National Historical Baking Society

Seeing that it’s now mid-February I’m assuming your no-carb diet aspirations of January have started to mellow.   And why shouldn’t they?  You’ve been strict for long enough and really, how bad is a piece or two of toast?  Especially if it’s homemade! Ahh, making bread is so therapeutic and the result is so so delicious.  [...]

Popovers.  They seem so fussy.  So messy, so temperamental.  You think, ughk, sure that eggy center and crisp outer layer are good but are they worth putting myself through total agony?  Not to mention the fact that you’re even supposed to have a special pan to make them!? Let me fill you in on a [...]

Dare I say it?  Thanksgiving is t-minus 2 days away…oh no, did you just start sweating?  Relax!  Everything’s going to be fiiiine – just over pour and over feed and everyone is sure to have a fabulous holiday.  And maybe make these biscuits.  No, definitely make these biscuits.  They’re simple and scrumptious.   Heck, serve them alongside [...]

Next week the holiday season officially begins.  And what better way to kick it all off than with a meal of epic proportions? Chances are you already have your Thanksgiving menu pretty planned out (or you’re more of a last minute kind of cook and that’s totally acceptable too) but either way I think you’ll [...]

Pine nuts: not just for pesto anymore.  Turns out you can use this delicate (and, unfortunately, obscenely priced) nut to make a pretty killer pie. Paired with a traditional almond sablé crust this tart would be a perfect finish for those dinner guests who don’t care to wrap up their meal with something overly sweet.  [...]

With a hurricane rapidly approaching the New York shores and the bakery smack dab in the middle of evacuation zone A I found myself with a day off and a storm to prepare for.  I needed a flashlight, extra water, non perishables, and obviously some sort of freshly baked delicacy to see me through whatever [...]

And just who says cornbread can’t be classy?  Adorned with rosemary sprigs and coarse sea salt this is a dressed up version of the classic we’ve all come to know and love.  And check out these adorable little loaves!  They’re fabulously moist and downright heavenly whether paired with a heaping bowl of hearty stew or [...]

Gougères.  Pronounced goo/zheres.  Does that clear things up for you?  It’s French for deliciously puffy cheese balls. These little puffs are the perfect pass around for your next cocktail party or heck, bake up a batch for an evening on the couch watching your favorite flick.  They’re extremely pop-able.  The tangy blue cheese and mild [...]

I know what you’re thinking…mushrooms!? In a cookie? Get out! Let me explain.  I’m not suggesting you go out and purchase a crate of portabellas and throw them into cookie batter all willy nilly.  I’m talking about a certain kind of mushroom: the candy cap.  Grown in the Pacific Northwest these beauties once dried, carry [...]

A classic, yes, but one that’s so worth writing about.  Who doesn’t love them some sweet sweet cornbread?  Unfortunately it can go wrong in many ways…too dry, too grainy, not enough flavor.   This recipe, however, combines just enough cheese with a gentle kick from the cayenne and jalapeno resulting in a moist, delectable bread that’s [...]