I have been enjoying the sweetest of days.  My niece’s Bat Mitzvah gathered family in beautiful bucolic Sonoma County, California – a place that stole a piece of my soul many years ago.  A second niece celebrated the pivotal milestone … Continue reading →

My heart swells with gratitude as Sifting Focus turns “1″.  You, my readers, have offered up such kind words of encouragement during this past year.   Your thoughtful comments make the sharing of this personal baking journal all the more … Continue reading →

Who can resist the intensely colored ruby red juice of a blood orange.  I remain amazed at the depth and array of color that nature provides us.  The juice from a blood orange not only prods me toward the kitchen … Continue reading →

Whew – the title of this post is a mouthful, isn’t it.  I just didn’t want to leave out any of the details describing this cupcake. I’m fully aware that these cupcakes are cookie impostors but I don’t think you are going … Continue reading →

From the opening of New York’s first Magnolia Bakery in 1996, to the ever famous Sprinkle’s Beverly Hills hitting the scene in 2005, I think it is safe to say that as of 2012 cupcakes are no longer to be … Continue reading →