24 Jan 2025

feedWordPress Planet

Gutenberg Times: Cursor AI, Block Themes, Fediverse, WordCamp Asia and more — Weekend Edition #317

Hi there,

Did you start well into the new year? The first month is almost over. Working from home, I am really looking forward to seeing my WordPress friends at WordCamp Asia in Manila. The team facilitates meeting contributors in one-on-one sessions and to ask questions: It's called the Human Library and contributors are call Books. My shift is from 10:30 to noon on Contributor Day. You can also meet Ryan Welcher, Nick Diego, Milana Cap, Hari Shanker to mention just a few.

If FOMO (fear of missing out) is real for you, rest assured you can always ping me for a chat, email pauli@gutenbergtimes.com, or message me on Slack or Bluesky. I would be delighted!

In this week's edition, you'll find quite a few tutorials, plugins, and podcast episodes and nowadays also AI. I hope you'll enjoy ready and listening to it all as I did.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Yours, đź’•
Birgit

Hey friends! 🌴✨ Get ready for an epic adventure at WordCamp Asia 2025 in vibrant Manila!

I'll be diving deep into the WordPress universe - hanging out at Contributor Day (February 20th) and rocking both conference days (February 21-22nd).Want to connect? I'm totally open to grabbing coffee, lunch, or catching up between sessions at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Check out my public calendar and snag a slot - let's turn this tech gathering into an unforgettable networking experience! Can't wait to swap stories, share insights, and soak up the incredible WordPress community energy in the Philippines. Who's in? 🚀🇵🇭 #WordCampAsia2025

As mentioned last week, DoTheWoo and Gutenberg Times were founded around the same time. Bob Dunn aka BobWP and I chatted about our starts in our 7th anniversary episode: The Evolution of WordPress Content: Insights on Gutenberg, Podcasting, and Community Growth. Bob is the astounding supporter of the WordPress community and raises diverse voices with his network of 12 podcast and hosts. You will always find something or someone interesting to listen to or about.

Developing Gutenberg and WordPress

Aaron Jorbin announced WordPress 6.7.2 Release Planning with RC 1 on February 4 and final release on February 11, 2025.

🎙️ Latest episode: Gutenberg Changelog 113 - WordPress 6.8, Gutenberg 19.9, 20.0 and 20.1 Plugin Releases with special guest Tammie Lister 💕

Tammie Lister and Birgit Pauli-Haack recording Gutenberg Changelog episode 113

Plugins, Themes, and Tools for #nocode site builders and owners

Jacopo "Copons" Tomasone wanted you to know about an Update to WordPress.com's Interface: "The updated interface is the latest release in a larger project to bring the experience on WordPress.com much closer to a "core" WordPress experience." Tomasone wrote and continued "This is just the beginning of a gradual process that will continue over the next few months as we continue to create a more unified and familiar experience across our products."


Brian Coords published a new episode of the Webmasters podcast. He chatted with Ian Svoboda of Generate Blocks, how the plugin adds modern design tools to Gutenberg. They also discussed all about building on top of the block editor and crafting tools that supercharge your site-building workflow.


In Improving Fediverse Engagement With the Reactions Block, Matt Wiebe introduced Likes, Reposts, and the Fediverse Reactions block, and expanding the ActivityPub plugin. With the Reactions Block, likes and reposts from Mastodon and other Fediverse platforms are automatically added to the end of your posts (if you're using the Site Editor).


Jeremy Holcombe discussed WordPress dark mode: key benefits and how to set it up on the Kinsta blog. You'll discover the advantages of dark mode, such as better accessibility, a healthier visitor experience, lower energy use, and meeting user preferences. He also shows you different ways to add dark mode to WordPress with plugins or custom code.


Ali Aghdam from Istanbul, Turkey, and his team soft-launched Blockera - a plugin to add supposedly missing features to the Block editor for designers. The current version feels like a beta of the Pro-version. You'll find a lot of "coming soon" or "upgrade now" prompts around the interface. It gives you a good indication where the various features will be placed.

I test the additional text features, and they seem to be solid, adding enhanced text shadow and orientation capabilities. An already active community and the process of building public, allows for a fairly fast update cycle. It'll be interesting to see how this compares to other tools, once the free and pro versions are more progressed. With 195 blocks, it's definitely not for the faint of heart. You can join the waitlists for the pro version as well as for the Blockera One block theme on blockera.ai. The plugin is available in the WordPress repository.

WooCommerce 9.6 was released and Stephanie Pi highlight in the release announcement WooCommerce 9.6: Fresh new tools and modernizing classics, she highlights:

Theme Development for Full Site Editing and Blocks

In episode #153, Nathan Wrigley chatted with Tammie Lister on Modern Theme Development and Artistic Exploration. "The fact that Tammie is both a designer and a technical expert has allowed her to offer a well-rounded perspective on the evolution and future of WordPress themes. We explore the shift from classic themes to the new era of Full Site Editing and theme.json, and discuss whether the slower-than-anticipated adoption of these new tools signifies a deeper trend, or just a transitional phase." wrote Wrigley in the summary.

"Keeping up with Gutenberg - Index 2024"
A chronological list of the WordPress Make Blog posts from various teams involved in Gutenberg development: Design, Theme Review Team, Core Editor, Core JS, Core CSS, Test, and Meta team from Jan. 2024 on. Updated by yours truly. The previous years are also available: 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023

Kyra Pieterse of Maxiblocks shared six important reasons for switching to WordPress FSE. Working in the Site editor "simplifies customization, reduces the need for coding, and improves site performance by optimizing speed and functionality. With features like global styling, reusable templates, and responsive design tools, FSE provides a streamlined way to create professional WordPress websites that meet the needs of both website designers and businesses." she wrote. She dives deeper into each of the arguments in her article.

Building Blocks and Tools for the Block editor.

Ever since Studio was released, I wondered if I can make it the only local development app. Ever since my agency days, I have been using LocalWP. The latest Studio update: Build Locally, Deploy Globally: Meet Studio Sync for WordPress.com had me wondered if all I need now is Studio. I have probably about two dozen sites in my LocalWP instance for various testing and building scenarios, so I was curious how fast can I migrate a site to Studio? Turns out it only takes a couple of minutes per site to export from Local and import into Studio. You can see a short video and some details on my blog post. How do I migrate my LocalWP sites to Studio by WordPress.com?


In his post on the WordPress developer blog, One hook to rule them all: The many faces of block categories, Troy Chaplin takes a deep dive into the ins and outs of Block categories for the Inserter of the Editor. "The hook is a versatile tool that allows developers to customize the way block categories are organized. Throughout this article, you will learn how to use this hook and build functions to add, reorder and rename single or multiple block categories." Chaplin wrote.


Carlo Daniele set out to teach developers how to build a Gutenberg plugin to add functionality to the block editor. You'll lean how to create a plugin without creating a custom block, add a sidebar to manage post metadata, and use block pattern overrides to automate your workflow.


In his latest video, Nick Diego, developer relations advocate for WordPress, set out to show you how you can revolutionize your WordPress development with Cursor AI. He demonstrated how to set up Cursor for seamless WordPress plugin creation by configuring it specifically for WordPress coding standards, and creating structure instructions. As an example, Diego built - AI assisted - a Copy Code block plugin.

Need a plugin .zip from Gutenberg's master branch?
Gutenberg Times provides daily build for testing and review.

Now also available via WordPress Playground. There is no need for a test site locally or on a server. Have you been using it? Email me with your experience

GitHub all releases

Questions? Suggestions? Ideas?
Don't hesitate to send them via email or
send me a message on WordPress Slack or Twitter @bph.


For questions to be answered on the Gutenberg Changelog,
send them to changelog@gutenbergtimes.com



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24 Jan 2025 11:14pm GMT

feedThe Official Google Blog

A Pixel's tale of survival after months in the snow

Learn about how Google tests products like Pixel phones to protect against the elements.

24 Jan 2025 8:30pm GMT

5 ways to use NotebookLM Plus for your business

NotebookLM Plus can be used for businesses and larger organizations. Here are five tips to get started with NotebookLM.

24 Jan 2025 5:00pm GMT

feed20SIX.fr

Résiliation CANAL+ : comment résilier un abonnement Canal Plus ?

Résiliation CANAL+ : comment résilier un abonnement Canal Plus ?

Envie d'arrêter Canal+ sans stress ? Découvrez les étapes simples et efficaces pour résilier votre abonnement en toute sérénité !

L'article Résiliation CANAL+ : comment résilier un abonnement Canal Plus ? est apparu en premier sur 20SIX.fr.

24 Jan 2025 1:02pm GMT

Ferme de la Rançonnière : un hôtel de charme pour un week-end en Normandie

Ferme de la Rançonnière : un hôtel de charme pour un week-end en Normandie

Envie d'un séjour authentique en Normandie ? Découvrez un lieu mêlant charme historique, confort moderne et gastronomie locale pour un week-end inoubliable !

L'article Ferme de la Rançonnière : un hôtel de charme pour un week-end en Normandie est apparu en premier sur 20SIX.fr.

24 Jan 2025 12:30pm GMT

feedThe Official Google Blog

3 startups using AI to help learners and educators

This post highlights startups in the Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Education program, showcasing how artificial intelligence is transforming education.

24 Jan 2025 10:00am GMT

23 Jan 2025

feedWordPress Planet

Do The Woo Community: Reflections on Gutenberg Times and Do the Woo with Birgit and BobWP

In episode, Bob and Birgit discuss their journeys in the WordPress community, focusing on the evolution of Gutenberg, podcasting challenges, and the importance of diverse voices, while planning for future events.

23 Jan 2025 3:44pm GMT

feed20SIX.fr

5 mythes sur l’énergie solaire décryptés

5 mythes sur l’énergie solaire décryptés

Bien que l'énergie solaire fasse envie d'un point environnemental, son adoption suscite encore des inquiétudes chez les particuliers...

L'article 5 mythes sur l'énergie solaire décryptés est apparu en premier sur 20SIX.fr.

23 Jan 2025 2:41pm GMT

22 Jan 2025

feedWordPress Planet

Gravatar: How to Enhance User Engagement with Gravatar on WordPress

Ever wondered why some WordPress comments display professional profile pictures while others show generic gray icons? The secret lies in Gravatar - a powerful yet surprisingly simple tool that's transforming how people connect across the web.

What is Gravatar, Anyway?

Gravatar homepage

Gravatar, short for Globally Recognized Avatar, has evolved far beyond its origins as a simple avatar service. Today, it's a comprehensive profile service that connects your email address to your digital identity, making it available wherever you interact online.

Think of it as your digital business card that automatically follows you around the web. When you comment on a blog, join a new platform, or contribute to a project, Gravatar ensures your professional image is consistently represented. Major platforms like WordPress.org, Slack, GitHub, Mailchimp, and even OpenAI rely on Gravatar to enhance their user experience.

Why Gravatar Makes a Difference

Gravatar eliminates common frustrations in online interaction. Instead of repeatedly uploading profile pictures and filling out information across different sites, users enjoy:

For Site Owners and Developers

Implementing Gravatar brings substantial benefits to your WordPress site:

The real power shows up in community building. When users see their familiar profile picture and information automatically appear, they're more likely to engage. This familiarity builds trust and encourages more interaction.

And for sites targeting specific industries or niches, Gravatar helps create professional communities where members can easily recognize each other across different WordPress platforms.

How to use Gravatar with WordPress.com

Getting started with Gravatar on WordPress.com is straightforward since every WordPress.com account automatically includes Gravatar integration. Here's everything you need to know about using it effectively.

Your WordPress.com account creates a Gravatar profile automatically when you sign up. To manage your avatar:

Sign in to your WordPress.com dashboard and navigate to My Profile.

  1. Sign in to your WordPress.com dashboard
  2. Navigate to My Profile.
  3. Upload or modify your picture.

Upload or modify your picture.

However, the settings you can adjust here are very limited and for a full list of things you can add, you need to edit your Gravatar profile directly.

Gravatar profile settings

Advanced Features

Beyond basic avatars, WordPress.com includes several Gravatar-powered features to enhance your site.

Gravatar Widget

The Gravatar Widget adds a quick About Me section to your blog's sidebar or footer. Add it by:

  1. Going to Appearance > Customize > Widgets.

Gravatar widget

  1. Selecting Gravatar Widget.
  2. Customizing the size, alignment, and text.
  3. Adding social media links if desired.

For more detailed profiles, the Gravatar Profile Widget displays your complete bio, gravatar link, contact information, links, and recent activities.

Need to add a Gravatar somewhere specific? Use the shortcode:

[gravatar email="user@example.com" size="96"]

This works in posts, pages, and text widgets - perfect for team member profiles or guest author introductions.

Hovercards

And do you want to show more information when someone hovers over a profile picture, you can enable Gravatar Hovercards to display mini-biographies, social media links, recent posts, and custom information.

Gravatar hovercards

How to use Gravatar with WordPress.org

Setting up Gravatar on a self-hosted WordPress site takes just a few extra steps but offers all the same benefits. Here's how to get everything configured properly.

Basic Setup:

  1. Log into your WordPress dashboard and go to Settings > Discussion.

WordPress.org discussion settings

  1. Scroll to Avatars and check Show Avatars.

Enabling avatars in WordPress.org

  1. Choose your preferred rating level (G, PG, R, X)

Setting the maximum rating for avatars in WordPress.org

  1. Select a default avatar style.

Setting the default avatars in WordPress.org

  1. Save changes

After this setup, Gravatar automatically displays user avatars in comments, author bios, and other profile areas across your site.

Gravatar Enhanced Plugin

Gravatar Enhanced plugin download page

The Gravatar Enhanced plugin is 100% free and takes functionality even further.

Gravatar Enhanced Privacy Shield feature

Gravatar Enhanced profile block

Gravatar Enhanced email notifications

Gravatar Quick Editor

Gravatar API

The Gravatar REST API is how WordPress.org users import their profile data, allowing website owners to build more intuitive and user-friendly sign-up processes, customize customer onboarding, and create a sense of community on the site.

And for custom solutions, the Gravatar API opens up exciting possibilities. Pull in comprehensive user data to create dynamic author pages that showcase a writer's latest posts, social media activity, and professional background. Build team pages that automatically update when members change their profiles. Or create custom comment systems that show different profile information based on user roles.

Building a Stronger Community

The true power of Gravatar lies in its ability to transform anonymous usernames into recognizable community members. Consider these strategies:

Privacy and Control

Gravatar stands out for its commitment to user privacy:

Taking Action

Ready to enhance your WordPress site with Gravatar? Start with these steps:

  1. Review your current avatar settings
  2. Update your own Gravatar profile
  3. Consider adding enhanced features through plugins
  4. Create clear documentation for your users
  5. Monitor community engagement improvements

Remember, building an engaged community requires more than just tools - but having the right tools makes it easier. Gravatar removes common friction points in user interactions, allowing your community to focus on what truly matters: creating meaningful connections and conversations.

Want to learn more about implementing Gravatar in your WordPress site? Check out our comprehensive Gravatar Enhanced plugin documentation. Let's go!

22 Jan 2025 6:30pm GMT

18 Nov 2024

feedEnvironmental Law Prof Blog

Attending COP29 — Completing The Article 6 Rulebook

Adam D. Orford, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Georgia School of Law, is attending the 29th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as one of the American Bar Association's observer delegation...

18 Nov 2024 7:51am GMT

12 Nov 2024

feedEnvironmental Law Prof Blog

Reforming Water District Governance

When academics write about local government, they generally aren't thinking about water districts. Cities get almost all the attention, counties rarely get to be more than a sideshow, special districts are even more obscure, and water districts are particularly overlooked....

12 Nov 2024 4:14am GMT

06 Nov 2024

feedEnvironmental Law Prof Blog

Attending COP29 — The “Finance COP”

Adam D. Orford, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Georgia School of Law, will be attending the 29th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as one of the American Bar Association's observer...

06 Nov 2024 10:05pm GMT

02 Jan 2024

feedL'actu en patates

Bonne année 2024

Acheter des originaux sur le site LesDessinateurs.com Vous pouvez me suivre sur Instagram, Bluesky ou Facebook.

02 Jan 2024 10:41am GMT

01 Jan 2024

feedL'actu en patates

Une année de sport

Dans le journal L'Equipe du dimanche et du lundi, vous pouviez trouver un de mes dessins en dernière page. Voici un petit échantillon des dessins réalisés en 2023 pour le quotidien sportif. Acheter des originaux sur le site LesDessinateurs.com Vous pouvez me suivre sur Instagram, Bluesky ou Facebook. Acheter des originaux sur le site LesDessinateurs.com Vous …

01 Jan 2024 9:11am GMT

30 Dec 2023

feedL'actu en patates

Attention aux monstres !

Acheter des originaux sur le site LesDessinateurs.com Vous pouvez me suivre sur Instagram, Bluesky ou Facebook.

30 Dec 2023 1:06pm GMT

15 Feb 2022

feedCooking with Amy: A Food Blog

How to Use Bean and Legume Pasta

Much as I love pasta, I'm not sure it loves me. Last year my carb-heavy comfort food diet led to some weight gain so I looked into low carb pasta as an alternative. There's a lot out there and I'm still trying different brands and styles, but I thought now would be a good time to share what I've learned so far.

Pasta with Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts

My introduction to legume and bean-based pasta was thanks to Barilla. I was lucky because I got to attend a webinar with Barilla's incredible chef, Lorenzo Boni. I tried his recipe for pasta with butternut squash and Brussels sprouts which I definitely recommend and have now made several times. If you've seen his wildly popular (150k+ followers!) Instagram feed you know he's a master at making all kinds of pasta dishes and that he often eats plant-based meals. I followed up with him to get some tips on cooking with pasta made from beans and legumes.

Pasta made with beans and legumes is higher in protein and so the recommended 2-ounce portion is surprisingly filling. But the texture isn't always the same as traditional semolina or durum wheat pasta. Chef Boni told me, "The nature of legume pasta makes it soak up more moisture than traditional semolina pasta, so you always want to reserve a bit of cooking water to adjust if needed." But when it comes to cooking, he says that with Barilla legume pasta you cook it the same way as semolina pasta. "Boil in salted water for the duration noted on the box and you'll have perfectly al dente pasta." They are all gluten-free.

Chickpea pasta

When I asked Chef Boni about pairing chickpea pastas with sauce he said, "Generally speaking, I prefer olive oil based sauces rich with vegetables, aromatic herbs and spices. Seafood also pairs well with chickpea options. If used with creamy or tomato-based sauces, keep in mind to always have some pasta water handy to adjust the dish in case it gets too dry." He added, "One of my favorite ways to prepare a legume pasta dish would be a simple chickpea rotini with shrimp, diced zucchini and fresh basil. The sauce is light enough to highlight the flavor of the pasta itself, while the natural sweetness helps keep the overall flavor profile more appealing to everyone." I like the Barilla brand because the only ingredient is chickpeas. Banza makes a popular line of chickpea pasta as well although they include pea starch, tapioca and xanthan gum.

Edamame pasta


I tried two different brands of edamame pasta, Seapoint Farms and Explore Cuisine. The Seapoint pasta has a rougher texture than the Explore. With the Seapoint I found the best pairings were earthy chunky toppings like toasted walnuts and sautéed mushrooms. The Explore Cuisine edamame & spirulina pasta is smoother and more delicate, and worked well with an Asian style peanut sauce. I was happy with the Seapoint brand, but would definitely choose the Explore brand instead if it's available.


Red lentil pasta

Red lentil pasta is most similar to semolina pasta. Barilla makes red lentil pasta in a variety of shapes. But for spaghetti, Chef Boni says, "Barilla red lentil spaghetti is pretty flexible and works well with pretty much everything. I love red lentil spaghetti with light olive oil based sauces with aromatic herbs and some small diced vegetables. It also works well with a lean meat protein." I have to admit, I have yet to try red lentil pasta, but I'm excited to try it after hearing how similar it is to semolina pasta. It is made only with red lentil flour, that's it. It's available in spaghetti, penne and rotini.

Penne for Your Thoughts

Do you remember seeing photos from Italian supermarkets where the shelves with pasta were barren except for penne? I too seem to end up with boxes of penne or rotini and not a clue what to do with them so I asked Chef Boni his thoughts on the subject. He told me, "Shortcuts such as rotini and penne pair very well with all kind of ragouts as well as tomato based and chunky vegetarian sauces. One of my favorite ways to prepare a legume pasta dish would be a simple chickpea rotini with shrimp, diced zucchini and fresh basil. The sauce is light enough to highlight the flavor of the pasta itself, while the natural sweetness helps keep the overall flavor profile more appealing to everyone." Thanks chef! When zucchini is in season I know what I will try!

15 Feb 2022 6:46pm GMT

23 Nov 2021

feedCooking with Amy: A Food Blog

A Conversation with Julia Filmmakers, Julie Cohen and Betsy West


Julia is a new film based on Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child by Bob Spitz and inspired by My Life in France by Julia Child with Alex Prud'homme and The French Chef in America: Julia Child's Second Act by Alex Prud'homme. Julia Child died in 2004, and yet our appetite for all things Julia hasn't waned.

I grew up watching Julia Child on TV and learning to cook the French classics from her books, And while I never trained to be a chef, like Child I also transitioned into a career focused on food, a subject I have always found endlessly fascinating. I enjoyed the new film very much and while it didn't break much new ground, it did add a layer of perspective that can only come with time. In particular, how Julia Child became a ubiquitous pop culture figure is addressed in a fresh way.


I reached out to the filmmakers,Julie Cohen and Betsy West to find out more about what inspired them and why Julia Child still holds our attention.



Julia Child died over 15 years ago and has been off TV for decades. Why do you believe we continue to be so fascinated by her?

In some ways Julia is the Godmother of modern American cooking - and eating. Her spirit looms over cooking segments on the morning shows, The Food Network, and all those overhead Instagram shots the current generation loves to take of restaurant meals. Beyond that, though, Julia's bigger than life personality and unstoppable joie de vivre are infectious. People couldn't get enough of her while she was living, and they still can't now.

There have been so many Julia Child films and documentaries, what inspired this one?

Well there'd been some great programs about Julia but this is the first feature length theatrical doc. Like everyone else, we adored Julie & Julia, but a documentary gives you a special opportunity to tell a person's story in their own words and with the authentic images. This is particularly true of Julia, who was truly one of a kind.

The impact of Julia Child how she was a groundbreaker really comes across in the film, are we understanding her in a different light as time passes?

People understand that Julia was a talented television entertainer, but outside the professional food world, there's been an under-recognition of just how much she changed the 20th century food landscape. As Jose Andres points out in the film, almost every serious food professional has a sauce-splashed copy of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" on their shelves. We also felt Julia's role in opening up new possibilities for women on television deserved more exploration. In the early 1960's the idea of a woman on TV who was neither a housewife nor a sex bomb but a mature, tall, confident expert was downright radical. She paved the way for many women who followed.

The food shots add an extra element to the film and entice viewers in a very visceral way, how did those interstitials come to be part of the film?

We knew from the start that we wanted to make food a major part of this story, not an afterthought. We worked with cook and food stylist Susan Spungen to determine which authentic Julia recipes could be integrated with which story beats to become part of the film's aesthetic and its plot. For instance the sole meunière is a key part of the story because it sparked her obsession with French food, and the pear and almond tart provides an enticing metaphor for the sensual side of Julia and Paul's early married years.

Note: Susan Spungen was also the food stylist for Julie & Julia

Julia is in theaters now.

23 Nov 2021 11:30pm GMT

05 Oct 2021

feedCooking with Amy: A Food Blog

Meet my Friend & Mentor: Rick Rodgers of the Online Cooking School Coffee & Cake


Rick Rodgers

I met Rick Rodgers early in my career as a recipe developer and food writer when we were both contributors to the Epicurious blog. Not only is he a lot of fun to hang out with, but he has also been incredibly helpful to me and is usually the first person I call when I'm floundering with a project, client, or cooking quandary. His interpersonal skills, business experience, and cooking acumen explain why he's been recognized as one of the top cooking instructors in America. Literally.


You built a career as a cooking instructor and cookbook author. How many cookbooks have you written?

I was asked recently to make an official count, and It looks like an even hundred. Many of those were collaborations with chefs, restaurants, celebrities, bakeries, and business entities, such as Tommy Bahama, Williams-Sonoma, and Nordstrom. I made it known that I was available for collaboration work, and my phone literally rang off the hook for quite a few years with editors and agents looking for help with novice writers or those that wanted a branded book.


Which cookbook(s) are you most proud of?

There are three books that I get fan mail for almost every day: Kaffeehaus (where I explore the desserts of my Austrian heritage), Thanksgiving 101 (a deep dive into America's most food-centric holiday and how to pull it off), and Ready and Waiting (which was one of the first books to take a "gourmet" approach to the slow cooker). These books have been in print for 20 years or more, which is a beautiful testament to their usefulness to home cooks.


How did you get started as a cooking instructor and what are some highlights of your teaching career?

I was a theater major at San Francisco State College (now University), so getting in front of a crowd held no terrors for me. When more brick-and-mortar cooking schools opened in the eighties, I was ready for prime time. During that period, there were at least twelve cooking schools in the Bay Area, so I made quarterly trips here a year from the east coast, where I had moved. My Thanksgiving classes were so popular that I taught every day from November 1 to Thanksgiving, with a couple of days off for laundry and travel. The absolute pinnacle of my teaching career was being named Outstanding Culinary Instructor of The Year by Bon Appétit Magazine's Food and Entertaining Awards, an honor that I share with only a handful of other recipients, including Rick Bayless and Bobby Flay.

FlĂłdni
FlĂłdni


How have cooking classes changed since you started?

Because there are so many classes available, I can teach at any level of experience. At the cooking schools, we tended to walk a fine line between too difficult and too easy. The exposure to different cuisines and skill levels on TV also has seriously raised the bar. Unfortunately, students want to walk before they can run. They want to learn how to make croissants when I doubt that they can bake a pound cake correctly. It is best to build on your skills instead of going right to the top. That being said, in my online classes, I am concentrating on the more challenging recipes because that is what the market demands of me.


Tell me about your baking school, coffeeandcake.org

As much as I loved my cookbooks and in-person classes, I knew there was a more modern way to reach people who wanted to cook with me, especially since so many cooking schools had closed. I retired the day I got my first Social Security check. But…as I was warned by my friends who knew me better than I did…I was bored, and wanted a new project. I heard about online classes through other teachers who were having success. I found an online course specifically for cooking classes (Cooking Class Business School at HiddenRhythm.com), got the nuts and bolts down, and I finally entered the 21st century!


How do you decide which recipes to teach?

I felt there were plenty of other places to learn how to make chocolate chip cookies and banana bread-just take a look on YouTube alone. I had a specialty of Austro-Hungarian baking thanks to my Kaffeehaus book, so I decided to niche into that category. I have branched out to a few other locations, but my goal is to expose students to something new and out of the ordinary. I also survey my students on what they would like me to teach, and those answers are amazing. People are truly interested in the more difficult desserts. Perhaps it is because so many people discovered baking as a hobby during the pandemic?


For students who have your cookbooks, what are the advantages of taking an online class?

There is no substitute for seeing a cook in action. Plus you get to answer questions during class. In a recent class, I made six-layer Dobos Torte in two hours' real-time to prove that you can do it without giving up a week of your life. And we don't have to travel to each other to be "together." My classes are videotaped so you can watch them at your convenience.


What are some highlights of your upcoming schedule of classes?

Honey cake
Honey cake

In October, I am teaching virtually all Hungarian desserts, things that will be new to most people. I am making one of my absolute favorites, FlĂłdni, which is a Jewish bar cookie (almost a cake) with layers of apple, poppy seeds, and walnuts between thin sheets of wine-flavored cookie dough. San Franciscans in particular will be happy to see a master class that I am teaching with the delightful Michelle Polzine, owner of the late and lamented 20th Century Cafe and author of Baking at the 20th Century Cafe. We will be making her (in)famous 12-layer honey cake on two coasts, with me doing the heavy lifting in New Jersey and Michelle guiding me from the west coast. That is going to be fun! In November and December, I am switching over to holiday baking and a few savory recipes for Thanksgiving, including my fail-proof turkey and gravy, which I have made over 300 times in classes over 30 years' worth of teaching. It ought to be perfect by now




Head to Coffee and Cake to sign up for classes or learn more.






05 Oct 2021 3:56pm GMT

03 Dec 2014

feedVincent Caut




!!!



Changement d'adresse !

Maintenant, ça se passe ICI



!!!

03 Dec 2014 8:12pm GMT

16 Jul 2014

feedVincent Caut

16 juillet 2014

16 Jul 2014 6:08pm GMT

14 Jul 2014

feedVincent Caut

14 juillet 2014

Après presque un mois et demi d'absence, deux bouclages d'albums et plein de projets, je trouve enfin le
temps de poster quelque chose sur ce blog ! Ces jours-ci, je vais avoir pas mal de choses Ă  vous montrer !
On commence tranquille avec un petit dessin aux couleurs estivales.

14 Jul 2014 4:25pm GMT