Friday, March 13, 2015

Brown Paper Packages:)








I made make agains this past week..
Remember Spinach strawberry salad with poppyseed dressing?
A classic..we still love it..
Yes my eggs are square:)
In this month's Ricardo magazine..they were focusing on certain fun gadgets..I said to Jacques..:"I have that".I bought it at least 30 yrs ago I think.It's "nouveau" again.

Now if I had only kept my hot pants..(kidding of course)..

I tried David Lebovitz's take on Chicken Marsala..and it was very good w/ egg noodles..I have tried others..but this one was good enough to make again.
And..
I've mentioned this pie before..and even shared it..
But it is worth repeating

As I just made it again and he still loves it again:)
Jacques loves crumbed topped pies..
I have a few that have this upper crust;) But I only make one Brown Bag Apple Pie.
This one was made w/ Ricardo's cream cheese dough..and Kim's Brown Bag Apple Pie Recipe from her mom..You can use any pie dough you enjoy.
I find Ricardo's pie doughs to be fail proof for me.

I used to have a trepidation or two that the bag would ignite..but after so many times.. it never has.Even at that temp~
So if you feel like experimenting..and having a broad smile when you peel the brown bag away..Try this one..
Pies are so "Home" style I find.


I wanted to ask you a question..while in Florida..I tried the Trader Joe's Cornbread mix..and although it crumbs about in a messy way when eating..it is really good..
I have this cast iron pan..and many recipes stick..I do oil it and warm it..but still some do.I did find a recipe that pops out well..but the taste is very bland..Too bad cause it even lookled like corn..Do any of you have a tried and true cornbread recipe?:) A delicious one?:)That tastes like the mix of TJ's?
If so I'd love it.I'm not a mix girl.

Thank you.

Did you see this? Love it.

And this? Having superheroes in the family..this really got to me..

I just love being moved to tears.
By kindness.
Bon Weekend♥

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72 comments:

  1. From the KitchenMarch 13, 2015 at 8:49 AM

    I'm not a mix girl either. That said, TJ's cornbread mix is the best of the lot. I usually add some grated cheddar and, maybe, chopped jalepenos. The trick to the cast iron corn pan is to keep oiling over and over until it is nonstick. I oil it well and put it in a warm oven for a bit before storing. I also heat it with the oil before I pour the batter in. Now, as to those hot pants.....!!!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 9:45 AM

      Do you remember them? Oh say 45 yrs ago?

      I would stick to TJs..but we don't have one here.Will stock up next time..I thought time would weather the pan:) Thanks Bonnie.

      Delete
  2. Karen (Back Road Journal)March 13, 2015 at 9:15 AM

    Your New England pie plate gave me a smile. I love how you decorated your pie with the apple tree. And square eggs???

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  3. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 9:45 AM

    :)

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  4. justmeshelMarch 13, 2015 at 10:49 AM

    Well I'm not in Canada or US so those cornbread mixes are new to me?
    We use polenta or maize meal here in SA..
    Goodness that "mealie" pan is just stunning..I was wondering about your square eggs too?
    Just beautiful Monique..everything
    you teach us so much here
    Bon weekend
    Shel

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 10:54 AM

      It is SO good to have you blogging again..There was something so missing.

      Delete
  5. NellieMarch 13, 2015 at 11:22 AM

    Happy Friday, Monique! You've such a beautiful blog! Our favorite cornbread recipe has no flour or sugar - 1/4 cup canola oil (heated in iron skillet while mixing batter), 2 cups corn meal, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt (I use less), 2 lightly beaten eggs, and 2 cups buttermilk; bake at 425 degrees F for 20 minutes or so. Oh, make batter, then add warm oil and blend; add to warm, oiled skillet to bake.

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 11:37 AM

      Nellie..thank you!..I will try it..I have corn meal:)

      Delete
  6. donna bakerMarch 13, 2015 at 12:17 PM

    Oh that pie - sounds and looks delicious.

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  7. LaurieMarch 13, 2015 at 12:39 PM

    My go to cornbread is Jiffy's. It's quick and easy and we love it. It has a slight sweetness to it.

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 4:48 PM

      Thanks..you seem to have suggested what everyone else has mix wise..Thank you!

      Delete
  8. PennyMarch 13, 2015 at 12:45 PM

    I do have a recipe for cornbread that I blogged about. It is my go to recipe. Recipe here;http://lakelurecottagekitchen.com/2011/02/03/rosas-cornbread/

    It is worth a try. I have never made it in a corn stick mold. But there is a good story behind it.

    I was touched by your videos. And curious about the square eggs. Have a great weekend Monique.

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 4:47 PM

      Penny I will go look ..actually last night I was in my bedtime Pinterest routine before reading my new book..as I always do..and one of the recipes was yours..and then I kept reading;) Never knew you were a motorcycle Mama..My son-in-law..the police officer/Harley owner would love you!
      I saw many posts I missed and kept looking..your view at Lake Lure is bliss..and you have so many recipes I have yet to discover!
      Reroactively too...

      Delete
  9. Deana SidneyMarch 13, 2015 at 1:12 PM

    I do love your make agains --- they are better than most people's firsts and, frankly,who doesn't like classics?

    I always like people's favorites, they are tried, true, tested and loved. I have one for cornbread with corn in it and butter... the butter makes it good. Best non-stick for cornbread in cast iron though is good sweet lard - a trick taught to me by an ancient southern lady who's cook told her when she was a girl before the century turned -- the 20th century!! Just brush it on a hot pan.

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 4:51 PM

      I just bought lard! I did..a fancy little box of Crisco one cup only..Perfect timing..The TJ mix has corn in it..like dried corn..wonder if frozen could work.
      Butter makes everything better..For some reason..doing errands to day,,curd cheese kept coming within my peripheral vison.
      You and Martin;)

      Delete
  10. SavoringTime in the KitchenMarch 13, 2015 at 3:24 PM

    I love it when a recipe is so good that it's a 'make again'! Kim's pie - yum! I've never tried TJ's cornbread mix! When the girls were growing up I would also buy the box of Jiffy cornbread mix. It was good but I don't know how it compares to TJ's. I must have missed the square egg fad! I know I didn't miss the hot pants fad, though :-) Now I see bell-bottoms again. Wish I would have saved those! As they say, "What goes around, comes around". Both videos are wonderfully touching♥ Lovely pics!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 4:45 PM

      I may add some square eggs to my Easter table..the Littles;) will wonder how Nana did that..
      Jiffy has been recommended a lot..I'll try it!

      Delete
  11. Kathy WalkerMarch 13, 2015 at 3:40 PM

    I saw David's marsala recipe and thought about making it...then I got distracted and started thinking about Sam's Meyer Lemon Chicken.... It will be both and soon as we are heading to Germany next Friday.....we are taking a river cruise down/up the Danube! We are excited. Anyway, will be making those dishes. I remember the cornbread pan! As an aside....pull out the hot pants...they are coming back in style! :-)

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 4:42 PM

      You are taking a Viking River Cruise?
      Lucky you..our immediate neighbors go every year it seems and they rave about it..Cathy at Wives With Knives too..
      If I amnot mistaken..it's not your first time to Germany..Nor your first cruise?
      I know..I want to make Sam's chicken too..BTW for Mr Lebovitz's Chicken..I used only 2 breasts..(J and I) but kept the full sauce recipe..You won't have too much..;)

      Delete
    2. Kathy WalkerMarch 15, 2015 at 12:32 PM

      It is my third river cruise. We really enjoy them. Yes, Cathy and I have talked about the cruises.....I want to go to the Christmas Markets this year...we shall see..
      Will follow your lead on the Marsala. I am excited about making it.

      Delete
  12. pamMarch 13, 2015 at 4:02 PM

    Squared eggs! I love crumbed top pies too! My favorite cornbread comes from a mix - Jiffy. I know it's sweet, but I love it - probably because it is so sweet!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 4:44 PM

      So ..with all these Jiffy recommendations..that's what I will try for a mix..;)
      I can at least get that closer than my closest TJ's..
      Thanks Pam..I started following the Bundt Bakers on Pinterest because of you~

      Delete
  13. TannaMarch 13, 2015 at 4:20 PM

    We love sweet cornbread; not everyone does. I do have a recipe I love, but have found Jiffy to be an easy substitute. ;)

    That little boy is so cute when he says, "Ironman"... then "Robert". How cool was that? And, the No Barriers morning. Good stuff. I ordered The Art of Hearing a Heartbeat this morning! Thank you!! I'm looking forward to reading it. Yours is the first square egg I've seen, but I do remember one pair of hotpants with particular fondness. ;) blessings ~ tanna
    ps I love the tree on your pie... the tree of life.

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 4:53 PM

      I do hope you will enjoy it♥
      It just seems to me that you would.
      Oh those hot pants..Now I never even wear bermudas.
      Capris are the shortest I will go..
      They were called pedal pushers when I was little..
      And I love your analogy.The tree of life~
      Thank you Tanna.

      Delete
  14. RosenoisettesMarch 13, 2015 at 4:50 PM

    Bonsoir ~
    Que de douceur, cette tarte décorée d'un arbre donne envie, et elle est tellement symbolique, l'arbre de vie. On revit en mangeant de bonnes tartes maisons !
    Cette salade semble délicieuse à souhait, les classiques sont les meilleurs.

    Bon weekend

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 4:58 PM

      Tu as réitéré exactement ce que Tanna m'a mentionné..ci -dessus..
      En effet ,j'ai lu un livre il y a tellement d'années..que je ne me souviens plus du tout du titre..et c'est la dame qui est le sujet du livre..qui faisait ses tartes aux pommes ..avec un arbre...j'ai été impressionnée..visiblement!
      Copie conforme..presque.

      Delete
  15. Gloria BakerMarch 13, 2015 at 4:51 PM

    I love all but especially the plates with roses!
    Absolutely beautiful:)
    I love beauty plates.
    I love the pie too!!
    Have a nice weekend dear!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 5:00 PM

      You and I..eye..the plates..often.
      This is a vintage Tole Painted tray.. from my Bunker sale.
      I have been able to find two..in many many years.
      I like them very much also.
      Someone had talent:)
      You too Gloria..

      Delete
  16. Debbie@Mountain BreathsMarch 13, 2015 at 8:25 PM

    Both videos are touching! My hubby gets up before me in the morning and watches videos like those. I never have the time, so thanks for sharing them. We love 'make again' recipes here. I've never tried TJ's cornbread mix, but have used Jiffy. I don't make cornbread often but when I do it has to be Honey Hush cornbread from the Dinosaur BBQ cookbook. I must have missed the square egg fad, but I won't miss making that paper bag pie. Apple pie appeals to just about everyone. Wishing you a nice weekend!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2015 at 9:52 PM

      I know your Joe is tender hearted..you have said that..or showed in in things he does..
      I have never heard of that cookbook Debbie..I'll Google ..
      I bet the snow melted a bit at your place too this week..although I enjoy winter..the blue skies and thaw were ..well they just had a note of positive.
      You too..have a great weekend.

      Delete
  17. BettyMarch 13, 2015 at 10:31 PM

    I love the idea of a brown bag apple pie. I have just a few apples left in storage from fall, and I'd forgotten about them until I saw your post. I think they'll be perfect for this pie, although I'm sure mine won't be decorated as beautifully as yours! I have one of those square egg gadgets- it's a vintage one, and the box has a picture of a chicken saying "ouch!" Too funny. :) I have no TJ's nearby either so I don't know about their mix. I love your cornbread pan! Try preheating it with oil in it, and put the batter into the hot pan.

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 14, 2015 at 8:36 AM

      I don't have the box anymore..but it's a yellow plastic..Ouch..I will have to show my Chicken keeping son-in-law..If not for Ricardos' magazine..I doubt I would have dug it out..
      Ihave made the pie in a smaller pie pan too..it works just as well..
      It would be fun to bake with children too!

      Delete
  18. SarahMarch 14, 2015 at 12:19 AM

    Love the salad. It's still one of my favs, but I simply use white balsamic on it. ;-)
    I had those same cornbread pans, but I think we passed them a long. Wish I had kept them, but we rarely used them. Happy weekend!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 14, 2015 at 8:38 AM

      White balsamic is so pretty.It doesn't alter the look of plating at all..I should use it more often.The first one I ever bought was in a US Trader Joes..on our 25th anniversary I think..on our way to the Cape..So 16 years ago..
      I am certain I will rarely use mine..but Noah and his mom loved it when I made it..You tend to pull out things ..when company comes..

      Delete
  19. susie @ persimmon moon cottageMarch 14, 2015 at 12:57 AM

    You made me so hungry for strawberry, spinach salad. I remember the first time I ever had it, probably closer to 40 years ago. I was amazed that strawberries would be so good with spinach. I was in my early twenties and couldn't imagine strawberries & spinach together, but it was really good, and will be again when I make it later this week. Thanks for the inspiration. I hadn't thought of that salad in quite a while.

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 14, 2015 at 8:27 PM

      I just saw you..this comment..I went to your blog and am in a small rush..but will go back in the morning..I read just a few paragraphs of the latest post and I can chime in.I want to bring my own hospital garb thank you..Geesh.
      How uncomfortable can examination rooms make us feel?:(

      Delete
  20. handmade by amaliaMarch 14, 2015 at 1:32 AM

    I've never tried making cornbread but I love eating it so I'll follow your adventures :-)
    That pie is a darling!
    Amalia
    xo

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  21. Marie RaynerMarch 14, 2015 at 4:15 AM

    I hae a corn stick pan I have never used more than a few times. They stick. I wish I could find a recipe that didn't. Your pie looks magnificent! So beautiful. I giggle at the square eggs. You always inspire me my dear. You truly do. I think you are a real treasure. xoxoxo

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 14, 2015 at 8:41 AM

      Marie.. who inspires who ?LOL
      How many dishes of yours have I made?
      Now dolls that I make?
      Things that I Pin?
      Books I have read?
      Let me count the ways:)

      Delete
  22. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenMarch 14, 2015 at 7:42 AM

    I don't like to use mixes either and I thought Bonnie gave you great advice about oiling black iron skillets until they are almost nonstick. It's important when they're new to season them properly & continue to do so all of the skillets life, which can be very long . Here's a "how to" I pinned - https://www.pinterest.com/pin/46654546116024480/. Now to cornbread. I am a Southerner and I grew up on cornbread being served almost daily in our home.

    But when it comes to cornbread keep in mind there are two distinctive camps on cornbread - Southern cornbread, which is more savory than sweet and is served at dinner/lunch with meals, Northern cornbread is sweet and more like a breakfast bread & can be served with maple syrup. I've never tried the TJ's mix so I don't know if it is on the sweet side or the savory side. If it's on the savory side, let me know and I will send you that is very similar to my mothers. It should work well in the corn stick muffin tins. Now on to those adorable square eggs. I hope you'll let us in on how you made them square. Have a great weekend Monique.
    Sam

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 14, 2015 at 8:47 AM

      Hi Sam..Re the square egg:)
      http://www.amazon.com/Egg-Cuber-Square-Press/dp/B002C8ZDQE
      You put your hard boiled egg..warm..in this contraption that actually looks like a torture chamber for eggs..Refrigerate..and they come out square..mine is see through yellow.
      Not sure which category the TJ ones fits in..Halfaway maybe..it does taste a bit sweet..but to me it was savory..and w/ kernels of corn..
      My mom's cast iron is so well seasoned..you are all correct.I am just going to use it more often;)
      Toi aussi Sam..bon weeekend..sous peu..La Provence:)

      Delete
  23. BarbaraMarch 14, 2015 at 8:50 AM

    I've never used cornbread mixes, so can't comment on that. I made one for years out of Joy of Cooking, but a couple years ago tried a different one...I liked the tanginess and think most recipes from Sara Leah Chase's cookbooks are marvelous. http://moveablefeastscookbook.blogspot.com/2010/10/corn-sticks.html

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  24. La Table De NanaMarch 14, 2015 at 9:12 AM

    Barbara ,they look fantastic..I PInned them..Thanks!

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  25. CathleenMarch 14, 2015 at 11:22 AM

    I LOVE the look of that spinach and strawberry salad. I love that combo too :)
    I have no advice on the cornbread front. I don't think I have even tried cornbread! And even if I did, there is no Trader Joe's in Canada to compare :(

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  26. Linda @ Life and LindaMarch 14, 2015 at 12:16 PM

    Lovely apple pie. I keep forgetting to look for an enamel pie plate. The strawberry salad has me wanting some. The square eggs are delightful and so fun! As for corn bread, I used Jiffy when I wanted something quick and easy. It was voted one of the best. I do have a lovely recipe in one of my cookbooks I have used over the years. A great restaurant in Napa, Ca serves an awesome cornbread with green chilis, corn and cheese. Have a great weekend.

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 14, 2015 at 2:55 PM

      You know..I think I would love Napa Linda..
      I will check to see if they sell Jiffy here..thanks Linda!

      Delete
  27. LindaMarch 14, 2015 at 3:14 PM

    Did you know today is Pi(e) day! How perfect is that beauty!
    Love everything about this post...and you!
    Bisous xo

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  28. La Table De NanaMarch 14, 2015 at 6:39 PM

    I saw a Pin yesterday..that clued me in:)
    Bisous right back at you..xxx

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  29. Cheri Savory SpoonMarch 14, 2015 at 6:44 PM

    Your pie is beautiful, especially the topping and the tree. The video was beautiful, I love being moved to tears too!

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  30. AmyMarch 14, 2015 at 7:21 PM

    I almost got this corn baking pan, almost. I haven't try the mix at Trader Joe's so not sure how they taste. I do make my own corn bread after having some awesome ones at Whispering Canyon Restaurant on a trip to Florida. But they are baked in loaf pan instead of these cute corn pans. So, I bet the baking time would be different.

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 14, 2015 at 8:28 PM

      You need this pan Amy ..you are young and have a lifetime of baking ahead of you..
      Get everything you need now:)

      Delete
  31. Painting the hamptonsMarch 14, 2015 at 8:47 PM

    Beautiful apples, beautiful square eggs :) absolutely love that video of RD Jr and the little boy. Oh so sweet.

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 15, 2015 at 8:34 AM

      So touching..he's a natural with kids..a kid himself in so many ways:)

      Delete
  32. UnknownMarch 14, 2015 at 10:57 PM

    Love your square eggs Monique, can't believe you saved the pan. I would have had to buy it all over again! Make agains are always the best recipes.

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  33. ParisbreakfastsMarch 14, 2015 at 11:58 PM

    I got it on good authrity that Mark Bittmans cornbread is the Top
    http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9375-cornbread
    Love that 1st pic!!!

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  34. Sketchbook WanderingMarch 15, 2015 at 11:56 AM

    And as always so good to see your favorite things!!! I'm not a cook, so can't answer any questions, but how I love to LOOK at your culinary masterpieces, and to hear about them!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 15, 2015 at 1:42 PM

      I feel that way about your painting..believe me..Studied the new book..to no avail;)
      I think you either have it or you don't.
      Cooking..you follow a recipe and boom..you're good to go~

      Delete
  35. UnknownMarch 15, 2015 at 7:21 PM

    Your eggs are square!!! OMG!!!! I need that gadget-)))

    Pie looks very scrumptious too-))

    Hugs,

    Yelena

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  36. La Table De NanaMarch 15, 2015 at 7:44 PM

    Yelena..like I needed your Shrimp server/glasses;)
    Got them..4..
    Only took me what 2 years? Or 3?

    I am relentless...if I have an idea in my head..;)

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  37. LindaMarch 15, 2015 at 9:07 PM

    Monique.....that apple treat looks so yummy!
    And...in a paper bag? Who knew!
    Gotta get me a square egg maker....hahaha!
    Spring is nearly sprung!
    Have a great week....
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 16, 2015 at 8:04 AM

      It has! Before we know it..our own tulips will be up~

      Delete
  38. ZoeMarch 15, 2015 at 10:57 PM

    I really like your square and corn-looking cornbreads... They look really cool! I hope that you can find an ideal cornbread recipe to make a better tasting corn-looking cornbreads. I'm interested to know if you can find one that makes from the scratch :D

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  39. Hélène (Cannes)March 17, 2015 at 3:22 AM

    J'ai acheté ce moule en forme d'épis de maïs, un jour ... il y a bien longtemps ... Il est dans mon placard mais je ne m'en suis jamais servi ! Je vais maintenant bien lire tous tes commentaires pour voir comment éviter que mon premier essai ne soit un désastre. Moi, pour les moules un peu compliqués, j'ai un spray anti-adhérent très bien. j'en ai essayé plusieurs, avec des résultats mitigés, mais celui-là est vraiment chouette. Quant à l'apple pie dans un sac en papier, il est absolument magnifique. Quelle idée ! Et puis tu as un si joli moule ! Mais bon, les sacs en papier, ici, ne sont pas de la même qualité que ceux que vous avez en Amérique du Nord (on les utilise beaucoup moins ...) et je ne suis pas sûre qu'ils résistent à la chaleur, tant ils sont fins ...

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  40. Madonna/aka/Ms Lemon of Make Mine LemonMarch 17, 2015 at 5:39 AM

    I agree with Sam. I knew I was from the North because I like my cornbread a little sweet, but if you are from the South they don't take kindly if you sweeten your cornbread. May I suggest prepping your pan with Crisco, it will crisp better, but use butter in the cornbread - for more flavor. I have been told mine is pretty good when I add all the ingredients. :) http://www.makeminelemon.com/corn-bread/ You can cut the sugar a little if it is too sweet for you. My Mom had a pan like that when I was little.

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  41. lleblanc_ndMarch 19, 2015 at 7:57 PM

    Came over to your blog from The English Kitchen. Love your photos. This is the recipe I have used for years: http://www.quakeroats.com/cooking-and-recipe/golden-corn-bread.aspx

    Lorraine

    ReplyDelete

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