marymargaretripley

Busy Summer at the Bakery

It’s been so busy for me this summer that I haven’t had much time to post. I have tons of stuff to write about and have been taking lots of photos so hopefully once Doug is back in school next week I can have more uninterrupted time to write. At the bakery this summer weContinue reading “Busy Summer at the Bakery”

It’s Been a While

My last blog post was all about forward focusing my brain and actions towards specific goals. It was about spending less time looking at my phone and not mindlessly browsing the Internet. During my forward focus in the last couple of months I have seriously been struggling with a lot of things at home andContinue reading “It’s Been a While”

My Forward Focus Goals

One of the blogs I love to read when I get a notification in my inbox is “Break the Twitch”. Essentially Anthony Ongaro is trying to help us break the twitch from touching our cell phones every 5 seconds to see if we have notifications. Do you do that? It’s a nervous habit for me.Continue reading “My Forward Focus Goals”

Week #9 Operation Pie – Swiss Chard and Cheddar Quiche

I had some swiss chard in the freezer from last year and decided it would be perfect in a quiche. So far my favorite go-to quiche recipe is Paula Deen’s, Spinach and Bacon Quiche, I just change up the flavors in it as needed. Here is a link to the original recipe. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/spinach-and-bacon-quiche-recipe.html The recipeContinue reading “Week #9 Operation Pie – Swiss Chard and Cheddar Quiche”

Cranky Bakery Manager

I am so looking forward to the next two days off. In the food service industry two days off feels like a vacation! I love my job but there are days my body is screaming at me when I get home. I lost two bakers the week of Easter and it has been just meContinue reading “Cranky Bakery Manager”

Selling at Farmers Markets as a Second Income

My husband and I were farmers market vendors for 8 years. We owned a bakery for 2 years but the other 6 years we did it out of our home. Whether you sell baked goods or jams and jellies, produce or eggs or honey, you too can work towards becoming a market vendor at yourContinue reading “Selling at Farmers Markets as a Second Income”

Prepping Mixes-Chocolate Chip Cookies

In the food service industry, prepping is crucial. Preparing ahead of time cuts your time in half when it comes to cooking for a crowd or getting ready for a party. I have created more than a dozen dry mixes that I use in the bakery every day. I am going to share these mixes andContinue reading “Prepping Mixes-Chocolate Chip Cookies”

Pie Challenge and the “Kids” are Up

I have really been slacking on my “Operation Pie Challenge” I left off at week #7 so this would be week #8. I am not going to do a recipe this week. Instead, I am going to show you a technique with pie crust that my Granny taught me years ago that I think youContinue reading “Pie Challenge and the “Kids” are Up”

Birthday Wishes

Looking back on past birthdays and special days like Valentine’s and Mother’s Day I realize now what I really want for those days. Not what you might expect though. I am not a girl who needs a lot of material things. I don’t need jewelry or roses or even an expensive night out. It meansContinue reading “Birthday Wishes”

Baking for Lent

For me Lent is a journey every year. Easter is less commercial and I get to enjoy and reflect and think in silence without the glitz and mad shopping days of Christmas. Lent and Easter traditions are handed down from generation to generation. A few years ago I researched recipes for Lent and Easter andContinue reading “Baking for Lent”