Guests of acclaimed baker and cookbook author, Jessie Sheehan enjoyed tips and treats on Saturday, February 1 when Noble Horizons hosted Jessie for a live baking demonstration. Chocolate lovers were wowed by the ‘easy peasy’ preparation of three tantalizing recipes sure to win the heart of any Valentine! In less than an hour, and using just one bowl for each recipe, Jessie whipped up three glorious and utterly decadent desserts: a light and creamy Nutella pie nestled in an Oreo crust, chewy and extra-chocolaty brownies sprinkled with sea salt, and a mouth-watering chocolate snack cake whose secret ingredient surprised everyone.
Jessie enjoys giving live demonstrations and the opportunity to connect with fellow bakers, “I love interacting with the participants and hearing their questions and baking stories. Their questions help me understand how I can be clearer in my teaching (and in my recipe writing – if the questions is about a recipe). I love their stories because I am always game to chat baking – whether it is a baking success or a baking fail: I love them all.” Jessie’s natural affinity for baking is driven in part by her intuitive understanding of the bonding experiences fostered by baking for friends and families, “I think there is nostalgia in baking-and really in all recipes – but in those for sweets and treats in particular. They remind folks of a different time – often when they were younger – and usually the memories are comforting – and often delicious. I think all of those feelings are worth sharing and when we do, our baking experiences take on a very communal feeling.”
After indulging in Jessie’s delectable chocolate goodies, her well-fed guests lined up for autographed copies of her acclaimed cookbooks Icebox Cakes and The Vintage Baker, named by The Washington Post as aBest Cookbook of 2018. Of The Vintage Baker, Rachel Ray Every Day wrote, “our favorite baking book…Sweeten up any day with this adorable book…full of great recipes,” and Nigella Lawson raved, “Just reading The Vintage Bakerputs me in a very happy place.” Ms. Sheehan’s first cook bookwas Icebox Cakes, featured in The New York Times and Vanity Fair among many other publication. Jessie’s fans can find more of her recipes monthly in the locally distributed Main Street Magazine.