Sue's Kitchen

Escape to Ann Arbor

2012-02-03T15:19:00.000-08:00

Well, this time last year Sara and I did a whirlwind tour of bakeries in NYC. I think we hit 10 or 12 in all, sampling something at each one. I'll have to check my posting to remember where all we went. Anyway, this year the tradition continues but in a different locale-Ann Arbor! Ann Arbor is home of the famous Zingerman's Delicatessen. WOW! The pastries, candy, gelato, meats, cheeses, artisan breads-it is truly Foodie Heaven!! They roast their own coffee to go with the delicious looking cakes like in the picture-featured are their Hummingbird and Carrot cakes. Since I'm off sweets for awhile we enjoyed a skinny chocolate mint coffee-so good. Maybe next time I'll have a scone...or a piece of pie.....or cake....or gelato :)
Just outside of Ann Arbor is Chelsea, home of Jiffy. I love their cornbread mix for making muffins-so good and simple to make. Wonder if the huge silo is full of cornbread mix? Hmmmm-I'll have to ask next time.

     We LOVE LOVE hitting small town restaurants and found a great place in Zou Zou's in Chelsea. They had a large menu and everything is made fresh daily: scones, soups, ciabatta, chicken salad, quiches. We enjoyed the Tomato Tortellini Soup and Chicken Salad sandwiches all freshly made by the owner that morning. Everyone was super friendly and you could tell they were regulars-that says a lot about a place in my book. Right across the street is a great little Mexican restaurant called Las Fuentes where we enjoyed a rather tastey margarita, delicious guac and chicken fajitas for dinner.

     I missed the Farmer's this time-it's held on Saturday mornings during the winter. Those crazy people hold it OUTSIDE! That's a posting for another day.

     Valentine's Day is coming and I'm planning lots of baking-call me if you need something for your sweetie!

Sue

"Building a Pie 101"

2012-01-24T19:07:00.000-08:00

    Awhile back I had a very enjoyable conversation with one of my Dad's dear childhood friends whose name was Jack Klema. Now Jack had worked construction most of his life, had raised 5 daughters, and at the time, he and his wife Jean were operating a wonderful restaurant called "The Barn on York." It actually was a beautiful barn they had renovated and made into a restaurant. They served delicious meals and offered live Bluegrass music upstairs every week. My Dad, Dick Parker, happened to be in that band and was the bass player. You could enjoy a great slice of pie with your coffee while enjoying live great bluegrass music. What fun times those were!!
    One evening Jack sat at our table and told me, very proudly, that he had gotten his "pie building down to 10 minutes per pie." He explained the steps to me and was so very matter of fact in his pie building process that I had to smile as I envisioned him in an apron slicing apples and rolling out dough, assembling the pie and placing it in the oven, watching the timer and making sure it came out bubbly and not burnt. Not so much unlike the building process of a barn or house, I suppose. Both required planning, precision, and patience and giving great satisfaction and pride in the finished product.
     So, to remember Jack's story, to fondly remember both he and my Dad, and to honor those who take great pride in their "pie building", I dedicate the following pictures of this past weekend's mini pie baking, as chronicled by my very talented photographer daughter, Caitlin.

                                                      THE "BUILDING" OF A PIE

rolling out the dough....

piling the apples high...........

putting on the "lid" and crimping the edges......

waiting for finishing touches..........

cutting out the decorations.....

placing the snowflake cut outs....

brush with milk & sprinkle with sugar.....

                                                        cut vents & ready for the oven..

    Give me a great pie anytime. I'll take it over cookies, cake, brownies, candy....you name it. There isn't a pie I don't love. I've always said it's "all about the crust"...flakey..sugary and just delicious. This mini pie is just the right size for two. Just add a dollop of ice cream in the middle, 2 forks and you're set!

     I hope you enjoyed this story and I thank all the pie bakers and pie lovers out there!!!
Keep up the pie love....................

Sue

Sue's Kitchen Menu

2012-01-09T18:51:00.000-08:00

SIGNATURE PIES (available in deep dish 9", 7" or individual): Mom's Apple, Tart Cherry, Big-n-Bold Blackberry, Summertime 4 Berry, Fencerow Black Raspberry, My Georgia Peach, Sweet Red Raspberry, Beautiful Blueberry, Springtime Strawberry-Rhubarb, Just Rhubarb, Southern Pecan, Kentucky Chocolate Walnut Bourbon, *Pumpkin.
*some are seasonal "
9" pies range from $16-$25
7" pies range from $10-$16
Individual pies range from $7-$9

SIGNATURE COOKIES: Best Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chocolate Chunk, Snickerdoodle, Oatmeal Walnut Crispie, Effie's Oatmeal Raisin, Rose's Molasses Sugar, Peanut Butter, Peanut Blossom.
$10/dozen
Iced Sugar Cut Outs, Cranberry Oatmeal White Chocolate, White Chocolate Macadamia and Sue's Skinny Jean Cookies.
$14/dozen
*Minimum of 3 dozen for all cookie orders

Appreciation of beautiful old china and heirloom recipes

2012-01-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

I love to find beautiful dishes to use for pie displays, whether they are vintage cake plates, mismatched china, local pottery, hammered aluminum trays, or crystal pieces. In this picture is one of my signature pies on a gorgeous plate I recently came upon during a Pickin' Chix outing. The pie is Granny Smith apple and the plate reads "W.H. Grindle, England." I especially love the pale green with gold trim. The pies are always for sale and I'm still deciding if the plate will appear in our display at the Rural Society Antique and Garden Show (May 4 & 5). For now I will appreciate it in my china cabinet while I decide. As for the pie....it's long gone!!

Winter Baking, Farmers' Markets and Testing New Recipes

2012-01-05T18:06:00.000-08:00

Sue's Kitchen will return to the Columbus Winter Farmers' Market this Saturday at the Clintonville Womens' Club. Winter baking is comfort food to me, as long as it is in small portions as part of your balanced diet. If you need something sweet, here are some of my signature items I'll be bringing for you:

Individual Granny Smith Apple Pies
Triple Chocolate Brownies
Chocolate Chip cookie snack pack stacks
Cranberry-Lemon Scones w/Lemon Glaze

I'm in the process of trying new recipes that will become additions to my menu. Currently I'm working on a granola recipe and crispy crackers. I'll keep you posted on my progress. So far I'm enjoying the research:)

Enjoy the week and I hope to see you at the market!
Sue

Don't bother me-the flour will be flying!

2011-12-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

     JUST KIDDING! After tomorrow I am on vacation from work and can concentrate on baking cookies.....tons of cookies! Oh-and pecan tassies and bourbon balls and pumpkin cream cheese bread and cranberry orange pecan bread and more cookies. Then there's the buttercream frosting and sanding sugar and chocolate dipping and sprinkle sprinkling.
     After that's all done we package everything in mugs and bowls and on plates and platters...wrap them up in cellophane with ribbon and bows and string and tags...then send them all home with you!!!
     Hope to see you all here next week. Somebody has to come get all this stuff I'm making!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2011-11-23T22:00:00.000-08:00

Here's one of my pies all dressed up for the Thanksgiving table. We're also having a scrumptuous
Pumpkin Cheesecake that we watched Paula Deen make today on her show. She said to add a sprig of mint to get your vegetable serving. That woman is a nut-but we love her :)
Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones and remember to be thankful for all your blessings.
Sue

Sue's Kitchen aka Pickin' Chix @ The Rural Society Antique & Garden Show

2011-09-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

                           Mark your calendars Ladies and Gentlemen!
    On October 14&15 there will be a fabulous antique and garden show just north of Mt. Vernon at a beautiful farm owned by Page Price. If you like ANTIQUES, vintage, re-purposed, garden decor, plants, dried nature, delicious food, and just plain everyday country, than this is the show for you.

    Check "The Rural Society Antique and Garden Show" on facebook for all the details including dates/times, vendor list, and directions. There will be such a collection of talented, creative people there!

     My friend, Bee Katz, and I will be there as our alter egos, the "Pickin' Chix". We will have everyday antiques that have been loved through the years: re-purposed antiques (i.e. old farmhouse doors made into headboards, rolled paper wreathes from old hymnals); vintage recipe boxes filled with handwritten dessert recipes, vintage blank recipe cards and cooper cookie cutter-fabulous gifts for that baker in your life; pretty cake plates made from vintage glassware; Bittersweet bunches; pillows made from felted woolens and re-purposed sweaters; gorgeous chalkboards from antique picture frames; mantiques (very cool tool chests); picnic baskets; unique fall decor using everyday items and so much more.

      Did I mention we will also have some GOODIES for you? Sue's Kitchen will have personal size Pecan Pies and Cowtown Candies will have FUDGE (peanut butter, chocolate and one more kind). A girl has to have her sweet fix, don't ya know!

      We are still working on our finds and getting organized. We hope to see you there!
Sue

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

2011-08-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

     I posted this recipe a couple of years ago on the Westerville Farmers' Market blog but I wanted to share it again because it's just so darn good! You can use small or boat sized zucchini-whatever you have. If you use the larger size it would be a good idea to remove the pithy seed center and just shred the meaty part of the zucchini. Just a little hint.
     Hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe :)

     Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease (2) 9x5" or (5) mini loaf pans. I also line my pans with parchment paper up over the sides so the loaves are easy to lift out without sticking once baked..hint #2.

     You will need:
(2) 1 ounce squares of unsweetened choclate-melted and cooled
3 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup canola oil
2 cups hand grated zucchini (hint #3-hand grating helps keep the zucchini from getting mushy)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp. each; baking soda, salt and cinnamon
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

       Directions:
Cream sugar and oil; add eggs one at a time then beat in chocolate. Add vanilla and zucchini.
Mix the dry ingredients together and add-mix til blended. Stir in chocolate chips.

     Bake large loaves for 1 hour and smaller loaves about 40 minutes OR til a knife inserted in the middle comes out with crumbs-not gooey. Cool on a wire rack.
     Hint #4: sprinkle a few chocolate chips on the top of each loaf while they are still hot. Looks really good and is so yummalicious!

What Sue's Kitchen is all about.................this says it all!

2011-07-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

This best describes Sue's Kitchen:
Baking with a farmer's heart and an artisan's soul.

Being a Hard Core Berry Picker...Take 2

2011-06-30T06:18:00.001-07:00

   About this time last year I wrote about how to pick berries in the country...usually along the roadside or in the fields. Well, again this year I was out picking the coveted black raspberries and found myself in the rain with bugs all around. By the time I was done picking I was drenched (despite a rain jacket and rubber boots)...good thing it was warm. I swore to myself if anyone a wanted a #%@*&# black raspberry pie they would pay dearly for it.

   Then I decided I would not make any pies out of these berries!! I would make jam and share it with my family and friends. My good friend, Les Foor shared a case of jelly jars like the one in the picture-so he will be the first to get a jar. Hope you don't mind the seeds, Les!!

   The bucket in the picture has been used by myself, my Mom and my grandparents for MANY years to pick berries in. I can remember using it probably 45 years ago. It's handy because it's deep and has a bale to put your arm through so you can pick with two hands.

   I hope the purple stains wear off my hands before I go pick again in a couple days. The taste of that yummy jam sure is worth it though!!

Crumb Topping for Pies, Muffins, Coffeecakes....you name it!

2011-06-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

   I don't know about you, but I think baked goods need to be visually appealing. Yes, they have to taste good but presentation is also important! Something I use to "top off" my blueberry muffins, coffeecakes or crumb top pies is my "Crumb Topping." It's simple to make and adds so much to whatever you put it on.
   Here's Sue's Crumb Topping recipe and "how-to":
   In a food processor, process 1 stick COLD butter ( if it's not cold it will be clumpy and mushy), 1 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup sugar, pinch of salt. Process until tiny pea size. You can add 1/4 tsp cinnamon if you want, especially with anything with apples. Add a heaping tablespoon on each muffin (I then add some more fruit on top) or cover your coffeecake or pie with the crumbs. Bake using your recipe's instructions.
   I keep extra crumb topping in the freezer for quick use.
   Check out the picture of the muffin at the top of my blog for the crumb topping...yum! They are crowd favorites at Market 65 as well as my Farmers' Markets.
   Happy Baking!!

Baking a LOT!!

2011-06-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

   As you can see by the above picture, Sue's Kitchen is busy baking fresh pies and cookies for customers at the Westerville and Granville Farmers' Markets. I can't begin to add up the many dozens of cookies my oven produces each week and I can only guess there's about 40 pies each week. Then there's muffins, brownies, Biker bars, cinnamon rolls and whatever else I decide sounds good.

   Strawberry season is about over, as well as rhubarb....But the cherries are coming on and soon we will have Lodi apples and peaches....and berries!!

   Remember, I can hold back a pie or two if you call or e-mail me ahead of time. The pies go fast!! See you at the market!

Farmers' Markets are here!

2011-06-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

It's time to come get your fresh produce, flowers, plants, salsa, jams, spices, and of course, BAKED GOODS, at your local Farmers' Market. The above picture is of my Mom Effie, my cousin Vicki and myself. It is our tradition to spend quality family time enjoying lunch after the Granville Market each Saturday. A group of us vendors usually try to have dinner after the Westerville market on Wednesday evenings, as time permits. It's a good way to unwind and spend time together.
Come out this week to Sue's Kitchen for fresh baked Strawberry-Rhubarb pie, plain Rhubarb Pie, Cookie Snack Stack Packs and other goodies!!!

Remember, I specialize in pies (mini, medium 7" and family 9"), & cookies and will be willing to make about anything for you that can be baked :) Most of my recipes are handed down from the women in my family-which means they are tried and true!
Check my facebook page (Sue's Kitchen) as well as the Granville Farmers' Market and Westerville Farmers' Market pages weekly for who's coming, what they're bringing and what special things are happening.

See you at the markets!
Sue

Lots of Baking for Fun & Parties & Fundraisers :)

2011-04-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

We've been busy at Sue's Kitchen and it's not even market season yet!! We've made pretty party dress sugar cookies for a bridal shower, loads of jumbo blueberry crumb and apple pie muffins for Market 65, and petite cheesecakes with fresh strawberries, (all pictured above).

And now-we're putting the finishing touches on a Vintage Spring Gift Basket for the Morrow County Hospice fundraiser. The basket has fresh baked chocolate chip, snickerdoodle and sugar cookies, a loaf of Springtime Carrot Lemon Bread, a darling vintage apron, hand embroidered dresser scarf, a Pat Wharton porcelain bunny pin, vintage recipe cards, and recipe books all in a beautiful white basket. I hope the lucky person who receives this basket enjoys it as much as I did putting it together.

Tutorial from Sue's Kitchen: Cinnamon Rolls 101

2011-03-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

One day last year, my daughter Caitlin and I took pictures of how to make cinnamon rolls. So, if you have a desire to make your own jumbo cinnamon rolls, here's how I do it in Sue's Kitchen:

Roll out your dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface-any easy bread dough recipe will work
Brush the dough with cooled melted butter
Sprinkle on a mixture of 1 cup brown sugar & 1 Tbsp. cinnamon-don't be shy, I always add lots
Roll up the dough longways
Moisten the edge of the dough with water and pinch the edges to seal and prevent it from unrolling.
Cut your rolls. I make mine about 1-1/2 inches wide
Arrange in a lightly greased baking pan; for soft edges place them so they touch when they've risen
Brush tops with melted butter to prevent hardening and cover with a dish towel
Allow to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size
Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes or until lightly brown
Cool
Prepare buttercream or cream cheese frosting and frost each roll

ENJOY!!

Enjoy Spring Sugar Cookies and Strawberry Rhubarb Pie!

2011-03-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

Spring in Sue's Kitchen means buttercream frosted sugar cookies with all kinds of pretty sprinkles AND strawberry rhubarb pies. I'll have both plus more goodies at the last Columbus Winter Farmers' Market this Saturday, 10am-1pm. We're at the Clintonville Woman's Club. See you there!

Oakland Nursery Spring Fling-Come on Over!

2011-03-10T16:18:00.000-08:00

     Well, its snowing right now and I'm so ready for spring. I know everyone else is too so I'm inviting you all to come to the Oakland Nursery Spring Fling this Saturday. Our Columbus Winter Farmers' Market vendors will be there holding a special spring market. Please come and at least pretend it is SPRING!
     I just made some Spring Carrot Lemon Bread with fresh lemon glaze and its not only pretty but tastey. Tomorrow I'll finish off the Butter Cream Iced Sugar Cookies and small Chicks-n-Bunnies Sugar Cookies, Skinny Jean Cookies, Biker Bars, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin and Snickerdoodles too, Cranberry Scones, AND some mini Berry Pies.
     Sue's Kitchen will be celebrating spring whether its snowy and cold or not! So there, Mother Nature!

The Clintonville Woman's Club enjoyed Chicken Pot Pies!

2011-03-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

Last week I partnered with one of the best chef's in town (Chef Auggie from The Clintonville Woman's Club), to make 100 chicken pot pies for their Founders' Dinner. I made the crusts and club's emblem for the top and he did the rest of the work. I heard they were a Humongous Hit and after eating this one I know why. Not to brag or anything, but the crust was the flakiest I've ever eaten and the chicken/veggie filling was to die for. I love it when a collaboration comes together!!

For those of you who missed it, here's a bite:

I'm off to bake some triple chocolate brownies and

lots of cookies for Market 65. Enjoy the day!!

Sue's Kitchen at Market 65

2011-02-27T15:14:00.000-08:00

Hey all you foodies...there is a new restaurant in town and it's called "Market 65". It is located at 65 E. State Street and opens tomorrow, February 28th. Sue's Kitchen has been asked to provide some of the delicious fresh baked goods (muffins, cookies and triple chocolate brownies) on the daily menu so please check it out! You can view the menu on their website: http://www.marketsixtyfive.com/ or facebook page.
Good Luck with the grand opening tomorrow, Pat & Anthony!

To Die For Buttercream Frosting

2011-02-14T09:54:00.000-08:00

If you want delicious and pretty frosting for your special cupcakes, cakes and cookies, there is nothing as good as buttercream frosting. It's easy and you can color it any color your little heart desires.
Here is the very basic recipe I use for my cookies, cakes and cupcakes like the ones you see above:

Delicious Buttercream Frosting
2/3 cup butter-room temperature
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 Tbsp. milk (or more to get spreading consistency)
1 tsp. vanilla (use clear if you want whiter frosting)

Beat the butter til creamy then add the sugar a little at a time. I usually end up with a sugar shower so be careful. You can add some milk a little at a time to help prevent this. After you've added the liquids beat the frosting for 2-3 minutes until its nice and fluffy and creamy and just the right consistency. If you're adding food coloring put it in when you add the vanilla. Gel colors are brighter. You can also get fluorescent colors now that are really bright-great for kids. Sanding sugar or Sprinkles top off your masterpieces and look like a real bakery pro came to your kitchen for the day.

Enjoy making something special for your sweetie this Valentine's Day and I'll see you soon!!
Sue

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

2011-02-13T11:54:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful market yesterday and I wanted to share some of my handmade Valentines with you. They went well with the pink buttercream frosted sugar cookies and triple chocolate brownies. Here are a few more:

Hope you all have a great Valentine's Day with those you love :)
Sue

February 12th: Sue's Kitchen does "Valentine's Day"

2011-02-05T11:16:00.001-08:00

How perfect! We're having a Farmers' Market 2 days before Valentine's Day!! I love this "Hallmark" Holiday and can't wait to start baking later this week. If you want something delicious and homemade for your Valentines, come to Sue's Kitchen. Here's what I'll be making for you:

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Buttercream Frosted Heart Sugar Cookies (large singles and minis drizzled with chocolate)

Triple Chocolate Brownies

Cherry Pie (remembering Pres. Washington :)

And my signature cookies: chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, skinny jean and biker bars.

Complete your Valentine gift with a homemade card from Sue's Kitchen. Remember the market starts @10 am and we wrap up at 1pm. See you there!

Happy Birthday Rose!

2011-02-05T11:05:00.001-08:00

I recently was asked by one of my customers, Jane, to make a double layer chocolate cake with chocolate icing for Rose who was turning 10. She wanted peace signs and bright colors and the shapes to be "10". Well, as I've said before...I'm a pie baker and not a cake baker but here is my effort and I have to say I was pretty happy with how it turned out. Jane said it was a hit so that's all that counts. Happy Birthday, Rose!!

Skinny Jean Cookies, Biker Bars & Apple Pie

2011-01-19T16:19:00.000-08:00

I'll be baking when it's cold and snowy this week so you'll be able to have fresh goodies at the Columbus Winter Farmers' Market! Come on out to enjoy our Chef's delicious pulled pork sandwiches and soup for lunch.......and come to Sue's Kitchen for dessert (or breakfast).

We'll have Skinny Jean Cookies, Biker Bars and Less Guilt Banana Walnut Bread to help you keep your New Year's resolution. And for those of you who already blew your resolution, there'll be Apple Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and Cranberry Lemon Scones:)

See you there!
Sue

Sue and the Cake Boss

2011-01-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post this picture of me outside the Cake Boss' Bakery (aka Carlos Bake Shop) from September. It was a Sunday and the line to get in was 2 blocks long....so I jumped in front of the building for a quick photo just to say I was there. Did I have to be inside? Maybe during another NYC trip we'll actually make it inside for a cannoli. I'm planning a trip in February and the agenda always includes a bakery hop for research -I think last year we hit 13. And of course we have to taste something at every stop :)

Thanks to everyone who came out to the market Saturday, braving the frigid air and snow flurries. It was a beautiful day and quite cozy inside with live music, great eats (Chef August's soups and corn bread are divine) and even better fellowship. We are blessed to enjoy these days!!

In The Name of Health & A Sweet Tooth................

2010-12-28T08:33:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder to come out to the Columbus Winter Farmer's Market for all your fresh, local shopping. Our next market is January 8. Sue's Kitchen will bring baked goodies to satisfy your sweet tooth and some to help with your New Year's diet! Plan on seeing Biker Bars, Granny Smith Apple Pies (some w/Splenda), Oatmeal Raisin cookies, Skinny Jean cookies and Less Guilt Banana Nut Bread.

February is all about Valentine's Day and Sue's Kitchen will be busy making sweets for your sweetie. Plan on seeing heart shaped sugar cookies topped with either buttercream frosting and sprinkles or everyone's favorite....Chocolate! We'll have Berry and Cherry Pies and Red Velvet cupcakes as well.

March will be all about Spring so watch my blog for what's coming in March..................

Call ahead for special orders or if you want me to hold something back: 740-963-2565.

See you there!

Sue

What a Wonderful Holiday Season

2010-12-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

Lots of baking and little blogging has been going on in Sue's Kitchen. After baking 60+pies for Thanksgiving the kitchen stayed humming for Christmas time baking. The pictures are from my annual "Christmas in the Country" Open House. We had a gorgeous winter day and many friends and family came to enjoy the hot spiced cider while shopping for gifts and goodies to enjoy for their parties. When it was all said and done I think Sue's Kitchen produced over 140+ dozen variety of Christmas cookies....and a few pumpkin rolls, dessert breads, pies and cakes. The cookies in the pictures are Gingerbread Men and Red Velvet Whoopie Pies.

Thanks to my friends, Bee (Cowtown Candies) and Gretel (Sunny Meadow Flower Farm) for their wonderful sweets and homemade soaps/salves they brought to the open house. Bee's fudge is the best in Central Ohio and Gretel's soaps smell so wonderful. Their packaging is so perfect, too! Gretel also brought some of her homemade jams and honey-YUM!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-21T11:54:00.000-08:00

Well, it is PIE SEASON and I'm getting ready to do marathon pie baking for everyone...and perhaps a few for my own turkey day. I've picked up some Golden Delicious and GoldRush apples, tart cherries, beautiful big blackberries, big pecans and LOTS of pumpkin to get started.

So get your forks and whipped cream ready cause Sue's got the oven ready!!

Here's to a wonderful Thanksgiving for everyone..count your blessings and savor each moment with those you love.

See you soon-Sue

Yummy Pumpkin Dip for Gramma Rose's Molasses Sugar Cookies

2010-10-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

Here is the Sweet-n-Creamy Pumpkin Dip recipe for everyone who asked:
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 tsp. ginger
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. orange extract (optional-I left it out)

In a food processor, blend cream cheese and confectioners sugar until smooth. Remove cover, add pumpkin and remaining ingredients. Blend thoroughly.
Chill 30 minutes or until read to serve. Serve with Gramma Rose's Soft Molasses Sugar Cookies, or a spice cookie of your choosing.
make 2-1/2 cups

* Looks really festive when served in a carved out mini pumpkin like in the picture above. I placed a small plastic container in the pumpkin to hold the dip.

Enjoy!

Sue

Apple Pie...Its a good thing :)

2010-10-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

Wow! The apples are fabulous this year! They are so big my hands get tired from peeling them. If you haven't gone to the orchard this season you must go. I love the Granville Orchard-lots of varieties to pick or already bagged for grab and go. Plus-there's pumpkins, jams and jellies, and country crafts to choose from. Their price is very reasonable ($8/bag if you pick)
I'll be making apple and pecan pies this week, and whatever else floats my boat. Definitely some pumpkin breads, coffeecakes and those yummy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies :) I may surprise my friends in Westerville and bring the Lemon Pecan Dessert Bread (aka Pastry Lemonade).
I'm working on a monthly newsletter and hope to have the first one out this month.
Remember to come to the outdoor markets-we will be there through October rain or shine, cold or hot, and even an occasional tornado!!

Fall Goodies, Buckeyes' Football and Heading to the Big Apple!

2010-08-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

GO BUCKS!!! I am so ready for FALL-my favorite time of the year. The Buckeyes' season starts Thursday, the weather is starting to be cooler (except for this week-it's stiflingly hot), and I'm working on my Fall Brochure....Fannie's Apple Walnut Brownies, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread and more (YUM!). I'll start bringing fall goodies in mid-September to the markets. Look for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies as well-huge sellers last year.
The picture above is a sugar cookie I made for a Buckeyes' tailgate party. Something special and fun.
We're off to NYC this week to visit Sara and hopefully experience some more "goodies for us foodies." I'll fill you in next week.

Have a Pie Buffet

2010-08-23T13:28:00.001-07:00

The next time you're having a family gathering or hosting a special event, why not try a Pie Buffet? Arrange a variety of delicious pies on your table using various cake stands, provide serving utensils, plates and forks and your guests will think they were in heaven!! Provide your favorite ice cream and they will know they're in heaven!

These pies were made for a special event and are all Fresh Peach Pies...YUM!!!!

Share the Love for Back to School

2010-08-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

Everyone wants some "lovin' from the oven" so why not have Sue's Kitchen send your college student a Cookie Care Package filled with their favorite sweets? I'm presently taking orders and will ship these carefully prepared packages anywhere in the U.S. Choose from 3 dozen or 5 dozen (feeds all their friends too) mix-n-match or all the same: chocolate chip, peanut butter, peanut blossom with a Hershey kiss, snickerdoodle, oatmeal walnut crispie, oatmeal raisin, sugar, granola "biker" bar. We can also customize a care package to fit your students' needs. Call Sue @740-963-2565 or e-mail @suebakespies@gmail.com

Enough of the Heat, Already!!!

2010-07-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

This summer has been such a scorcher! I want to shout out a big THANK YOU for everyone who has braved the heat and humidity to come to the markets. Even Granville was steamy this past weekend-whew!
Come see us this week-I'm rejuvenated (needed a little attitude adjustment for the hot and weary) and will have garden fresh Zucchini Walnut Bread and Chocolate Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread; and fresh Apple, Blueberry, Cherry and Peach pies; Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle and Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies.
I posted the recipe for the Chocolate Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread on the Westerville Farmers' Market blog recipe section last year. Its quite easy and so delicious-Enjoy!

Oh to be Sweet 16 Again..........

2010-07-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me know I am a PIE baker and a COOKIE baker and several other kinds of baker. BUT one thing I don't normally bake is CAKE.......that is until today :)
Here is a cake I made for my friend Tammy's daughter, Terra and her friend Bryce who were having a big Sweet 16 Celebration tonight. Their theme is Candyland so here is a girlie cake complete with Spree candies, suckers, Mike n Ike candies, fondant cut outs, candles spelling their names, spaghetti neon candles and a purple feather to top it off. The cake is vanilla with the base being pink, the middle purple and the topper chartreuse. Buttercream tops it all off.
For all the true cake bakers out there please forgive my imperfections and know that I had fun making it and I hope Terra and Bryce and their friends had fun celebrating their 16th!

Sue's Kitchen was all Red, White & Blue!!

2010-07-05T12:02:00.001-07:00

Sue's Kitchen was all Patriotic for the 4th! We had Stars-n-Stripes Apple Pie, Star Spangled Cherry Pie, All American Chocolate Chip Cookie Stacks, Red White & Blue Sugar Cookies, and everything was decorated for Independence Day. Happy Birthday USA!!!!!

To All You Dads.........

2010-06-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we pay tribute to our Dad and honor him for all he means to us. Remember to send a card, make a phone call, and spend time with your Dad. Tell him you love him and how much he means to you.

If you need a stack of Chocolate Chip cookies, your Dad's favorite fresh baked pie (I'll have all flavors of fruit pies) come to the Granville Farmers' Market Saturday. I'm sure we can fix you up with a delicious tribute for Dad :)

Are you a Hard Core Berry Picker?

2010-06-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

The other morning I was out bright and early taking a walk and I scoped out some beautiful black raspberries growing along the road. I about ran home to get my pail to come back and pick them.

For those of you who have never picked berries or who typically visit berry patches to pick, let me educate you on the fine art of "hard core" berry picking. It involves bug spray, long sleeves, long pants and long socks. it doesn't matter if it is 90 degrees outside-that's why you pick in the morning. Don't be afraid of grandaddy long leg spiders, bees, mosquitoes, small varmints or the possibility of seeing or stepping on snakes. If you can't stand to be scratched by thorns and hate to sweat-you may as well forget it now.

Lastly, your hands will be berry purple for awhile so you should hold off on getting that French manicure.

Oh yeah..one more thing. If you get poison ivy you are out of luck. Better get your berries already picked.

I was able to get 2 quarts of beautiful black raspberries that morning and am looking forward to picking more. There will be Black Raspberry pies at the Granville Farmers' market this week-fresh from my roadside adventure. See you there!

Back to the real world :)

2010-05-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone's having a great week. I'm now back in Pataskala and working today (what a reality check). Sure hope the weather improves for the markets this week...according to Jym Ganahl it will be better....I'm holding you to that Jym!

For Westerville's Market I'm bringing Pastry Lemonade Dessert Bread; Pies (mini and regular): Strawberry Rhubarb, Rhubarb, Blackberry, Peach, Cherry; Cookies: Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Snickerdoodle, Oatmeal Raisin and Oatmeal Walnut Crispie.

For Granville's Market I'll have breakfast fare: Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls, Blueberry Coffeecake and Cranberry Scones w/Lemon Glaze; Cookies: same as above plus my famous Biker Bars; and Pies: same as above.

I look forward to seeing you all there and remember-you can e-mail or call ahead to place an order.

Relaxing in Brooklyn

2010-05-18T09:05:00.001-07:00

Sunday we decided to relax so we visited Brooklyn Label for brunch (veggie burgers with mixed greens salad-YUM) then strolled the neighborhood near Sara's (Greenpoint area) where we came upon this new cute little bakery called "Cookie Road". I peeked inside and saw a a variety of macaroons and beautifully decorated sugar cookies. I'll have to taste test next time :)

We then went to my favorite grocery, The Garden, for my flavored coffee purchases and purchased items for dinner (fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato and asparagus mini pizzas and fresh fruit cheesecake pie).

Sara also designed a "Sue's Kitchen NYC Brochure" so her friends can order fresh homemade goodies. I hope they order lots of goodies because I have so much fun packaging them and shipping them off. My very first "NYC paying customer" was Steph who said she ate all the cookies herself...oh my!

I also baked some Chocolate Chip cookies to donate for a fundraiser being held to raise money for playground equipment in Guatemala. Sara's good friend, Courtney, has a brother in the Peacecorps and the proceeds help their cause. Its being held tonight and they have donations of artwork, hotels rooms, goodie bags from AE, and more. Sara drew this picture of Courtney's brother with some of the kids so the fundraiser's poster. I hope they have a successful night!

Chocolate Chip Cookies packaged on vintage china

Top 10 NYC Bakeries

2010-05-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I drug Sara all over SoHo and the West Village checking out bakeries, some of which were on the NYC's top 10 Bakery list. Pictured are Crumbs Cupcake shop, Grandaisy and Balthazar Bakery. We tasted a delicious Lemon Ginger cookie from Grandaisy. Yummy! While walking we came on a great street festival with live music, lots of delicious food and spirits, artwork and flea market items. We also took in Time Square to see the new American Eagle flagship store-very cool. If I haven't mentioned it before, my daughter Sara designs for American Eagle.

We enjoyed lunch @Cafe del Mar and was too full for dinner but managed to have some drinks with freshly homemade quacamole and chips.

My Weekend in NYC

2010-05-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

Views of Chelsea Market 5/14/2010

When I'm lucky I get to come visit my daughter, Sara, in NYC, which just so happens to be this weekend!! We always check out some of the top bakeries so I can borrow (steal) ideas. Yesterday she had to work so I started out @Union Square Farmers' Market. It was a gorgeous day and there was everything to choose from. I was in need of coffee and a pastry so I purchased a HUGE blueberry scone (only $1.50) then found some Apricot Almond Biscotti ($2.50 for 6). I headed over to Starbucks to enjoy my finds but I was quickly disappointed :( The scone was dry and tasteless and the biscotti was SOFT-whoever heard of a soft biscotti?? In the trash they went and I took off for Chelsea Market. In the meantime I saw a famous person! I have no idea what his name is but I know he's been in comedies.

Chelsea Market is where the Food Network is taped (upstairs) and where wonderful specialty shops are located. Its a must-see for a foodie like me. I visited Ruthy's, Amy's Breads, Eleni's Cupcakes, SaraBeth's Kitchen, Fat Witch Brownie shop, the BoweryKitchen (where chefs go to buy anything and everything), and had lunch at Friedman's Lunch. I don't know if the fried green tomato w/blue cheese on whole wheat was worth $10 but it was good. I kept an eye open for Bobby Flay but he didn't show :(

After visiting my Sara and her pals at work we took off to Wild Wood BBQ for some ribs and all the trough of sides. The sweet hickory BBQ aroma pulls you in the restaurant and is hypnotic!! After dinner we got Pomegranate and Mango yogurt @ Pinkberry (YUM!) with blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and dark chocolate crisps-what a way to end the day!! We had a ball with Crystal and Helen-both foodies likes us! I miss you both!

In the evening we chillaxed and relived Betty White's "Muffin" skit from last week's SNL-what a riot. More fun tomorrow........

Cookies, Pies and Dessert Breads...Oh My!

2010-05-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like Blueberries? Well- I have a great dessert bread for you: Lemon Pecan Blueberry! My kitchen will be filled with such sweet smells when I bake these. I can't wait to wrap them up for the market this week.

I'll cut my rhubarb again this week but my connection called Saturday & I'll be getting 20-30 pounds later this week. Oh baby, oh baby......bring on the strawberry rhubarb pies :)

I haven't been to NYC since last fall but I'm going this weekend to visit my daughter, Sara. of course we will be taking in some more bakeries; taste testing, getting ideas, etc. How fun is that? I'd really like to visit the Cake Boss' bakery in Hobokan-we'll see if we make it there.
Also need to revisit Chelsea Market and Balthazar Bakery. I can't wait!!! More on that next week.

Everyone enjoyed the cupcakes this past weekend...it doesn't hurt that buttercream icing topped them off along with mini sugar daisies.

Come visit us this Wednesday in Westerville. It is supposed to be a beautiful day. Last week you could get fresh asparagus, rhubarb, herbs, lettuce, radishes, jams, cookies, meats, eggs, beautiful flowers, heirloom tomato plants, and my PIES. What a wonderful start to 2010!

Rhubarb, Rhubarb...May is Rhubarb month!!!!

2010-05-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! That's alotta rhubarb! This picture is from last year but I just cut my rhubarb and I believe I have about this much. Guess I'll be making lots of "Springtime Strawberry Rhubarb" and "Just Rhubarb" pies! There's also a great Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble I might make. Do I need to say that May will be my official Rhubarb month?

Call me or come to the markets to get your fill of Rhubarb for 2010!!

Baking for Mom, Friends & Family

2010-04-29T15:06:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't blogged lately....I guess I was busy wrapping up the winter markets, preparing for the whirlwind summer markets, helping my friend Dana get her bakery ready (yeah-we ripped up 70+year old linoleum and painted 10' high walls), and baking for parties.

We celebrated 15 years at work and I was asked to make the desserts. I have to say the mini cupcakes, red raspberry brownies, sugar cookies and other cookies were a huge hit. Then, we had a family birthday celebration this past weekend and again, the mini cupcakes were enjoyed by all. I think they will be a huge hit at my niece's first communion luncheon coming up.

For all of you looking for something SPECIAL for your Mom on Mother's Day, why don't you give her an individual 5"pie (of her choosing) in a gift box with doilie and ribbon. All for $10.

I'll take orders until Thursday, May 6.

St. Pat's and Spring coming to Worthington's Farmers' Market

2010-03-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

It is so wonderful to have spring-like weather this week. It inspires me to break out the springtime table cloths, Easter chick and bunny cookie cutters and flowers...lots of flowers.

Its also almost St. Patrick's Day so this Saturday we will be decked out all in green, complete with shamrock decor and shamrock sprinkled sugar cookies.

At Sue's Kitchen we will also bring something that goes delightfully well with your morning coffee...Coffeecake! Look for Blueberry Cream Cheese and Apple Walnut Streusel coffeecake, cut and packaged in individual pieces (see the above pictures). If you can't wait to partake, I will be sure to bring forks and napkins for you.

See you there!

Meeting Mary Alice & Geof from the Ace of Cakes

2010-03-08T17:21:00.001-08:00

Have I told you I have a good friend whose name is Dana Landrum? Well, Dana recently won tickets to meet Mary Alice and Geof from the Food Network's hit show "Ace of Cakes" at the Central Ohio Home and Garden show...and she asked me to go with her! We enjoyed a meet and greet during a continental breakfast and got their autographs while we were there. Pictured above is Mary Alice, Dana's daughter Janessa, Me, Geof and Dana. We later attended a Q&A session during the cake decorating contest, which was attended by at least 1000 people. We had a great time!

What do you want? What makes you happy?

2010-02-22T18:06:00.001-08:00

I need to try some new recipes and am interested in your favorites. I'll always have my signature pies, cookies, and biker bars but what really puts a smile on your face? I know dessert breads can be yummy. My cinnamon rolls fly off the table. Mini cupcakes are super cute and tastey. What do YOU think?

Here's what's new this week: I'm making berry cream cheese coffeecake for this week's market and will focus on a variety of coffeecakes for the coming markets. You can choose from a whole coffeecake for your family or by the slice to enjoy with your morning cup of coffee. Over the past couple of years I've made blueberry, pecan crunch, apple walnut streusel, and cinnamon sour cream. All are quite yummy and you can look for these in coming weeks.

What else is a popular sweet indulgence? What's your favorite? What do you want to see at the markets or available to order?

I want to hear from you so send me your comments and e-mails!!

Sweets for Valentine Sweeties

2010-02-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

Friends Zoe and Janessa enjoyed some mini cupcakes for Valentine's Day at the Worthington Winter Farmers' Market this past Saturday. We had a nice crowd who came out and braved the cold weather to pick up their purchases. Thanks to everyone for coming!

And for Valentines' Day my pies always have to be pretty.........

Snowday

2010-02-16T14:39:00.001-08:00

There's nothing like a snowday to get me motivated to bake something just for my family, clean up the kitchen, and organize all the cookbooks and inspirational magazines that I've accumulated. I look outside and see the huge icicles hanging from the roof and the constant falling snow and I know I will surely appreciate spring this year. I know my husband Jim will too as he works for ODOT and has been working many 12 hour shifts plowing the roads in northern Licking County. Winter is beautiful but...come on..enough is enough!!

Here is a fun Snowman Family from Worthington

Pretty Pies and Valentine's Cupcakes

2010-01-25T15:59:00.000-08:00

This Saturday we will be at the Worthington Winter Farmers' Market with delicious fruit pies and mini cupcakes. If you want something special for your Valentine this would be the perfect time to order their favorite sweet as we have another market on February 13...the day before Valentine's Day, how perfect! How about their favorite mini pie decorated with hearts packaged in its own box and tied with a bow?? Or a box of mini cupcakes: decadent dark chocolate with chocolate buttercream frosting, vanilla bean with pink buttercream or red velvet with cream cheese frosting? All wrapped up with a pretty bow. All you need is the card.

Mini Cupcakes and Mini Pies.....oh what a sweet small indulgence

2010-01-20T16:35:00.000-08:00

Mini pies and cupcakes can satisfy that sweet tooth without causing the guilt of having eaten a whole slice of cake or pie...don't you think? Just a small sweet indulgence, like this mini apple pie. Or these mini cupcakes: Red Velvet w/cream cheese frosting, Dark Chocolate w/chocolate buttercream frosting and Carrot Cake w/cream cheese frosting. Yummm!

I'll see you all at the Worthington Winter Farmers' Market this Saturday with all of the above. Bring your sweet tooth!

Happy New Year Everybody!

2010-01-02T14:47:00.000-08:00

A new year means trying new things and I'm always searching for new recipes for delicious goodies to bring to market. Today we had a FRIGID start to the day but our Columbus Winter Farmers' Market was well attended and enjoyed by all. I try to bring things that people can sit and enjoy with a steamy cup of coffee as we have a hospitality area where you can sit a spell and visit.

I'm learning about the lovely little treat called "scones". Yummmmmmmmm! My good friend, Dana Landrum (Landrum Cottage) introduced them to me awhile ago but I only made them a few times. Well, I made them for today's market and they sold out fast! Below is a picture of my cranberry scones slathered with heavy cream ready for the oven. After they come out I drizzle them with a lemon glaze. Wow, these are so heavenly...they melt in your mouth :)

"Christmas in the Country"

2009-12-30T14:56:00.000-08:00

Every year I ask myself if I'm going to have another Christmas open house...I ponder the question awhile then decide, "YES!" I started having my open house in 2005 as a way to provide Christmas baked goodies for friends and family. We gather together and enjoy good food and hot spiced cider. Over the years it has grown and this year I was joined by friends Bee Katz of "Cowtown Candies", Gretel Adams of "Sunny Meadow Flower Farms" (you may have seen her on the cover of Columbus Monthly recently), and my sister-in-law, Becky Joseph. What wonderful handmade items they brought! Delicious fudge, cards with beautiful photography, lovely scented handmade soaps...........something for each of our senses!

While the open house is a lot of work and preparation, we sure have a good time being together. Isn't that what the season is for? Being together?

Here are the "Elves" who helped me prepare for my 4th annual "Christmas in the Country" Open House. Thanks to my Mom (Effie), Cousin Vicki and friend LeAnn, we enjoyed a very successful day. Not pictured is my daughter Caitlin-thanks for all your help Cait!! We couldn't ask for better weather...sunshine, cool but not too cold, and no slippery roads! Thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed themselves. I'll share some pictures of the goodies we had for gift buying, parties, Santa's plate, etc. We had a "make your own cookie dozen" table which was a huge hit. We'll have to have a repeat performance next year.

I baked for so many hours I lost track. I do know I baked about 60 dozen various cookies and at least 25 dozen sugar cookies. There were also Cranberry Orange Breads, Pumpkin Spice Breads, Cocoa Banana Breads, and Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies. After the open house I baked some more.....pies, cookies, breads. I sure hope everyone enjoyed what they bought. I had fun not only baking everything but also making them look pretty and packaging them for your parties and gift giving. Above are Gingerbread Men, Chocolate Sugar Cookies with Peppermint Candy Cane Sprinkles, Cherry & Apricot Rugelage, Cherry Thumbprints drizzled with White Chocolate, Peanut Butter Blossoms, Chocolate Dipped Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Beautiful Buttercream Froster Sugar Cookies.

I'm hoping everyone had a wonderful Christmas and will have a safe and Happy New Year!

Being Thankful

2009-11-30T18:35:00.001-08:00

I take great pride in this beautiful apple pie because my daughter Sara made it for her friends when they celebrated Thanksgiving in her tiny Brooklyn apartment last Sunday. I think her artistic expression says it all................................

Holiday Baking: Get Ready, Get Set...BAKE!!!!

2009-11-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

We had our very first Columbus Winter Farmers' Market of the 2009-10 season this past weekend and it was such a gorgeous day. Thanks to all who came to visit us. I'm glad I have a few markets to get me ramped up for holiday baking. So far I'm in for about 20 pies, some pumpkn rolls and cookies. Shouldn't be too bad. As you can see in the picture above, I've baked a lot of pies over the holidays :) This was just a fraction of what I made one year. I think the grand total was 72 large pies. Whew!!!

Please come see us this coming weekend at the market (you can check out the website @www.columbuswinterfarmersmarket.com There will be lots of wonderful goodies for your Thanksgiving table. I'll definitely have a variety of pies (Apple, Pumpkin, Pecan for starters), Chocolatey Chip Pumpkin Cookies, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread, Fannie's Apple Walnut Brownies, and who knows what else?

See you Saturday!!

Shipping Goodies to Loved Ones is EASY

2009-11-04T17:10:00.000-08:00

I'll be baking this week so I can ship some fall cookies and pumpkin spice bread to my Sara in NYC-she's needing a taste of home about now. If any of you ever need some sweets shipped most of my cookies and breads travel quite nicely. Sara is my test market and everything has arrived delicious and fresh and uncrumbled. I don't ship pie, of course-that would be a disaster. Holidays are a great time to share the love through homebaked goodies!!

Halloween Fun

2009-10-31T13:28:00.001-07:00

We sure had fun at the last Westerville Farmers' Market! Thanks to all who came to see us. Have a super year and don't forget the winter markets.

Come visit me at the Columbus Winter Farmers' Market

2009-10-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

For all of you "foodies" who are addicted to farmers' markets with their availability of locally grown and produced foods, the friendships established and the atmosphere of the market, you MUST come to the Columbus Winter Farmers Market. Saturdays, November through April at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus. It starts November 14 @ 10am until 1pm. Check us out @www.columbuswinterfarmersmarket.com. See you there!

Summer Farmers' Markets are winding down.....

2009-10-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

This week is the last Westerville Farmers' Market for 2009 and I will miss it something awful! We have had a tremendously loyal customer base who stuck with us through all the crazy weather of 2009. I hope to see you all there Wednesday. Many of us vendors will be dressed for Halloween and hope to trick or treat you all...so see you there my pretties :)

Birthday Pies

2009-09-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you! What better way to celebrate your birthday than with PIE! Who gives a hoot about cake-give me pie! This past week I made 2 very different pies for birthdays: a Boston Cream Pie (not really a pie in my book but it has pie in the name), and a Cherry Pie for my cousin Vicki. Both looked scrumptuous and were enjoyed by all (thanks Pam for the return phone call-always wonderful to get feedback!), along with candles to complete the celebration. So, if you ever want a pie for the big celebration, remember-it's all about the pie.

All Things Pumpkin & Fannie's Apple Walnut Blondies

2009-09-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of year and boy, do I love pumpkin. Pumpkin Pie, Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.............so many good things from this yummy vegetable. My next favorite fall goodie is anything with apples. Everyone seems to LOVE my Gramma Fannie's Apple Walnut Blondies. I plan to make extra this week so we can share the love. Make sure you come early while there are still plenty!

On a decorative note (did I tell you I'm no Candice Olsen?)-you can find all the beautiful fall bounty you need for your home decorating needs: mums, gourds, pumpkins, Indian corn, bittersweet........so many beautiful things. Come see for yourself!!

Friends at the Market

2009-09-14T17:49:00.001-07:00

One of the very best things about our farmers' markets are the relationships we build between vendors. We love what we do and we enjoy each others' company each week; supporting one another when the weather is less than perfect and when we are so busy we need that extra hand. It is always nice to get that "good morning" when our butts are dragging and we just need that one extra hour of sleep and definitely that first large cup of hot coffee. Pictured above is BKatz from "Cowtown Candies"-home of the best fudge in Central Ohio, Lee Bird from Birds Haven Farms with his classic truckload of delicious sweetcorn, and Gretel from Sunny Meadow Flower Farms who puts together gorgeous fresh sunflower bouquets. These are but a few good friends of the market-wonderful people who love what they do and show it in their smiles!

This week's fall specials from Sue's Kitchen will include Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread, and Apple Walnut Brownies. I'll also have tons of cookies and pies for everyone. See you there!

Apple Season!

2009-09-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

Well, by now you know I have failed at blogging 101. I haven't entered anything since August 21st and I am so sorry! Inbetween baking chocolate chip cookies, my Biker Bars and Blueberry Crumb Bars I am attempting to catch up. I went to the Granville Orchard today and picked some of the biggest, most beautiful, delicious Cortland apples! I'll be making large and mini pies with them and they are sure to smack of late summer. I also picked up some fresh peaches so we will have these in pies tomorrow as well. Here's a picture of the apples that were hanging in the trees in the orchard-so pretty!

A Prelude to Fall

2009-08-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

I'm so ready for fall and this weekend sounds like it may be a prelude to cooler, less humid days. Tomorrow morning we have the Granville Farmers' Market and it should be a gorgeous morning. Please come see all the truckloads of fresh picked sweet corn, gorgeous flower bouquets, fresh honey, cheeses, organic meats, and of course-baked goods! If you like fruit pies I will have plenty: Mom's Apple, Big-n-Bold Blackbery, Beautiful Blueberry, Tart Cherry, Gramma's Award Winning Peach (see the story), Summertime Strawberry-Rhubarb, and Sue's Southern Pecan. There will also be Cookie Stacks, Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls, Biker Bars and Blueberry Bars @ Sue's Kitchen. Come enjoy the atmosphere and some great food!

I'm definitely a "servantless cook"

2009-08-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

I went to see "Julie and Julia" yesterday and just loved it! You could tell the foodies in the crowd-we laughed, commented, and were totally enthralled with Julia Child and Julie's ambition to make all 524 recipes in Julia's cookbook "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." If you haven't seen this movie-GO!! It is very inspiring. Today I sifted through my cookbooks and found one by Julia Child--will I have the guts to take on her recipes? Time will tell........

Apple Pie ala mode YUMMY!

2009-08-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

I visited the Granville Orchard the other day and picked a large bag of Paula Red apples for just $8!! From those I have made 6 large and 10 mini apple pies for the markets. There's nothing like fresh apple pie........

Follow me on Twitter!

2009-08-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hey, I'm on Twitter now so if you want to know all the crazy things going on in my kitchen-check it out!

http://www.twitter.com/suebakespies

Follow me!
Sue

Blueberries are GOOD for you!

2009-08-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

Summer is in full swing and there are so many good things to find at the Farmers' Markets. Its hard for me to choose what to make each week with so much fresh fruit available for pies, fruit bars and coffee cakes. This week I definitely will return with Blueberry Crumb Bars-what a hit they were last week! I'll also have mini Beautiful Blueberry Pies as well as many other fruit pies, cookies, breads and coffeecakes.

If anyone knows where I can find Black Raspberries, fresh or frozen, please let me know. The season was so short this year. I appreciate all input.

See you this week, Sue

Oatmeal Walnut Cookie Stacks, Chocolate Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread, Blueberry Pie.....our little sweet indulgences.

2009-07-28T17:35:00.001-07:00

Mini Blueberry Pie

Oatmeal Walnut Crispie cookie stack

If you have a garden then you are probably looking for things to do with your zucchini. Grilled, baked, fried, sauted, in casseroles, baked and stuffed, whatever you do with it I think its a nutritious wonderfully versatile veggie. Tomorrow I will have Zucchini bread: Chocolate Chocolate Chip and Zucchini Spice with Walnuts. YUM!

I just finished baking for the night and I have 30 mini and 6 large pies to bring to market. There's also my usual cookies stacks and one more new thing: Blueberry Crumb Bars. They have a shortbread base, blueberry middle and shortbread crumb top. Very good if I must say so myself!!

Don't let the rain scare you away-we will all be there rain or shine. Just bring your umbrella and rain jacket. I'll see you tomorrow!!

Please don't rain tomorrow

2009-07-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

I know we need rain for our gardens, flowers and crops but it gets really old when Jym Ganahl says we're going to have rain yet again on Wednesday! It puts a real damper on the spirit of the Farm Market. Even though our steadfast market customers still come see us, the rain keeps less weather resistant, (I'm being politically correct, they're really called "market woosies"), customers from coming.

I am still baking tonight in hopes we won't be rained out for tomorrow's market. I'll have lots of small berry, apple, peach, cherry and strawberrry-rhubarb, and pecan pies and 6 or 8 large pies. Of course I'll have cookies, including Sue's Oatmeal Walnut that everyone's been asking for and I've made some deliciously moist Banana Walnut breads.

So-don't leave us out in the rain! Come to the market and wear your rain slicker and bring your umbrella because we are there rain or shine :)

Its Not Funny Snickerdoodles :)

2009-07-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

The first time I made Snickerdoodles was with my daughter Sara when she was taking "Fun with Foods" as a 4-H project. I don't recall how many batches we made until we got the perfectly round, perfectly cracked, soft in the middle and crispy outside cinnamony sugar cookies just right for judging, but it was a lot!

If you are making these delightfully addicting cookies, here are Sue's hard and fast rules for perfect Snickerdoodles:

Always use the CREAM of TARTAR-never omit it!

Use chilled dough-it helps with the proper crackage and in keeping the inside soft. Is "crackage" a word?

Make sure you hand roll the dough and roll in the sugar/cinnamon mix.

Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as they are deeply cracked.

Good luck with your Snickerdoodle baking and remember........if you screw them up, you can always come to the Farmers' Market and get them from me!

*This week's pies include: Big-n-Bold Blackberry; Beautiful Blueberry, Razzle Red Raspberry, Fence Row Black Raspberry, Mom's Granny Smith Apple, Gramma Rose's Award Winning Peach, and Summertime Strawberry Rhubarb. I'll also have Pastry Lemonade w/Pecans. See you at the market!!

Lodi Apples

2009-07-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry but when i went to Granville Orchard they told me they wouldn't have Lodi apples due to the late spring freeze. BUMMER! But, they did have some transparent apples which I picked a bag of for applesauce. I used a few for pies earlier this week but they are little and somewhat of a pain to peel so the rest are destined for sauce. I will keep you posted on apples and other fruits that are available.

If you want fabulous blueberries you must visit "Z" Blueberry Farm. I plan to bring several blueberry coffeecakes to Granville's market this Saturday. They are so big and sweet!! The farm is in Fredericktown and their phone number is 740-694-1911. You can go pick or buy picked. I hope to also have small blueberry pies Saturday.

See you soon!

It's Black Raspberry Season!!!!

2009-07-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, let's get something straight...black raspberries are not the same as blackberries. They are way different. Both being utterly delicious but having their own distinct sweet flavor. Today I went out in the field along the fencerow and picked black raspberries. Some are wild but some are transplants that came up on their own from my Pap Parker's raspberry patch that he use to tend judiciously. I remember it well: the patch was down by the grain house and had its own fence around it and had aluminum pie pans strung to scare away the birds. Pap would pick quarts of big delicious berries for Gramma to make cobblers and pies...or just eat with fresh cream. Us kids were NEVER allowed in that patch. It was forbidden territory. I smile today as I pick these beautiful berries for market pies, knowing that Pap would finally think this is ok. :)

On another note-you can now find Lodi apples at the Granville Orchard (Granville) and Legend Hills Orchard (Utica). They are wonderful for pies which I will be bringing to market this week.

I'll also have a variety of yummy Cookies, Pastry Lemonade Bread with Pecans, Blueberry Coffeecake, and my Signature Biker Bars and Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls. Of course, I'll have several other fruit pies available as well.

See you at the markets!

Red, White and Blue Pies

2009-06-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

What a great time of year for fresh fruit pies! The first apples of the year are ready to be picked and the Montmorency tart cherries are coming on as well. I plan to visit the orchard tomorrow to pick some Lodi for my apple pies. Lodis make wonderful applesauce as well as pies and remind me of the old fashioned Transparent apples. There aren't too many of those apple trees around anymore. This week I'll have Cherry pie (RED) Apple pie (WHITE) and Blackberry or Blueberry pie (BLUE) to help celebrate the 4th of July. All you need is ice cream and a fork!!!!

What is your favorite pie??

2009-06-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

What would you say is your favorite fruit pie? National surveys show that Americans love........Apple pie!! No surprises there. Cherry pie is our 2nd most loved. I plan to make both of these pies this week to bring to my markets. I can't say which pie is my favorite because I could easily eat either one, especially warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream-YUM! You must keep checking the markets because peaches and apples will start arriving by the truckloads and the berries will be coming on before you know it. That means blackberry pie, red raspberry pie, cherry pie, and all kinds of apple pies. I love this time of year!

One of my favorite parts of baking pies is making crispy cinnamon sticks from the left over pie dough. Mom always made these and we grabbed them hot to eat right out of the oven. I like to bring them to market for samples, because if you remember from last week-its all about the crust! If you can taste the quality of my flakey crust then you know you are going to be getting a great pie.

Its amazing to me how many people no longer bake, let along make pies. And if they do make pie they use boxed or frozen pie crust (HORROR!). But, when my customers taste my cinnamon sticks from handmade pie crust, their eyes roll back in their heads, they get a big smile on their faces and they always say, "My Mom used to make these!" And everyone had their own family name for them. I've heard them called "rolley polleys", "snickerdoodles". "cinnamon buns", and some other names I can't recall.

For those of you who want to make your own "Cinnamon Stix", here is the quick and easy recipe:
Sue's Pie Crust Cinnamon Stix

Pie dough: use your favorite recipe and roll out a disc very thin on a floured surface.
Brush the pie dough with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Using a pizza cutter cut strips 1 inch wide. At this point you can twist them, roll them up like a cinnamon roll or just keep as strips. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake @350 degrees til brown (about 10-12 minutes). Watch closely-they burn easily. Cool on a rack then enjoy!! These are fun treats for kids to make. They keep well in a baggie and can be frozen as well. If you make them give me a shout and let me know how they turned out.

Hope to see you all this week. It will be a hot week for markets but, hey-it's summer!

From Sue's Kitchen: Welcome to my first blog post

2009-06-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first blog entry!!

I think it is so appropriate to start this adventure with you during the week of Father’s Day because there is nothing my Dad would have loved more than to socialize with friends and family at a Farmers’ Market and graze his away around the various vendors’ tents. He especially loved anything chocolate and any kind of cookies or pie, except maybe strawberry rhubarb, although my strawberry rhubarb pie is AWESOME and I probably would have changed his mind on that. Anyway, here’s to all you Dads for your love of family and friends.

My goal is to make 40 mini pies and 20 large pies this week to bring to my two markets. It’s Father’s Day and Dads like pies and we need to celebrate our Dads, hence the focus on PIE. Plans are for Apple, Cherry, Blueberry, Blackberry, Strawberry-Rhubarb, Peach and Pecan. I might have mini red raspberry as well. I always tell my customers the mini pies are just big enough for a dollop of their favorite ice cream plopped right in the middle…and all they need is a fork.

Here is a picture of a Big-n-Bold Blackberry Pie - those of you who know me know my pies have to be pretty.

I’ll share with you Sue’s 3 rules for terrific pies:
1. I think pies need to be visually appealing. Sometimes I get a little carried away in this creative process but it is fun!
2. It’s all about the crust. All homemade. All hand rolled. All hand decorated.
3. Fruit pies should have lots of fruit. Fresh fruit when it’s available and delicious frozen fruit during the off season. Nothing canned. I currently have about 60 pounds of rhubarb in my freezer and a gallon of red raspberries. YUM!

For those of you who want sweets but not pie I also make lots of old fashioned cookies. These, unlike my pies, are not fancy. They are sturdy, big, one-in-each hand cookies like Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, Oatmeal Raisin, Peanut Blossom, Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Crispie. Many of these recipes are heirloom, meaning they’ve been handed down over generations from my Gramma Rose, Gramma Fannie, Mom (Effie) and my Aunt Eileen. I’m sure a dietitian wouldn’t agree with my motto but it brings a lot of smiles to my customers’ faces-------

My motto is “A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.”

Kissable Peanut Blossom Cookies

I don’t stop at pies-n-cookies, however. I guess I’m a baking fool…or a glutton for punishment. You will find I make various goodies depending on the market: Coffeecakes and Cinnamon Rolls for the morning market; Dessert Breads for evening markets. I’m just now delving into the fun world of cupcakes. Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting…….German Chocolate with Pecan and Coconut topping………..Vanilla with buttercream frosting….the list can be endless. Here’s a picture of a mini Carrot Cake cupcake with Cream Cheese frosting. I think its really cute (pretty darn delicious too)!

So, here's to all you Dads out there...pray for good weather and I'll see you at the market!

COMING SOON :)

2009-05-24T10:03:00.001-07:00

Hey Everybody it's Sue from Sue's Kitchen,

I'm still in the middle of creating my blog. So hang tight, more to come in a couple of weeks.

Thank you!