I Rise to Bake
>> Saturday, 15 November 2008
If I had to describe baking as a personality, I’d say that it’s independent, likes to be in control, bossy and temperamental , is flashy and a show off. It’s independent because it only wants you to assemble ingredients according to specific instructions and be left alone to work and do its thing. It says, “When I want you to check in on me, you’ll know.” It’s in control and bossy especially while in the oven, “Don’t look at me yet! I swear, if you do, I’ll change my appearance, I’ll stay put and perhaps not rise at all! It’s flashy and a show off once out of the oven, “Look at me, see my colour? Feel my crust… don’t I smell good? Awww, look at you, I’m so good looking you want to cry.” Click here to read the entire column.
I have to thank my friend, Chuck for the great Buttermilk Biscuit Recipe that was used here.
My dear friends Kiriel and Rosa got together after they learnt that I had never had figs and sent me a sweet and delicious package with sorts of fig goodies all the way from Switzerland complete with homemade Fig & Plum Jam! I can't thank you ladies enough. Thank you! See the jam how rich it is here and look at how the biscuit just soaks it all up. Come on, tell me you don't want to have a bite... :)
I tried the biscuits with another set of jam also sent to me by another friend, Jen in Atlanta. It's a Strawberry Balsamic Jam. Oh my, the depth and complexity of flavour in this jam is unrivalled. Thanks Jen!
The Raisin buns below are a favourite and must-have if you ever visit Antigua & Barbuda. They are best eaten with sharp cheddar cheese.
Send me an email if you want to try any of the recipes.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
66 comments:
You described baking's personality perfectly!! :-)
Such a lovely, delicious package you received!! And wow, those biscuits look amazing.
Nice texture on the biscuits... I'm with you on the "personality" of baking :)
I guess that my baking personality is that I am passionate.
The biscuits & jam look really yummy.
Very clever description of baking, Cynthia. I think cookies must be the free-wheeling, fun seeking cousins of many baked goods. They're ALWAYS good, no matter what you do to them...save burning.
Oh! That's so true! I've just had an experience with baking today which made me feel that way towards baking. :)
The biscuits and the buns, both look gorgeous!
Beautiful and delicious!!I like figs--the plum aand fig jam sounds delish--never tasted the combo before--one of these delights may just end up on my table this Thanksgiving!
Thanks.
Best,
Melanie
Wow these look fabulous Cynthia. Lucky you getting some lovely jams. :-) It is funny because in the Uk we cll them scones and biscuits are more of a crunchy cookie. :-)
Those biscuits look terrific! I'm glad you liked our little gifts!
Like Hélène, I'm an extremely passionate baker (and cook) and put my heart into such a task...
Cheers,
Rosa
Baking *does* think it knows best, but rewards your willingness to submit to its demands.
Everything looks so perfect for an afternoon tea. : }
Well said about baking, the raisin bun is gorgeous :)
thats a great personification of baking! your biscuits look mouthwatering!
Cynthia, your description of baking is on point! Those biscuits look delicious as well. :-)
I like your description of baking as a personality. Totaly agree !
Nice one Cynth, now I know what I had made..:)
I do love bisquits. And those raisin buns look wonderful. How lucky you are to get those goodies.
I m fine Thank you...and what about you ? From the Jams and Breads and buns ,it seems u r enjoying your Baking spree :-)They all look gorgeous , but then is there anything that u had made, which doesn't look Tempting enough to break the glass of Monitor and PAW on the inviting food displays ?
Oooh - strawberry balsamic. Yum! And on biscuits ... even better!
You have no idea how exotic your cooking sounds to those of us from other parts of the world. Truly!
There is just nothing like a fresh-baked biscuit on a cold winter morning, slathered with fresh butter and honey unless, of course, you have homemade jams .. YUM!
I am loving those raisin buns!
I loved this column Cynthia! You exactly described why I love baking. Each time it really is a little miracle when the cake or bread rises, because you just really never know. It connects me to the bits of magic in the world.
I hope you are enjoying your weekend!
All these baked goodies look delightful.. i'll be sure to mail you for the recipes :)
Wow! Your blog is lovely. It's very hard for me to continue to look at it as I'm on my detox and those gorgeous scones are tempting me to break it! I'll definitely be back for more and will add you to my blog list.
I loved the description of baking..So apt...
The butter milk biscuits really look tempting with the jam..
Dear Cynthia, I love the way you described baking, how you personified it. It's so true it's a hard task master/mistress but it's also so rewarding when successful, and every time is a new adventure, for the outcome of which I hold my breath.
now i want to describe pressure cooking, ur description of baking is so on point. nice biscuits. i need to learn how to say that in Spanish--weird that I don't! :)
hugz to you.
I love the way you described the baking, indeed it is fully true.
Wow I learn eveything to cook Cynthia thankx.
The biscuits and the buns look fantastic. Aren't bloggers great. Kiriel and Rosa were so thoughtful to send you the package with figs. I learned about rhubarb, cranberries, maple syrup, Iberian acorn ham, etc., all from foodie friends just by mentioning that I did not know what it was.
Mouthwatering delicious. Cynthia,you shouldnt even ask if we want any recipes...you should just post them :) Your pics are enough to inspire us to bake.
All droolers wake-up, ah ah, I'm sorry please blame Cynthia. She does this thing on her blog that makes just want to eat, eat and then fall asleep. Thank you Cynthia for the great personification of baking. I myself enjoy doing both, just last week I made myself an enemy because I did not share my very delicious carrot cake with him. So continue being an inspiration.
CONGRATULAIONS on the completion of you book. It will be a delight to own and use!
beautiful looking biscuits cynthia
I'll admit it.. yes I do want to have a bite! And that fig and plum jam sounds awesome!!
Mmm, there is nothing like homemade biscuits and jam! Those raisin buns look like non-dense scones and I could certainly see some sharp cheddar going with them. But then again, what doesn't sharp cheddar go with?
Wow--you are on a baking spree!!!
I love nothing more than biscuits hot from the oven. And here in the Southern US, people are very proud of their biscuits! Mine always get discounted as I'm a "Yankee."
Guyana, Barbados--are biscuits popular down there? Yours look DELICIOUS :)
Baking is definitely high maintenance.
This looks very irresistible..yumm-o :)
That was an amusing read about the baking! the biscuits look so tasty- I've yet to try making some. Many years ago, I used to buy the Pillsbury ones but have long since stopped after realizing the crap they contain. Home made biscuits sound tempting but I'm afraid I might get hooked.
Hi Cynthia
Lovely texture on the biscuits!
And thanks for visiting my blog. abou mum - he he...thats the common thing bet mom-daughter lolzzz
You're right -- I DO want to take a bite of that biscuit with that jam!
That was a nice write up:) I too share your opinion about baking after reading what you wrote:) Very temperamental and bossy:)) .....The buns have turned out very good, perfect with a cup of hot tea:)
I love your description of a baking personality! Being a baker myself (as you know) I totally agree with you.
Beautiful baked goods and brilliant pics.
Rosie x
Como siempre Cynthia una estupenda receta como todas las que nos haces, aunque tendremos que tomar nota y adaptarla al nuestro mundo sin gluten.
Besos desde España.
Ana y Víctor.
Yep, thats bakings personality alright :)
The biscuits are gorgeous and, yes, I would like a bite with that great jam on it. Lovely!
everything looks so amazingly good. I will send you an email soon :-)
and you know what? Weekend mornings do see great breakfasts. And its really simple for you. Just hop on a plane to New Delhi... I'll be there at the airport to receive you. And I'll make you the perfect weekend breakfast... along with a lactose free fruit bread :-) what say?
simply delicious
hey Cyn I now despirately want to have some biscuits:(
very tempting pics. I wish someone sends me such goodies:) enjoy!
Yep, that sounds like baking, alright. Very high maintenance, indeed.
Those biscuits are to die for! The fig-plum jam looks spectacular ... such a hot color!!
Biscuits,raisin bun and the fig jam all look so scrumptious.
Beautiful rolls, and how blessed you are to have such generous friends and admirers!
Lovely biscuits!! I am drooling over here!!!
biscuits and jam looks delicious and yum
join in the sweet event going in my blog!
Around here, we call that a scone and we love it hot, served with lots of jam and cream. I however like the idea of a raisin biscuit with strong cheddar...yum!
Cynthia, loved the way you described the baking process. Very true.
How nice of your friends sending the presents. Hope you got into figs now.
Have a great weekend!
Hi Cynthia!
First of all, your baking adventures appear to be working out very well, even though the process can have a poor temperament. I love your idea of biscuits with jam - I think I might try them strawberry shortcake style. Cheers!
-- Adrian (thefreshdish.com)
Oh YES I do want a bite. Like now. =(
Loved your description of baking..it is so very true..the buttermilk biscuits and fig jam look lovely.Thanks for visiting my blog earlier and your comments...
Your biscuits look delicious and that fig and plum jam heavenly!!
Cynthia,
Butter biscuits with balsamic strawberry jam sounds great!! They look so soft and crunchy at the same time...
Enjoy your weekend, Margot
Those biscuits look good and that Strawberry Balsamic Jam sounds great!
I would love those bisquits with that strawberry balsamic slathered all over it! Sounds incrediible!
Scrumptious-looking! I bet it tastes scrumptious, too.
Paz
Ah, I got confused-- were you describing baking, or me? Because that's how I am! Ha ha ha. (Half-)kidding! Lovely package! You have such nice friends!
hahaha.. that description about baking really hits the bulleye! and those jams, wow. I've never had figs all my life too (except fig newton :o)
I wish I had some for breakfast! The jam looks delicious!!! I love the color, which always draws me to food!
Thank you so much for the Antigua Raisin Bun recipe my mouth water just looking at the picture please if you can do a follow up on how to bake the whole wheat bun.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family
Beautiful photos of thyme :)
I tried the other day also organize different thymes:
http://www.coffeeandvanilla.com/?p=1760
but there is too many varieties ;)
I cannot find the buttermilk biscuit recipe on the link to site.
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