The Joy of Holiday Baking BY ROBIN FANNON OF RSVP ROBIN
D
oes baking revive your soul? If so, then you have come to the right place! Christmas baking season is upon us, and this year we can safely, gather together, and indulge in some tasty treats. The sheer joy that radiates from a child’s face when handed a sweet is truly priceless. I’ve actually never met anyone that didn’t enjoy a scrumptious, sweet concoction still warm from the oven. My own mother was a huge apple pie and vanilla ice cream fanatic, and I have definitely inherited her taste buds. Walking into a room that has the sweet and savory aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, gingerbread, cloves and oranges evokes not only the spirit of the holiday, but also the comforting feeling of being home. Here is a pro tip...when creating a dessert buffet, it’s a great idea to borrow the
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALPH DEMILIO
components used in any other design project; think about texture, scale, color and incorporating a variety of flavors. Years ago, while attending a cooking demonstration at The French Culinary Institute in New York City, given by the great chef, Anne Rosenzweig of Arcadia restaurant and The Lobster Club, she described to us her idea of the world’s most perfect food; A dark chocolate covered pretzel. She explained to us how it has all the components needed for a great culinary experience; salty, crunchy, sweet, bitter, savory, and creamy. I have never forgotten her philosophy and refer back to it again and again. Now, some of you reading this may
think that sugar is, in fact, the devil. This article is definitely not for you, and you have permission to skip the recipe part, and just wistfully enjoy the photos! There is such a thing as healthy baking and we’ll address that at a later time. For now, it’s Christmas, and this year in particular everyone deserves to luxuriate in something sinful. So pre-heat those ovens and get your “mise-en place”. Unlike the art of cooking, baking is more of a science. Most recipes need some precise measuring, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. Most importantly, make wonderful, happy memories. As the classic Hugh Martin lyrics say, have yourself a merry little Christmas; let your heart’s be light. Next year all our troubles will be out of sight!
Old Fashion Chocolate Chip Cookies INGREDIENTS » » » » » » » » »
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips » 1 cup coarsely chopped nuts, if desired
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| DEC 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
INSTRUCTIONS
• Heat oven to 375°F. In small bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. • In large bowl, beat softened butter and sugars with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon about 1 minute or until fluffy, scraping side of bowl occasionally. • Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth. Stir in flour mixture just until blended (dough will be stiff). Stir in chocolate chips and nuts • Onto ungreased cookie sheets, drop dough by rounded tablespoonful 2 inches apart. • Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown (centers will be soft). Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Store covered in airtight container.
