Apr 29th 11 Posted by Cindy Schwanke

what is ganache?

Ganache-(ga-nosh) a rich blend of  chocolate and heavy cream and optionally, flavorings, used as a pastry or candy filling or a frosting. This defination is from the ‘On Baking’  book we use in the culinary classes at ICUE, Institute for Culinary Education at College of the Canyons. This definition is very accurate except the definition fails to inform that there are 827 different ways to... read more

Jan 19th 11 Posted by Cindy Schwanke

follow that recipe

Is there a perfect recipe that you love and is your go to favorite. You know, your invited to a party and asked to bring a dish and you take out that old faithful recipe, the one you have been making for years becuase you know it works. The paper it is written on is probably wrinkled and stained with various spills and splats from years of wear and tear.  Keep that recipe! Really great recipes, no... read more

Nov 22nd 10 Posted by Cindy Schwanke

fresh vs. the rest

Does anyone buy Bisquick? Recently I had some leftover chicken and was in need of a quick dinner for the family. I dashed into the grocery store and went to the produce section. I picked up some carrots, onions, celery and some fresh herbs. The light bulb finally went on, chicken pot pie was what would be for dinner. Chicken Pot Pie, (Turkey Pot Pie is a great way to use up leftover turkey from... read more

Oct 6th 10 Posted by Cindy Schwanke

really? apple pie?

I guess I will never learn. I thought the older you get, the wiser you get. Well I am not a believer anymore. I am a Baker. Baking does not come naturally to some people. I tend to take that news for granted every now and again. The simplest of baking is not really that simple for some people. I guess when you work at something for so long, you tend to believe everyone has been working at the same... read more

Aug 4th 10 Posted by Cindy Schwanke

baking challenge was on!

I recently attended a conference at College of the Canyons. Whenever I wear my Chef coat to a function, inevitably the discussion turns to food. It seems everyone has a food story. I love to listen to people share their stories about a special food memory. One of my colleagues was sharing memories of her childhood in Australia. She was fondly remembering the wonderful scones she used to enjoy. She was... read more

Jul 8th 10 Posted by Cindy Schwanke

summer sweet berries

Summer is Sweet. In the dessert world, which is where I tend to hang out, there are many choices when making a summer dessert for family, friends of  coworkers. Grocery stores and Farmers Markets are overflowing with beautiful, fresh, sweet berries. The sweetest varieties available this summer season are cherries, black raspberries, red raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Mangos are... read more

Jun 23rd 10 Posted by Cindy Schwanke

my favorite ingredients

Baking is a science. You must measure all ingredients accurately and have the right ingredients to have a successful dessert or pastry experience. When baking, quality ingredients result in a quality dessert. There are numerous fine quality ingredients depending on what you are baking. I would like to start with one of the top 5 of my favorite ingredients in the kitchen. The ingredients is vanilla. I am a... read more

Jun 1st 10 Posted by Marlene Bernstein

oh sweet sugar

We are honored to have Cindy Schwenke join Scene in SCV as a writer.  Some of you may already know Cindy as the full time culinary instructor at College of the Canyons.  Now you will get to know her on a more personal level every month when she writes about her love….pastry. ... read more