Tag Archives: challenge
Sunday, June 14, 2009 08:00
Posted in Challenges, Daring Cooks, Food and Drink 30 comments
 I was quite happy to read that the new challenge for june for the Daring Cooks was Chinese Dumplings. The challenge was hosted by Jen from use real butter, who is a master in making these! I had made those once before during a chinese workshop although we did use the premade wonton wrappers to...
Posted in Challenges, Daring Cooks, Food and Drink
Tags: challenge, Daring Cooks, dumplings, recipe, Recipes
abby - June 14, 2009 - 11:04
i love that photo of you with dough all over your hands! great job though – like you this was my first time not using bought wrappers. [Reply] 
Audax Artifex - June 14, 2009 - 12:02
Wonderful pix of you and the sticky dough – no I think you overfried them at all I fried them to an inch of almost burned and when steamed tasted very very good they had a great deep taste as compared to the just steamed ones. O and deep fried works out great also. Yes the pleating/making of the dumplings does take some practice. Thanks for kind comments on my blog. [Reply] 
Lisa - June 14, 2009 - 15:51
Simone – your pleating looks amazing!!! I love the photo of you with the dough..you are one beautiful lady [Reply] 
Lori - June 14, 2009 - 16:27
Beautiful dumplings and nice pleating. You look like your having a ton of fun. [Reply] 
Claire - June 14, 2009 - 16:44
They look great! Looks like we had similar proplems with the dough and pleating! [Reply] 
Jenn - June 14, 2009 - 17:25
I love all the instructional tips you added! great job – your pleating looks a lot better than mine! [Reply] 
Singing Horse - June 14, 2009 - 19:12
I love your absolutely beautiful photos and dumplings! Congratulations! [Reply] 
lisaiscooking - June 14, 2009 - 20:27
Great job! They look delicious. I’d love to try this sometime–when I have plenty of time and patience! [Reply] 
Mary - June 14, 2009 - 22:14
Wasn’t this a great challenge? Your dumplings and photos are wonderful. Have a good day. [Reply] 
Coco Bean - June 15, 2009 - 01:44
Gizmo! You know I love seeing the pics of the cats eating your meal!I think your pleating came out wonderfully, I didn’t even do it…to lazy! I do think that you can deep fry them. Ian says that it is the same dough for perogies and I have deep fried those (so good!). The picture of you holding the dough is gorgous! [Reply] 
foodbin - June 15, 2009 - 04:21
the fillings should taste good-a thinner dough and better pleating will be perfect. [Reply] 
Nutmeg Nanny - June 15, 2009 - 04:31
You look so happy with all that dough over your hands:) Your pot stickers looks fantastic and looking at these pictures are making me really hungry:) [Reply] 
Esi - June 15, 2009 - 05:32
I think you did a fantastic job! It was definitely a process, but a fun one. [Reply] 
joey - June 15, 2009 - 07:10
Fantastic job with the dumplings! They look so appetizing and now you’ve got me craving for dimsum! [Reply] 
FoodJunkie - June 15, 2009 - 09:04
They look amazing, but too much effort involved! I like working as a team with the hubby, it is really funny sometimes. [Reply] 
Culinary Wannabe - June 15, 2009 - 12:21
Nice job! I love that Gizmo got in on some of the action! [Reply] 
Jamie - June 15, 2009 - 14:20
The photo of you is adorable! And both of your dumplings, the steamed and the fried, look perfect as well as delicious! I must make these again. They are pretty simple to do and the one Chinese dish I can offer my Chinese food loving son. [Reply] 
Valérie - June 15, 2009 - 16:08
(Appologies if my comments appears twice, I had a connection problem) Great job! I love the picture of the different pleats! I think we all had to deal with seeing our technique evolve… I personally liked the crunchier texture of the potstickers, but the steamed ones were also really good (and, as you pointed out, healthier). They’re both keepers! [Reply] 
Olga - June 15, 2009 - 18:23
Yours look great! My pleating wasn’t the best either, but it’s the taste that matters. Btw, LOVED your comment about “speaking Russian” in your cake photo class [Reply] 
rose - June 15, 2009 - 18:34
CUTE photos!!! Your potstickers look delicious! It’s nice to have help in the kitchen too =) I’m lucky that my guy loves cooking as much as I do! [Reply] 
Jen Yu - June 17, 2009 - 04:56
Oh, I just love the photos of your with the dough and Gizmo cleaning up the plate [Reply] 
Shirley - June 17, 2009 - 07:39
These look delicious. I have to recruit a helper next time too. All he did was eat them! [Reply] 
asti - June 18, 2009 - 07:20
Your photos never ceased to amaze me.. Great job on those dumplings =) [Reply]  Simone (junglefrog) Reply: Hi Asti. I never use a lightbox, but use a tripod if there is a lack of daylight or it’s rather dark. I’m not sure where you live but even without a lot of light you should still be able to use natural light and maybe a few reflectors to light up certain shadow areas. Do yo use a tripod or do you shoot handheld? If there is not a lot of light it really helps to keep the camera stable! I’ll have a look at your blog too…. [Reply]  asti Reply: yeah, that’s the problem, my house is lacking natural lights, when I try shooting at night, it always come out yellowish.. Even after I play around with the WB (perhaps it’s because of my hallogen light that tends to have a yellowish effect). I lost the head of my tripod (the thing that is suppose to be attached to the camera), and I haven’t had the budget to buy a new one.. I’m saving for a manfrotto. Perhaps I’m just gonna buy a cheap one for now, since it’s getting harder to find time to shoot during daylight as winter’s rolling in. Thanks for the tips =) [Reply]
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 08:00
Posted in Challenges, Daring Bakers, Desserts & other sweets, Food and Drink, Recipes 26 comments
 I think one the best thing about being part of the Daring Bakers is that you are “forced” to make things, you wouldn’t otherwise attempt. My first challenge last month was the cheesecake, which I had never done before and the second challenge for me was Apple strudel. Ofcourse I had tasted Applestrudel many many...
Posted in Challenges, Daring Bakers, Desserts & other sweets, Food and Drink, Recipes
Tags: apple, applestrudel, baked, baking, challenge, Daring Bakers, may, recipe, Recipes
26 comments 
Peter G - May 27, 2009 - 09:10
Bravo Simone! Yours turned out beautifully! I wish I could help with the strawberries…I’m sure there’s a trick out there somewhere! [Reply]
Lisa - May 27, 2009 - 09:47
Simone, as usual, you’ve blown me away once again..not only with your gorgeous photos, but that strudel is perfection – flaky and delicious looking. You are one talented lady in so many areas! [Reply] 
Vžcool (Nada) - May 27, 2009 - 10:41
Apple strudel looks amazing…very,very beautiful pictures.. [Reply] 
Sophie - May 27, 2009 - 11:36
MMMM…Simone: it looks delicous! Waw! Excellent presentation! [Reply] 
Mara @ What's For Dinner? - May 27, 2009 - 15:27
Well done!! When I was a little girl, there was an older German woman who was friends with my friend’s mom. Every year, all the women in the neighborhood (my mom included) would get together and have “strudel day” while my friend and I played Nintendo in the basement. I’ll never forget the first time I was invited to help stretch the dough! [Reply] 
Pigpigscorner - May 27, 2009 - 15:47
Your version looks gorgeous…and with ice-cream! yum yum!I’m scared of making pastries, I’ll stick with bread for now =) [Reply]
lisaiscooking - May 27, 2009 - 16:24
I’m having fun looking at all these strudels, and your’s looks great! I’ve never tried to make one, and the dough looks like a challenge. But, I’ll have to give it a try some day. [Reply] 
Ria - May 27, 2009 - 16:27
Wow! I love your clicks! Strawberry-Mango combo would have been a dream!!I made mango-apricot! [Reply] 
Rosie - May 27, 2009 - 18:01
Simone, I take my hat of to you here – you made your own strudel dough wow. Everything looks gorgeous and stunning photos! [Reply] 
Sue - May 27, 2009 - 20:08
It looks delicious especially topped with the cream and raspberry! [Reply]
Coco Bean - May 27, 2009 - 21:03
Just beautiful! I wish I had time to do this challenge (yes I know we had a month). Well please eat a big slice for me! [Reply] 
nina - May 27, 2009 - 21:28
If you can make strudel pastry so thin and delicate, then phyllo must be a breeze for you to make!!! [Reply] 
Raje - May 27, 2009 - 21:32
The strudel looks yum and the photos are great. Love the mango strawberry combo. [Reply] 
Arlette - May 28, 2009 - 06:03
great job on y our challenge, and very nice photos as well… [Reply]
Esi - May 28, 2009 - 10:44
As always you did a lovely job and I agree, the DB and Daring Kitchen is wonderful for getting people to attempt things they would never normally do. [Reply]
Olga - May 28, 2009 - 18:08
LOVE your photos! [Reply] 
Jacque - May 29, 2009 - 06:09
You know, mine wasn’t a deep golden brown after the required baking time either. Anyway, your studel is lovely. Sorry the strawberry didn’t work out. What a shame, it sounds wonderful. [Reply] 
Get Well Gifts - May 29, 2009 - 19:15
This looks wonderful. Do you need any taste testers? [Reply] 
Linda Cramer - May 29, 2009 - 19:17
I wanna try this..too bad the strawberries didn’t work great, this would have been a perfect summer delight. [Reply] 
gine - June 1, 2009 - 18:19
Mmmm … mango strawberry sounds like summer [Reply] 
Hannah - June 3, 2009 - 01:37
Fantastic work, your strudel looks delicious, and your photos are so bright and cheerful! [Reply] 
Libby - November 21, 2009 - 07:24
How wonderful that more people are doing a proper strudel these days. In the USA, the term has become convoluted. Some bakeries in my area put together a yeast dough, put some apples into it, and call it a strudel. I always chastise them. Great blog – I have been just browsing a page at a time. You cook all the things I would like to do. Like Cuttlefish ha ha. I have always had a penchant for the uncommon foods but some are hard to find in my area. I do the best I can. [Reply] 
sponge cake recipes - March 19, 2010 - 20:38
yummmmy:P thanks for your tips , i’d adore to adhere to your blog as often as i can.use a wonderful day~~ [Reply]
Monday, April 27, 2009 08:00
Posted in Challenges, Daring Bakers, Desserts & other sweets, Food and Drink, Recipes 30 comments
 The April 2009 challenge is hosted by Jenny from Jenny Bakes. She has chosen Abbey’s Infamous Cheesecake as the challenge. A while ago I was first pointed to the Daring Bakers by seeing some of the amazing results of their march and february challenges and I didn’t hesitate one minute and signed up. One of...
Posted in Challenges, Daring Bakers, Desserts & other sweets, Food and Drink, Recipes
Tags: april 2009, baking, challenge, cheesecake, Daring Bakers
30 comments 
Christelle - April 27, 2009 - 13:59
Come on, looking like this, who would not want to eat this cheesecake!!! [Reply] 
Tartelette - April 27, 2009 - 15:07
Love the colors and flavors of your cheesecake! Can’t see the cracks when covered with such nice blackberry compote. Well done on your first challenge Simone! Welcome to the Daring Bakers! [Reply]
Coco Bean - April 27, 2009 - 15:08
I’m so glad that it worked out for you! I can’t imagine sour tasting cheesecake…yuck! It doesn’t really matter if your cheesecake cracks… some people are just perfectionists without a life. Hope your trip is going well! [Reply]
Culinary Wannabe - April 27, 2009 - 15:37
Cheesecake can be very tricky! Yours sure looks delicious though! Never would have known you had any problems at all! [Reply]
lisaiscooking - April 27, 2009 - 16:32
I never mind a crack or two in a cheesecake, and yours looks delicious! [Reply]
Hannah - April 27, 2009 - 18:16
A cracked cheesecake is just as delicious as a smooth one, and yours certainly looks tasty! Wonderful job on this challenge. [Reply]
nina - April 27, 2009 - 20:29
Finally back from Italy…I have missed you!!! Lovely cheesecake and I love the “Springy” feel of your pictures!!!Beautiful!! [Reply] 
Nicole - April 27, 2009 - 20:35
There is NOTHING like good cheesecake! And I think yours looks amazing. I am glad you liked it. [Reply] 
Nicole (Sweetie Pie) - April 27, 2009 - 22:06
I love cheesecake and have to say “who cares about a few little cracks?!” YUM! The fresh berry topping sounds totally delish too. I’m glad you’ve found something new to enjoy!! [Reply]
Esi - April 27, 2009 - 23:39
So glad you’re a part of Daring Bakers! Nice job on your first cheesecake. [Reply] 
Jenny Tan - April 28, 2009 - 00:09
Hi Simone, I’m sorry that the idea of placing the water bath on the lower rack didn’t work for u! [Reply] 
Ivonne - April 28, 2009 - 02:45
Congratulations on your first challenge! I love how the cheesecake ended it up (nice crack coverage)! [Reply]
asti - April 28, 2009 - 04:01
So sorry to hear that your cheesecake had cracks, but you did a fantastic job coering it with the sauce. I absolutely love your photos… It looked like a fancy cookbook-worthy. [Reply]
Sophie - April 28, 2009 - 08:46
Waw, Simone!! Your first ever baked cheese cake looks Fabulous!! What more can I say? [Reply] 
Meeta - April 28, 2009 - 09:17
welcome to the gang! simone! a lovely looking cheesecake and who cares about cracks if it tastes good! [Reply]
Audax Artifex - April 28, 2009 - 09:22
Congrats on your first successful challenge. I think you over-beat your eggs this makes the batter rise and then collapse; in spite of this your cheesecake looks fabulous. I just love your honest and heartfelt comments. The daring Bakers’ forum is about expanding your baking/cooking skills I’m sure you did that. Bravo yours from Australia Audax [Reply] 
katie - April 28, 2009 - 12:57
Well done on your first challange. Your cheesecake looks wonderfully creamy. Love the top photo too. [Reply] 
deeba - April 28, 2009 - 15:26
It’s beautiful Simone…as good as it gets. What’s life without a little adventure!! [Reply]
Lisa - April 28, 2009 - 19:18
I cannot believe this was your first cheesecake! Not only did you execute it perfectly, but it’s stunning, absolutely stunning AND it looks incredibly mouth watering! When I saw your photo at the DBK forum prior to posting day, I couldn’t wait to see your photos and entry. As always, I am blown away! [Reply] 
JennyBakes - April 29, 2009 - 16:26
I love the flavor combinations you used here. If you make it again, try beating it at a lower speed or beating it less – a lot of times the higher rising sides mean it was overbeaten. I’m glad you liked it! Jenny of JennyBakes [Reply] 
Abbey T. - April 29, 2009 - 18:15
Congratulations on your two firsts: first Daring Bakers challenge and your first cheesecake! I can imagine that the American style of cheesecake must be quite different than what is found in your area. I am the Abbey behind the recipe, by the way, and I’m so glad you gave my recipe a try! A few cracks here and there won’t ruin this recipe – it’s hard to mess this one up. I agree with Audax in that you probably over-whipped the batter, resulting in the rise (and fall!) of the cake – the batter should not have a lot of air in it, so it will be dense and moist. And cooking in the water bath helps too, as it makes the heating process much more gentle. Regardless, your cake looks delicious and I’m so glad you enjoyed it! [Reply] Simone (junglefrog) Reply: Thanks Abbey! For such a wonderful recipe and for taking the time to comment! It might very well have been that I overwhipped the batter as I had no idea I wasn’t supposed to… [Reply] 
Pauli - April 29, 2009 - 18:46
I think it turned out looking really lovely! You’re photos are really beautiful and inspiring (and leave me a drooling a little… ;} ) [Reply]
Sunday, March 22, 2009 14:09
Posted in Challenges, Food and Drink, Photography 2 comments
 I discovered Lara’s blog about the same time I discovered Flickr as a great way to make friends and learn a lot in the process as well. Lara’s blog is incredibly informative and I’ve been reading it ever since. It has great tips on lighting, techniques etc. Lara had been hosting a group on Flickr...
Posted in Challenges, Food and Drink, Photography
Tags: bread, challenge, flickr, nutella, roasted, slw
2 comments
Hannah - April 3, 2009 - 00:02
Fantastic remake! I was a bit disappointed that the group had changed, but it seems like there are still plenty of creative ideas and photos to be taken. [Reply] 
Junglefrog Cooking » Photo remakes still life with - March 22, 2009 - 15:39
[...] Go here to read the rest: Junglefrog Cooking » Photo remakes still life with [...]  A while ago I was asked to go to a basic-workshop to learn about decorating cakes. I have done that on a couple of occassions and I do like it once in a while although I also have to confess that I am not the kind of girl who spends hours and hours to perfect...
Posted in Food and Drink, Photography
Tags: challenge, chocolate trifle, food, marzipan, Photography, workshop
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I hate it when things are named something that they really aren’t.
But seriously, with the blackberry compote, who knows there’s a crack?! Your photos are lovely! 
You totally rocked it, but nothing new there!
30 comments