bakermadness.com

Welcome back to Installment #2 of the BakerMadness Ride of Your Life!

I think we were in the Queue Area last week… well, like most excellent attractions, we still are. So popular… so many people involved… Not to mention the technical crew behind the scenes!

at LEAST 60 minutes

This week has been all about research. Well, research and napping. Many phone calls. Many websites. And much excitement met with… but you need this before that.

Our story is not unlike an Indiana Jones plot… or a room escape game on your iPad. Find the key to unlock the door… have to move the monkey statue to reach the telescope. The telescope is looking at a distant tree branch. There is an arrow with rope, but no bow…

One of my First Favorite CD ROMs. Remember those?

Such is the Startup.

I love it. Each day this week I have sort of selected an area that I think is important to the Cafe. One day, we shopped housing. One day I did candy flowers and royal icing doo dads. I boned up on banking. I spent 3 hours researching chocolate candy molds. Like the shoe. That started as a search for a particular Plaque… which I never did find. I spent a good amount of time going over notes and progress checking my business plan. And grappling with the discovery of what I didn’t know… I didn’t know. God Love The Internet… Keep it Smart and Free!

I plan to start packing boxes, I really DO! I have several, and they will be filled today. Packing always sux, and I have honed the skill of procrastination to the point of performance art.

But the time is ticking. We are due in Largo for the business meeting on May 31.

<<News Update, This Just in>>: My Room Mate has been able to seamlessly replace us. This is an important piece to the well being of everyone involved. So Happy! Deep gratitude.

Roy, my roommate is the director and editor of BakerMadness the Web Series. His library is vast… and his editorial imagination and know how make it feel like I have a little bit of Hollywood in my back pocket. Its an idiom. (only Archer Fans will laugh at that.)

This morning we have been discussing how to bring a bit of the flavor of the webcast to the shop itself. Roy has some great ideas about the soundtrack of the shop. We would like to see this grow to be an actual in house produced video enhancement… The media creative piece is probably my favorite. It is a toss up between that and Menu Design (flavor profiles and that palate stuff. Oooo thats good stuff).

Today though… we are only just approaching the load platform of The Ride of your Life. Up ahead you can pick out a pair of 3D Glasses. I have 2 styles to choose from; a black plastic retro cat-eye frame with rhinestone accents, or an over-sized white aviator Britney Spears/DJ Jazzy DOG style.

Our Sous Chef John models the Aviator

Oh! and by the way, I am receiving your letters and emails! So many great ideas and support. Folks that I didn’t know were watching… so a shout out to you all.. Keep it coming. You feed my enthusiasm!

Stay Tuned and Like BakerMadness on Facebook! Tell a friend! Call My Mom!!

Thank you so much again and again over and over…

Chef Scott

The BakerMadness Chocolate Cafe @ TheEmporium Largo

…where Insanity is Just a matter of Taste!

The Beginning.
Well its not really the beginning.
Its kind of the start of the middle part.
It is better than… well I was gonna say sex, but come on.

Better than Chocolate Itself!

I want to share what I think is going to be an absolutely great ride… And with 20 years in the theme park industry. I know a good ride.

They always have a beginning, a middle, an end, and they usually wind up in a gift shop. The good ones tell some sort of story. The great ones usually add a surprise element. And the absolutely great ones add a soaring back up score and special effects with bright lights around one corner and peril beyond the next. All encompassing.

I am pretty sure I have all of that and More…

So make sure your personal belongings are safely stowed… and pull down on your lap bar, baby.

Welcome to BakerMadness: The Chocolate Cafe!

We can call this first post… the queue.
Here we will get a glimpse of the story so far. Maybe some old timey fotos, and a few old quotes painted artistically on the walls. Lets start telling the story…

I was Born in…
haha just kidding.

You already know all that stuff. Lets jump ahead to 2011. March. Living in Orlando, we had already established our video prowess with several episodes on youtube, (see them here!!) and we were starting to make a name for ourselves with Chocolate Candies and a new shopping cart website. But circumstance and opportunity came together with very little warning, and we found ourselves flung into an adorable condo directly on the Gulf of Mexico in Indian Rocks Beach. We were broke but happy. We had lost access to our videographer, and so it would be nearly a year before we released another BakerMadness episode.

One day shortly after arriving at the beach, John had passed an interesting property on a job interview. He said he wanted to check it out, and so we did. I think our first visit was in the middle of the week, in the middle of the day.

Is this an Oasis??

We both knew as soon as our tires hit the parking area that this was no ordinary property. We were parked in a lush tropical garden. There were mirrors and empty frames adorning the whole side of the building. There was a sound system pouring out music… and many of the trees were decorated with crystals and more mirrors. There were plants everywhere… all for sale. We went inside.

not really the day we arrived... among the ferns beneath the pergola

The Owner couldn’t have been more friendly. She took time to give us a sweeping tour and listen to us yammer on about ourselves. She invited us to an Art Show that weekend… there would be vendors and food and music, and we should stop by. We did.

We all have come across places in our lives that touch the core of who we are. They both lift us and subdue us at the same time. The Emporium is just that kind of place.

The short story is that we were invited to participate in a few big shows as food and candy vendors. Our consistent appearances led way to being the first onsite caterer to provide lunch service every saturday. We continued that service for nearly a year (I think 8 or 9 months really) until pesky old circumstance raised its ugly, life changing gaze. Luckily for us, opportunity also gave us a wink, and we were off like a shot to return to Orlando. (Saturday Lunch in the Garden has become a staple of the Emporium experience in our absence, through several caterers.)

We have been back in Orlando for 1 year this month (May 2012). I think we felt a little let down, having the wind quite unceremoniously sucked from our sails. There has always been support… for each other… from friends and family… from co workers and employers. The people in my life (our life) never cease believing in us. Still, with that being said it has not been a largely productive year.

Now, on the Emporium Property is a wee duplex. It had been an office for many years… but an office doesn’t make money by just sitting there… so the 2 small apartments became retail space. This was occurring as we were making our exit known. Such a great spot to sell chocolate and treats… only just out of reach. Derp.

The Duplex as it appeared in its Office Days

Well things have changed over the year. Companies grow. Relationships grow. Circumstance and Opportunity swirl like the proverbial yin- yang. And BOOM! You find yourself strapping in for what looks like one of the Rides of your Life!

As I mentioned on my first facebook reveal status post, we have developed a partnership which is allowing us to turn all of our notes and sketches and fake menus into reality. We are on target to be licensed, insured caterers before the end of summer. Also, in the category of Paramount Developments is the new availability of the little house at the Emporium. We have made arrangements to hold that property until we can get there.

Is your heart picking up speed? Are you excited to see the rest?? oooo… Me Too!

We have all Kinds of plans. Big stuff. Fun Stuff! But, Sssshhh! I’m not gonna tell ya any of them.

Remember? Queue Area. History Lesson…

What I will say is that we are excited to the point of weird. Just to keep my head out of the clouds I have been reading this…

recognize this guy?

With his tips and warnings… this is a factual, and sobering look at the business. And I am so thrilled for it that I might … well I might pee a little bit. Damn it.

I suggest you Like: TheEmporium Largo on facebook. (on the facebook url there is NO SPACE between The and Emporium.)

I know that you will find a reason to visit… other than the chocolate.

I am both Honored and Flattered to be a part of the new expansion at The Emporium Largo. The entire team of people making this possible demonstrate how, and at what cost… dreams come true.

Many thanks and Deep Gratitude.

Chef Scott

The New BakerMadness Chocolate Cafe

oh yeah… Chocolate.

uber dark, citrus infusion, birthday cake

—thp thp thp thp thp thp thp—- fwish… ZING! —– thp thp thp thp thp thp thp —-

Ya HEAR THAT???

That is the sound of that little cherub, Cupid… flitting around and whizzing arrows past your head. Somebody get the Bug Zapper!! Don’t need no half naked man baby peeking in my curtains… how rude.

It is Time for the most Chocolate Drenched Holiday of the year! And whether you want to impress your date or sit back and be showered by treats… I can help.

This year I have had quite a response to the most delicate of ALL confections, The Chocolate Shoe.

This is a lovely ladies pump offered in White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate or Dark Sinful Chocolate.

a trio of beauties

The Pump is approximately 10oz of solid molded Chocolate. Each one is unique. Included is the option to add personalization with the recipient name.

There is also an option to add five (5) truffles and chocolate candies to the shoe for an even greater impact.

How do you get it??

If you are in the Greater Orlando Area, I will hand deliver it to you.

If you need it shipped, I can do that too. Shipping is additional. I am currently looking at different options, and will have details soon regarding prices.

Payment: My PayPal account is currently offline. I have been trying to contact them to no avail. In the meantime, I am accepting cash or personal check at my home address. Or I can meet you for payment locally. These details, as well as choices and totals will be discussed in the email confirmation I send after receiving your order.

Please send an e-mail request including:

Choice of White, Milk, Or Dark. Deco can be the same color as the shoe, or may contrast at your request IE: white shoe/dark scroll work. If no specifics are mentioned in your request, it will be my choice.

Personalization is included. Please specify recipient name if you would like it to appear. (not real long names please)

The Number of shoes you would like. << NOTE >> at this time ALL SHOES ARE LEFT SHOES. Yes you can clearly see the difference in the arch of the shoe. They will not make TRUE pairs.

Please include your Phone Number, Your E-Mail Address, and the Final Shipping Address if necessary.

Send Requests to me on FaceBook or to scottperman1@gmail.com

________________________________________________________________________

Shoe Alone with Fancy Tissue Insert = $25.00

Shoe with Fancy Tissue AND Five (5) Chefs Choice Truffles and Candies = $35

________________________________________________________________________

I will be posting additional updates and photos.

I will also put together ½ pound and 1 pound boxes if I get enough interest.

This is Pre-Ordering. I will need to receive requests and prepayment before I can go too very far down this rabbit hole. I hope that you understand. All deliveries and shipments meant for valentines day will be completed between Febuary 3^rd and 13^th.

Thanks So much for Stopping by! I look forward to this coming holiday and helping you reach your chocolaty dreams!

And he saw that the Chocolate was thick and tempered. And it was good.

My apostrophe / quote marks key is now a non functional, lazy, place holder that refuses to do his job. I wish that it could be more like the M key which only drops out sporadically. As you read on, keep these things in ind mind. Thank You.

Today I got a wicked cool practice session in. And it reminded me that there is a certain holiday just around the corner that is anchored quite immovably in chocolate. I don’t have the time right now to explain how chocolate became such a big deal for Valentines Day. But it Did, and I for one am glad of it.

I know who is out there… For I am you, and have been all three types: The Receiver of Chocolate; the Giver of Chocolate; the Seasonal Hoarder of Chocolate. To the last of the group… you are my favorite, for you see life without pretense. To all, Huzzah! What did that one old guy… the philosopher say?

– Chocolate is Life – end quote – that one old guy the philosopher

I concur. And I just happen to have about 30 pounds of chocolate and a stone cold marble slab.

I should practice.

A Mold by any other name....

The Chosen Medium

A not so sensible pump.

Cinderella's lesser known Other Shoe

As you can see, I had a smashing practice run today. A sort of one for the money situation. Now I am ready to put You in a Delicious new Chocolate Shoe.

This shoe is 10 oz of solid chocolate. I think I can bump that up to a pound by adding a few truffles inside. What do you think? I will offer these in Dark, Milk and White Chocolate.

Remember, this is rehersal. Full deco coming. Check out all that real estate for customising with a name of the betrothed. Ladies, get your man to my site… I will have details in the coming week on how you can get one of these beauties! Drag Queens? Brides? Bridesmaids? Moms, Aunts, Sisters, BFFs… you get the idea. Anybody who needs just a little glamor in the day… even if that someone is you. Awww, tear.

The BakerMan and the Crew... you missed a spot

Well I told you it was happening… but until this weekend I wasn’t sure if I believed it myself!

Hi Everybody! It’s me Chef Scott the BakerMan here with another progress report!

As many of you in the Entertainment Industry know, the size and complexity of a project or production will often dictate the number of people involved and the timeline to completion. So goes it with the BakerMadness Remount Project of 2012!

We have been making deals with sponsors… lining up guest stars… and totally revamping our Enormous, New, State of the Art Studio Mega Complex and Spa. Located in Upper Kissimmee, near the Head Waters of the Florida Everglades… The BM Studios will serve as a beacon of Fine Entertainment and Baked Goods!

We have had to do some thinking and a little redesign work as we press forward to bring you the very best show that the interwebs have ever seen! We have upgraded our product in almost every aspect. Better Props! Bigger Studio! Even More Hilarious Scripts!

Our Special Effects team is really hitting it out of the park, as you will see in the video below.

We’ve added Costumers, a Musical Director, and a couple guest bloggers!

Again, anybody with a Large Project can understand the beginnings and that feeling of slogging through heavy molasses as you start to pull the ends together into a production schedule. As these decisions are made and confirmed… things start to speed up.

I am Happy to announce our first New Long Play Video will have it’s Global Debut in October! Stay tuned and Like our Page to keep “A Breast” of all of our doings… you’ll be glad you did!

See Ya Next Time Y’all!

BakerMadness… where insanity is just a matter of taste!

The BakerMadness Prize Patrol has been woefully procrastinative as of late, but when I told them I was going to cut off their wifi and expense accounts… well, they perked right up! We run it Tight and Fast here at BM and we can’t allow further dawdling.

Earlier this summer we held a caption contest. Our lovely winner was announced with her lilting rewrite of a Willy Wonka Classic— see it all here

We finally went to the vaults this week and found the perfect prize!

The Pretty Purple Lunch Kit endorsed by none other than Brooke Shields and benefiting Tupperware’s Chain of Confidence, working to empower women!! The kit includes a 16 oz tumbler cup with lid, a come and go as you are Lunch Keeper and an adorable little pink spoon. It all fits into a very ladylike purple tote bag with the Tupperware Logo (so you will know and show your taste in the finer things)

Congratulations Katherine! Our BM Prize Fairies are winging their way to you even now!

And as for the rest of you… Make sure to watch for future chances to win some great prizes… quality stuff you understand. When I mentioned that you could get a light bulb as a gift, that was Sarcasm.

Now make sure you subscribe or follow or check back soon, because Next Time…

I’m going to show you a little trick with strawberries that you are gonna love! And then I’m going to show you how to eat a banana like a real monkey, and other banana related shenanigans.

Bake On my Bakers!

We’ll see you Right here Next Time on BakerMadness.com, where insanity is just a matter of taste!

Hey Everybody! It’s Me Chef Scott on a Happy Fourth of July 2012!

USA! All The Way!

All of our Worldly Belongings have made it safely to the Inland Empire of Greater Orlando. And for that we are Grateful beyond words. Many thanks to ALL the kids who pitched in to make this happen!

Now… what did I do with my keys in all this pile?

This week I haven’t got much time! We are due at the “Let Freedom Ring neighborhood Block Party and Fireworks Extravaganza!” And they are expecting us to bring the Mac and Cheese! I wonder how many people live in my neighborhood?

So we’re gonna jump right to the Retro-Video!

This week, an All American Treat served All Summer Long…. Strawberry Shortcake!

Strawberries as seen through the eye of Kling's Art. Photo Courtesy of Kling's Art

I’m going to show you how to add a fancy pastry twist to this standard dessert with almost no additional legwork on your part. As a matter of fact, it’s almost as easy as NOT making it!

So Enjoy the Holiday and all of your summer! Call a friend… Have a Burger (or a turkey dog … or a vegan all gluten free people food patty) whatever makes you feel GOOD!

Have a Laugh…

See you next week!!

PS: Oh Hey! like the recipe but can’t take notes that fast?? It’s all good baby… i did it for you right here!

Hi Everybody!!

It’s me Chef Scott… from our Soon to Be Mega Studio Complex in Upper Kissimmee!

Between all the planning and 2 part time jobs, I didn’t get much time to focus on BM this week.

Just some treats I made this week... Vanilla Sponge with Almond flavored whipped cream, chocolate chips... and toasted almonds. Too Much?

Well, in a round about way I did. We ARE going to be picking up the rest of our stuff from our rental beach hut, and there was a fair amount of logistical decision making… and room clearing… and preparation.

I also found a new Partner in culinary hijinx. An old friend has a website of her own. www.beautyandthebeets.com is her site about a healthier lifestyle. After some quick catch up, it became apparent that we share some common interests, and that we could work out a Double Blog Episode!! We have already picked out a couple recipes and we’ll be getting that “on the table” in the coming weeks. (She’s on a whole food challenge for the next 30 days, which kind of rules out my highly processed white Sugar and Flour type ingredients… but once that’s over, BOOM! CheezCake!)

Tomorrow we begin a whirlwind tour of Central Florida. We Kick off at the Amtrak “Woo Woo It’s A Train” Party on the the Loading Platform just off Main Street! Then it’s chuga chuga Tampa for the First stop, where our limo driver will be waiting with personal Astro Van Service to Beautiful Downtown Gulfport!

Saturday, we’ll be appearing throughout the day at the St. Petersburg Gay Pride Celebration. We had to decline the Grand Marshal spot… but trust me, we will STILL be featured during the parade.

Sunday we are spending a quiet time of reflection with friends in the Garden Of Wonder in beautiful Largo.

Monday our Moving Trucks arrive with an astounding crew (john and myself) to ship our Ass-ets back here to Upper Kissimmee, just in time to see the “Burnin’ Down Your House” Neighborhood Fireworks Extravaganza!!

Many Thanks to the Art Lovers out there! You have helped us Greatly! Your prints will go out sometime next week! There is still Plenty of time to get in on some Great Art over here at the Kling’s Art Sale!

Courtesy of Kling's Art

What an Exciting Week!

I hope that you have similar plans! Get out and enjoy your family and friends…

Today I offer up our Zestiest Episode Ever! From the vaults… with a whopping 256 Views BakerMadness is Proud to Present, The Magic Of Zest!

Join the BakerMadness Dancers on this musical Journey to one of the most flavorful ingredients ever discovered anywhere… and it’s as close as your favorite market!

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter… use the tabs to the right!

See You Next Week!

.

Hey Everybody!

It’s me the Bakerman… here again with another weekly update! But before we go on…. there is a tiny bit of business that I have to take care of…

(sound of Tympani Drum Roll)
Ladies and Gentlemen… the winner of our Caption Contest is…

Katherine Day!!
Here is her Winning Phrase:

“Who can take a fountain, add a cockatoo… Cover it with choc’late and a miracle or two The BakerMan, oh the BakerMan …”

Kathy will be receiving a one of a kind BM gift! Congratulations Kathy! We loved the way you were able to re-write a standard Classic… and keep in line with our BakerMadness identity! Great Job!

To all of the other entries, we say Thanks So Much! They were all great! We’ll be looking for you in the next round!

Now, onward to other updates and important stuff! This week FLEW by!

<<<ATTENTION: UPDATE AUG 16, 2012>>>
The following has been struck through as I was summarily let go through a series of Text Messages (I know, right??) Not my fault, the company cited new opening budget constraints… by text message. not bitter.

I (in my mild mannered alter ego, Scott Perman) have just been hired by a local Patisserie! Venezia Patisserie and Cafe opens this weekend at the Loop Outdoor Mall in Upper Kissimmee! (Find the Loop at the corner of John Young Parkway and the Osceola Parkway) Super easy to get to! We are 2 doors down from Johnny Rockets and the Movies – Hollah!

It’s so great to be back in a pastry kitchen and up to my elbows in mango and passion fruit mousse! Also great is the fact that the shop is owned by a family from Italy and a family from Venezuela… it’s a total culture switch for me and I am having a blast with it. Luckily, I am a huge fan of the Salsa, the Merengue, and the basic Latin Cha Cha beat cause these kids love their Cha Cha…. those of you who have worked with me before can imagine that I have a hard time standing still in the kitchen, with all that Gloria and boomchikaboomchika goin on.

Chocolate Mousse Bombs!

We are making Final Arrangements to Return to St. Petersburg next week. We left some all of our stuff in a rental shack on the beach. We’re picking it up. We are getting back our Lighting Rig, our Bakery… our Print shop, Art Department, and Garden Implements. Not to mention a whole wardrobe of clothes that don’t fit!

We are trying to raise the additional cash by holding an art sale! If you like art and you got a couple Hamiltons burnin a hole in your pocket… Check This Out! Click Here!

This week I found some footage that I filmed all alone in my beach cottage. I was trying desperately to keep up with BakerMadness in some form, but everybody was so far away. I got the raw footage, but never edited it… This episode has been on my computer since last October!

I think It’s Perfect for the summer! So Here it is folks… A Never Ever Before Seen New Episode from BakerMadness. The Pineapple Prep!

I hope that you already use fresh pineapple, but I’ll bet some of you don’t. All that cutting and chopping CAN be intimidating. Don’t be skeered… The Bakerman is gonna show you how!

C-ya Next Week!!
Hope it’s a great one…

Chef Scott
go buy a fancy picture

Chef's Nut Loaf Serving Suggestion

Hey all you Bakers and Bakerettes!

What a Week it’s been here at the BM Mega Studio… The coming and going of friends and ideas… mini episodes! Major Episodes! Bloggery! Things are really starting to come together for our upcoming Season!

What? You don’t know about our upcoming Season? Well let’s take care of THAT!

When we decided to make a comeback, we realized that our past posting schedule was sporadic at best. Even though we knew that “sometimes posting” is no way to make a presence on the world wide web, we (um… I) found it difficult to keep up. This time around it’s a little different. Through Focus and Discipline we have set ourselves up with a solid timeline of production.

Our Season #2 Premier is still weeks and weeks away… which, for the first time is affording us an actual production schedule. We are working on episodes to cover All of the major holidays through the end of the world… uh Year.

In the meantime, we are posting a mix of old and new. Getting ourselves on a routine. Getting some interaction going.

This week we found some nearly forgotten footage. I am so excited to share it with you!

We also discovered a slight hitch in our get along. We came back to lay our claim here in Upper Kissimmee in such a hurry, that we had to leave some of our things in storage at the beach. Unfortunately, our lighting rig was left behind. Can’t film without lights.

However, that has given us an even better opportunity for production. We will have our entire studio back by the start of July, until then we are hunkered down in a writer’s bunny hutch.

Today, we are climbing aboard the way back machine. Back to the Top of the year 2009. A new and exciting baking show was taking to the web-waves and this was the First Episode that was released to the world.

Chef’s Hot Nut Loaf. We’ve come a long way since this episode first ran, but we think it still holds the original concept tightly. This episode as well as the Mise En Place and Scaling episodes were shot all together in One Day! One long and hungry by the end day.

I hope you still get a kick out of it. I hope you’ll take it with you and share it on your own site or page!

I have included the recipe directly under the video. Maybe in the future we’ll set up a PDF gallery so you can just click and download. That feature, like others… is Coming Soon!

Thanks for Stopping By!

See You next week with An ALL NEW Mini-episode from the vault!

And Don’t Forget to Join Our Contest!! Scroll down or click here to lay a caption on us!

C-ya,

The Bakerman

BakerMadness Presents: Chef’s Hot Nut Loaf

Ingredients:

¾ C Brown Sugar

½ C Butter

1 C Buttermilk

2 Eggs

2 C All Purpose Flour

1 C Chopped Pecans

½ tsp Baking Soda

½ tsp Baking Powder

½ tsp Salt

½ tsp Cinnamon

½ tsp Cloves

Do This:

Preheat your oven to 350

grease or spray the bottom only of a loaf pan

1. Sift together all the dry ingredients, then add the nuts and mix to combine. Set aside.
2. Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and almost fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl.
3. Alternately add the eggs and butter milk. Scrape after each addition.
4. Add the dry ingredients. Mix until Just Moist. Do not over mix.
5. Pour into prepared loaf pan.
6. Top with a layer of brown sugar.
7. Bake @ 350 for 30 to 40 mins. Or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.
9. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature with butter and orange zest curls.

Try a slice in the toaster oven. Way Good!