One thing that always tripped me up as a new baker was butter. Cold, room temperature, melted-- they all have different effects on the product! So pay attention to the recipe and if it calls for room temp butter, break out a stick and leave it alone for an hour (or cut into pats and wait 20 minutes!). I wish I had known this so much earlier!

http://gnoshings.wordpress.com

Fruit is so easy to use when you're a new cook. Just cook some over low heat with a little sugar, spice, wine, honey, what have you and dump it over some high-quality vanilla ice cream. No one will miss cake, I promise!

The One bowl cake recipe has a serious typo.

Think you could clue us in on said typo caseoftornados? I couldn't find it. (This may be because I am fresh from seriously athletic activity and ready for bed.)

Also, I can vouch for the serious awesomeness of the peanut butter cookie recipe. They are TO DIE FOR (and I'm picky with my peanut butter cookies)!

Maybe its a recipe for the One Bowel Cake ..hehehe

If you're really afraid to cook, how about Affogato? It means "drowned" in Italian and that's what you are doing--drowning a scoop of ice cream in a shot of espresso or strong coffee. Serve with your favorite biscotti. So good and all you have to do is brew coffee.

http://activeculturepdx.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/affogato.296111208_std.jpg

A really good biscuit recipe can easily be changed to a scone recipe. Find one that you really like and keep it on hand for brunch or shortcakes!