Category Archives: Home Baking

Culinary Heirloom: The Cricket Tea Room Cook Book

Posted on January 16, 2016 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews It’s funny sometimes how the mind works, and how certain thoughts can lead to action. The subject of this post — The Cricket Tea Room Cook Book — was co-authored by my Great-Great Aunt, Tona Webb Perry, and served … Continue reading →

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Unexpected Plums? Clafouti!

Posted on August 4, 2015 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews Our ancient red plum tree served as an early muse here at Upstate-Downtown. And we’ve received lots of plum goodness from it over the years. It has, unfortunately, fallen on hard times recently, a victim of “black knot” plum tree disease and … Continue reading →

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Merrier with Molasses

Posted on December 14, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Molasses makes our Christmas merry. It’s the foundation sweetener for two of our favorite holiday treats: gingerbread and spiced ginger cookies.  We appreciate molasses for so many reasons….how it produces a lovely dark golden-brown hue, a soft … Continue reading →

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Healthy Twists for Thanksgiving

Posted on November 22, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Why not jumpstart your New Year’s resolution—”to eat more healthfully”—at Thanksgiving?  That’s right, I said Thanksgiving.  Because the basic inputs—turkey, cranberries, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, green beans or collard greens—are inherently healthful foods.  It’s what you do … Continue reading →

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Apple (Pie) of My Eye

Posted on October 17, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews I take pie seriously.  For the last two years, I baked my best for Montgomery Place Orchard Farm Market’s annual antique apple pie contest held in mid-October.  It’s always great fun …and nearly impossible to predict the … Continue reading →

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Classic Lunch Box Cookie Makes the Grade

Posted on October 4, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Kids love these bite-sized munchables, a tribute to a beloved trifecta: butter + oatmeal + chocolate chips.  But I’ve got to give credit where it’s due:  this is my mother’s recipe.  It was a huge hit with … Continue reading →

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Gingerbread in July

Posted on July 5, 2011 by upstatedowntown

A fresh twist on southern-style gingerbread Continue reading →

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Southern Souvenir: Buttermilk Pie

Posted on July 2, 2011 by upstatedowntown

A West Tennessee family recipe for Buttermilk pie. Continue reading →

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Bake It Yourself: Yeasted Breads

Posted on May 5, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews I was surprised when I finally held a copy of Simply Great Breads by Hudson Valley baker Daniel Leader (with Lauren Chattman) in my hands.  I figured it would be a hefty coffee table-type paean to artisanal … Continue reading →

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Brownie Points

Posted on February 19, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews How do you like your brownies: fudgy or cakey?  I fall squarely in the fudgy camp.  I like walnuts in my brownies.  Hold the icing.  And they should taste rich, dark and chocolaty—but not too sweet. A … Continue reading →

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