Monday, February 21, 2011

Oh What a Night!

Having Fun!My Cooking Class at Poppies was a Success! What fun and what a great 'class' of people. I'll write more about it soon, but wanted to share some great pics from the night. Thank you to Randy and Nancy, and Chef Ally for helping us get set up and hosting the event. I look forward to more fun with Poppies!

To find out about upcoming cooking classes, stay tuned and check the blog. (I know I'll be at Rabbit & Co on March 31!)  See you soon! Laurie


Eggplant Ratatouille

Instructing in Action

Class is in Session

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Fountainhead Bookstore...here I come!

Mark your calendars for Laurie's next event! She'll be at Fountianhead Bookstore on Thursday, February 24, 4pm.  Stop by to say hello, have your book signed and nibble on goodies found only in Laure Bakke's Cookbook!  To find out more or to let Valerie at Fountainhead know you'll be coming, call 828.697.1870.

See you there!

Poppie's Cooking Class is SOLD OUT!

I'm so excited to head to Poppie's tomorrow for my first cooking class on the Laurie Bakke's Cookbook tour! :-)  Looking forward to firing up the burners, interacting with the 'class' and just having a great time.  Even though it's sold out, we'll be posting updates for upcoming classes...so check back soon!

Poppie's Cooking Class Info

Monday, February 14, 2011

Chocolate Covered Strawberries in Honor of Your Sweetie!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!  Today has been a busy one for sure...and if you're like me, whipping up that romantic meal tonight may be closer to fantasy than reality! But, you can take care of that sweet tooth with these super easy, extra delicious chocolate covered strawberries.  I featured them today on Your Carolina with Jack & Kimberly and want to share them with you here as well.  Enjoy!  And treat yourself to a little chocolate today (well, everyday!)!

http://www.yourcarolina.tv/ycvideo/entry/cafelaurie/

Friday, February 11, 2011

Time for Granola!

The inspiration for this came to me on Super Bowl Sunday.  We were off to a friend’s house later in the day, but the entire day was ahead of me.  I needed to be productive.  For times like those, when you find yourself in the mood to create, this is the perfect antidote! Hope you enjoy it this weekend!

I began by paging through my newest cookbook and came to The Granola page.  I thought this is the perfect recipe to make.  I have all the ingredients on hand.  I love it in the mornings or to nibble on throughout the day…ideal for the week ahead!

I like to get all my ingredients out.  I measure out each one and set aside.   As I am preparing for the recipe, I am able to put everything away.  I can then start the recipe and not have much clutter in the kitchen.  The French call this mise en place (Meez ahn plahs) which is a French term referring to having all the ingredients necessary for a dish prepared and ready to combine up to the point of cooking.  I like to call it being ready for the show.

I have to say this is the best granola recipe.  My children, Megan and Chris, loved this recipe.  Our family really enjoys a big bowl of yogurt topped with fresh berries and fruit then topped with the granola.  It is a taste explosion!

I begin by tossing the dry ingredients in a large bowl.  The oats, wheat germ, nuts and seeds go first.  Next, I combine the liquids - honey, vanilla extract and spices.   I combine both together and really mix thoroughly.  The key to granola is the roasting process in the oven.  This actually combines all the flavors together with the toasting aroma and taste giving the granola a crisp texture and sweet glaze.

The recipe makes a large batch (10 to 12 cups).  It stores beautiful in an air-tight container.  It is a great gift, for kids away at college, or, for the parents left behind!