Messy Baker Monday

The Messy Baker

Messy Baker Monday

The Messy Baker Monday Bloggers Review goes live today.

The next time someone tells you the world is an awful place and that the Internet is turning us all into mean, self-obsessed trolls, show them this post.

Today is Messy Baker Monday. I didn’t invent it. I didn’t cook this up as a PR scheme — if you’ll pardon the pun. This idea came from Robyn and Jenny, two food bloggers I’ve met through Food Bloggers of Canada. They rallied the troops, created the concept, and did all the legwork. I’m just sitting back and basking in the limelight. Better get out the SPF, because their reviews are glowing.

Below is a list of the bloggers who are taking part in Messy Baker Monday. They read The Messy Baker and then went wild. They baked and photographed  and opened up a fresh pack of post-it notes for future baking. Some time today, they’ll blog about it. They did it in part because they’re bakers, but mostly they joined in with such enthusiasm because they’re engaged, community-minded people who just happen to like baking. When I read through their posts, I feel like I got my birthday, Christmas and anniversary presents all rolled into one today.

I’ve met most of these smart, generous and creative women in person.  A couple of weeks ago I wandered the Aberfoyle Market with Jan, Lou, Brittany and Christina. Heather couldn’t make it but I can tell you she’s a fellow gardener with the best iPhone case EVER. I met Libby through Gastropost, and will be cooking with Mardi’s Petites Chefs in November. Rhonda and I have gone on food tours together, and Meg hosted a food bloggers pot luck at her home. Even though Valerie lives in Edmonton, we met at a conference and will do so again next month. Jennifer. I also got to know her better through the Canadian Food Experience Project. Stephanie and I crossed virtual paths in the Ontario Gas BBQ Challenge. Stephanie won the challenge but I walked away with the real prize — a couple of like-minded cyber-chums. This kind of friend often turns into a real friend over time. In fact, I’m meeting Jennifer this weekend at What’s Cooking Bracebridge.

That leaves Carole, and I know it’s just a matter of time before we got on a tour, meet at a conference or end up at a real-life, in-person potluck. I’ll bring the brownies.

A special Messy Baker Monday thank you to the following food bloggers. Checkout the links for their posts, opinions, photos and a few recipes.

  • Carole of The Yum Yum Factor – Orange Walnut Blondies
  • Jenny from The Brunette Baker – Whisky Kissed Pecan Pie
  • Robyn from Planet Byn – Blueberry Lime Cornmeal Muffins
  • Stephanie of Kitchen Frolic – Smoked Paprika Corn Fritters
  • Brittany My Daily Randomness – Cherry & Lemon Macaroon Meringues
  • Rhonda from Olive & Ruby – Ginger Vanilla Scones and a Q&A
  • Heather from The Tasty Gardener – Piglet Muffins with Caramelized Bacon
  • Mardi from eat. live. travel. write. – Profiteroles
  • Lou from Living Lou – Double-Stuffed Uber Oreos
  • Libby of Libby Roach – Basil & Aged Cheddar Scones / Deep Dark Cherry Chipotle Brownies
  • Christina of Strawberries for Supper Savoury Pecan Cheddar Bites
  • Meg from Sweet Twist of Blogging – Rhubarb Raspberry Galette with Frangipane
  • Jennifer from Seasons & Suppers – Tomato Arugula Stuffed Focaccia
  • Valerie from A Canadian Foodie – Welsh Griddle Cakes and a Q&A

Update: I didn’t realize Liliana of My Cookbook Addiction was joining us. She made Burnt Caramel and Sea  Salt Sticky Buns even though she’s intimidated by caramel and her yeast bread never rises. I’m happy to report she had back-to-back successes.

14 Comments
  • Mardi (eat. live. travel. write.)
    Posted at 16:47h, 29 September

    So happy to share the Messy Baker love 🙂

  • Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
    Posted at 16:56h, 29 September

    Truly my pleasure! Can’t wait to meet you on the weekend. I have my tickets! 🙂

  • Robyn
    Posted at 19:05h, 29 September

    It’s no secret I’m the biggest Messy Baker groupie you have! I love, love, love the book, and can’t stop eating the Blueberry Lime Cornmeal Muffins! So exciting to read everyone’s posts today 🙂

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 19:14h, 29 September

    I’m really grateful. Thanks so much Mardi! I am so looking forward to joining your class for a demo.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 19:15h, 29 September

    It’s going to be a wonderful weekend. And it looks like the weather will cooperate, too! Bonus! Can’t wait to meet up.

    Thanks again for the enthusiastic support (even if cilantro tastes like soap to you!)

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 19:20h, 29 September

    I’m actually getting emotional but this. Really. I’m not a sappy woman but all these heartfelt, joyous posts are making me well up. I feel so unbelievably blessed.

    I have never had a groupie before. I hope this doesn’t go to my head! If I start getting full of myself throw one of those muffins at my head.

    Thanks again for your role in getting Messy Baker Monday off the ground!! I means so much!

  • Bob
    Posted at 20:45h, 29 September

    Well, who knew?? It seems I serendipitously (is that a word?) celebrated Messy Baker Monday too! Woke up this morning feeling in need of a scone. Bought this new book called The Messy Baker last week and wanted to try the Ginger and Vanilla scones. Today was the day. I ate four of them all by myself today. Love the taste combination. My book is filled with Post-Its. Next up, the blueberry/lime cornmeal muffins.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 21:14h, 29 September

    I am definitely filing this one under Meant To BE! Four scones? I bow to you. I will only admit to two at any sitting. The truth of the matter I will take to my grave.

    I’m so glad you liked the scones. Robyn of Planety Byn loves the Blueberry Lime Cornmeal Muffins, so you might like them too. They are messy to eat but so worth it. Thanks so much for buying my book. I hope you find many favourites in it.

  • Liz @ Floating Kitchen
    Posted at 21:17h, 29 September

    I’ve loved reading all the Messy Baker Monday posts today. And I agree – the blogging community is made up of so many authentic, generous and talented ladies. I can’t get enough of them all! XO

  • Wyona Lewis
    Posted at 21:37h, 29 September

    I am an 85 year old Welsh lady who grew up on Welsh cakes and still make my own. In the old days they were cooked on a cast iron “bake stone” over an open flame, but today I use an electric griddle. A treat when we were children was to have raspberry jam smeared on our cakes and topped with a little coconut.
    In my home town there is a little bakery in the market that has a thriving trade in Welsh cakes, so they are still loved even if they are not made at home. However, the traditional shape is round and I’m sure you would not find a square Welsh cake in the length and breadth of Wales nor anything added except currants.
    However, to each his own. Enjoy!

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 21:47h, 29 September

    Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your Welsh griddle cakes knowledge. I didn’t know about the cast iron bake stone over an open flame. I bet they picked up some lovely flavours from this. I use a cast iron griddle over a gas flame, but I’m sure it’s not the same.

    Nothing but currants? That’s interesting. The recipe likely got adulterated once it crossed the pond — or picked up some influences from the side of the family that spent a lot of time in Jamaica. They were of Welsh decent but developed a love of spices which I seem to have inherited. I, however, love the idea of raspberry jam and coconut. I’ll definitely try this the next time I make them!

    I believe the original recipe called for rounds, but my mother is very pragmatic and made squares to be efficient — so that’s what I did as well. It’s becoming apparent how traditions change so easily.

    If I’m ever back in Wales, I will sample the Welsh cakes with pleasure! Thanks again so much for taking the time to leave your very informative comment!!

  • A Canadian Foodie
    Posted at 00:32h, 30 September

    What a lovely post!
    🙂
    V

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 09:18h, 30 September

    Thanks. I am truly touched by the generosity of this group. No because they’re praising the book, but because they did this on their own initiative, spending their time and grocery budget to support a fellow blogger. Getting all warm and fuzzy…

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 09:18h, 30 September

    It’s a lovely group. Thanks for taking part!