Chouquettes
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff267aee13675281094a709/bbaaa96e-c045-4fdd-9a89-f0a91d1d2d20/Chouquettes+1.png?format=2500w” alt="Chouquettes"
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<br><br><b>Book:</b> <i>French Pastry Made Simple</i> by Molly Wilkinson<br><br>
<b>Chapter:</b> Pâte À Choux: The Multipurpose Dough! <br><br>
<b>Overall Score:</b> 8/12 <br><br>
<b>Recommended?</b> I’ve been watching people make choux pastry on TV for years, from British Bakeoff to Kids Baking Championship. Anytime I have seen a kid baker making it, I’ve kicked myself for being intimidated. Still, “make choux pastry” was an unfinished square on my 2025 bingo card. Even though I never worked up the nerve in 365 days of 2025, I went ahead and placed it in my 2026 bingo card. And, today, I did it! And, once again, it was way easier than I built it up to be in my head! I definitely made it as easy on myself as possible by selecting the chouquettes. How so? <br>
Arancini
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<br><br> <b>Book:</b> <i>Magnolia Table Volume 2</i> by Joanna Gaines<br><br>
<b>Chapter:</b> Appetizers & Starters<br><br>
<b>Overall Score:</b> 8/12<br><br>
<b>Recommended?</b> We love arancini! Who wouldn’t love little bites of fried risotto?! It’s a favorite out-to-dinner appetizer and brings back many fun memories of The Majestic steakhouse in downtown Kansas City. We used to order it every time we were there. I feel nostalgic thinking about sharing a plate of these while enjoying the live jazz! When G and I watched Joanna make <i>these</i> arancini on her cooking show a few years ago, we immediately put them on our must-try list. And there they stayed; the only thing holding us back was our fear of frying. Well, we conquered that fear this week! I think it was well worth the fried-food smell that lingered in our kitchen for a few hours. If you’re interested in trying some frying, this would be a great recipe to check out! <br>
Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
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<br><br><b>Book:</b> <i>Baking Illustrated</i><br><br>
<b>Chapter:</b> Yeast Breads & Rolls<br><br>
<b>Overall Score:</b> 10/12 <br><br>
<b>Recommended?</b> I put “make bagels” on my 2025 bingo card (i.e., the poster board I have sitting in my office with 25 goals to complete in 2025). If you have similar aspirations, I think you should absolutely do it! I had so much fun making these bagels. My favorite part: they are prepped the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is boil and bake them. Minimal wait-time for breakfast = sign me up! <br>
Potato Gnocchi
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<br><br><b>Book:</b> <i>The Tucci Cookbook</i> by Stanley Tucci with Joan and Stan Tucci, Gianni Scappin, and Mimi Taft<br><br>
<b>Chapter:</b> Pasta<br><br>
<b>Overall Score:</b> 9/12<br><br>
<b>Recommended?</b> This one comes recommended by Chef G himself! <i>The Tucci Cookbook</i> is actually his book. You may have caught a glimpse of these in the leftover report from the last post, which featured that peach sauce I was (am) so in love with. Here, we tossed them in a fun pesto. Check out the rest of the post for Garrett’s tips. His most important message to you: <b>“I <i>gnocchi</i> you can do it!”</b><br>
Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
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<br><b>Book:</b> Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines<br><br>
<b>Chapter:</b> Soups & Salads<br><br>
<b>Overall Score:</b> 8/12<br><br>
<b>Recommended?</b> Yes! This would be great as a weekend meal or meal prep option for lunches. Seasonally, it fits for fall, winter, and spring. I can’t say I will be following Joanna’s lead by making this annually for New Year’s Eve, though!<br>
Cherry Icebox Ribbons
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<br><b>Book:</b> America's Test Kitchen The Perfect Cookie <br><br>
<b>Chapter:</b> Slice & Bake Sweets <br><br>
<b>Overall Score:</b> 8/12 <br><br>
<b>Recommended?</b> Yes! I have skimmed this chapter without noticing this recipe many times, but I’m so glad it caught my eye now! These would be great to make for a party or as a gift for a friend. <br>