What’s Cooking in your Kitchen – Brown Eyed Baker?

“What’s Cooking in your Kitchen?” is a new series that I am integrating into my blog that will be a spotlight about other food bloggers and other food related interviews and highlights.            

 Today I will be going into the kitchen of Michelle from the Brown Eyed Baker. Michelle was a great sport of being my first in this series, so Thank You!  I discovered Michelle’s blog a few months back and got hooked right away.  Her blog is simple; the photography is amazing and the recipes are delicious. Not, only that,  Michelle has some amazing tutorials on her site that I go and visit and check out all the time, “How to make Homemade Ice Cream without an Ice Cream Maker“ and “How to Decorate Cookies with Royal Icing” are just a few of the items she has there.            

How long have you been cooking and who was the person who encouraged you to come into the kitchen and learn about food?  

I began baking when I was in high school, simple things like bar cookies and family recipes that I learned from my grandma. I grew up watching my grandma bake and cook each and every week. Everything from homemade gnocchi to pizzelles and biscotti.   

Why did you decide to start a food blog? And why do you love it?             

I originally began a food blog for two primary reasons. The first is that I really enjoyed being in the kitchen and wanted to document the recipes that I tried, and also use it as a way to challenge myself to try new and advanced recipes. The second reason was that I have always loved writing and I thought that a blog would be a great creative outlet for me.             

You have many tutorials in your food blog how did you learn yourself? From cake decorations to photography?             

As far as cake decorating goes, I took three series of Wilton cake decorating courses from Michael’s. Everything else I have learned on my own through reading, watching some food shows, and trial and error.             

Do you have a signature dish? What is it and how did you come up with it? Link?             

There are three things I make that are certified favorites with my family and friends            

Picture from the Brown Eyed Baker

  Dark Chocolate Chip Scones             

Picture from the Brown Eyed Baker

Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies            

Picture from the Brown Eyed Baker

 Cinnamon Raisin Bagels      

 What eatables do you have in your backyard?             

This summer I am growing a few herbs in pots on the deck – I have rosemary, thyme and basil going right now.         

 Picture from barefootcontessa.com  

If you could sit down and have a dinner with a celebrity chef, who would it be, why and where would you take them to eat?             

I would love to sit down and have dinner with Ina Garten. She appears to be so warm and inviting and her cooking and entertaining style is what I aspire mine to be – simple yet classic. I’d love to eat at her home in the Hamptons – in the garden, if I get a choice!            

What makes you drool when it comes to food?             

Anything rich and decadent. Think flourless chocolate cakes, cheesecakes and the like.            

            

What are three things people don’t know about you?             

#1 – I am a huge sports fan. Hockey is my first love, followed closely by football, but I’ll watch just about any!  #2 – I love playing video games.  #3 I adore snow. The blizzard of 2010 was awesome in my book!      

 

Picture from Amazon.com 

What is the one cookbook you can’t live without.             

Baking Illustrated by America’s Test Kitchen. Not only are there tons of fabulous recipes, but it’s full of baking tips and how-to photos.            

 

Picture from Vikingrange.com 

 

 

This is your dream kitchen – send us your picture if you don’t have one name 5 things that are must in your dream kitchen.            

#1. Viking range with 6 burners, built in grill and griddle. #2. Double wall ovens. #3 Built-in shelves for my cookbook collection. #4 Large island perfect for cookie decorating, homemade pasta, and other kitchen projects! #5 Undermount sink.        

Picture from microplan.com

What is your favorite kitchen gadget?    

Does my Kitchen Aid mixer count as a gadget? If not, I would probably choose my Microplane citrus zester!     

Pictures from  Flickr rfdphoto stream            

Describe your death menu. (Last meal before you die).   

Bacon cheeseburger on a toasted/buttered bun with seasoned French fries and a slice of cheesecake for dessert.            

I wanted to thank Michelle for letting me in her kitchen! Thank you!