Daring Bakers Challenge!

Ok, I did it! I completed my first Daring Baker's Challenge. I overcame all the obstacles this week and managed to get this posted before the end of posting day.

The March 2009 challenge is hosted by Mary of Beans and Caviar, Melinda of Melbourne Larder and Enza of Io Da Grande. They have chosen Lasagne of Emilia-Romagna from The Splendid Table by Lynne Rossetto Kasper as the challenge.

If you have the desire to try this recipe yourself, click on the host links above you will be able to find the recipe we used.

Thanks so much for the Challenge! I loved the pasta recipe. Mine seemed to roll out with ease. The Ragu and the Bechamel were perfect accompaniments. Overall, a great dish!

Daring Kitchen and Menu for the Week

Some of you may have noticed the addition to my blog of the Daring Kitchen Logo and my baking superhero, The Vanilla Fairy. The Daring Kitchen originated in 2006. Please see the link below about how they started (it's a great story). Some of my favorite food bloggers belong to this site. Every month a secret challenge is issued. All the participants, from around the world, bake the same recipe and then post pictures of their creations on their blogs. I have watched in anticipation as each new challenger posts. Sometimes I spend hours looking at all the blog postings. The idea is that you can share a passion of baking with others, learn new techniques, discuss them with others and try baking things that are out of your comfort zone. After sitting in the backround for quite awhile, I decided to take the plunge and join the group. This month will be my first post. Please check back on the blog on the 27th of each month (I will remind you), to see what we have baked for the challenge. I will also post a link to the recipe, if you want to try it yourself you can. Tastings of my creation will be on the Saturday following the posting. Of course, I appreciate your feedback and I hope this will allow you to be part of the fun, even if you don't want to make the recipe. So next time you have a few minutes (or in my case hours) take a look at all the talented bakers!
http://thedaringkitchen.com/

NOTE: For the next few weeks delivery schedules will be subject to change. My sister (who is kind enough to help care for my kids on the weekend) is taking a well deserved vacation. While she is enjoying the sites of Australia I will be responsible for getting seven kids to their sporting activities, etc. Therefore, this week I would like to do deliveries on Sunday/Monday again. Of course, no charge for dropping off, or let me know a pick-up time at the office. If you need anything for Saturday let me know and we can make arrangements. Thanks for your understanding!

Savory
Farmland Vegetable Pie - $5/pie
Tomatoes, corn, eggs, scallions, Muenster cheese, zucchini, aspargues and whatever else looks good all put together in a pie with a cornmeal crust.

Black croque monsieur pie - $4/pie
A crust made out of pumpernickel with proscuitto, mozzarella and eggs

Organic Chicken and Chorizo Empanada - $5/empanada
Chicken, Chorizo, olives put together in a flakey pastry

Sweet
Coconut Cream Pie with Rice Crust - $5/slice
The Rice Crust adds a nice crunch to the creamy topping

Orange Olive Oil Cake - $5/slice
Using local olive oil

Apricot Yogurt Slice $4/two slices
Greek Yogurt, Honey and Coconut with a crunchy cookie base

Chocolate-Orange pots de creme $4/pot
A dark chocolate custard wtih a hint of orange

Soup
Pasta and ChickPea Soup $5/quart
A hearty soup with macaroni pasta, rosemary, garlic and a little chili

Breakfast
Buttermilk doughnuts with vanilla sugar $4 (2 doughnuts)

You can email order to magpies.jen@gmail.com or call (707)439-5960. Have a great week everyone!