freestate's Profile

I can't wait to see where the iPad goes. I have a feeling its going to be just as successful as the iPhone in the long run. I dont have one yet, but I've played with one. The larger screen really is amazing.

Now if only someone could develop an app that imported blog recipes into it:)

I have a form pan that I use for cheesecake that is 9 inches round and 3 inches tall. I have not seen a taller one either.

I just did a NY Cheesecake that did not use a water bath and it turned out with no cracks. It also was an odd baking time - ten minutes at 500 deg and then 90 more minutes at 200 deg without opening the oven. It turned out amazing.

(The no scraping after the eggs is important for any cheesecake recipe with real cream cheese)

My Mom always told me "When in doubt throw it out" and I still live by that.

However, some things have expiration dates that wont expire if stored properly - like vanilla beans. It just depends - but if I dont know I generally through it out.

Im having friends over tonight - making neat loaf (vegetarian meatloaf), mashed potatoes, green beans and banana cream pie for desert (Im showing one of my friends how to make it). Then tomorrow Im making a new Meyer Lemon tart I wanted to try. Sunday Im planning on making a few quiches.

I use two cameras for my blog - it just depends on what Im doing. In my Baking Class I use my iPhone 3GS and it does remarkably well under good light for close up shots.

When at home I use a Nikon E8400 - its old now but it has scenes set up for close ups etc and manual settings as well. It works great - but it still does not stop me from wishing I had a nice new camera with a macro lens:)

I also use a tripod to shoot at home - it helps a lot and it also has a timer to get mixing shots etc.

I do this often as well. I use a non-stick pan on high heat and flip the mushrooms every minute or so. I also have done it using a very light light spray of non-stick high heat oil with success.