to, how to make dreamy desserts into gift packages for people!
You are awesome – please don’t stop now – I just starting following you!
How about a summer soup! I just made some cold gazpacho that turned out quite nice, but as I was eating the fruit salad for dessert, inspiration hit –honeydew mint soup? Maybe a fruit like cherries or blueberries?
Good Luck
I like the ethnic idea too. I am in love with Indian food at the moment. Often the desserts are so simple- like 3 ingredients- but the spice and food combinations can knock your socks off!
You’re doing great anyway, by the way.
I had this breakfast bar from the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at the Grove in L.A. a few weeks back and I want to try to duplicate it. Rather, I would love for you to try to duplicate it since I am studying for the bar exam (because California needs one more laywer right?) and killing an afternoon in the kitchen is the equivalent to self-sabotage this late in the exam studying stage. I can follow recipes really well but I lack the chemistry skills needed to determine proportions of individual ingredients needed to create the end product.
The bar had oats,dried cranberries, cinnamon, honey or something similar on top, I think I remember it having a little bit of a flour-type base and I think it had slivered almonds on top too. It did have “breakfast bar” in its name if you want to try to find one to taste first.
This is just a suggestion of course. Your site was the first place I looked when I was looking for a recipe that might be similar to what I am looking for and I have yet to find one anywhere else that sounds like it will be close enough. The recipes I have found are either too much like granola bars or too much like a dessert bar. This was kind of in the middle.
Either way, good luck with finding your inspiration!
Hey!
I really am one of your biggest fans! Seriously… not trying to make anyone else feel bad… but I really am! I get a kick out of your blog! All your recipes are stellar! Your way of writing is truly classic! You are intensely Cool! OK! have I scared you off yet!?! LOL
I love all the suggestions… and I can’t wait to see what you come up with…
As for me – do you know a good recipe for a fruit spread preserve… like jam – just not so “Smucker -y”… more like “Twice the Fruit-y”!?
Also some appetizer suggestions – something that cold really wow a crowd – the last potluck party I went to, I brought a laundry basket full of papadums – They were a hit! But do you know any other awesome snacks I could bring so I don’t get known as the Laundry Lady!
Thanks Joy! You Rock!
Pies or lovely tarts? Banoffee, Banana Cream, Chocolate……drool drool drool… ;)
How about some intenational cuisine? Maybe starting with some german bee sting cake (Bienenstich), Butter cake (Butterkuchen), yeast dumplings (Dampfnudeln) or Jelly-Filled Donuts (Berliner)
:)
How about a Triple chocolate mousse cake? Caramel pie or Banana caramel pie even? I love these desserts but can’t find any good recipes to emulate the ones I’ve eaten.
Do u like making Choux pastry? As u could make some wonderful things like Chocolate eclairs & Cream puffs ;) yumo!
today a friend of mine mentioned Thai pancakes on facebook — so I googled and saw this https://www.supatra.com/pages/thaicookingkids_kanomkroke.html
I’m intrigued since I own an aebleskiver pan and have made that for years.
And I’d like to know if I can make the thai pancakes with regular flour, since we have a rice flour allergy in my house.
So how about a post on these thai pancakes — or any other savory pancake?
Maybe some summery dessert? I was looking for a good angel food cake/sponge cake to go with some fruit recently. Something light is always nice during bathing suit season.
I love all your recipes but especially the ones that are more geared toward breakfast, my favorite meal of the day! Something of the pastry variety would be super!
Apple Chips!!!!
They sold these at my grocery store a few years ago but they stopped and I have been craving them ever since. They do have to be baked but they have a summery feel. I would love to see these. Failing that, anything to do with zuchini, eggplant, simple brakfasts and any of the other great suggestions here. (But seriously, just consider the deliciousness of apple chips. A craving should not last years!)
Seeing as how I’m at the bottom of this looooooong list of suggestions, I’m not really sure you need me! But, I’m willing to throw in my two cents just in case you had lots of time on your hands and you sat down to read all of these.
Recently I’ve been on a fresh spinach kick (adding folate to my diet). I’ve modified a few recipes to include spinach including a Mexican wrap (chicken, beans, salsa, tomato, bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, all piled up on spinach and sprinkled with shredded parmesan).
Fresh spinach on homemade pizza. Makes me feel less guilty for eating it.
I’ve also found you can throw SPINACH into a fruit SMOOTHIE and not even taste it! I promise, cross my heart. I’ve also made my smoothies into popsicles. Great summer treat.
To spinach!
Dear Joy, it seems that if you have ‘bakers block’ as one commenter wrote above – that you could always just write for a while (since hopefully you don’t also have writers block). :) You have a neat way of writing that is very personable. What you have to say is interesting and quite funny! And with all the distressing daily news it’s very refreshing to laugh (and if we get a nice recipe to go along with it then all the better). Thanks for your efforts! PS – I love coffee so any hot/cold coffee drink ideas would be wonderful.
What about a tasty seafood pot pie? Or any kind of pot pie? Or any kind of dinner pie? :3
pesto
lobster ravioli
something with cardamom in it (pods or ground)
sushi wrapped in strawberries instead of seaweed (had some last night, delish!)
low fat granola
marshmallowey biscuits
herbal tea
yikes…so many ideas! i once had a bag of pizza bagels that were to die for…not the processed kind, but ones that had sun dried tomatoes and were all seasoned to taste like pizza and all they needed was a slice of melted cheese. i can’t find a recipe for them, but have been craving them for years and years. please can you invent a recipe for me and my family? i would truly love that!
Well, here’s a challenge for ya! I have diabetes typpe 2 – which does NOT rule out “real” sugar (but used somewhat sparingly. I also found out a year ago that I’m also in kidney failure. THAT is DOOM to anyone who loves tomatoes, oranges, banana’ and just about any “real” fruits or veggies. I can’t have ANY dairy or soy products either (NO tofu, ice cream or cheeses). I have to stay away from calcium, phosphorus and potassium. Thank goodness I can have UNenriched rice milk, at least! Have you noticed that so many things are now being “enriched” (meaning with added calcium?).
My doctors are yelling at me for losing any weight (I weigh
123#s at 5’1″, which I think is fine) at all, and say I look emaciated!
So WHAT is a person in this type of situation to cook/eat?? All of my cooking skills and recipes are virtually useless! AND I have a robust hubby and 25 yr old son to feed daily!
Help, help!!
I vote dinner foods also! Your blog can be directly blamed for some serious weight gain lately since I’ve at least twice this month read your post, run to my pantry to see if I had the ingredients and then made some sweet delicious dessert for myself to enjoy long before my husband got home from work & my kids woke up from naps. Maybe something more dinner-like would inspire me to share with my family a little better.
Joy, how about a twist on the old-school checkerboard cake (i.e. different flavors/frosting)…I’ve been meaning to try it myself!
I just enjoyed the most divine carmel macadamia nut cake at a friend’s birthday. Any ideas on incorporating those flavors into a cupcake or cookie?
I know how much you love showers (ha,ha). I need brunch ideas, I was thinking quiche but I also need it to be pretty easy! Do you have any ideas?
I second the ice cream! and gelato…and italian ice…yumm!! I’m definitely a fan of using matcha powder as well – I definitely love the green tea flavor. And fresh berries and stone fruit! And I always love cupcakes. Something about the way they look when they’ve been decorated just melts my heart! Oo! Or how about using liquers? A local bakery just went crazy with cupcakes modeled after cocktails: Mudslide, Strawberry Daiquiri, and Blueberry Martini. Yum!
I made a southern white peach/yellow nectarine salad with torn basil and fresh pearl mozzarella. It was amazing. So maybe you could whip together a peach basil ricotta tart? That sounds amazing and I would love any recipe you choose to invent.
How about a dessert with grapes? No one seems to use them as often as other summer fruit like berries or pit fruit and they are so lovely.
Cherries and lemons are always delish. How about experimenting with sweet homemade sipping liqueurs?
How about a dish (dessert perhaps) from another land like South Africa, Morocco, Chili, Egypt, or Austria (or a country you can think of…). It would be cool to see and try a recipe that gets us out of our traditional baking/cooking comfort zone.
I always look to my mom for inspiration in the kitchen (and other places too). She may just inspire you as well. https://www.thetablerunner.blogspot.com/
How about baking with herbs both sweet and savory recipes? I’ve been making a lot of syrups and liqueurs with all summer is offering. How about doing some preserving? I just bought THREE flats of sour cherries….what was I thinking?
How about macaroons? They are so delicious (have you had them from Miette at the Ferry Building in San Fran???) but look really difficult to make. I would love to be able to make pink macaroons’ for my sister’s wedding shower.
I second the comment about lemonade..maybe a lemon-and-limeade with some club soda? or a lemonade with something herby, like lavender?
One ingredient I’d love to incorporate into anything I put in my mouth is St. Germain elderflower liqueur. It’s so lovely! Buy a bottle and start experimenting.
(I’d send you one if I could, but I’m a poor grad student!)
I need some recipes for overly ripe bananas…need something exciting.
And someone gave me a brick of aged gouda, what can I do with that?
Dig your blog :)
Hi Joy – I discovered your site last week and HEART it!!!! you’ve inspired me to make my own vanilla extract this weekend (thanks!).
I’m on the prowl for a light and fluffy lemon cake – I’ve been trying all sorts and most are dense – perhaps you have a recipe you want to share?
I’m also loving all things cookies at the moment… whatever you decide on I know it’ll be brilliant! can’t wait to see what’s next.
cheers!
Berries!
I’d love to see recipes for jams and pies.
Can you make an apple crumble fudge? Two of my most favourite foods in one. A girl can dream… :D
Grill food items other than the standard burger, dog or steak. Who wants to turn on the oven when your trying to cool down the house.
Marinades for chicken breast (which I never seem to do well with)
Complete meals in a foil pouch that are tasty
Grilled fish/seafood recipes
Desserts using a grill
In Alaska rhubarb grows wild. I have two giant rhubarb plants and I don’t know what else to do with them. I’ve made Strawberry Rhubarb pie, crisp and jam. Do you have any ideas for things to make with rhubarb?
Does rhubarb inspire you? Because I’m stuck too…
CHICKEN POT PIE DUDE!
Baked beans
Donuts
Candy of any kind
Deep dish pizza
Cannoli
Carrot cake
Boston cream pie
Stuffed cabbage
Crepes
How’s that for a random lot of ideas? :)
I’m trying to learn how to make bread – but it’s such a long and drawn out process. Who has time to knead and rise and knead and raise? How can we make easy bread? It just seems like one of those things that should be made from scratch – but in a 1/4 the time!
Steamy stew belongs in that copper pot
It would feed a full lot.
Full of vegetables and tomatoes
And don’t forget starchy potatoes.
And as for that blemish on your chin,
Don’t touch, or the blemish will win.
Use hydrogen peroxide and neosporin,
And next thing you know, it’ll be gone in the mornin’.
an awesome healthy-er whole wheat bread
whole wheat pizza
whole wheat homemade bagels
catch a theme here? I need good recipes for all of these :)
um, and easy mint chocolate chip ice cream I can make WITHOUT an ice cream maker.
bread! i love bread!! there can never be too much bread… i just made “Milchbrot” (German for milk bread) for my co-workers this week, its my mom’s recipe and for some reason she only makes it for easter and st. nikolaus (dec 6th). its delicious. and perfect and easy. i love it and refuse to only have it twice a year. still, perfectness aside, any joy-ful thoughts on making it more exciting?
500 g all purpose flour
1 package dry yeast
~ stir together with fork
~ now add (all in same bowl)
100 g oil
100 g sugar
250 ml warm (not hot not cold!) milk
1 tsp salt
1 egg
2 egg yolks
~mix until doug looks… doug like (about 5 min with hand mixer), let it rise over night or even all day, then bake at 350 F for 30-35 min. oh, first rise is in the bowl for at least an hour, then i blob it onto the baking sheet (covered with baking paper), cover it with a cloth, and let it rise there all day.
ps: i adore your blog!!
Hmmmmm……
How about some recipes for berry marmalade or preserves?
How to make the most of summer fruits?
Thoughts on Christmas cookies–You know a little Christmas in July
brainstorming?
When you are too tired to bake or traveling and want something as a treat, where are YOUR favorite bakeries in the world?
Hope those thoughts inspire!
My mom LOVES lemon icebox pie and I’ve yet to find the perfect recipe to surprise her with. Can you help me?
when i can’t decide what to bake, i make the quickest cake imaginable… then decide :D
put into a coffee mug:
4 tablespoons self raising flour
4 tablespoons caster sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 tablespoons milk
1 egg
mix it all up, zap it in a microwave for 3 minutes, and you have, quite literally, a cupcake :P
it always helps me clear my mind :)
also, muffins using toffee and apple are always a winner :) xxx
A ginger snap recipe would be lovely. :)
oooo, and mangoes or fennel. Things to do with those…
Joy, I love your site!
I’m about to make Homemade Girl Scout Samoas if you wanna join!
Mmm, seconding more ideas of what to do with all the great summer produce. Peaches, plums, nectarines, summer squash, corn…the list goes on. New unexpected ways to cook/bake with all of this are great!
If you make a fruit soup, put strawberries in it! Or citrus is good. Do something with citrus. I need more things to cook from your sidebar.
LL
I have been looking for a recipe for a dressing I have had at Boulder Creek in Brownsburg, IN. It is a Cranberry Poppyseed dressing. It is sweet, creamy and pink. Do you have any ideas?
Oh…and can you ask Carolyn T. from above to send some of those plums to me? :D
Perhaps go back to the basics? To things that are simple but bring you the greatest joy. When my bf and I aren’t sure what to make for dinner and don’t want to just slog out a meal, we make our basic pizza dough recipe but then go bananas on the toppings, coming up with new combination that are delicious based on whatever weird things are in the fridge.
Another thought, there is nothing on this planet that I adore so much as the simple flavor of ghee. It’s easy to make on your own and although I haven’t baked with it yet, it’s got such a distinct flavor that it would add a whole new angle to recipes.
Finally: muffins.
If you find an answer to the cranberry juice question, let me know. I’ve been known to down a gallon of the ice cold stuff on a hot day. As for what to make…ice cream ice cream ice cream! There’s an abundance of fresh fruit to be had in neighboring U-pick farms and it makes the best ice cream ever. I’ve bribed quite a few of my friends with packed pints of fresh strawberry ice cream (with a dash of chambord to keep it from getting too firm in the freezer).
I’m sure you can improve on what I came up with…
Blackberry soda…
https://cookingwithingredients.wordpress.com/2009/07/09/berry-week-part-1-blackberry-soda/
Blackberry pie?
https://cookingwithingredients.wordpress.com/2009/07/09/berry-week-part-2-blackberry-pie/
Savory pies. Savory tarts. Savory quiches. Lots of deep, rich, savory. Thanks!
Do a progressive theme . . . go the the farmer’s market, take lots of pictures of what you’re buying (fruit, veggies, flowers) and then take pictures of how you’re using what you bought. And personally, I think summer berries and stone fruits should be highlighted. More apricots and pluots . . .
My answer when I lack inspiration is savory quick-bread. So easy, no waiting for it to rise, and you get to put whatever you have around in it and experiment with different vegetables, spices, and herbs. Goes great with soup or with differnt spreads.
My ingredient of choice: RHUBARB…but something other than bread and pie. *Grin* I’ve been looking for creative ways to put the bounty of my three plants to use. My husband hates the “red weed” so I end up eating everything on my own. And one can only eat so much rhubarb pie…before the glorious luster departs!
Just back from a month in Paris. Really miss the chocolate mousse.
I am in agreement that I’m looking for different breakfast ideas. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE your site and check it every day for new recipes.
A second option would be for some fantastic side dishes to compliment an entree. I find that I can always choose a main course but have trouble figuring out what else we should have. Thoughts??
How about what to do with like 1000 pounds of plums from my tree :-) I can’t find any “inspired” recipies for jams or perserves let alone sauces or other ideas! Thanks!
I will never tire of your baking antics. I think at this time of the year, cold is always good. Do you ever try fruit soups or mousses?
Savoury.
I love sweets as much as the next baker, but sometimes you just need to put down the sugar and icing, and bake a warm, chewy prosciutto loaf.
Jams and preserves. I’m getting ready to make some apricot jam myself. What about anything with apricots?
How bought digging up some vintage cake recipes that havent
been known about in years? Or vintage candy making recipes.
How about roasted marshmallow ice cream? My local ice cream place stocks that sometime, and I would LOVE to be able to recreate that!
For the blemish, I use Neutrogena’s Rapid Clear Spot Gel. Best stuff ever.
I have a ton of blueberries. What to do? You always inspire me! :)
mohen schnitte or strudel
My friend gave me some matcha green tea powder for my birthday. I’m not a huge tea drinker so I made a matcha/chocolate bundt cake but now I need more ideas. What can I do with this fluffy green stuff?
Every other Friday I have to bring in breakfast for my office of 20 people. Typically on my off Friday’s all they are given is bagels or donuts so I like to bring in fresh baked items. They love breakfast casseroles but I’m getting bored. I need some breakfast inspiration for a large group…help! OH….and I have a $20 budget. Yep…20 people for $20!
My husband, bless his heart, is aching for a bunt cake of his childhood. I want to make it for him but can’t find a recipe and am not experienced enough to try on my own. It’s a Boston cream bunt cake but unlike other boston cream recipes the cream in this cake is baked in the center and apparently is like a “tunnel of dense cream” and the chocolate on top is poured on hot just after baking. Sounds super yum. Can you help me out?
How about savoury pastries? Or something to spoon onto baked goods, such as jams or chutneys?
you should make lemon bars
Well, I’m always looking for healthy things to make – not of my own volition, but because my boyfriend won’t just eat cupcakes or muffins or cookies because they’re not good for you (I say they’re good for the SOUL but he doesn’t buy it). I make do by substituting things in my recipes (sugar substitutes, butter substitutes, oil substitutes, happiness substitutes) but rarely do I see a recipe for something that can be baked that is healthy to begin with! So if I had to choose, I would wish to see more of that.
pizza? something simple and rustic? i’m sure you have a great pizza dough recipe…
Long time reader, first time poster ;)
I adore your blog, I also adore sliced stawberries with fresh cracked pepper. I have eaten them cold, sauted with sambuca and set on fire, with whip cream and ice cream, and recently baked into tarts and pies. the strawberries must be fresh, and the pepper must be cracked. sooo yummy!
as for blemishes try a teeny tiny spot of toothpaste on it befor you go to bed, it will chill out by morning. and when you get bored tell a bad joke… my favorite joke EVER…. what kind of bees make milk? (answer at the end.)
you are often my inspiration, being a new baker. I ove my job, but sometimes it is hard to think of new ideas. thank you for loving your job as much as i love mine.
hmmmm how about a honey and pinenut tart?
lastly… my favorite joke EVER. what kind of bees make milk? BOO~BEES
Ohhhh, can you do a savory scone??? I’d love to see you tackle one!
Lemon-ginger scones are my poison right now. And fresh fruit…blueberries, cherries, plums. And garlicky sautรฉed greens. Although these are more like suggestions about what to eat…
When I find myself in a rut, I eat what makes me happy. And I take great pleasure in stocking the freezer with anything that you can’t really make at the last minute. I find dumplings are especially good at getting me out of a rut – maybe it’s all the spare time to think while filling, folding and pinching?
macarons plz
The past week I’ve attempted to make these at work and although I’m much closer than I was with my first attempt I still need some more pointers on how to convert the basic vanilla batter to other ones like chocolate, passion fruit, raspberry… oh and the endless fillings.. ugh, its a nightmare.
first off, for the blemish – home facials, while silly, are actually a bit fun. one i used recently combined plain greek yogurt and real honey … which is delicious even when not on your face. it’s a good thing (most) people lack the dexterity to lick their face. :)
as for what to make, maybe some creative quiche or something savory? it seems like it’s been a while since there’s been a killer savory recipe here.
good luck!
Have some friends over and cook together. We did this last night and it made me excited about food. We had all of our close vegetarian friends over and cooked a great meal together. I set out stations of cutting boards and knives and everyone pitched in. The flowing champaigne helps no doubt. We made a nice past with fresh summer veggies (corn, peppers, tomatoes, cilantro), lime, and feta – a creamy spicy jicama carrot salad, a fresh green salad with herbs and lettuce from the garden and a fresh peach and blueberry crisp. We are already planning next weeks get together. I just find when I get together with friend who care about food the same way I do, I can’t help but get inspired.
Cheers!
With four little kiddos and the fifth on the way, all I have energy for are easy, kid-friendly cookies…please send some more recipes our way :) I’d also love some more ice cream recipes. We’re moving across the country next week and I want to get an ice cream maker after we’re settled in.
Tea tree oil for the blemish. Love it. Dab it on with a Q tip twice a day.
I vote for blueberry, too. Can’t figure out what to do with 10 pounds of them.
Lavender short bread cookies, whip cream sweetened with honey, ice tea with peach syrup, or homemade gelatto.
Ive needed inspiration for side dishes lately. came up with an asparagus, arugula, pear salad last night. But what do with shrimp tonight?
You know, July is National Ice Cream Month. I’m just sayin’…
My refrigerator looks like my milk cartons had little babies, I have so many pints of heavy cream. My ice cream maker has been running almost non-stop the past week and a half. David Lebovitz’s “The Perfect Scoop” has been providing me with tons of inspiriation beyond plain ol’ vanilla and chocolate. Orange-cardamom ice cream anyone? Its delicious!
good lord, the floodgates have opened!
hmmmm…what to wish for?
i second ‘breakfast stuff’
and food for picky eaters from mothers with no time on their hands!
I would love to see some great grilling recipes. I’m on a huge grilling kick at this summer. Another thing that would be nice to see is vegetable side dishes. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
One of my favorite things to make is sugar cookies decorated with royal icing, and I’d love to see you explore that some more. They’re so much fun. You made Obama cookies a few months ago, and I made one for the 4th of July (scroll down a little), along with some random shapes.
https://alizarine.typepad.com/weblog/2009/07/new-sugar-cookies.html
I love reading what everyone else is cooking, or wants you to cook! I’d love to see some bread puddings with great sweet sauces, someone mentioned chicken pot pie and I would second that, apple galettes or rustic versions of apple pie, or anything with crab meat – crab salads, appetizers, cakes. You’re great and I look forward to seeing what comes next!
Marscarpone, Lemon curd, Limoncello…anything clicking?
I like the idea from the first poster, balsamic strawberries and those combos that are really good, but I think a lot of people are intimidated by, especially the thought of vinegar with dessert. It reminded me of the FABULOUS evening my husband and I recently had in Charleston, SC.
We found a shop that carried only olives oils and balsamic vinegars… the Fig Balsamic was our favorite, but they had a peach white balsamic that would have tasted amazing on ice cream, or even drizzled on pound cake. Mmmm.
Then we stumbled upon an herb shop. They had the usual and not-so usual blends of dried herbs, but also had flavored sugars (espresso, onion and lemon were my faves) and smoked salts (we bought some apple wood smoked for when my husband makes BBQ).
Perhaps something Anise flavored.
Hi Joy, I hope your despair gives way to a group hug from all the wonderful comments above. We are out here and loving everything you post.
I’m thinking how about salads that keep in the fridge for a couple of days (nice for summer standby’s), summer smoothies with yogurt and a twist and I have been craving cheesecake and trifle! :) to you always!
Something s’mores!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here are some flavor combinations that I’m addicted to recently โ
* malt and peanut butter โ as in malt flavoring, not liquer, but you never know. . .
* jalapeno and strawberry
* layered almonds โ two or more textures of ground almonds, one toasted, + flavoring = surprising depth
* coconut and peach
* ginger and pistachio
I’ve also been toying with some rustic, cheesy hand pies with various leftover vegetable fillings. I made one with a leftover breadcrumb crust that was successful and another with a sliced potato crust that didn’t cook all the way through. I also baked up some sweet potato rolls with cardamom. . . delicious. Good luck in your search!
Lunch solutions! Hubby really enjoys lunches from home, but I’d rather make try some recipes that were just for lunch instead of transforming leftovers to little ‘gourmet’ meals. Some ‘keep well’ hot sandwiches or something easily assembled or heated with a microwave. Ethnic would be great, low fat even better! Just so I could have a few delicious surprises that lead up to some of your wonderful baking antics that I’ve tried!
Why not try something fun like dessert sushi? You could also try recipes from around the world. You know, pick something fun and interesting from a different country each day just to shake things up. I must admit though that I have always wanted to learn how to make conchas (mexican sweet bread).
I also don’t think I’d ever give up on your baking antics- I love your site and have enjoyed making the recipes you post- as mentioned in above comments- anything that would incorporate the veggies/fruits that are coming out of gardens right now would be wonderful!!! Thanks for all of your baking inspiration
Oh, and about the cranberry juice…you’ve had too much if your stomach is so full of juice it doesn’t even slosh anymore and the idea of another sip sends you straight over the deep end. If you don’t know this feeling, bring on the juice!
When I need inspiration, I go to the farmer’s market. I mean, I go every week anyway, but it inspires me every week because there’s always something that’s just delightfully amazingly beautiful there. Like last week there were these wild plums that swell up and pop in your mouth and they’re fragrant and sweet and sour and juicy all rolled into one. I made jam and galettes with them.
So my suggestion is to go to the market. And if you already go to the market, then I suggest trying some french-style fruit tarts. Yessum.
How about a way to make homemade ice cream cones? I’ve been making tons of ice cream but lack a go-to recipe for cones.
Or a good homemade lemonade or iced tea recipe would totally hit the spot right now . . .
I second Gayathri’s request for sticky date pudding with toffee sauce! Beyond that, anything involving summer tomatoes or seasonal fruits would be awesome :)
Well, I have been craving rhubarb…what a great veggie (is it a veggie?) I think you should make something sweet with rhubarb because summer time always makes me crave my mom’s strawberry rhubarb pie!!! Yummy!!!…but jam or cobbler or muffins or ice cream or what ever else you could come up with using rhubarb would really great!!!!
I’d love to see you make an ice cream cake!
I would love to see SUGAR free recipes, without synthetic sweeteners. Or more importantly some recipes with coconut flour. This flour is quite challenging and I know you would be up for the challenge.
A non-traditional dessert bread?
How about some pie? Everyone likes pie!
i scream you scream, we all scream for ice cream!!!!!!
:)
I agree with breakfast items…who doesn’t love a good muffin? Even better if it’s healthy-ish. Currently I’m on a what-can-I-add-oatmeal-to kick? So something breakfasty with oatmeal?
I also vote for anything with summer fruits…pies, cakes, cobblers would be great!
Hmmmmm- I’m loving anything ginger inspired lately- what have you got for that? Sometihng sweet with ginger, spicy with ginger- I love it all! It can go so many directions, that’s why I adore it so… -e
Along the ethnic lines, why not try some Greek recipes? Baklava. Galatoboureko (custard wrapped in phyllo). Kataife, if you can get your hands on some shredded phyllo. Spanakopita (spinach pie) for something savory? If you don’t want to bother with phyllo, ravani is an easy, delicious, fluffy semolina cake drenched in sugar syrup. Yum. I’m not Greek, I just love Greek food.
something with millet, or quinoa, or rhubarb that is not a crisp, crumble, or cake.
bread pudding. i had some recently in nyc and can’t find a recipe anywhere to duplicate. was in a loaf pan, vanilla-ish, with a molten chocolate layer in the middle. it looked like a slice of cake, till i chewed into the delish bread crusts.
Hey pretty girl…whip up some lovelies from the gorgeous fresh produce that is happening there in California. We love what you do or we wouldn’t come back…on a daily multiple times in a day basis. Every recipe that I’ve used of yours has been spot on. Bravo!!
P.S. Drink lots of water for your chin. It’s a sign that toxins need to exit your body.
I have a fig tree in my back yard that is exploding with super sweet fruit. Anything with fresh fig in it would be amazing.
I would think that a savory crepe would be fun!
How about bread making? I’m in the mood for fresh bread and don’t how to do it! I know it’s not summery as it requires an oven so if you don’t want to heat up your place, how about some variations on cole slaw? I have a whole bunch of cabbage from my CSA and I have no idea what to do with it….
Anything creative with fresh figs! More savory waffles – herbed? Baked lemony goodness? Something with really thicked aged balsamic? Put all of those things together?
Love your site, can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Savory
Buttery crust
Firm, sharp, aromatic cheese
Thinly sliced sauteed leeks and/or shallots
Fresh herbs
PECAN PIE…. 12 hours a day at a desk and most of it is spent dreaming of pecan pie
How about some light summer ideas for dinner. I live in Louisiana where we it is about 95-100 everyday. Seriously, one day last week it got up to 102. Who wants to eat a hot meal when it’s that hot. How about a good salad or a cold soup?
I’ve been obsessed with baking with seasonal fruit these days…nectarines, blueberries, peaches, etc. This obsession is largely the result of reading about your beautiful fruit desserts. But each time I decide what to make (without fail) I have to fight off the urge to make a big, fat cake. I’m a cake girl at heart. I recently had a Baked Alaska that I practically inhaled…that’s right, my second helping took place when everone else was politely sitting down to their first piece. I should have been embarassed, but I have no shame when it comes to cake. I’ve always been afraid to attempt the Baked Alaska, but I think we can all do it!! What do you think?
I second anyone who said croissants. I’d love to see your approach. Also, as others have suggested, maybe take a break from baking and give us at a peek at your other crafty hobbies? Or a photography post? Your photos are soooooo good!
Recipes that use pomegranate molasses.
Please don’t stop your baking antics. I love them and they are always delicious. I am trying to eat healthier currently, so I am sorry I can not be of any use to you in trying to find something to cook that is buttery, gooey, delicious and totally bad for you! Although if you make something like that, I am not likely to stick to my new eating habit! Oh well, I won’t cry about it.
Something with melon…I am really trying to like melon.
OK, first, put a dab of toothpaste on the zit. Then take stock- do you feel
like baking? If yes, make something with what is coming into season, here it is tomato/blueberries. If the answer is no, tell us about your favorite apron design, why, the best apron fabric, tease us into an apron mood before the big reveal. Finally, take a break, we love your writing and your baking, we’ll wait it out. Thanks for the great food and entertainment.
Scones!!!! Savory, cheesy, bacony, herby scones….
I’m in love with crepes these days, and I’ve been wanting to make a crepe cake! What do you think about that?
I would love a flourless chocolate cake! Perhaps come type of breads (whole wheat/ cinn. raisin), Lemon Poppyseed Cookies! (YUM)
Take a break from baking sister – inspiration will come eventually.
In the mean time give us more on the apron project – or photos where you work – I love restaurant kitchens. How about your favorite pieces of equipment – like that gorgeous copper saucepan hanging out in the above photo. How about your thoughts on Top Chef Masters – if you watch it. Or who is your favorite pastry chef and why. Whatever you come up with we will love it!
I agree with the other poster. How about something for breakfast? Oatmeal gets boring after a while, cereal only works for so long and granola bars always seem to fall apart or go bad too quickly. I have 4 kids and a hubby – easy, quick and tasty works for me! Especially with school coming back up in August (summer is so fast…) I will need as much breakfast as I can. Love your blog!!
Hi Joy! I have an awful lot of frozen pumpkin puree in my freezer that I could use some ideas for… I already make pumpkin pie, custard, bread, and bread pudding, but any other ideas would be lovely.
And what a great list of responses! I’m inspired already myself! Off to the kitchen!
Dear Joy,
Though i’m a recent blogger, i’ve been reading you for several months, you’ve been on my favourite’s for almost a year. I love your blog because you seam to transpose what you are, i find it so honest, so simple and cozy. Unpretentious.
So if you ask me for inspiration, i tell you to look inside yourself, look inside your blog and see what you do best.
My favourite meals ate breakfast and tea. I love sweets and am absolutely crazy and curious about all sorts of breads and jams. See, for example, that lemon pound cake with warm blueberry sauce, so glamorous and yet so simple. You convert a pancake into a feast( and thank you for that). This is how i see you and how i see it: you just have to do what you care the most.
All the best for you Joy
PIE!!!! Whether it be chicken pot pie – or lemon pie – or chocolate pie, Pie is good!! Or anything chocolate =)
I’d love to see ideas on how to use up the veggies from the garden, specifically zucchini! Maybe some zucchini bread variations??
While not particularly in the baking family, I am returning to work next week and easy, simple, healthy lunches are stumping me. No more wandering around the kitchen at lunchtime and choosing something that catches my fancy, I have to think ahead and make it packable. Ugh!
Hi Joy,
I feel your pain! I made a super-simple dessert for the 4th of July because of a lack of inspiration, but it was a big hit! I layered lemon pudding, crushed cinnamon graham crackers, blueberries, and fresh whipped cream in a trifle dish. The combination of lemon and blueberry along with the cinnamon-y taste of the crackers was divine! While this dessert might be a little too simple for you to try for the site, it goes to show you that sometimes the simplest things are the best. Good luck! :)
Here’s what would thrill me – some incredible Italian cookies. The kind I’ve only had from Italian bakeries. With the very tender crumb. And definitely chocolate. Like Neapolitan cookies. Can you make those?
I’d like to see fun, colorful cupcakes, brownies (with different shapes) and cookies….just like the ones you make….
Or maybe a quick bread for breakfast, with assorted add ons, like raisins, fruits, chocolate chips, nuts, coconut(yum!)….
I’m sure you’ll find something that will catch our eyes!!!
Good luck and let’s go baking!!!
Def more pancakes. Just like that SNL skit – never enough cowbell? Psh, never enough pancakes.
I’m also intrigued by savory oatmeal. What is that about?
A really awesome and fluffy quiche.
Or figure out these oatmeal, pecan, cranberry cookies that I buy from a bakery at the Green City Market. They are chewy without being dry. I think they have brown sugar or browned butter. YUM.
I agree with the comment about inspiration from the farmers market. I’m also thinking about thoughts for a s’more cupcake…
Love the blog, keep it coming!
Wow a bunch of people have had some great ideas so mines going to seem lame but… In the movie Simply Irresistible (if you’ve seen it anyway) she makes these carmely eclair type thingys and I’ve always wanted to make them, so I was wondering if you’ve seen the movie, maybe you can tell me how it was done. Because they look delicious!
scallion pancakes
mandarian orange muffins
mandarian orange cake
blueberry boy bait
SCONES
These are all things that have been on my must make very soon list. feel free to pick one.
In the hope it inspires – how about going more along in the dinner route? Clearly you must eat something besides your delicious baked goods! At least every once in a while. How about sharing your wisdom on how to make a delicious lasagna? Or a pot pie? For the record – you post over on SnagWire Media a year ago on pot pie inspired me to go on a pot pie kick.
I love this blog and I think you could totally branch out to delicious dinners with a baking angle (doughs, crusts, and other delicious dinner like things that go in the oven) and keep with the theme of your blog. You can always suggest a dessert pairing. :)
And remember, you rock.
How about making Cornish Pasties?? I have not had a good one in years!
By the way, your Blog ROCKS!!!!
It is blueberry season here in New England…
I’ll probably pick 10 oor 15 lbs on Saturday…
So I’ll be making blueberry pie, blueberry pancakes,
blueberry muffins and blueberry tart-ish things…
How about something unique for my blueberry repertoire?
Rut or no rut…you’re still the best!
I’m really in love with this book called ‘jam it, pickle it, cure it’ and it has recipies for really simple/everyday staples in our lives: Mayo, ketchup, mustard, ect .. It’s nice to learn how to make things we could use everyday in our kitchen .. vs. buying the store bought ‘stuff’ :o)
So I vote to see you spiff up the classics, … a very new, but loyal reader!
Go ethnic. Take a break. Showcase other blogs. Start telling more stories. Up the savory and decrease the sweet. But above all, do what interests you and only that; otherwise, what you have to say won’t hold water. Good luck!
oohh! i like the kitchen torch suggestion! how about a piece on local farmstands/food markets! the sights are beautiful–the colors are gorgeous–just the thing to kickstart the mind.
Hey Joy,
I was in Edinburgh for the weekend and had a delicious rhubarb creme brulee there. It was so yummy with a crispy hard sugar top that cracked satisfy-ingly on impact with the spoon! COuld you make some kind of variation maybe? A summer inspired creme brulee? maybe with mint or passion fruit?
And your blog is always so much fun to read – a real ray of sunshine! :)
Baked Alaska! Or something involving a kitchen torch!
Mmm – I can relate. Well, I love everything you post, but to be honest, lately some of my favorites have been your interesting breakfast ideas (i.e. the polentas etc.) I’d love to see more things like that!
Eggs Benedict (drool!)
Lemon Cupcakes
Pretzels
Some kind of super refreshing drink made with Papaya
Yum! I love your blog, Joy. I love to cook and bake and reading your blog keeps my creative juices flowing. Keep up the great work!
Sarah
Ontario, Canada
I also have a giant blemish on my chin right now. Totally throwing me off. Just a sidenote.
I suggest getting out of your rut with some hearty, wholesome bread-baking.
The precision of the ingredients and the forced patience are always therapeutic for me. Not to mention the whole beating a ball of dough repeatedly — cathartic, fun, and can be called a workout. I wouldn’t argue that fact at all!
Crusty, freshly-baked bread, still warm from the oven and smothered with butter and jelly (or nutella, no one said bread can’t be dessert) should be just enough to pul you out of your funk. And if the loaf doesn’t do the trick, you’ll have an excuse to make bread pudding or french toast!
Good luck! And if you figure out how to remove an unsightly growth from your chin, do share the secret!
Homemade tim tams!!!
Joy, how about some home made Mayonnaise for all those yummy salads?
2 eggs
1/2 cup malt vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp Coleman’s mustard
pinch salt and pepper
Mix all ingredients. Put on top of double boiler. Heat and stir until thick. Serve when cooled. Beautiful!
Well, the weather is crummy here and i just got a new crock pot…. but I’m not sure how best to produce bread pudding… thoughts? I LOVE your site…
also, anything I can do with quarts and quarts of fresh squeezed lemon juice? we just made limoncello..lots of rinds… leftover juice.
Joy, if it helps, for one whole half of the world it’s not summer. In fact, I’m cuddling up with a nanna knee-rug and the heater on ‘high’. I could really use some pudding. Something hot, and squishy, and sticky, and yummy. I’m sure you could write up something that would be inspirational for both those wintering and those summering!
Oo, I vote ethnic. Pick an ethnicity, make something savory & something sweet from it. And I will never get tired of your baking antics – it’s a bright point in my day, guaranteed to make me smile.
Ok, first question…. PEACH PIE!!!!! I neeeeeeeeed to see that. As for inspiration, take a look at the cookbook by Marcus Samuelsen The Soul of a New Cuisine. It’s absolutely beautiful, has incredible photos of food and Africa, and the recipes are really devine. My favorite? Crab Burgers with Papaya Ketchup.
Also inspiration? I look to your blog to retain my sanity with 2 girls 4 and 7 going on 13 and 16!!!! :)
Since you love eggs so much and apparently eat them every day, why don’t you do something with that? What is your favorite way to prepare eggs? Scrambled? Fried? Sunny-side up? Omelet-style with bacon and cheese?
What about a challenge? Make a yummy dessert with only 5 ingredients!
…well, I guess that would only be challenging to me.
Come on. You know you wanna.
I have made the mistake of promising the guy I go out with a true, authentic, best-ever caramel cake…I’ve done two test runs on the frosting but really have no idea what I’m doing here. HELP!
Uh, oh. We’re both in trouble. You asking ME for help?! I was looking to YOU for help! I’m buried in fresh fruit and summer vegies, AND it’s 100 degrees AND I signed a ‘no a/c’ pledge this year, so baking is out unless it’s in my little toaster oven or crockpot on the back porch!
I can’t do a thing about a blemish except stomp on your toe to take your mind as far away from it as possible (NOT that I’d DO that, I’m just sayin’ it’s all I can think of…why yes, I grew up in a disfuntional household…why do you ask?)
ANYway, Pretty please, seasonal foods in season with no heat? strawberries, zuchinni, summer squash, pea pods, chinese cabbage, blackberries, blueberries, tomatoes…..HELP!
Last night I had a bit of this myself so as I’m currently reading Julie & Julia I decided to try a really simple recipe from Julia Child – Artichokes in Lemon Butter [now I know there’s a French name for it but frankly I don’t want to insult anyone from France by butchering their language as I do when I try to speak it so I’ll just go with the translation!! :)]. Anyway – it was extremely, dare I say it, sexy to eat! The reason I suggest this even though it has nothing to do with baking is because sometimes I fnid if I move away from my normal method of cooking to something else it brings my mind back with a bang! Anyway – best of luck and I’ll definitely await your inspired recipes! :)
Dear JOY,
I am a newbie to baking blogs & am OBESSED! “Joy the Baker” is the first blog I read each A.M. You are so very talented & creative…I am thinking that you should “get out” of your surroundings…perhaps of visit to the LA County Museum of Art to view the current exhibit “Your Bright Future” or a walk around The Getty or The Gamble House might be inspirational…how about Venice Beach…& please don’t forget your camera! Happy exploring!
hmmm what about some dessert using candy bars and whipped cream, or maybe cheesecake, something cold for the summer!
Hey Joy!
It’s that time of the year when Zucchini aim for world domination (and judging by my garden, may actually achieve it)…
How about something other than cinn/nutmeg or lemon?
Have fun!
Joy-Your blog is awesome but what makes it even better is the humor and down to earth essence that you project from within it-not having met you but through the virtual world feeling like you are very down to earth and “real”. Now, on to the food, lol. We in Jersey love our corn, so many great recipes for corn and summertime-it goes hand in hand. How about some corn salsas, some grilled carmelized corn in husks, some corn cupcakes, anything corn related–you can’t beat fresh corn on the cob! PS-Sometimes shopping helps me out of ruts, haha Good for the soul but just not great on the pocketbook! Enjoy your day!
Joy, it’s such a relief to hear that even incredibly talented people such as yourself need some inspiration now and then :D
Have you made your own croissants yet? That’s something I’d love to try at home and I’d be curious to see your take on it, if you haven’t already done it.
Have you made the traditional English Summer Berry Pudding before? That’s one of my favourites, and one I’m sure you’d love. I can give you a recipe if you like.
I’m also always keen to see vegan/dairy free baked goods.
Love your work, and hope you come up with some great ideas :D x
We are experiencing record high temperatures here in Alaska. I’d love to see some light food for hot weather and no oven.
I just made Bourbon Peach Hand Pies from Smitten Kitten: https://smittenkitchen.com/2008/08/bourbon-peach-hand-pies/ .Next I’m going to try it with other berries and use puff pastry. Perhaps something like that will tickle your fancy!
I always want more cupcakes! Your lemon scented buttermilk with brown sugar frosting are a major feature in my cupcake adventures! Bring on some more fab cupcakes.
Something with peaches and butter brickle. Noms. :)
you make the best ice cream. how about another ice cream cake?
During the summer, I love to make desserts with lots of fruits, with little batter because all I want to taste are the fruits… Open face pies are great for that…
What about an almond and raspberrie pie?
I totally relate to being in a rut. I haven’t created a soup recipe in a very long time. I’m in a pretty major life change with my only child headed off to college 2 states away and I have no clue what a career mom does when she “retires”. I always enjoy your recipes and have started my own vanilla extract factory cupboard thanks to you!
It’s summer and the weather here hangs out at about 100, so baking is not a whole lot of fun when it’s hot out. How about square shortbread cookies with a yummy fresh fruit topping and some freshly homemade whipped cream?
Sticky Date Pudding with butterscotch or toffee sauce
I’ve had it twice in my life….both times in Australia..
PLEASE make it so that I can fill this void in my life
i want cheese danish!
cupcakes. they always make the world better. and waffles. and pancakes.. and..
…also, as a kid I used to spend the better part of my summer months in central Mexico where I always hit upon an infinite variety of ice cream flavors such as –and this is a small sampling– helados (ice cream) de elote (corn), aguacate (avocado), guayava, passion fruit, zapote, chirimolla, jamaica (habiscus flower), tamarind, tuna (no, not the fish but the suculent cactus fruit) and even -wait for it, wait for it…mole (mol-ay) ice cream. I kid you not. Of course, there are always the popsicle counterparts of these flavors but no, the inspiration I offer here is from the actual ICE CREAM flavors. All so suprisingly and so very perfectly delectable.
Inspire me to try to make some of those things I always WANTED to make, but that are too intimidating: croissants, challah, brioche.
I’ve got recipes and stuff, but I’m too chicken to try.
Can you make it sound easy?
Picnic food! I have a tough time finding comprehensive inspiration for a good variety of picnic foods. How about basic beach picnic food, the perfect park picnic, a playdate picnic, a healthy picnic, hiking picnic. Okay, you see where I am going with this. Hope this helps.
Ice cream? Food on sticks? Really, who doesn’t like food on sticks?
Breakfast…I get stuck in a rut for breakfast ideas. Can you help me turn ordinary oatmeal into something more exciting? Or any regular old breakfast idea, can you spice it up?
Or, why not get started on some of those picnic food and/or theme ideas for the picnic you are planning?
When I get into a kitchen rut (which happens more often than I care to admit), the easiest way out of it is to start making a whole bunch of ridiculous things from scratch! When I say ridiculous, I just mean those things which are often or easily purchased from supermarkets.
So…
Phyllo dough
Puff Pastry
Shortcrust pastry
Bread
Mayonnaise
Jam of any kind
Various preserves (chutneys, pickles, etc)
…and so on and so forth. Find a few basic items which you might otherwise purchase and have a stab at making them from scratch. :)
As for the giant blemish, crush up an aspirin, add some water to make a sort of paste (you can do this in a blender or something). Apply a dab to your blemish and you’ll find the redness will fade and it will shrink a bit,too! :)
Michelle
I can definitely relate to being in a kitchen rut sometimes! One of the questions I like to ask my friends (they put up with my silly questions because they know how much I love food) is what is your favorite food you ate growing up? (Like hearing about your dad’s buttermilk biscuits) I always like to hear about childhood favorites because I think those recipes are the ones that comfort us the most and bring back those memories. I was working in the kitchen and was munching on a snack I brought with me the other day when one of the girls asked me, “are you eating GOLDFISH crackers!?” I said yes..yes I am..! Yes I know they are snacks for 4 year olds but I grew up with them and still love them! How bout making a play on a classic and making aged cheddar crackers?
Hi Joy–
I just recently found your site and LOVE it!!! I made the bacon waffles for dinner last night and they were amazing. How about some zucchini muffins or bread? Whatever you come up with, I am sure it will be delicious! Thanks so much for sharing your recipes. :)
And by jyogurty, I mean yogurty. The j is silent and should be invisible.
When I was a kid, my mom would sometimes make these incredible jyogurty strawberry popsicles for us as a summertime treat. I think it’s popsicle weather.
Hi Joy- To start with, I for one have difficulty imagining a time in the forseeable future when I will not “put up with your baking antics”! Why not put some standard baking ingredients in a hat and oull out three, then invent something that involves all three? (and I don’t me put in the ingredients themselves- that could get messy!) Or ask your readers to suggest their favorite ingredients and use your ingenuity and baking prowess to combine some into something delicious? Just some thoughts. Your lack of inspiration needs a name- Baker’s Block sounds a little too much like a cutting board…
Good luck finding your muse! I’ll be here to read about it when you do. :)
One of my friends made a cheesecake with strawberry balsamic topping. I think you should make something like that! It was so delicious and I’ve been trying to find a good recipe for it!