Shaken Baken Blog

I just spent an entire weekend binge watching food programs on television and the internet. I realized I had seen 4 chefs cook their own interpretations of chili. I've always been a fan of chili but never bothered to learn how to make it. I always thought it was time consuming, and I would probably never use the spices again. Besides that, when you have discretionary eaters in your house, you try to accommodate everyone's palate as best as you can. I have kids that are picky eaters, and a husband who doesn't take his food too spicy. I did some research to find the simplest chili recipe, factored in/ out a few ingredients, and came up with an adapted recipe that worked. I had the family taste it as I went along so that we were on the same page with taste preference. It's savory with a bit of sweetness from the tomatoes, and just the right amount of spice.   Ingredients 2 lbs. ground beef ½ cup white onion ½ cup green pepper 1 clove garlic chopped 2 Tablespoons tomato

I just spent an entire weekend binge watching food programs on television and the internet. I realized I had seen 4 chefs cook their own interpretations of chili. I've always been a fan of chili but never bothered to learn how to make it. I always thought it was time consuming, and I would probably never use the spices again. Besides that, when you have discretionary eaters in your house, you try to accommodate everyone's palate as best as you can. I have kids that are picky eaters, and a husband who doesn't take his food too spicy. I did some research to find the simplest chili recipe, factored in/ out a few ingredients, and came up with an adapted recipe that worked. I had the family taste it as I went along so that we were on the same page with taste preference. It's savory with a bit of sweetness from the tomatoes, and just the right amount of spice.   Ingredients 2 lbs. ground beef ½ cup white onion ½ cup green pepper 1 clove garlic chop

HOW I RUINED CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES IN 6 EASY STEPS                        I’m in baking mode. The holidays are upon us and my urge to create is blossoming. My kiddies requested a Halloween cake for the upcoming holiday. They wanted the outside to be a jack o’ lantern and the inside orange, vanilla and chocolate cake. Okay. Somehow I thought I had 4 cake pans, but I only had 3 of the same size. Since I was coloring one of the vanilla batches orange, that left me with excess chocolate. I decided to make cupcakes with the remaining batter. Fast forward all the prepping and mixing and I am ready to pour my mix into the cupcake pan. After inserting the cupcake liners, my daughter suggests putting Halloween Oreos in the batter. I said screw it why not? My daughter started putting cookies in the bottom of the liners. I didn’t think it was a good idea because I figured they would cook incorrectly. I don’t know…somehow it just seemed wrong. I only let her put a few at the bottom; I took the remai

HOW I RUINED CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES IN 6 EASY STEPS                        I’m in baking mode. The holidays are upon us and my urge to create is blossoming. My kiddies requested a Halloween cake for the upcoming holiday. They wanted the outside to be a jack o’ lantern and the inside orange, vanilla and chocolate cake. Okay. Somehow I thought I had 4 cake pans, but I only had 3 of the same size. Since I was coloring one of the vanilla batches orange, that left me with excess chocolate. I decided to make cupcakes with the remaining batter. Fast forward all the prepping and mixing and I am ready to pour my mix into the cupcake pan. After inserting the cupcake liners, my daughter suggests putting Halloween Oreos in the batter. I said screw it why not? My daughter started putting cookies in the bottom of the liners. I didn’t think it was a good idea because I figured they would cook incorrectly. I don’t know…somehow it just seemed wrong. I only let her put a few at the bottom; I

One of my favorite breakfasts growing up  was cinnamon toast.  It is still a family staple in my house.  Not only is it delicious,  It was mom's way of getting us to eat wheat bread  or as I use to say "brown bread".  Ingredients 4 slices whole grain bread softened butter  (room temp or bread will tear) 1 1/4 Tbsp. cinnamon (for all 4 slices) 1 1/2 Tbsp. granulated sugar (for all 4 slices) Directions        Preheat oven/ toaster oven to 450.  Spread butter on top of each slice of bread.  Sprinkle enough cinnamon to cover bread (a light to med dusting is enough) Approx. 1/2 tsp of sugar to top each slice (less or more to your liking)       Your bread will have a very rustic look before toasting. Put bread in preheated toaster oven or broiler (DON'T LEAVE THE KITCHEN!) The top will melt quickly from the high heat.  Cooking time is approximate (1-2 min) When butter and sugar melt  turn toast over and put back into oven.  Don't worry. The top side will not melt off. 

One of my favorite breakfasts growing up  was cinnamon toast.  It is still a family staple in my house.  Not only is it delicious,  It was mom's way of getting us to eat wheat bread  or as I use to say "brown bread".  Ingredients 4 slices whole grain bread softened butter  (room temp or bread will tear) 1 1/4 Tbsp. cinnamon (for all 4 slices) 1 1/2 Tbsp. granulated sugar (for all 4 slices) Directions        Preheat oven/ toaster oven to 450.  Spread butter on top of each slice of bread.  Sprinkle enough cinnamon to cover bread (a light to med dusting is enough) Approx. 1/2 tsp of sugar to top each slice (less or more to your liking)       Your bread will have a very rustic look before toasting. Put bread in preheated toaster oven or broiler (DON'T LEAVE THE KITCHEN!) The top will melt quickly from the high heat.  Cooking time is approximate (1-2 min) When butter and sugar melt  turn toast over and put b

After months...of organizing, restructuring, and figuring out formats I have now joined the awesome board collectors on Pinterest!  I am really ready to get rid of all of my other social media accounts and just live HERE!   :) I have been doing a lot of baking lately and I didn't want to post anything until I get the buttercream smooth.  (Bakers will relate) I  will soon start posting some of my party cake ideas and diving more into my creative side. I  will still share home cooked goodies for the family, b ut my new obsession has officially taken over. Can't wait to show you all v ery soon! Follow me on Pinterest  Facebook Instagram Twitter