The Ninja Baker - chocolate

Sesame Sake Brownies

NinjaBaker — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 02:52:00 +0000

Sesame seeds and sake wine are kissing cousins in a Japanese bento lunch box. Salted salmon (or other center piece protein) are often zapped with sake wine. A bed of rice dotted with black sesame seeds typically snuggles next to the fish.

I tossed sesame seeds and sake together with everyone’s best friend – chocolate! Why? Chocolate makes everything better.

Sesame Sake Brownies drizzled with white chocolate.

Also, Dixie Crystals is gifting free admission to the Food and Wine Conference in Florida. The criteria? The creation of the best brownie recipe in the universe. (Details are here.) I’m hoping the Fates of Good Fortune will kiss me and grant free entry into the funtabulously delicious Florida event.

Sake rice wine and sesame seeds add sophistication to
a classic American brownie.

My brownie is accented with the Asian flavors of sesame and sake. But chocolate is the star. The chocolate fudginess sings forte in the brownie while the sesame seed and sake wine sing pianissimo. Fingers crossed, I’ll gain brownie points because my dessert is also gluten-free!

Topped with melted white chocolate or taken plain,
the Ninja Baker's Sesame Sake Brownies are beyond!

Last year I entered The Ninja Baker's S’More Brownies. Decadent and delicious. This time, I've sophisticated the classic brownie with sake and sesame seeds. What do you think? Good move?

Sesame Sake Brownies

A stealthy Ninja way to enjoy sake and chocolate together, the sesame-studded brownies are delicious served plain or with melted white chocolate on top!

Ingredients:

¼ cup from Dixie Crystals’ Free-Flowing Brown Sugar Shaker
¼ cup from Dixie Crystals’ Extra Fine Granulated Pure Cane Sugar Shaker
1/3 cup butter
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon Japanese sake rice wine
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs, whipped together with chopsticks or a fork
½ cup rice flour blend
¼ cup coconut flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of sea salt
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray an 8 or 9-inch pan with butter flavored cooking spray.
Tip: Line the pan first with foil and spray. This trick makes clean up easier.

Pour the sugars and sake into a saucepan. Add cubes of butter. Over medium-low heat, combine the sugars, sake and butter. To avoid burning the mix – keep stirring. Once the mixture is boiling, take the saucepan off the stove.

Sprinkle in the chocolate chips and stir vigorously. Once the chocolate is incorporated, pour in the teaspoon of vanilla. Add the eggs.

Stir in the flours, baking powder and salt. Combine well. Sprinkle in the sesame seeds and stir again.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with an offset spatula. (The kind used for frosting.)

Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Eat plain or drizzle melted white chocolate on top. Either way the brownie is scrumptious!

Wish me luck!

Wishing you a tap on the shoulder from the Fates of Good Fortune.

The Ninja Baker

© ™ Watkinson 2012

The Ninja Baker has guest blogged and contributed recipes to numerous food sites. These additional recipes can be found here.

Tags:

Food and Wine Conferrence

#fwcon

Double Chocolate Matcha (Green Tea) Cheesecake Minis for Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

NinjaBaker — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 10:38:09 +0000

Bobbi has stepped away from her Kozy Kitchen at the moment and has invited this Ninja Baker to fill in for today. I am thrilled! Guest blogging for Bobbi is a complete honor. I’ve got some Ninja moves in the kitchen but Bobbi’s samurai spirit and culinary craftsmanship are stratospheric.

Bobbi has battled cancer among other health challenges and emerged victorious. Casting the past aside, she perseveres and presents readers with upbeat posts and do-able, delicious recipes.

The Ninja Baker's Matcha Cheesecake Mini:
The recipe is currently appearing at Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen.

In ancient Japan, samurai would sip matcha green tea before battle. To pay tribute to Bobbi’s samurai-ness, I’ve baked up a dozen Double Chocolate Matcha (Green Tea) Cheesecake Minis. For the recipe, please visit Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen.

Wishing you samurai strength to overcome any and all obstacles.

The Ninja Baker

© ™ Watkinson 2012

The Ninja Baker has guest blogged and contributed recipes to numerous food sites. These additional recipes can be found here.

Tags:

chocolate

matcha green tea

cheesecake recipe

10 Cupcake Treasures of 2013

NinjaBaker — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 07:29:04 +0000

As a curtain is drawn on the final days of 2013, I find myself contemplating…the discovery of ten cupcake treasures in 2013! From the World Wide Web constellation of sites touting spectacular sweets, eight cupcake recipes were destined to slip into my must-make file. Every single recipe meets the Ninja Baker cupcake standard: appealing and attractive, do-able and delicious!

?
Serendipitously, eight is the number associated with prosperity in Japan.
(A stream of fortune broadens with each brush stroke
of the Chinese character for eight. )

Two articles sparkling with cupcake tips and fun facts were also spotted and savored in 2013. (Scroll down to see the links.)

Life is short: Why not please the senses with pretty cupcakes? Here are eight links to recipes which are sure to please even the pickiest cupcake connoisseur.

1. Oreo Cookies and Cream Cupcakes from Alida’s Kitchen

America's favorite sandwich cookie appears in Alida's Kitchen's
Oreo Cookies and Cream Cupcakes.
(Photo Courtesy of Alida's Kitchen)

2. Milo Cupcakes with Condensed Milk Buttercream from All That’s Left Are The Crumbs

Milo - Australia's Ovaltine - makes for magical chocolate malted cupcakes
from All That's Left Are The Crumbs.
(Photo Courtesy of All That's Left Are The Crumbs)

3. Mounds Brownie Cupcakes from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

A candy bar in brownie batter!
Mounds Brownie Cupcakes from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

(Photo Courtesy of That Skinny Chick Can Bake)

4. Honey Banana Cupcakes with Nutella Ganache from Neighborfood

Nutella ganache is drizzled atop a banana cupcake.
A blissful creation from Neighborfood.
(Photo Courtesy of Neighborfood)

5. Mini Coconut Cupcakes from Noshing with the Nolands

Puffs of mini coconut cake and frosting perfection from Noshing with the Nolands.
(Photo courtesy of Noshing with the Nolands)

6. Green Tea Steamed Cakes from Just One Cookbook

Forget the oven! Green tea steamed cupcakes from Just One Cookbook.
(Photo courtesy of Just One Cookbook)

7. Mocha Cupcakes with Cappuccino Frosting from Desserts Required

Swirls of cappuccino cap a mocha cupcake.

A coffee lover's delight from Desserts Required.

(Photo Courtesy of Desserts Required)

8. Midori Melon Cupcakes from Ninja Baking

Japanese Midori Melon liquor tickles the cake and frosting of the Ninja Baker's cupcake.
(From NinjaBaking.com )

Click here for a few pointers from Diana's Desserts on Tips for Cupcakes.

Cupcakes are a necessity of life. The Cake Spy explains Why Cupcakes Are Nutritious.

Wishing you a 2014 sparkling with treasures of la dolce vita – the sweet life.

The Ninja Baker

© ™ Watkinson 2012

The Ninja Baker has guest blogged and contributed recipes to numerous food sites. These additional recipes can be found here.

Tags:

Midori Melon Cupcakes, #ChristmasWeek, #Freund

NinjaBaker — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Welcome to Day #3 of Christmas Week, a multi-blogger event co-hosted by Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic and Jen from Juanita's Cocina! Each day we will be celebrating the holidays with a different set of Christmas-themed treats, as well as a fabulous Christmas giveaway. We hope you enjoy this fabulous event. Tune in each day starting today, Monday, December 9th and ending Saturday, December 14th.

Every time I mention Midori Melon, Sailor Moon, or Pocky, I am amazed by the recognition among Americans. It seems the liquor, manga character and cookie sticks, have caught the fancy of Americans and Australians. It’s a far cry from the days when my fellow students at UCLA considered sushi a new and exotic item. So, I trust the flavors in my Midori Melon cupcakes will not be too foreign.

Midori Melon Cupcakes

The liquor adds a festive trace of melon to the cake and the green color is perfect for a #ChristmasWeek celebration. (Midori means green in Japanese.) Coconut and chocolate are also subtle costars in this Midori Melon cupcake.

Overall the cake and frosting are light and a sweet finish to supper. My Aunt Eva who bakes family favorite coconut cupcakes inspired the recipe. I took a naughty route and introduced Midori Melon liquor. I sure hope I’m still on Santa’s nice list!

Midori Melon Cupcakes & Frosting

Midori Melon cupcakes and frosting are festive and fluffy light.

The buttercream recipe on the back of the C&H powdered sugar box provided the inspiration for the Midori Melon frosting.

Ingredients:

For Midori Melon Cupcakes:

1 package white cake mix
2 tablespoons coconut flour
¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut flakes plus about ¼ cup for garnish
1 cup Midori Melon liquor
3 tablespoons chocolate sauce

For Midori Melon Frosting:

1 box (16 ounces) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup softened unsalted butter
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon Midori Melon liquor

Directions:

For Midori Melon Cupcakes:

Prepare the cake batter according to package instructions. Substitute the Midori Melon for the water. Add in the coconut flour and flakes until well combined. Divide the batter into cupcake cases. Drop ¼ to ½ teaspoonfuls of chocolate sauce on top of each cupcake. Swirl with a toothpick. Bake at 325 degrees (for dark pans) for 27 minutes. Cool.

Swirl Midori Melon frosting in a piping bag onto the cupcakes. Garnish with shredded coconut.

For Midori Melon Frosting:

Blend the sugar, vanilla extract and butter with the paddle attachment in the bowl of a stand mixer. (Start on low so you don’t get a snowstorm of powdered sugar.) Slowly pour in the Midori Melon until you find the perfect frosting consistency for you.

Visit all the other Christmas Week Peeps for more Holiday Baking Goodness:

Ginger Bears by Cravings of a Lunatic
Santa’s Favorite Holiday Bark by The Weekend Gourmet
Gingerbread Linzer Cookies by Chocolate Moosey
Gingerbread Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce by See Aimee Cook
Bourbon Barrels by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Toasted Almond Shortbread by The Messy Baker
Midori Melon Cupcakes by Ninja Baking
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti by Noshing With The Nolands
Wine Poached Pear and Almond Rugelach by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
Bebinca - Layered Goan Cake by Masala Herb
Artichoke Dip Tarts by Food Lust People Love
Layered Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Peanut Brittle by Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker
Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes by The Dutch Baker's Daughter
Chocolate Dipped Baked Potato Chips by Dizzy Busy and Hungry
Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes with Nutella Frosting by Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
Chocolate Chip Collapsidies by Try Anything Once Culinary

***Disclaimer: This giveaway is being provided by Freund Container & Supply. #ChristmasWeek bloggers have not received product
or been compensated as a part of this giveaway.***

Today's #ChristmasWeek giveaway comes courtesy of Freund Container & Supply. Freund Container & Supply has been helping build businesses since 1938 as the largest distributor of glass bottles, containers, and wholesale packaging supplies online. Freund offers over 5,000 items in stock every day, 98% same day shipping, and low-price guarantees. Take a look at Freund’s wide selection of jars, tins, bottles and vials for all your crafting and food related needs! To enter to win one of FIVE different Freund gift certificates, read the details and use the Rafflecopter below!

***This giveaway is for five (individually awarded) $100 gift certificates to Freund Container & Supply. Gift certificate is a one-time use certificate and must be used in its entirety; any leftover monies on the gift certificate will be forfeited. This giveaway is open to both US and Canadian residents. However, it should be noted that due to current International shipping rates, any Canadian winners will pay higher shipping costs for orders. ***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To celebrate the spirit of the Christmas season - a Midori Melon liquor cupcake!

Wishing you treats which blend naughty and nice perfectly for your palate.

The Ninja Baker

© ™ Watkinson 2012

The Ninja Baker has guest blogged and contributed recipes to numerous food sites. These additional recipes can be found here.

Tags:

Midori Melon liquor

cupcake and frosting recipes

chocolate

coconut

1 Easy Chocolate Macaron Recipe, 3 Japanese Wine Fillings, #SundaySupper

NinjaBaker — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 07:20:10 +0000

My love affair began in Paris…Alluring, elusive and addictive...

Paris: The City of Lights and macaron cookies!

(Photo courtesy of David Cassidy)

I just can’t seem to quit my obsession with macarons!

My first encounter with the French macaron cookie was at the famed French Le Cordon Bleu cooking school. After the macaron-making workshop, a flush of excitement coursed through my veins.

Like an adolescent after her first kiss I was a-flutter as I rode the Metro clutching the box of my precious macarons. Safely joining my sister and friends from the UK at our Paris apartment, we all oo-la-la-ed while biting into the soft chocolate filled centers of the delicate shelled macarons. Between bites, I cavalierly stated, “Macarons are not that hard to make.”

Words I swallowed back in the States. Although my passion for the macaron never died, rediscovering the je ne sais quoi quality that produced perfection in Paris alluded me. I’ll spare you the stories of failed attempts. But I will share the joy of macaron-making progress. Ruffled edges - cute little pied (feet) - actually appeared on my chocolate macarons!

Chocolate macarons with chocolate frosting middles.

Thanks to Carla Hall - of The Chew and Top Chef TV fame - I feel a tiny bit closer to my goal of replicating the Parisian macarons: The French cookies that has tantalized the taste buds of admirers worldwide.

Chocolate Macaron Cookies

Bite into the delicate shelled chocolate macaron cookies and discover fudgy centers.

A few tips:
To get the macarons to rise, do not over or under mix the batter.
Make sure all ingredients are room temperature.

This recipe is adapted from The Chew's Carla Hall.

Ingredients:

6 egg whites
Big pinch of salt
1 teaspoon of cream of tartar
1½ almond meal flour
4 cups confectioner’s sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa

Directions:

Whip the egg whites into frothy foam in a stand mixer. Add a pinch of salt. Allow soft peaks to appear. Pour in the cream of tartar and sugar. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form.

In a food processor, give the almond flour, confectioner’s sugar, cocoa, and salt a good whirl. When thoroughly combined, gently fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites.

Use a small ice cream scooper or pipe small circles onto parchment lined cookie sheets.
Leave the macaron cookies alone for 30 minutes. The goal is to see a drier surface on the macarons.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Fill with a cream, frosting or jam filling.

As today’s virtual #SundaySupper theme is all about our favorite food covers, I felt compelled to offer up macarons: The pièce de résistance cookies which cover spectacular fillings. (Please scroll down for details about the weekly #SundaySupper at Twitter.)

In honor of the upcoming Christmas holiday, I created cream fillings of Japanese plum wine pink/red, Midori Melon liquor green and white Japanese sake.

Chocolate macarons dressed up for Christmas with Japanese wine fillings.
Japanese plum wine, sake and Midori Melon.

Whipped cream served as a base for the Japanese plum and Midori Melon flavored macaron fillers. Into a half pint of heavy cream, I tossed in 1½ tablespoons of fruit wine along with ¼ cup of confectioner’s sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract plus drops of food coloring. (Pink for the Japanese plum wine and green for the Midori Melon liquor.)

The Japanese plum wine flavor translates the strongest wine taste.
I was fine with the subtle hint of Midori Melon but you might like it stronger.
(À chacun son goût – each to his own taste.)

For the white sake filling, I poured 2½ tablespoons of sake into vanilla frosting. A hint of sake rice wine was detected. Pouring more sake rice wine into the mix would have sacrificed the creamy texture…So, for a true sake flavor, next time I’ll make a stiffer buttercream. Where the recipe calls for milk and extract, I’ll drizzle in sake. However, the fudgy chocolate macaron covers for any missed wine flavor.

Chocolate macaron with sake rice wine filling
(on a sake wine cup used for wedding celebrations.)

Today’s #SundaySupper covered theme is hosted by DB of Crazy Food Stunts …Expect only gourmet excellence at his site. And anticipate delicious delights from DB and the following Sunday Supper foodies.

Covered Appetizers and Entreés

Slow Cooker Cheesy Party Mix from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
Personal Steak Pot Pies from The Foodie Army Wife
Slowcooker Bean and Ham Soup from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
Butternut Squash & Cheddar Potatoes Au Gratin from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Salmon en Croute from Curious Cuisiniere
Excellent Beef Stew from Noshing With The Nolands
Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy from Food Lust People Love
Pigs in a Blanket (Cabbage Rolls) from Cindy's Recipes and Writings

Covered Desserts

Banana Coffee Cake with Chocolate Chip Streusel from Killer Bunnies, Inc
Bacon Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Streusel Topped Apple Pie from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
Dark Chocolate Cake Batter Truffles from Take A Bite Out of Boca
Chocolate Satin Pie from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Banana Butterscotch Muffin-Cake from What Smells So Good?
Chocolate Banoffee Pie from Happy Baking Days
1 Easy Chocolate Macaron Recipe, 3 Japanese Wine Fillings from NinjaBaking.com
Chocolate Covered "Party Popcorn" from Ruffles & Truffles
Caramel Apple Bundt Cake from Pies and Plots

Not Sure What To Do? We Got You Covered

Cilantro Turkey Salad with Farro and Mango from Shockingly Delicious covering turkey leftovers
Back to Basics: How to Truss a Chicken for Roasting from Crazy Foodie Stunts covering a cooking technique
Peppermint Whip Cream from Peanut Butter and Peppers covering a vegan and dairy-free dessert topping
Gluten Free Lego Cookies from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks covering a gluten-free dessert
Mexican Coffee Bun from The Urban Mrs covering a dessert with an uncommon ingredient
Cranberry Walnut Crumble Bars from Magnolia Days covering an idea for fresh cranberries
Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars from Alida's Kitchen covering a quick and easy cheesecake fix
Prosciutto covered Rosemary Pork from Family Foodie covering a holiday meal on a budget
Homemade Yellow Cake Mix from Treats & Trinkets covering a cake mix without the chemicals from store-bought ones
Waffled Cranberry Cream Cheese Turkey Sandwiches from Neighborfood covering turkey leftovers
Apple Cider Doughnuts from The Texan New Yorker covering a dish made at home so you don't need to wait in long lines for it

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Wishing you macarons which make you tipsy with joy!

The Ninja Baker

© ™ Watkinson 2012

The Ninja Baker has guest blogged and contributed recipes to numerous food sites. These additional recipes can be found here.

Tags:

Chocolate Mini Bundts with Matcha Flowers, #BundtaMonth

NinjaBaker — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 08:56:54 +0000

Cherubs with drawn bows perch above dazzling chocolate displays. Lace doilies and paper red heart cutouts abound. Valentine’s Day, February 14th is approaching fast.

Cherry Blossom Heart (Photo Courtesy of 123rf.com)

The same commercial hype exists in Japan. However, females present bosses, male colleagues, boyfriends, husbands and fathers with gifts of chocolate and cookies. Giri-choco - obligation chocolate - plays an important role in office politics. Currying favor with higher ups and achieving the status of most beloved coworker are all a part of the game. (On March 14th, White Day, males are expected to present the ladies and girls in their lives with sweets and trinkets.)

Japanese chocolates with matcha green tea cream centers

Regardless of the customs of a country, most everyone in the world loves chocolate. So to honor the Baker Street #BundtaMonth February chocolate theme, I created mini Bundts with matcha (green tea) flowers.

Chocolate Mini Bundts with Matcha Flowers

Note: I used matcha powder and green tea in the cake, too. However, the delicious chocolate taste overpowered any subtle hint of the tea. So, feel free to delete the matcha powder and substitute water for green tea. Next time, I may try high-quality melted green tea ice cream plus the matcha powder. Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments section of how to punch up matcha flavors in cake.

Mini Chocolate Bundts with Matcha Flowers

1 Chocolate cake mix (recommended Duncan Hines Devil Food)
3 Eggs
1/3 Cup vegetable oil
1 Cup strong green tea
2 Tablespoons matcha powder

Combine well in your KitchenAid or with your electric mixer. Distribute the batter into well-greased and floured (or sprayed) mini Bundt pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick emerges clean from the center. Cool.

Whip up chocolate buttercream OR add ¼ cup of powdered sugar to a can of frosting. Scoop into a piping bag fitted with a leaf tip.

In another bowl, which has been chilled overnight, pour 1 pint of heavy cream. Add ¼ cup of powdered sugar and 2 generous tablespoons of matcha powder. Whip until soft to medium peaks appear. Transfer the contents to a piping bag fitted with a circle tip.

Pipe matcha circles in the middle of the mini bundts. Surround the centers with chocolate leaves. Enjoy the beauty. And the bite of chocolate matcha deliciousness!

For other Bundt cake treats for you and your valentine, see the following gourmet creations by fellow food bloggers.

Chocolate Berry Bundt Cake by Heather from Hezzi D's Books and Cooks

Chocolate Bundt Cake with Balsamic Strawberry Sauce by Alice from Hip Foodie Mom

Chocolate Chobani Bundt Cake by Carrie from Poet In The Pantry

Chocolate Espresso Bundt Cake by Holly from A Baker’s House

Chocolate Mini Bundts with Matcha Flowers by Kim from Ninja Baking

Chocolate Raspberry Swirl Bundt Cake by Anita from Hungry Couple

Chocolate Rocky Road Bundt Cake by Tara from Noshing With The Nolands

Chocolate Turtle Bundt Cake by Kim from Cravings Of A Lunatic

Deep Chocolate Be Mine Bundt by Stacy from Food Lust People Love

Double Chocolate Swirled Bundt Cake by Laura from The Spiced Life

Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Bundt Cake by Karen from In The Kitchen With KP

Red Wine Chocolate Bundt Cake with Mascarpone Whipped Cream by Kate from Food Babbles

Sour Cream Chocolate Bundt Cake by Renee from Magnolia Days

Quadruple Chocolate Bundt Cake by Dorothy from Shockingly Delicious

Vanilla and Chocolate Marble Bundt Cake by Anuradha from Baker Street

White Chocolate Raspberry Bundt Cake by Paula from Vintage Kitchen

Here's how you can be a part of Bundt-a-Month:
- Simple rule: Use chocolate - and bake us a Bundt for February
- Post it before February 28, 2013.
- Use the #BundtAMonth hashtag in your title.
(Example: #BundtAMonth: Chocolate Cinnamon Bundt)
- Add your entry to the Linky tool.

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Follow Bundt-a-Month on Facebook where we feature all our gorgeous Bundt cakes. Or head over to our Pinterest board for inspiration and choose from over 350 Bundt cake recipes.

Link to BundtaMonth on Facebook
Link to BundtaMonth on Pinterest

Wishing you chocolates, flowers, fine matcha and a good-hearted mate to cuddle with on St. Valentine's Day and always!

The Ninja Baker

The Ninja Baker's recipes are also available at:

BlogHer Food Editor's Pick of the Day
(27 December 2012)

?Allrecipes.com:
The Ninja Baker's Japanese Plum Sweet Memories and Recipes

Bob's Red Mill:
Almond Oatmeal Apple Cookies

Bob's Red Mill:
The Ninja Baker's Gluten-Free Breakfast Cupcake

Wholesome Sweeteners:
The Ninja Baker's Gluten-Free Coconut Chocolate Cheesecake Minis with Espresso Cream

Wholesome Sweeteners:
The Ninja Baker's Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Cupcakes with Champagne Glaze & Optional Lemon Peach Marmalade Filling

?LifeKraze

Tags:

Japanese Valentine's Day

#BundtaMonth

matcha

chocolate

A Chocolate Twist on the Classic Japanese Strawberry Shortcake, #SundaySupper Retro Recipes

NinjaBaker — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 09:43:40 +0000

Gazing at the pictured strawberry shortcake on the back of the Bisquick box (sent in a care package to Tokyo from my grandmother, Nona, in Colorado) I marveled as a kid at the American concoction.

American-Style Strawberry Shortcake (Photo credit)

The biscuit heaped with mounds of cream and topped with strawberries was certainly different looking from the delicate strawberry shortcake slices sold in Japanese pâtisseries.

Japanese-Style Strawberry Shortcake

(Pictured is a slice from the Japanese Beard Papa pastry shop
which has opened several franchise stores in Los Angeles.)

On a regular basis, I enjoyed strawberry shortcake at a pastry shop after a Kiddy Land toy store excursion in Harajuku or a movie in Shibuya (where a statue dedicated to a loyal dog named Hachiko is located.) Diving into a slice of soft vanilla sponge cake filled and topped with whipped cream and strawberries is and was like tasting food from Heaven!

However, I created a chocolate cake twist on the Japanese classic for the FamilyFoodie's #SundaySupper Twitter event celebrating retro recipes. Please join the exchange of great ideas and recipes every Sunday at 7p.m. ET on Twitter. Simply type in #SundaySupper in the search bar.

The Ninja Baker's Chocolate Twist on Classic Japanese Strawberry Shortcake

Here's the how-to for the Ninja Baker's Chocolate Twist:
1. Bake 2 layers of your favorite chocolate cake. (I like the recipe on the back of the Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa tin.)
2. Cool in the freezer as this will allow for easier frosting. (Less crumb control.)
3. Whip up 2 cups of heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of vanilla and a generous 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. (Always remember to put your mixing bowl and beater in the freezer the night before for easy whipping.)
4. Prepare chocolate frosting. (I often use the Ghirardelli recipe on the back of the sweetened ground chocolate tin. Do have extra milk on hand as the icing does tend to stiffen pretty quickly.)
5. Wash, drain and thinly slice six strawberries.
6. Slather chocolate frosting between the two layers of cake.
7. Top with whipped cream and the sliced strawberries.
8. Place the second layer carefully on top.
9. Pipe with whipped cream.
10. Garnish with strawberries. Whole or sliced.

If you like strawberries, whipped cream and chocolate (as I do) it will be an act of love to share this dessert with those around your Sunday Supper table. Your family and friends will also appreciate the amazing dishes listed below from some of the best food bloggers in the blogosphere.

Sunday Supper Retro Appetizers:

Irish Cheddar-Whiskey Fondue by girlichef
Retro Football Party: Fondue, Deviled Chicken Wings & Lemon Chiffon by Zest Florida Foodie
She Devils: Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs by Ruffles & Truffles

Sunday Supper Retro Salads:

Coca-Cola Salad by Magnolia Days
Salmon Salad | Retro Tuna Salad by Family Foodie
Ambrosia Salad by Simply Gourmet
Romaine “Wedge” Salad with Hot Maple Bacon Dressing by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Carrot & Raisin Salad by The Roxx Box
Sweet & Smoky Broccoli Salad by In The Kitchen with KP

Sunday Supper Retro Breads and Sandwiches:

Italian Style Bread by The Meltaways
Creamed Chipped Salmon Jerky on Toast by Pescetarian Journal
Grown-Up Tuna Melts by Home Cooking Memories
English Muffin Pizzas by Comfy Cuisine
Patty Melt, Hand Cut Fries, & a Shake by Mooshu Jenne
Grown-Up Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup by The Catholic Foodie
Toast Topper #16: Grandma’s Mock Apricot Jam by Yummy What Smells So Good?

SundaySupper Main Dishes:

Chicken Pot Pie Topped With Bacon Cheddar Biscuits by Chocolate Moosey
Tuna Noodle Casserole by Country Girl in the Village
Nana’s Marinated Beef Roast by Supper for a Steal
Chorizo Scotch Eggs by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
Chicken Maryland by Vintage Kitchen Notes
Mushroom Stroganoff by Small Wallet Big Appetite
Dairyfree Toast Hawaii by Galactosemia in PDX
Porcupine Meatballs by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Chicken Kiev by The Urban Mrs.
Salmon Quiche with Preserved Lemon by Shockingly Delicious
Steak Diane by Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
Fried Chicken only in the Oven by In the Kitchen with Audrey
Hambak Steak a.k.a. Salisbury Steak by Kimchi Mom
Retro-Redo: Homemade TV Dinner by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
Kicked Up Meatloaf by Curious Cuisiniere
Shrimp Scampi (a lighter version) by Kudos Kitchen
Old-Fashioned Pork Chops by My Trial in the Kitchen
Jägerschnitzel by Sustainable Dad
Healthier Hamburger-Corn Noodle Casserole by The Weekend Gourmet
Tuna Noodle Casserole by Cookistry
Chicken-N-Biscuits Pot Pie Casserole by The Messy Baker Blog
Souper Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes by Mama.Mommy.Mom
Meatloaf that will make you swoon and Datz the truth by Midlife Roadtrip
Tator Tot Casserole by NeighborFood

Sunday Supper Retro Sides and Veggies:

Smokey Braised Red Cabbage by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Classic Corn Casserole by The Foodie Army Wife
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
Classic Green Bean Casserole Redux by The Wimpy Vegetarian
Mem’s Broccoli Casserole by Momma’s Meals

Sunday Supper Retro Desserts and Cocktails:

Peachy Keen Tutti-Frutti Jello by La Cocina de Leslie
Old School Boozy Rum Cake by Webicurean
Individual Baked Alaskas by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Rainbow Jello by Cravings of a Lunatic
Pineapple Upside Down Cake by Noshing with the Nolands
Pineapple Bars by Peanut Butter and Peppers
Creamy Dairy Free Fresh Orange Julius With Coconut Milk by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Refrigerator Strawberry Cheesecake by There and Back Again
Frozen Pineapple Upside-Down Cake by Juanita’s Cocina
Boston Cream Pie by Gotta Get Baked
Coca-Cola Cupcakes by Daily Dish Recipes
Jello Poke Cake by Flour On My Face
Devil’s Food Cake by Maroc Mama
Bread Pudding with Pecans by Basic and Delicious
Victoria Sponge Cake by The Lovely Pantry
A Chocolate Twist on the Classic Japanese Strawberry Shortcake by Ninja Baking
Post War Apple Pudding by My Cute Bride
Spaghetti with Currywurst Sauce by Masala Herb
Layered Mini Chocolate Banana Cakes by Big Bears Wife
Raspberry Jam Cakes by Pippis in the Kitchen Again
Cocktail: Moscow Mule by Crazy Foodie Stunts

Wishing you the comforts and joys of retro recipes.

P.s. Special shout out to to the Foodie Friends Friday group who included this post in their Copycat Recipe Party.

The Ninja Baker

The Ninja Baker's recipes are also available at:

BlogHer Food Editor's Pick of the Day
(27 December 2012)

?Allrecipes.com:
The Ninja Baker's Japanese Plum Sweet Memories and Recipes

Bob's Red Mill:
Almond Oatmeal Apple Cookies

Bob's Red Mill:
The Ninja Baker's Gluten-Free Breakfast Cupcake

Wholesome Sweeteners:
The Ninja Baker's Gluten-Free Coconut Chocolate Cheesecake Minis with Espresso Cream

Wholesome Sweeteners:
The Ninja Baker's Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Cupcakes with Champagne Glaze & Optional Lemon Peach Marmalade Filling

?LifeKraze

Tags:

#SundaySupper

retro recipes

Japanese strawberry shortcake

chocolate

Melting the Waxen Hearts of Women

NinjaBaker — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 07:12:17 +0000

Bon-bons, chocolat, cookies (better known as biscuits or "biccies" in the UK) and fresh flowers seem to sway “women’s waxen hearts”*¹ whether in France, Japan or the United States. Maybe that’s why Farmers Markets with their array of divine flora, produce and, of course, desserts have become the vogue in cosmopolitan cities in the US and Japan and around the globe.

Menton Market on the Côte d'Azur

Photos of flower, biscuits and confections courtesy of Ivan Woodhouse.

On the Côte d'Azur – the trendsetting French playground for the rich and romantic since England’s Queen Victoria – the tradition of selling flowers in an open-air market alongside food vendors is a centuries old affair. Daily, visitors to Menton Market see colors plucked off of Renoir’s palette onto the petals of flowers on sale.

Divinely colored fleurs. Photos courtesy of Ivan Woodhouse.

But it’s not just flowers and produce that are offered. Market-goers in Southern France also get to experience some unique food combinations. I’m talking chocolate covered olives. Or maybe I just think it slightly strange because I was brought up in Tokyo. And you might find it odd that I welcome the modern twist of an azuki bean and green tea cream filling in a candy bar.

Front and center from the Menton Market: Chocolate covered olives!
Photo courtesy of Ivan Woodhouse.

The Ninja Baker's favorite combos with chocolate:
Azuki beans (on the left) and green tea (on the right.)

The good news in Menton, as in most places around the world; the oldies but goodies do survive. On the Côte d'Azur traditional French cookies and colorfully wrapped candies still abound. Just like Oreos and M & Ms remain staples in the American pantry while Glico’s cream-filled biscuits and Milky caramels with the rosy cheeked lass on the bag endure through thriving, bubble and recovering economic times.

Cookies and caramels that were and still are popular in Japan.
It is comforting for this Ninja Baker that some of "sweet stuff of life" - of childhood -
remains unchanged.

Whether your palette is on the wild side or prefers the tried and true…

Wishing you a week of unexpected flowers and sweets.

The Ninja Baker

The Ninja Baker's recipes are also available at:

?Allrecipes.com:
The Ninja Baker's Japanese Plum Sweet Memories and Recipes

Bob's Red Mill

Wholesome Sweeteners:
The Ninja Baker's Gluten-Free Coconut Chocolate Cheesecake Minis with Espresso Cream

Wholesome Sweeteners:
The Ninja Baker's Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Cupcakes with Champagne Glaze & Optional Lemon Peach Marmalade Filling

?LifeKraze

*1 Shakespeare, William, Twelfth Night, II, 2, line 27

Tags:

Farmers Markets around the world