Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Sugared Mexican Buns and a Nick Malgieri Cookbook Giveaway

As this posts, Poppa Trix and I are somewhere in Krakow ... drinking beer, eating at a milk bar, devouring kielbasa, or simply sleeping it all off. But I didn't want you to miss me too much! So, because you didn't get to come on vacation with me, I am giving away a copy of Nick Malgieri's latest book, Bake!, to one lucky reader!


Malgieri, the former executive pastry chef at Windows on the World, recently visited Baltimore for a blogger event promoting his cookbook - and while I was unable to attend,  I did receive a free copy of the book. So I thought I would share the love with all of you aspiring bakers out there.

I made these Mexican brioche buns from the book to give you a sample of what's inside.  I was attracted to this recipe in particular because the buns reminded me of baked goods I used to get at Rojas Mexican Bakery in Brooklyn many years ago. While I loved how these buns came out - soft and light and not too sweet - I did think the recipe was a tad confusing to follow, a problem that crops up  here and there throughout the book. (Let's just say in this instance I was glad of my pastry arts class in culinary school, because the buns needed more flour than the recipe called for.)

That said, this is a really good resource for basic techniques from cookies to breads to cakes, and even though some of the instructions could do with a bit of streamlining, the variations on the techniques - like these buns, an iteration of basic brioche dough - make the book valuable for both beginners and experienced home bakers.  And the photos are all nice and food porny.

You get two chances to win: Leave a comment, and tweet the giveaway. That's it! Couldn't be easier.  The giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere, but I will warn you that if you're too far away it'll take awhile to get to you. I will undoubtedly be broke from my trip and need to choose the cheapest shipping method. Sorry!

I'll pick a winner on or around April 13 using trusty old Random.org when I get back (and have recovered somewhat)  from my eating extravaganza through Eastern and Central Europe. (If Poppa Trix can drag me back, that is.)

Good luck, and see you soon!





48 comments:

  1. I love Mexican buns!! Never tried to make it myself.

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  2. I just don't tweet... I barely have time to answer email and drop by all my favorite blogs... but.... these look very cool... love the quilted top like little Chanel bags....hope you are having a blast in Krakow.

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  3. What a neat post! Looking forward for more post from you. Thank you for sharing!

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  4. Interesting bun you have here! Not familiar with this one... would love to try some

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  5. Fantastic. Baking is the last frontier of cooking for me.

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  6. Those look fantastic and put me in mind of all the lovely pasteleria goods that kept me going when I was travelling in Mexico.

    Your vacation sounds lovely.

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  7. Enjoy your vacation!

    Those brioche rolls look amazing - there is nothing better than a sweet roll fresh out of the oven on a weekend morning.

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  8. Mexican buns looks delicious. Usually buy from fiesta bakery. Book sounds nice one.

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  9. Those Mexican buns look like great way to start the day off sweet.

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  10. I just tweeted - https://twitter.com/ps152/status/55671740617064448

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  11. The ladies in my office would adore these Mexican buns! Yum!

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  12. Those rolls look amazing. Plus, another book to help supplement this year's baking challenge would be fantastic!

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  13. Okay, missy--those look yummy! I could not find Krakow on the map if you MADE me. I just tried and failed miserably with a cake recipe from Nick's other cookbook, Modern Baker. It made me too sad to try another of his recipes just yet.

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  14. These rolls look delicious! I've never had anything like that before.

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  15. Oh great book and buns! Hope you are having a fab trip..and hope you pick me :-)

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  16. Bad girl! Enjoy your vacation... ;)
    These Mexican buns have always intrigued me, with the sugary crust... I've got to try my hand at them some time. I already own a book by Malgieri and I quite like it, so another one wouldn't hurt...

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  17. Those Mexican brioche buns look so scrumptious!

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  18. That's so exciting that you're in Poland! I've been slowly getting my grandmother and great-aunt to teach me old Polish recipes. We're making Polish cookies this weekend.

    I don't have a professional pastry background, but it seems like the flour needed in recipes varies so often. Good thing for your class - your finished Mexican buns look very professional.

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  19. These Mexican buns look really sweet and tender, and if I can get hold of that book, I can try to make it too! Hope your eating extravaganza through Europe is going well and you and Poppa Trix are having a blast. Thanks for giving us our weekly doses of Trix fix!

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  20. My daughter was in Krakow last summer, and the last time I visited was back in 1987. I am sure you are enjoying yourselves, even though I suspect it is still a bit chilly in Poland in April.
    The buns look delicious. Brioche is on my list of food I need to master:)

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  21. YUM! I love Nick's books and would love to win :)

    Off to tweet...

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  22. I have never even heard of this would love a taste this morning of these buns!

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  23. mmmmmm! These buns look so good!

    Hope you're having a blast in Europe!

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  24. These are so stunning, Trix. I have the urge to binge on carbs right now... Can you tell? So jealous... I wanna eat at a milk bar!

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  25. So pretty! I'd love one of these buns w/a cup of cafe!

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  26. Although I am sill baking phobic, those buns do tempt me into trying! Cant wait for more.

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  27. I have never had a mexican bun but I bet they are tasty!

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  28. Awesome giveaway, dying for that cookbook :D

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  29. Hey Trix! I hope you and the Papa are having an awesome time in Krakow. I've never been one for vacation, but European vacations are always so worth it. Yeah! I hope you guys are able to fully savor it (smile)...
    Ooh, and this cookbook looks very cool. Me loves a good cookbook, Dearie!
    XOXO,
    Stella

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  30. I will definitely be buying myself a copy of this book if I dont win!!

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  31. That cookbook looks amazing!
    Hope you enjoy your vacation:)

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  32. I'd love this cookbook - great giveaway!

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  33. These buns look great - yum! :)

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  34. I hope you are having a great trip. Your Mexican conchas (that's the name they are known by in Mexico) look perfect. I love them with a big cup of Mexican hot chocolate. You are making me crave my dad's conchas so bad.
    Good luck to the giveaway participants!

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  35. How fun! I love giveaways! Thanks for doing this!

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  36. Can I ask what kind of camera you use? Your pictures are beautiful.

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  37. I really REALLY want this book! Also, great post :)

    -Jess

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  38. Those look so good! They remind me of the Japanese melon bread. They have the same crisp outside and soft inside.
    I'm tweeting @Wandering_Lee

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  39. That looks great. I love Nick Malgieri recipes.

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