This SweetPRO’s blog is about to be added to your bookmarks tab. Marian created the blog “Sweetopia” in order to share her in-demand treats with the world, but it has since grown to be an amazing baking resource with a whole section dedicated to baking terms and a slew of tutorials including instructional videos! Marian will be taking the Acts of Sweetness Team through our own special tutorial in cookie decorating using her signature Royal Icing on November 16th at 8pm. Tune in to ask Marian about all things decorative and be sure to check out her blog here !
When did you start baking, and why?
My fascination with making sweets actually began nine years ago with gingerbread houses. The first house I made wasn’t the prettiest, but I was hooked! Eventually, I began delving into decorated cookies, cupcakes and am now starting to learn about making cakes. It’s a hobby in which the learning and possibilities are endless; I have so many projects that I’d like to try, I know I’ll be busy for many years to come.
When did you decide to start up a blog?
I started the blog in February 2009, as friends and family were often asking me how to make my cookies, cupcakes etc., so I decided to create a fun place to share all my information.
What is your favourite baked treat?
Oh, difficult question! Chocolate is one of my favorite sweet indulgences, so I’d have to say almost anything chocolate. If I had to narrow it down, Nanaimo bars, decadent chocolate cake or chocolate chip cookies.
What is your baking specialty?
I’d say sugar cookies decorated with royal icing.
Where are you practicing your craft now?
Besides teaching students in high school culinary arts classes, I love to spend my free time making sweets for friends and family and showing how to make the sweets on my blog.
Can you share a favourite recipe with us?
Absolutely! Please enjoy my Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe!
Ingredients:
½ pound or (250 mL) 250 g unsalted butter
½ cup or 100 g (125 mL) Redpath Granulated White Sugar
1 cup or 200 g (250 mL) packed Redpath Golden Yellow Sugar
1 tablespoon (15 mL) vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 ¼ cups (625 mL) or 320 g all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking soda
10 ounces (300 mL) or 300 g semisweet chocolate chunks (or favorite chocolate of choice)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177C)
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix butter, Redpath Granulated White Sugar and Redpath Golden Yellow Sugar on medium speed until fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and eggs and mix well.
4. Sift together flour and baking soda and add to mixing bowl; mix until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Form the dough into uniform size balls and space them apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. {A 1 ½ inch ice-cream scoop or a tablespoon can help you create uniform cookie balls}.
7. Bake for 15 minutes if you like your cookies chewy, longer if you like them crisp. (Approx. 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown and the cookie no longer looks ‘wet’).
8. Remove from oven, let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
9. Once cookies are cool, decorate with royal icing if desired!