Happy Friday friends! Today is a different kind of post. I’d like to recap a recent trip that I was lucky to embark on with a few blogging friends. I visited Iowa for the first time and had the pleasure of being hosted by Iowa Corn.

Before I went to Iowa for the first time this month, all I knew about Iowa was that it was filled with corn fields and it’s a boring drive if you are going on a cross-country trip. What I didn’t realize was that Iowa grows 18% of all corn grown in the US and its farmers are dedicated and passionate about this important role they play in our food industry.

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Hi friends!

Later this week, you will see some changes around here and I wanted to take some time to explain why things are changing.

Those of you who have followed this blog for the past five years will remember that I  started this blog with the primary goal of documenting recipes I loved as I was teaching myself how to bake. To my surprise, this little corner developed into a community of avid home bakers looking for new recipes to share with their friends and families. At the same time, I’ve evolved as a baker and even though I am still learning different techniques, I am now more comfortable in the kitchen. It’s time to take this wonderful community to a new phase.

What is not changing?

For starters, I am not going anywhere.

My love for sweet treats and creating recipes is not changing either and I will continue to share that here with you.

What is changing?

The biggest change you will see is the blog name. This is a much-needed change. When I started the blog, I picked “Blahnik Baker” on a whim because I thought it was cute as it embodied two things that I love – baking and shoes. Never did I think that this would become a passion and I will build a community from it. While I thought “Blahnik Baker” was fine at first, I’ve reached the point where the name is no longer personally or professionally representing this space. As this community has evolved beyond me and into a space for us all, the blog’s name needs to reflect this. Stay tuned for the new name later this week!

Another change you will see is the content. You will see the same great recipes but I am adding more for you. Over the years, you’ve asked for more recipes that teach you techniques. More baking bucket lists recipes to help you conquer your baking fears. I will be adding more of these recipes to the site for you in a new HOW-TO section. You have also asked for more savory recipes. Even though I have a few on the blog now and cook way more than I bake, I’ve stayed away from savory recipes. But you want more, so I will add more delicious savory recipes for you. In general, I’ve come to learn from your feedback that YOU are attracted to classic recipes but inspired by bold flavors and twists. Just like me.

The final change will be a site redesign to better structure all the future content coming your way. I worked with my designer to make sure the site is user-friendly and easy for you to reach the great recipes in 1 to 2 clicks.

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The post Saying Goodbye appeared first on A Classic Twist.

I love this time of the year! As we prepare to say unofficial goodbye to summer this weekend, it is time to welcome the start of a new school year and the beginning of Fall. We always use this Labor day weekend to stuff in as many summer outdoor activities as possible before the hustle and bustle begins. I realize some of your schools have started already, but here in Upstate, we start the week after Labor Day weekend, which is perfect.

Back to school calls for quick snacks and easy-to-make treats to fuel everyone on the go. At least, that is how it is in my house and why I love Krusteaz box mixes for snack-time favorites. The quick prep and endless possibilities of add-ins make them fun for the kids to help with. But in my house, it just makes my life easier on those crazy weeks and mornings when I need a quick grab-and-go snack or breakfast.

For breakfast on the go, try these blueberry muffins. Starting with Krusteaz’s signature blueberry muffin mix, make them as mini muffins that you can freeze easily for grab-and-go mornings. Your mornings are hectic, too, right? I know mine can use some time-saving tips like this.

Another great morning grab-and-go recipe is these Strawberry Oatmeal Bars. I love them because of the oat crumb topping and the fact that they can easily be a sweet treat in the afternoon. Fill them with your favorite fruit in season; peaches, blueberries, or cherries. They freeze well, too, and you can portion them out ahead of time.

I love using Krusteaz’s flatbread mix for an afternoon snack to make a pizza. I can throw on quick toppings with an easy dough ready to go from the mix. The kids will love to help with this, or you can have it ready for them when they get home. Like this grilled flatbread pepperoni pizza.

For a sweet treat, try these pumpkin butterscotch cookies. They are a fun way to start introducing the flavors of the fall.

Or this Skillet S’mores Cookie to hold on to the summer just a little longer.

What are some of your favorite after-school snacks?

I am sharing this recipe in partnership with Krusteaz, for whom I am proud to be a brand ambassador. As always, all opinions are 100% mine. For more recipe ideas and inspiration, follow Krusteaz on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

The post Back to School Ideas with Krusteaz appeared first on A Classic Twist.

I started this blog to keep track of recipes I loved while teaching myself how to bake for the first time as an adult and never in my imagination did I expect it to grow into what it is today; a community of baking lovers. I am so happy to be providing recipes for you all and would love to improve on your experience by making the blog better. I have a few ideas but would LOVE your input on how to improve the blog.

What do you like about the site? What isn’t working? What would you like to see more of? Any and all feedback is much appreciated. And of course all responses will be anonymous and will only be seen by me.

Use the form below to take the survey (will only take a few minutes) or use this link if the form isn’t showing up on mobile >> https://goo.gl/forms/7eYrsppWlO

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! 

Also, feel free to enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a Kitchenaid stand mixer! (https://promosimple.com/ps/8336)

The post Reader Survey appeared first on A Classic Twist.

Hey guys! Today being the last day of the year, I am sharing with you a collection of the top 10 recipes of 2013 on Blahnik Baker (based on most viewed)! But before we get into the countdown, I would like to thank you very much for all the love and support. To all of you who have viewed my recipes, shared and tested these recipes in your kitchens, THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I cannot tell you how excited I get when I see your emails and comments about recipes you have tried and loved  🙂

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The post Top 10 Recipes of 2013 appeared first on A Classic Twist.

But enough about my obsession with the almost end of summer (don’t hate), it’s Bakin Friends reveal day!!

Bakin Friends is celebrating it’s first year anniversary this month and our secret ingredient was Sprinkles!! How fitting :). I was matched with Erin, the brains behind the blog, The Spiffy Cookie. I actually found out about the group Bakin Friends through Erin a few months ago when I started blogging and I am so happy she introduced me to this group of amazing bakers! Erin is a PhD student just like me and has been a great blogging big sister; always been there to answer all my questions as I find my way in the blogosphere (Thanks girl!).

If you haven’t been to her blog yet, you totally should. She is always creative with her food and desserts and I was very excited to see what she will come up with. When I received her package, I was blown out of my mind. She sent the most beautiful package and it was filled with not one, not two but three great baked goods!! Yes three!! All sprinklefied!!

The first treat I sampled were these no-bake funfettinutter granola bars. They are filled with creamy peanut butter and packed with crispy rice cereal, white chocolate and sprinkles. Sounds amazing right? Yeah, they were AMAZING! They were chewy with lots of crunch! You can find the original recipe here (Erin adapted it slightly).

As if that wasn’t enough, she included the best cookies I’ve ever had! These birthday cake s’mores cookies came at the right time when I was craving some s’mores and they definitely satisfied that craving. The cookies are so soft and moist!! Freaking delicious.

Last but definitely not the least, she included these cake batter chocolate barks. I didn’t know you could add cake batter to chocolate bark. What a great idea, right? Well it adds flavor to this chocolate bark and takes it to the next level!

Needless to say, I was extremely SPOILED by Erin and I am so grateful!! I enjoyed every single one of these and it was very hard to share. Thanks Erin for not only setting a good example, but for all the amazing goodies :). I really need to step up my game and make more treats for my bakin friends.

Would you like to join this fun group? (You totally should, it’s fun!). Head over to Steph’s Bite by Bite and read all about it here!

The post July Bakin Friends appeared first on A Classic Twist.