May 01, 2007

Floating on a Maple Cloud

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It must be a slow news week as I’ve been honoured with a Thinking Blogger Award by Freya and Paul of Writing at the Kitchen Table. I make them think? Really? I think this is one of those cases where they’re laughing at me, not with me. Or more accurately, thinking at me, not with me. I can only assume that the reason I make them think is that I’m a psychological study for them and I make them think things like: What on earth goes through this girl’s head? Why would she subject 30 people to making a disaster of a crepe cake? What causes her to become randomly obsessed with people (Dorie, Ruhlman) or ingredients, (bacon, sugar)? Does she suffer from any as yet unlabeled mental deficiencies like Hotsugarophobia or Scatterbrainitus? I’m a case study alright! Whatever Paul and Freya’s reason for choosing me as a Thinking Blogger, I thank them. I’ll try to hold up my end of the bargin. Do maple meringues make you think? They make me think of tastiness. Mmmm maple. And look at that top photo, the meringues are like clouds in that clear blue sky. Ooooh look at me, I just used a simile. Before I get too carried away, here’s a recipe for my maple clouds followed by a list of 5 bloggers who make me think.


Maple Meringues


3 egg whites

2/3 cup sugar

¼ tsp maple extract


Beat egg whites until foamy. Continue to beat while gradually adding sugar. Beat until whites are stiff but not dry, add maple extract and beat just to combine. Drop by spoonful onto a silpat covered baking sheet. Bake for 45min in a preheated oven at 200F, then turn off the oven but leave the meringues in for another hour. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.


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5 Bloggers Who Make Me Think


Gattina of Kitchen Unplugged: I never know what I will find when I check into Gattina’s blog (everyday) but I know it will be stunning. She most definitely has a way with pastry, bread and pasta and is always willing to share her tips and tricks to help me succeed.


Danielle of Habeas Brulee: Not only does she use a variety of ingredients, (like urfa-biber) make amazingly tasty goodies (like chewy maple cookies) and write wonderful posts, (the counter top story is gold) but manages to do all of this and open a solo law practice at the same time! Amazing.


Bea of La Tartine Gourmande: Bea has a beautiful eye for photography which makes me want to improve my own shabby skills and become a quarter as good as she is. Oh, and her recipes are phenomenal.


Dorie (the one and only) Greenspan: Of course I had to include Dorie on this list. Her book Baking: From My Home to Yours has become my baking bible and I was absolutely thrilled when she started blogging. Now I get a weekly dose of Dorie’s writing and it’s always something new, be it a bike ride in Paris or a lunch at Bouchon Bakery, I love it all.


Rob of Hungry in Hogtown: Every single one of Rob’s posts makes me think. His enthusiasm for undertaking recipes that are difficult, unusual or from the El Bulli cookbook is always impressive. And he’s not afraid to cause some controversy! I like that!



Winners, now you get nominate 5 Blogs that make you think. Should you choose to participate, please make sure you pass this list of rules to the blogs you are tagging.

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
3. Optional: Proudly display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote.



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22 comments:

Kirsten said...

Hey you!

Of COURSE you make us think - and laugh too, which is great. Your picks are awesome, heading out to catch up on some reading.

ADORE your blog! :)

Kirsten

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS on your award, yes, the one you deserve! And so many thanks for including me on your short list -- I am truly honored.

Dorie

MyKitchenInHalfCups said...

You always make me think tasty. And then you make me think about cooking in ways I would never have thought of on my own.
Wonderful list you've got!

Alice Q. Foodie said...

Hi Brilynn - I had no idea Dorie Greenspan had a blog. How the heck are the rest of us supposed to compete with that?? ;-) This looks like a fun meme, and I will definitely check out the blogs you mentioned - especially Dories. I have been wanting to get her book!

Freya said...

Great choice Brilynn AND you got a comment from Dorie!! Go you!! Why didn't I think to tag my favourite chef, Anthony Bourdain???!!
The meringues look great too!
As Tanna put, you always make us think 'Tasty'!

K and S said...

these clouds looks lovely and congrats on your award! truly deserved!

Valentina said...

Dear Bri, the cake wasn't a failure.It was a challenge. I failed for loosing my patience adn not persevering. It was a great choice of recipe.Pushed borders, made people think of techinique, people exchanged ideas.. ; o ) congratulations!! And thanks for the great recommendations. I know Gattina's and Bea's blog - they are fabulous. I shall pay a visit to the others.; o )

Anonymous said...

I want to say I love your first photo. That is a keeper. And anyone who reads this blog for two seconds knows the amount of thought and care you put into it, so this is no shock.

Anonymous said...

Congrats!!! Well-deserved. You are always so full of enthusiasm and discoveries. And, thanks for the mention. I am honored!

Gattina Cheung said...

your meringues would be *snap fingers* gone in a minute!
oh baby baby, so happy you including me, I'm floating on cloud 9......

Anonymous said...

Hahaha! You are too funny Brilynn! :) And you certainly do make us think!

Lisa Fain (Homesick Texan) said...

Congrats! And Danielle, Bea, Dorie, Gattina and Rob definitely make me think as well--they're all so creative.

Cheryl said...

You make me think, you make me laugh and you always remind me of the love of bacon.

Love the maple clouds. They are just picture perfect.

Paul said...

I too was nominated for this honor even though I was not quite smart enough to figure out how to post the "widget."

Still, I personally happen to think that I am demonstrably the worthiest recipient, having written a poem in my honor and established my own firm credentials alongside of Decartes - you know, the "I think; therefore I am" guy - with They Think; Therefore I Meme.

Anonymous said...

Hi Bri! Congrats - well deserved, as your observations and sense of humour are impecable!
Mmmm... maple meringues...

Kelly-Jane said...

Well done!

Your meringues looks great and that they will taste of maple syrup - makes me think 'I need some to eat NOW!' Hotsugarophobia is alive and well in my home too :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! And thank you so much for the mention. I'm honored to be named in such fabulous company.

Anonymous said...

congrats! i always like your writing, always fun and innovative!

Anonymous said...

You are so witty and creative! I love your blog- always makes me smile in the mornings...

Lis said...

HAR! If only I were allowed to have a list of winners as long as I needed to include each and every one of them, you would most definitely be on that list.. You most definitely make me think!!

Such as.. "What is the crazy gal thinking? Bacon Brittle???" and "Oh my God, you're drooling over Bacon Brittle!! You ca-razzzeee toooooo!" hee!

Fabulous list, fabulous bloggers and holy cow I'd like a giant basket filled with Maple Clouds please! So yummy!

Anonymous said...

Ohhhhh! I was just getting ready to write to say it would be neat if Dorie was going to respond and sure enough there is already a comment from her! I'm a little star struck..woo hoo Brilynn!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Brilynn. I'm quite flattered and I'll be sure to continue the meme.