Matt
@mattbakes.bsky.social
Veteran of that crayon eater branch; writer covering energy industry; hobbyist baker; bad woodworker, photographer and other neglected hobbies
Here’s the interior of the tartlets. From bottom to top (not counting shell): pistachio frangipane, chocolate ganache, vanilla diplomat crème, chopped pistachios and wedges of tempered chocolate.
November 27, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Here’s the interior of the tartlets. From bottom to top (not counting shell): pistachio frangipane, chocolate ganache, vanilla diplomat crème, chopped pistachios and wedges of tempered chocolate.
Thanksgiving baking for the family crowd. Kadayıf tartlets, mini pumpkin cheese cakes and cinnamon rolls (for tomorrow morning). Still need to make the cream cheese icing for the cinnamon rolls but I’ll do that later tonight.
November 27, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Thanksgiving baking for the family crowd. Kadayıf tartlets, mini pumpkin cheese cakes and cinnamon rolls (for tomorrow morning). Still need to make the cream cheese icing for the cinnamon rolls but I’ll do that later tonight.
Made neighbors my kadayıf tartlets for Thanksgiving (and other neighbors chocolate pecan pie, but forgot pictures). Tried clarified butter this time, but for some reason it made the shells not set up properly so I couldn't take them out of molds. Lesson learned. 1/2
November 23, 2025 at 2:27 AM
Made neighbors my kadayıf tartlets for Thanksgiving (and other neighbors chocolate pecan pie, but forgot pictures). Tried clarified butter this time, but for some reason it made the shells not set up properly so I couldn't take them out of molds. Lesson learned. 1/2
Brownies with chocolate buttercream frosting and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for a friend
November 15, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Brownies with chocolate buttercream frosting and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for a friend
New and improved kadayıf tartlets. This time I made the base layer a pistachio frangipane, then above that there is a cap of tempered chocolate (sets hard, think peppermint bark) and finally on top vanilla diplomat crème. Pretty happy with these, although there are some adjustments to make. #baking
October 26, 2025 at 2:06 AM
New and improved kadayıf tartlets. This time I made the base layer a pistachio frangipane, then above that there is a cap of tempered chocolate (sets hard, think peppermint bark) and finally on top vanilla diplomat crème. Pretty happy with these, although there are some adjustments to make. #baking
Experimenting with making tartlet shells from kadayıf (shredded phyllo dough). Want to coat the interior with chocolate ganache and fill with diplomat crème. This test batch looked & tasted great but was extremely delicate. Not sure if its a feature or a bug, to be honest. #baking #dessert
September 30, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Tried making muhallebili kadayıf. A Turkish dessert that is essentially a milk pudding (muhallebili) sandwiched between two layers of a mix of toasted, shredded phyllo dough (kadayıf), chopped walnuts and butter. It didn't turn out right, unfortunately. 1/4
September 28, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Tried making muhallebili kadayıf. A Turkish dessert that is essentially a milk pudding (muhallebili) sandwiched between two layers of a mix of toasted, shredded phyllo dough (kadayıf), chopped walnuts and butter. It didn't turn out right, unfortunately. 1/4
Arlo got neutered today. Not a happy camper. Wouldn’t lay down until I sat next to his bed
September 19, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Arlo got neutered today. Not a happy camper. Wouldn’t lay down until I sat next to his bed
The three amigos enjoying a big backyard (not mine) on Saturday.
September 15, 2025 at 1:50 PM
The three amigos enjoying a big backyard (not mine) on Saturday.
Made crème brûlée for my dad's birthday dinner. The color of the custard is a little different because the recipe I used called for a little espresso powder—just half a teaspoon. Used a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar top. Very tasty.
September 14, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Made crème brûlée for my dad's birthday dinner. The color of the custard is a little different because the recipe I used called for a little espresso powder—just half a teaspoon. Used a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar top. Very tasty.
The pup that shows up mid July (now named Arlo). Is doing much better. Coat has started regrowing, and he’s getting along well with my other two dogs, particularly Pyke (the black lab). I said I was going to get him adopted once he was healthy, but now I’m keeping him. So, three dogs now.
August 19, 2025 at 12:30 AM
The pup that shows up mid July (now named Arlo). Is doing much better. Coat has started regrowing, and he’s getting along well with my other two dogs, particularly Pyke (the black lab). I said I was going to get him adopted once he was healthy, but now I’m keeping him. So, three dogs now.
I really hate people sometimes. This poor guy showed up at my front door today. No shelter would take him (animal control would but they would just euthanize him). Took him to the vet to start getting him treated, going to get him healthy enough for adoption. The sweetest boy, despite his condition.
July 17, 2025 at 12:25 AM
I really hate people sometimes. This poor guy showed up at my front door today. No shelter would take him (animal control would but they would just euthanize him). Took him to the vet to start getting him treated, going to get him healthy enough for adoption. The sweetest boy, despite his condition.
Baked old family recipe for peach kuchen this weekend after finally getting it. Dad said it tasted just like the ones his mom made when he was growing up (1950s-60s). Calling it a success. It's basically a shortbread-like crust, a layer of peaches covered in sugar cinnamon, and custard on top.
July 7, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Baked old family recipe for peach kuchen this weekend after finally getting it. Dad said it tasted just like the ones his mom made when he was growing up (1950s-60s). Calling it a success. It's basically a shortbread-like crust, a layer of peaches covered in sugar cinnamon, and custard on top.
Made chocolate pecan pies for neighbors today (just because, as usual). Always use my grandmas old recipe for these. Got it out of some magazine many decades ago, as far as I know, and it’s been a family favorite ever since.
June 22, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Made chocolate pecan pies for neighbors today (just because, as usual). Always use my grandmas old recipe for these. Got it out of some magazine many decades ago, as far as I know, and it’s been a family favorite ever since.
Baked canelés for the 1st time last week. Very finicky little French pastries with a caramelized, crispy exterior and custard-like interior. The batter is easy, but the baking is tough. These aren't dark enough, and interior is a bit too wet still. Luckily, don't need to be perfect to be delicious.
June 11, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Baked canelés for the 1st time last week. Very finicky little French pastries with a caramelized, crispy exterior and custard-like interior. The batter is easy, but the baking is tough. These aren't dark enough, and interior is a bit too wet still. Luckily, don't need to be perfect to be delicious.
Baked peanut butter chocolate swirl cookies this weekend. The one I had was good, although my first thought was the chocolate overpowered other flavors.
Neighbors liked them a lot. One said her daughter had been asking why I hadn't been baking just last week.
Neighbors liked them a lot. One said her daughter had been asking why I hadn't been baking just last week.
May 27, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Baked peanut butter chocolate swirl cookies this weekend. The one I had was good, although my first thought was the chocolate overpowered other flavors.
Neighbors liked them a lot. One said her daughter had been asking why I hadn't been baking just last week.
Neighbors liked them a lot. One said her daughter had been asking why I hadn't been baking just last week.
Been gone a couple months. Mental health stuff. Haven't stopped baking though. So here's what I've done recently (see alt text for descriptions).
April 22, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Been gone a couple months. Mental health stuff. Haven't stopped baking though. So here's what I've done recently (see alt text for descriptions).
I made flower hot dog buns (a popular Chinese pastry) at the suggestion of a friend. I think they turned out pretty well for a first attempt.
February 8, 2025 at 7:42 PM
I made flower hot dog buns (a popular Chinese pastry) at the suggestion of a friend. I think they turned out pretty well for a first attempt.
Not even close lol, but you're still my friend 😊
February 5, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Not even close lol, but you're still my friend 😊
Arts and crafts is a little bit of a stretch, but I'm going to count woodworking as applicable anyway 😂
February 5, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Arts and crafts is a little bit of a stretch, but I'm going to count woodworking as applicable anyway 😂
Next is chocolate buttercream frosting. Cream room temp butter in mixer, then whisk in confectioners sugar, cocoa, warm heavy cream and vanilla extract. Spread evenly over brownies
January 25, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Next is chocolate buttercream frosting. Cream room temp butter in mixer, then whisk in confectioners sugar, cocoa, warm heavy cream and vanilla extract. Spread evenly over brownies
Brownies are done when toothpick in center comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet with batter. Not quite done with these yet. I’ll be adding something else, but I need to let them cool for an hour or two
January 25, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Brownies are done when toothpick in center comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet with batter. Not quite done with these yet. I’ll be adding something else, but I need to let them cool for an hour or two