September, 2024 | Late Summer Newsletter

I did say most of us, not all of us.

So lets look at others; although he is really cute.

OK, perhaps some did look at the camera for just a second before going back to the game.



And when you pay attention, you might be able to snag a ball hit to the centerfield.

Pretty impressive! I hope it did not out that tooth.

When you look at our group, you will recognize familiar faces and notice that most have on Mets shirts. That is because at each of our outings, our President, Nick Stork, provides them for each attendee.

Much appreciated Nick.

I

This year we received the shirt of the legendary Keith Hernandez, first baseman and later a broadcaster for the New York Mets.

Like I previously stated, the Mets produced 4 runs, Unfortunately the Oakland A's did just a little better.

As Met fans have been saying for a long time,

"JUST WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR"

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June Is Known for Weddings

And what would a wedding be without a cake? I shudder to think of it. Let us look at a brief history of Wedding Cakes.

The wedding cake has been a part of the ceremony since the ancient Greeks and Romans. As part of the nuptials, the groom broke bread over the bride’s head. This was to symbolize her submission, the end of her purity, and to represent good luck and fertility.

During the Middle Ages, a new take on wedding cake began. The newer approach included cakes that were high-stacked and the newlyweds would kiss over it. If they were successful in kissing without knocking the cake over, then it was believed that they would be blessed with many children.

Taking the goal of the bride’s fertility a step further, the English decided that child-bearing would be best increased by throwing the cake at the bride.

Originally wedding cakes were not the iced confections of today. In fact, they were often plain and similar to today’s fruitcakes. However, by the 17th century and on into the 18th, sugar started to be more affordable, and white icing began being used as -not surprisingly- a symbol of the bride’s virginity as well as an indicator of the wealth of the bride’s family. Later on, having color added to the icing, as well as having tiered cakes and elaborate designs indicated even greater affluence and social status. The symbolism of the couple feeding each other is to show others that they promise to look out for each other forever.

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BLUEBERRY-CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CUPS

                                    1 cup half-and-half, divided

                              1-1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin

                                 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

   6 (2-1/2-inch) round chocolate wafers

                                    1 cup fresh or dried blueberries

In a large microwaveable bowl, place 1/3-cup half-and-half. Sprinkle gelatin over and stir to mix; set aside to allow gelatin to soften for 5 minutes; microwave on high until bubbles appear, 30 to 60 seconds. Add chocolate chips and stir until smooth then stir in remaining half-and-half. Cover and refrigerate until the mixture starts to set, 20 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, line 6 muffin cups with paper or silicone cupcake liners; place a chocolate wafer in each, crush to fit; set aside. With an electric mixer, beat the chocolate mixture until smooth and fluffy. Fold blueberries into mousse; spoon into cupcake papers; cover loosely and chill until firm, about 2 hours. (Recipe can easily be doubled.)

YIELD: 6 portions

Credit U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, www.blueberrytech.org; Thomas J. Payne Market Development. . Get the Real Blueberries™ Seal! www.realblueberries.org

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Bakers Amusement Corner

Jokes, Quotes, etc!

Little Johnny was in class, and the teacher announced that they were going to try something different to help everyone get to know each other a little better and to help with their spelling.

She explained, “I want you to stand up and give us the occupation of your father, spell it, and say one thing he would give us all if he were here today.”

The first student raised her hand to volunteer. “Marcy,” the teacher said. “You may go first.”

Marcy replied, “My father is a banker. B-A-N-K-E-R, and if he were here today, he would give us all a shiny new penny.”

The teacher said, “Very nice, Marcy. Who wants to go next?”

Kevin stood up and announced, “My father is a baker. B-A-K-E-R, and if he were here today, he would give us all a freshly-baked cookie.”

“Very good,” the teacher told Kevin. Jeff was next, and he said, “My father is an accountant. A-K, no wait, A-C-K, no…”

Before he could attempt to spell it once more, the teacher cut him off and told him to sit back down and think about it for a while. When he thought he knew how to spell it, he could stand back up and try again.

Little Johnny raised his hand in excitement, hoping to be acknowledged by the teacher. The teacher called on Little Johnny to go next.



Johnny said, “My father is a bookie. B-O-O-K-I-E, and if he were here today, he would give us all 20:1 odds that Jeff will not spell “accountant” correctly.” 

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Up Coming Events

New York State Bakers Meeting

When: September 19, 2024, 3:00 PM

Where: Your Mother's Place

2349 New Hyde Park Road

New Hyde Park, NY

516 493-9030 

Atlantic Bakery Expo

Aka. Artisan Bakery Expo East 

TBA