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Science Fair at The Cookie Nip Studio Kitchen

Apr 08, 2024

Experimenting with a new baking stone

There ought to be a 12 step program for what is wrong with me!

All I set out to do was bake cookies.

So, how did I get here, trying to build a brand and endorse this product over that one?

I'll tell you how. I got people. Smart People. People who are willing to tell me what I ought to do without regard to all my personal limitations.

I guess that comes with the territory. My brilliant idea to train up my girlfriends so I would have a troop of volunteers to help me during my busy season somehow gave birth to the opportunity of meeting some of the nicest people ever standing in my kitchen baking cookies.

If you like to bake, I am probably going to like you. So cookies have facilitated meeting some really nice teachers, and principals, and nurses, and accountants, and grandmothers, and room moms, and event planners, and marketing executives, and coffee shop owners, and dentists, and firemen and cops and bosses!

So these way-smarter-than-me-people have convinced me that The Cookie School is totally a thing. In fact, it is a brand. And when it becomes a brand, you have to decide to endorse what works best rather than my normal way of selecting (what is the cheapest!). And can I just say that fueled by the energy of some bakers who felt like they won the lottery when they got into the school that is harder to matriculate than Harvard, I am easily led into temptation?

For the past week, I have attempted to choose a new baking stone.

Yes, I still LOVE the Pampered Chef stone, but they are not crazy about me. Go figure.

And since I have a couple of advanced degrees, I know how to use Google, so I commenced googling up everything I never wanted to know about stone bakeware in the first place. I have now ordered up every baking stone in the country and started a downright science fair project. (An DANG that is expensive!)

I have my control group and then all these others. Using the same dough, in the same ovens on the same temperature I have been baking cookies on everything from 24" floor tiles to gourmet versatile ceramic, stick-resistant, microwave and dishwasher safe, natural clay baking stones produced in the heartland of America.

The ceramic floor tiles just had to be tried. Bad idea. That is all I am gonna say about that. But dang it would have been a great, economical solution had it worked!

Then there were stones that were designed for pizza. They surely appreciated the extra butter from the cookies because they soaked it right up. And dripped it right through.

Then there was a cookie baking stone that I seasoned with butter before giving it one run of cookies and it did not drip through and bring the firetrucks to my driveway but I am not putting any more on it because it obviously can't handle it.

But after last week the firetruck option is not an entirely bad thing to have happen.

Then there was one that was larger so I liked its size but it is significantly heavier.

It took several recipes without any dripping but I noticed oil puddling on the top of the surface after removing it from the oven. Not sure what that is all about.

I had great hopes for the ones that look and feel like my previously favored stone but it did not work. How can two things look so much alike and be so different?

Then there was one produced by American Steelworks. Doesn't that name just scream red, white and blue? Then the box arrived, it said that American Steelworks is produced. IN CHINA. I can't win.

I am still waiting on delivery of a couple more before my final verdict but I do have a favored front runner.

I am not telling what it is right now or I might jinx it. But stay tuned.

I have no intention of purchasing a tri-fold board and adhesive letters but I will share the results when I finally drop anchor on "The Cookie School" baking stone.

And if there is currently no recovery group meeting weekly to hold each other accountable for indulging a passion for therapeutic baking, (PTB Anonymous) I can start one.

Who's in?

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Master the Art of Cookie Decorating with Our Online Classes

By Maya Infosoft • 28 Sep, 2024

If you’ve ever admired beautifully decorated cookies and wished you could create your own edible masterpieces, Cookie Nip Studio Kitchen is here to help! Our online cookie decorating classes make it easier than ever to develop your skills, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your techniques. With the flexibility of online learning and expert instruction, our classes offer everything you need to master the art of cookie decorating. Why Choose Online Cookie Decorating Classes? At Cookie Nip Studio Kitchen, we understand that life can be busy, which is why we offer online cookie classes that you can take from the comfort of your home. Our online classes are perfect for anyone who wants to learn at their own pace. Whether you’re balancing a busy work schedule, taking care of a family, or just prefer learning from your kitchen, online classes offer unmatched flexibility. One of the key benefits of online cookie decorating classes is that you can revisit the lessons as many times as you need. This means you’ll be able to pause, rewind, and practice each step of the process until you’re confident in your skills. With detailed video tutorials and step-by-step instructions, you’ll have all the tools you need to create beautifully decorated cookies. What You’ll Learn in Our Online Cookie Classes Our online classes cover a wide range of techniques, from basic decorating skills to advanced designs. You’ll learn everything from piping and flooding to creating intricate patterns and textures. Whether you’re interested in designing custom cookies for special occasions or simply want to improve your decorating abilities, our classes have something for everyone. In the introductory sessions, you’ll learn the fundamentals of cookie decorating, including how to create the perfect royal icing consistency and how to use different types of piping tips for various effects. As you progress through the course, you’ll move on to more advanced techniques, such as creating detailed designs, layering colors, and adding finishing touches that will make your cookies truly stand out. Not only will you develop your decorating skills, but you’ll also learn how to make your cookies taste as good as they look. Our online classes cover tips for baking the perfect cookies that are sturdy enough for decorating but still soft and delicious. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to confidently create your own custom cookies for any occasion. Who Can Benefit from Our Online Cookie Decorating Classes? Our online cookie classes are designed for everyone, whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced baker looking to refine your techniques. We cater to a variety of skill levels, so you can choose the class that best suits your experience and goals. If you’re someone who loves the idea of creating personalized treats for events, our classes will give you the skills you need to design custom cookies that are sure to impress. You’ll learn how to create cookies for birthdays, weddings, holidays, and more, using designs that reflect your unique style. For those located in Atlanta, our online classes provide the same high-quality instruction as our in-person offerings. And while you may not be able to attend a class at our studio, you can still create custom cookies in Atlanta or anywhere you’re based, using the techniques you’ve learned online. Why Cookie Decorating is the Perfect Creative Outlet Cookie decorating is more than just a fun activity—it’s a creative outlet that allows you to express yourself in a unique and edible form. Whether you’re decorating cookies for a family celebration, a gift, or just for fun, the possibilities are endless. You’ll be able to experiment with colors, designs, and techniques to create something that is truly one-of-a-kind. Not only is cookie decorating a great way to relieve stress, but it’s also a fantastic way to make memories. Invite friends and family to join you in a decorating session, either in person or virtually, and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful together. Start Your Cookie Decorating Journey Today At Cookie Nip Studio Kitchen, we believe that anyone can master the art of cookie decorating with the right guidance and tools. Our online cookie decorating classes are designed to be fun, engaging, and accessible for learners of all skill levels. If you’ve ever wanted to create custom cookies that look just as good as they taste, now is the perfect time to start. Sign up for one of our classes today, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a cookie decorating pro. Our online classes make it easy to bring the art of cookie decorating into your home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound skills and delicious creations!

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What is the Shelf-Life of Custom Sugar Cookies?

09 Apr, 2024

People are always asking me this question and I typically say, "A week!" I need to rethink that answer. Don't be ridiculous. These cookies don't ever hang around long enough to actually go stale, but I have never put it to the REAL test. When I returned to my office after Christmas, I found a couple of cookies that didn't make it to their destinations before we left for the holidays, and they were sitting on my conference table. Right as I started to throw them in the trash, that same old question resonated in my head. These cookies were baked the week of December 10 and were left in my office from December 15 until now. They were sealed in the bags using the heat sealer we all love so no air was getting to them. I noticed that the red color eventually bled a little into the white brim of the hat and one eye was squished. Just before raking them into the trash, I decided to open one and taste a little crumb just to see (in the interest of science, of course) just HOW stale they were.