Such a House Cleaning!
I spent the day yesterday strolling through Old Pastry Manor here, pulling the sheets off the furniture and clearing away the worst of the dust and the cobwebs. I was stunned to see literally thousands of unanswered comments stuffed into one closet. I was immediately overcome with guilt…at least in the few seconds before I batch deleted them all. Because baking is about the future, not the past. At least that’s what grandma always said.
Deep apologies to all those whose questions wound up in the dust pan with the plaster chips and dried mouse droppings. I regret that you waited for me in vain. That said, if you’re still wondering about something, even after five years, just resend your question and I’ll do my best to get a prompt answer to you.
Otherwise I’ve got scads of broken links to repair, which will only happen over time since I have to find and fix them one by one. Point them out as you come across them, everyone, I’ll get a punch list going.
Lastly I’m going to have to relearn my photo uploading, editing, and posting process since all that’s changed in these later versions of WordPress. And oh crikey my camera. It was encrusted with dough, raw egg and pastry cream when I put it down. It’s since had years to cure into a solid, stale, sugary block. Not sure what I’m going to do about that. The shutter release is even glued down by something-or-other. Hmm…
But we’ll leave that for another day. More constructive posting a bit later on.
I am so glad to see you back.
Thanks Shilpa! It’s good to be posting again!
– Joe
Same! Really delighted!
Thanks Martina!
– Joe
Wow has it actually been 5 years?
*Checks dates*
I am old. That went too quickly.
Glad to have you back! This blog was one of the best resources I had learning to bake (because having the background for things is really helpful), and I’ve continued using it in all the years between!
I know, I could hardly believe it myself. I’d have said three, tops. Nice to hear from you, Shaney!
More soon!
Joe
YAAAYYY!!!
Hi Anne! 😉
I came in looking for a good lemon pound cake recipe, and found not only that, but your return posts!
I am so glad to see you back, your recipes have been my go-to since I discovered you.
Stay well!
You too Gretchen! Thanks for checking in.
Joe
WOW I’m so glad you’re back! Hope you and yours are doing well!
We’re doing great Iliana, thank you for asking. I have two teenage daughters but under the circumstances I’m doing alright! How about you? All well?
Thanks for the note!
– Joe
I’m new here but have to say that I’m so happy this is starting up again!
Welcome and thank you, Kevin!
– Joe
Pleased to see you . found you after you ‘retired”.
Thanks Adam! Very nice to meet you…and very good to be here.
– Joe
So glad you are back! When does the book come out? 🙂 I’m going to need quite a few for gifts.
I can’t afford to lose that kind of money, Randy!
But thank you just the same! 😉
Jim
Joe, the bread flour for croissant dough, is the KA bread flour too high of a gluten content?
Thank you,
Anna
Should work perfectly, Anna! Go!
Cheers,
Joe
Hi Joe,
what a pleasant surprise, you are back.
Came here to check Ze Flourless and Red Velvet and was very happy to discover new posts.
Thanks for your generosity to keep the site going for the past 5 years. It is a fountain of knowledge and inspiration for me.
Best wishes for the Pastry family. Stay safe.
Hello Daniela!
Thank you for checking in! Keeping the blog going wasn’t completely selfless — all my recipes are here! But I’m very glad it’s continued to be a useful place for you. Good luck with the flourless and the Red Velvet. Are you combining the two in some elegant fashion? Do tell…
And best wishes to you from all the Pastrys!
– Joe
This is amazing! I come to blog for the IMBC (well and the other MBCs) and the fruitcake recipe. Been a fan since… 2007? 2008? Thats what I did today (fruitcake recipe, still holding out for your dad’s) in prep of having our first kiddo in a couple weeks and likely not feeling like fruitcaking during all… that.
Here Ive come back to the main page (usually do a recipe search) and YOURE BACK and Im so happy for it. Now I have a lot of reading to catch up on.
Tara, there’s a special place in my heart for women who plan their births around their baking. I’ve been gone about ten days, so who knows, you may have had the baby by now. My congratulations to all! I’ll also add that Joe is a great name for a child of any sex. Last week was my birthday as well, so please pass on my warm greetings to the newest Scorpio on the block.
Many happy days to you and Mr. Tara!
– Joe
Ironically Joe is a family name (!)… will have to keep you posted (surprise gender).
Woohoo!
If it goes that way I promise not to brag that much.
– Joe
I just came back to look up the Marjolaine recipe to make for my wife’s birthday and noticed the recent posts. I thought they didn’t sound familiar so I clicked and noticed the dates. Welcome back! I wish I would have paid closer attention and found out sooner, I really have missed your posts. Thanks for getting back after it, your site has always been a wealth of information and I’ve often recommended your recipes over the years.
Thanks to you, Ramin! It’s very good to hear from you. I hope that you and your wife enjoy the Marjolaine!
Cheers,
– Joe