Well, howdy do! Here's a Baker Babe who started baking just for this post! How rad is that?
SimplyyMyra blogs at PonderWonders and I can tell she's gotta lotta flavor goin' on her life:)
SimplyyMyra blogs at PonderWonders and I can tell she's gotta lotta flavor goin' on her life:)
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Name: SimplyyMayra
Occupation: Blogger/Artist/ Dreamer/Medical Collections Specialist
Dream occupation: Columnist/ Freelance Writer/Published Author
Age: Young...it's my right!
Occupation: Blogger/Artist/
Dream occupation: Columnist/
Age: Young...it's my right!
What was your earliest memory about baking? Baking Jiffy corn muffins with my mother. She loved to cook and bake. My father being the only "bread" maker in the family and my mother a stay at home mom of 4 girls, it was challenging to say the least. But, I'm glad I have this memory of baking with my mother.
Howd’ja get started baking? Well, actually it all started when I "coincidentally" stumbled upon your blog. I was immediately inspired by the awesomeness and empowering tone of The Militant Baker. Thus, when I saw it featured "Baker Babes" I wanted in! I wanted to be part of an incredible group of powerhouse woman such as the Baker Babes. Of course, I was not aware it entailed baking. I know, I know, it was so "duh" of me. But, that is my truth. For example my blog name is PonderWonders, so I thought it was something like PonderWonder Babes...a segment featuring inspiring women. Boy was I wrong! But that didn't stop me from wanting to be part of it. Anyway, isn't making Pillsbury ready-to-bake chocolate chip cookies considered baking? I use to make them all the time. My youngest daughter loved them (still does).
When you picture “a baker” what do you see? A person with a lot of patience and who feels alive at the mere act of baking/cooking just for the love of it. Oh yea, and doesn't mind a mess or the cleaning up afterwards!
What qualities or skills does it take to be a baker? I believe anyone can be a baker it they have a love for it. Having a serving disposition also helps, I know it works for me. Also, creativity and some common sense.
What was the biggest baking FAIL you ever had? Not learning or attempting to bake sooner; I really enjoyed baking the brownie turtle pie! But, I not much of a "sweet" person...I prefer bread! Hmmmm, perhaps that will be my next baking challenge.
How do you feel about Martha Stewart? She is an Icon! A very savvy business woman. I love her arts & crafts!
Tell me something random that I don't already know: I LOVE butterflies and my idol is Betty Boop! Oh, but you probably already know that. Okay...ummm. When I hear a song that's catchy, I tend to sing it sporadically for days. Like there was one time I heard the song Macarena, so all I would sing was..."Ehhh Macarena ruff"...."Ehhh Macarena ruff!"...."Ehhh Macarena ruff!" Get the picture? Well, I did this while shopping at the mall one day! You should've seen the expression on peoples faces! "Ehhh Macaren ruff" ;)
If you had to be an ingredient in a recipe, what would you be? Without a doubt Spice! I am definitely a vigorous and lively character, thus adding a dash of zest to anything bland.
Will you share your all time favorite recipe with us? Sure, you go to the market, buy a Pillsbury ready to bake chocolate chip cookie roll and follow the instructions! Just kidding. Here is the receipe I used from Meals.com to bake Chocolate Turtle Brownie Pie:
Ingredients
2 bars (8 oz.)NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Dark Chocolate Baking Bar, broken into small pieces, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick)butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup toasted, chopped pecans, divided
6 squares caramels, unwrapped
1 teaspoon milk
Directions
PREHEAT oven to 350º F. Grease 9-inch springform pan.
MICROWAVE 1 cup chocolate pieces in small, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; STIR. Pieces may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until smooth; cool to room temperature.
COMBINE flour, baking powder and salt. Beat brown sugar and butter in medium mixer bowl on high until creamy. Add eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in melted chocolate. Add flour mixture and stir until blended. Stir in 1/2 cup pecans. Spread into prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup pecans and 1/3 cupchocolate pieces.
BAKE for 33 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 30 minutes; remove ring.
MICROWAVE remaining chocolate in small, heavy-duty plastic bag. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 30 seconds; knead. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals; kneading until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag; squeeze to drizzle over brownie.
MICROWAVE caramels and milk in a small, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 20 seconds; STIR. If necessary, microwave at additional 5- to 10-second intervals; stirring until smooth. Drizzle over brownie. Cut into slices.
MICROWAVE 1 cup chocolate pieces in small, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; STIR. Pieces may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until smooth; cool to room temperature.
COMBINE flour, baking powder and salt. Beat brown sugar and butter in medium mixer bowl on high until creamy. Add eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in melted chocolate. Add flour mixture and stir until blended. Stir in 1/2 cup pecans. Spread into prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup pecans and 1/3 cupchocolate pieces.
BAKE for 33 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 30 minutes; remove ring.
MICROWAVE remaining chocolate in small, heavy-duty plastic bag. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 30 seconds; knead. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals; kneading until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag; squeeze to drizzle over brownie.
MICROWAVE caramels and milk in a small, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 20 seconds; STIR. If necessary, microwave at additional 5- to 10-second intervals; stirring until smooth. Drizzle over brownie. Cut into slices.
And there you have it...my first real attempt at baking! Thanks Jes for the opportunity at trying my skills at baking! I really enjoyed it very much.
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Myra, totally impressed. Thanks for contributing!
ALSO, if you or someone you know want's to be a Baker Babe email me now!!!
ALSO, if you or someone you know want's to be a Baker Babe email me now!!!
I just started talking to Myra and following her blog a little bit ago and she is wonderful! Truly truly wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteShe's a hoot and I love it =D
Aww, haha - glad you started baking!
ReplyDeleteAnd Pillsbury ready-to-bake is totally still baking. Unless you're like me and the dough doesn't actually make it to the oven. Then it's just a delicious tummy ache.
Completely love Mayra. Been following her blog for a while. She's a really awesome Lady!
ReplyDeleteMayra is one of the absolute sweetest, most genuine and amazing ladies on the interwebz. I found your blog through her, and think this is such a neat and inspiring feature. Thanks for showcasing her, in turn leading me to your blog! I'm off to go sort through your archive now, and I look forward to reading more from you in the future!
ReplyDelete-Bronwyn