Love'n Bake News in a Nutshell

Succulent mandarin oranges and tangerines have the kind of bright flavor we look for at the start of a new season. We decided to combine their tart taste and color in a cupcake. (Some might call it a rich muffin.) These treats combine almond paste and poppy seeds. They are not too sweet so they could stand up to a rich frosting. But in keeping with the idea of lightness we’re serving them with a swirl of whipped cream and more grated rind.

Because this recipe makes a generous dozen plus cupcakes, freeze those you do not plan to eat in a day of two. Then thaw as many as are needed anytime you’d like.

You’ll find the recipe for our Tangerine Almond Poppy Seed Cupcakes here.

Almond Ricotta Cheesecake – Cheesecakes are traditional fare around Easter in many countries. Italy, Greece and Russia each have favorite versions. Our recipe is inspired by the tall ricotta cheesecakes you’ll see in an Italian bakery in New York. The thick custard bakes into a dessert that is creamy but not too sweet. The secret ingredient is almond paste, which adds an almond note and extra creaminess.

Gauging when a cheesecake is baked though can be intimidating. You don’t want to overcook it or the curds will separate. Just be sure that the top is lightly browned and that the center of the cake just barely jiggles when you shake it. And be sure to cool the cake completely then refrigerate it. This firms the cake making it easy to slice.

See the Almond Ricotta Cheesecake here.

Put on your Bleu, Blanc et Rouge. French Macaron Day takes place in New York on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 as bakeries across the city unite to spread the sweet satisfaction called le macaron.  At participating bakeries, a free macaron is provided to each customer.

Organized in Paris by Pierre Hermé, the event has been held in New York since 2010.  Patissier Francois Payard leads the effort in New York.  At many participating locations, a portion of the day’s sales of these filled almond meringue cookies will be donated to the City-Harvest charity.

To learn more about Macaron Day in NY visit their site.

To receive a free macaron tell the shop you are there for Macaron Day NYC. Visit their site for a list of participating bakeries.

We have updated our Macaronathon™ Map to include these bakeries as well as more than 50 of the fine establishments in the NY Metro area that feature French macarons.

And if you don’t know what all the fuss is about, read our All About French Macarons here.

Some people head South in winter. Others head into the kitchen.  There are so many exciting classes for professionals and dedicated home bakers that we are reconsidering our plans for spring break.

From our friends at the French Pastry School in Chicago comes this exciting roster of classes. French tarts, macarons, wedding cakes and Mother’s day specialities are on the list of offerings.    A trip to the Windy City may not be the first place one thinks to go in the winter. But Chicago is one of the country’s more exciting food cities.

Perhaps you would like to combine spring skiing with a class or two.  Then consider a trip to the Baking Education Center at King Arthur Flour in Norwich, Vermont. Their new facility is stunning. They offer everything from classes on how to open a bakery to sessions covering gluten-free baking, whole grain baking, pizza and more.  Here is their calendar; book early because these classes fill up fast.

The International Culinary Center founded as the French Culinary Institute) is renown for its superlative professional programs.  (Bobby Flay and David Chang are among its illustrious graduates.) Now with a campus in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as Manhattan, the school offers day long baking classes.  This spring you can study doughnuts and fritters, cookies or Italian pastries at the California location.

Since when did school seem so sweet?