KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer, Empire Red
The red workhorse behind every batch on this site.
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Recipes, notes, and photographs from a 55-year life in the kitchen, gathered for family and friends.
80 recipes
From recipes coming together in my kitchen to the knife skills I learned over a lifetime of cooking.
The why behind the how — what sugar, flour, fat, and heat actually do in your baking.
I put the useful bits in one place, so you can understand what is happening in the bowl and in the oven.
Download Bob's Baking Science (PDF)
Bake of the week
Warm caramel, tender apples, and a proper golden cake—just right for an autumn table.
See the recipeMemories from school days, family life, and a lifetime in the kitchen.
After moving to Ontario from Montreal at the age of 8½, we lived on the West Mall, right across the street and a field from the 427 Holiday Inn. My first encounter with Chef Zenon was when my brothers and I used to go around to the back shipping area and grab their empties for the deposits. A few times they chased us away. Who knew that seven years later, I'd be working there. I stayed until I was 18 and became first cook.
From there I got married to my lovely wife, Joanne. We moved around for a few years, then settled down. I started working as a chef at Seneca College in King City around 1981. I became the director of food services in 1982, managing all food and liquor on campus: their island BBQs of 500 to 600 guests, student pubs, liquor licensing, liquor enforcement, and working with students. We also catered many weddings there, featuring our famous six-foot Alligator Bread — an egg bread, shaped, cut, and glossed. I still have many of the thank-you notes from those weddings. Seneca is where I met Paul. I did that for about five years.
From there I was hired by a contract food company to go work in the Toronto West Detention Centre as the kitchen manager, where we were serving about 3,000 meals a day. That is where I met Robert. Paul and Robert became my two great sous chefs. After two years, I was promoted to district manager, where I managed all the GTA jails, a few senior centres, a few senior homes and two hospitals, a hostel, and a coffee shop that we opened in a hospital. I did that for five years.
I was hired by Etobicoke General Hospital as executive chef. My main function was to increase sales and decrease costs. Very successful — changing a hot kitchen to a cold service kitchen, e.g. RETHERM.
From there, I would do some consulting work, and for three years had my own French fry trailer. I noticed a contract for the City of London for all the recreation facilities. We won that tender twice, for a total of seven years, which included seven arenas, two senior centres, and two full-service golf courses.
My mom painted this for me in 1996. She was quite the artist — I still have several of her paintings and ceramics. Every Christmas she knitted us slippers, nice and toasty toes. She was also a great cook.
After that I came home to Fergus, worked as a grill chef for about 15 years, and loved it.
Paul, Robert, and I still get together for lunch every couple of months — I love them like brothers.
I made them my Bajan coconut bread.
That brings us up to today.
My new hobby the last couple of years has been baking. Retirement doesn't have to be boring. My biggest problem is finding an audience to eat it all. My poor wife works hard to maintain a healthy diet until she comes home to see what I created.
This collection brings together the recipes I've baked, adjusted, and enjoyed over the years so family and friends can make them too.
A couple of handy shelves for holiday baking, gathered from recipes already in the collection.
Apples, warm spice, and a good pie for the harvest table.
Cut-outs, chocolate, and festive favourites for the cookie tray.
The small things that make a big difference after 55 years in the kitchen.
Eight dependable helpers I use in my own kitchen and gladly recommend.
The red workhorse behind every batch on this site.
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For the baked donuts — a dozen at a time.
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Melts smooth for glazes and coatings. A Canadian company, too.
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Canada's baking chip — my pick for cookies.
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Melts smooth for coating and drizzling.
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The parchment paper I line every pan with.
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Search all 80 recipes by name, ingredient, or method—or let the surprise button choose one for you.
Tap a linked photo to open its recipe.
Orange white chocolate crumble bars
Apple crumble bars
Double-loaf Bajan sweet bread
Banana oatmeal walnut cookies
Oatmeal raisin cookies
Peanut butter krispie balls
Caramel apple upside-down cake, sliced and served.
Decorated Christmas cookies.
Have a family favourite you think belongs here? Send the recipe name, ingredients, method, your name, and any story or notes that go with it. You can attach a photo to the email too.
Send me a recipeLeave me a note. I read every one, and I may feature a few favourites on this page.
Have a question about a recipe, a family memory to share, or an idea for the future shop? Email me directly.
Try a different recipe name, ingredient, or method.
1 Desserts
Source: Simply Recipes newsletter
Yield: 8–10 servings
Prep: 20 minutes
Chill: At least 2 hours
2 Breakfast and brunch

Source: Better Homes & Gardens newsletter
Yield: 8 rolls
Hands-on: 10 minutes
Bake: 25–30 minutes
3 Jams, gummies and ice cream
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 40 bears
Temperature: Stovetop + set 20-30m
Time: 10 min + 4-6h cure
4 Jams, gummies and ice cream
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 1.5 quart
Temperature: Freeze 4-6h
Time: 10 min + freeze
5 Jams, gummies and ice cream
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 3 jars 250ml
Temperature: 104°C 220°F • 30-40m boil
Time: 20 min + rest + boil
6 Jams, gummies and ice cream


Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 3 jars 250ml
Temperature: 104°C • 30-40m
Time: Thaw + 20-30m rest + boil
7 Squares and brownies

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 23x33 cm pan • 24 bars
Temperature: 175°C (350°F) • 25m
Time: 15 min + bake
8 Squares and brownies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 24 cookies
Temperature: 350°F • 10-12m
Time: 15 min + bake
9 Squares and brownies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 8-inch • 9 squares
Temperature: 350°F • 25-30m
Time: 10 min + bake
10 Squares and brownies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 16 squares • 220 kcal
Temperature: 350°F • crust 15m + 25-30m
Time: 20 min + bake
11 Squares and brownies

Source: Bob (2026-09-29)
Yield: 16 bars (8x8 pan)
Temperature: 350°F (175°C), bake 35-40 min
Time: 20 min + bake
White chocolate adds creamy sweetness to bright citrus. Maple syrup deepens the filling. Bars freeze well; white chocolate stays soft.
12 Squares and brownies

Source: Bob (2026-10-02)
Yield: 12 large bars or 16 regular bars
Temperature: 350°F (175°C) • 35-40m
Granny Smith stay tart and hold their shape, balancing the sweet buttery crumble. Maple syrup adds deeper farmhouse sweetness. Bars slice cleanly once fully cooled.
13 Cakes




Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 23 cm square • 9 slices
Temperature: 190°C (375°F) • 30-35m
Time: 20 min + bake
Classic method — egg whites folded last for light crumb. Use reserved juice from can for batter.
14 Cakes


Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 9-inch • 8 slices
Temperature: 175°C • 40-45m
Time: 25 min + bake
15 Cakes
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 10x15 roll • 10 slices
Temperature: 180°C • 10-12m
Time: 20 min + roll
16 Cakes

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 9-inch • 8 slices
Temperature: 350°F • 30-35m
Time: 15 min + bake
17 Cakes

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 9x5 loaf • 10 slices
Temperature: 350°F • 50-60m
Time: 20 min + bake
18 Cakes



Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: Two 23x4cm • 12 slices
Temperature: 175°C • 25-30m
Time: 20 min + bake
19 Cakes


Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: Two 8-in • 10-12 slices • 55m total
Temperature: 350°F • 30-35m
Time: Prep 20m Cook 35m
20 Cakes
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: Fills & lightly frosts one roll cake
Temperature: No bake
Time: 10 min
21 Cakes

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 9x5 loaf • 10 slices • 340g berries
Temperature: 175°C (350°F) • 55-65m
Time: 20 min + bake
Frozen berries work straight from freezer. Lemon + blackberry is bright farmhouse favorite — keeps 3 days covered, freezes well.
22 Cakes
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: Frosts 9x13 or two 9-in rounds
Temperature: No bake
Time: 10 min
Pairs with Banana Walnut Loaf and Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake. Tangy, not too sweet.
23 Cakes

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 10-cup Bundt • 12 slices
Temperature: 350°F (175°C) • 55-65m
Time: 20 min + bake
24 Cakes
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 9x13 sheet • 15 slices
Temperature: 350°F (175°C) • 30-35m
Time: 15 min + bake
25 Cakes

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: Two 9.13x1.65 pans • 8-10 slices
Temperature: 350°F (175°C) • 25-30m
Time: 20 min + bake
Variation of classic Cherry Cake — this 9.13x1.65 pan version makes thinner layers, faster bake, same cheerful pink crumb. Cherry juice colors frosting naturally.
26 Cakes
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 23x13cm (9x5-inch) loaf • 10 slices
Temperature: 175°C (350°F) • 45-50m
Time: 20 min + bake + glaze
Use fresh orange juice and zest for best flavor. 35% cream makes it tender — can sub sour cream or full-fat yogurt. Keeps 3 days covered, freezer-friendly.
27 Loaves, muffins and breads

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 12 muffins
Temperature: 400°F • 15-20m
Time: 15 min + bake
28 Loaves, muffins and breads

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 12 muffins
Temperature: 350°F • 20-25m
Time: 15 min + bake
29 Loaves, muffins and breads

Source: Bob (added 2026-09-23)
Temperature: 180°C (350°F), 18-20 minutes
30 Loaves, muffins and breads



Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 1 loaf
Temperature: 375°F • 30-35m
Time: 15 min + 1h rise + 45m proof
31 Loaves, muffins and breads


Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 1 loaf • variation of Simple Sandwich Bread
Temperature: 375°F • 30-35m (same as base)
Time: 15 min + 1h rise + 45m proof + add-in
Adding cheese after the first rise preserves the dough's structure and gives you distinct cheese pockets. Adding cheese during shaping creates a more marbled, ribboned effect. Avoid adding cheese during the second rise, as it will deflate the dough.
32 Loaves, muffins and breads

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 5x7 small loaf
Temperature: 350°F • 55-65m
Time: 10 min + bake
33 Loaves, muffins and breads

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 5x7 small loaf
Temperature: 350°F • 55-65m
Time: 15 min + bake
34 Loaves, muffins and breads

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 9x5 loaf • 330g filling
Temperature: 180°C 350°F • 50-60m
Time: 15 min + bake
35 Loaves, muffins and breads

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 12 twists
Temperature: 350°F oil • 1-2m per side
Time: 20 min + 1.5h rise
36 Loaves, muffins and breads
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 12 buns
Temperature: 180°C 350°F • 20-25m
Time: 15 min + 1h rise + 45m proof
37 Loaves, muffins and breads

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 23x13cm (9x5-inch) loaf • 10 slices
Temperature: 175°C (350°F) • 50-60m
Time: 20 min + bake + 10m cool
Firm apples hold shape best. Add 60g (1/2 cup) chopped pecans to streusel for crunch. Dual units kept archival-friendly.
38 Loaves, muffins and breads
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 12-15 rolls
Temperature: 375°F (190°C) • 18-20m
Time: 20 min + 2h rise + bake
Stand mixer saves time — do not overmix. Dough should be soft, elastic. If sticky, add 1-2 tbsp flour max.
39 Loaves, muffins and breads

Source: Bob (2026-09-30)
Yield: 2 loaves
Temperature: 350°F (175°C) • 55-70m
Time: 25 min + bake
Bob's notes: Made with Velvo Kris shortening (Crisco works 1:1) and raw sugar instead of granulated sugar; raisins soaked in warm Mount Gay Eclipse rum.
40 Cookies

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 36 cookies
Temperature: 350°F (175°C) • 8-10m
Time: 15 min + chill
Card was truncated — salt and method filled in farmhouse style to keep it soft and printable.
41 Cookies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 30 cookies
Temperature: 350°F • 18-20m
Time: 15 min + 30m chill
42 Cookies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 18 cookies
Temperature: 375°F • 9-11m
Time: 10 min + bake
43 Cookies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 48 cookies
Temperature: 400°F • 7-8m
Time: 10 min + bake
44 Cookies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 30 cookies
Temperature: 375°F • 10-12m
Time: 20 min + bake
45 Cookies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 24 cookies
Temperature: 400°F • 8-10m
Time: 15 min + bake
46 Cookies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 28 cookies
Temperature: 350°F • 10-12m
Time: 20 min + 1h chill
47 Cookies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 36 cookies
Temperature: 400°F • 6-8m
Time: 15 min + chill
48 Cookies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 30 cookies
Temperature: 350°F • 8-10m
Time: 15 min + chill
49 Cookies

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 40 cookies
Temperature: 350°F • 8-10m
Time: 15 min + chill
50 Cookies


Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 24 cookies
Temperature: 350°F • 10-12m
Time: 20 min + bake
51 Cookies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 24 cookies
Temperature: 350°F • 10-11m
Time: 15 min + bake
52 Cookies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 20 cookies
Temperature: 350°F 175°C • 12-15m
Time: 10 min + bake
53 Cookies
Source: “Cookie for Every Craving” card (uploaded 2026-09-25)
Yield: 18–20 cookies
Bake: 350°F (175°C) • 10–12 minutes
Total: About 35 minutes

Method note: The card supplied the ingredients and yield; the complete baking method below was developed for Bob’s collection.
Store airtight at room temperature for up to 4 days. For thicker cookies, chill the shaped dough for 20 minutes before baking.
54 Cookies

Source: “Cookie for Every Craving” card (uploaded 2026-09-25)
Yield: About 28 cookies
Bake: 350°F (175°C) • 10–12 minutes
Total: About 40 minutes
Method note: The card supplied the ingredients and yield; the complete baking method below was developed for Bob’s collection.
For a stronger coffee flavour, use espresso-style instant coffee. Store airtight for up to 4 days.
55 Cookies

Source: “Cookie for Every Craving” card (uploaded 2026-09-25)
Yield: About 24 cookies
Bake: 350°F (175°C) • 9–11 minutes
Total: About 35 minutes
Method note: The card supplied the ingredients and yield; the complete baking method below was developed for Bob’s collection.
Do not overbake if you prefer a soft centre. Store airtight for up to 5 days.
56 Cookies

Source: “Cookie for Every Craving” card (uploaded 2026-09-25)
Yield: About 24 cookies
Bake: 325°F (165°C) • 12–14 minutes
Total: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Method note: The card supplied the ingredients and yield; the complete baking method below was developed for Bob’s collection.
The chilled log can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before slicing. Store baked cookies airtight for up to 1 week.
57 Cookies

Source: “Cookie for Every Craving” card (uploaded 2026-09-25)
Yield: About 30 cookies
Bake: 375°F (190°C) • 9–11 minutes
Total: About 40 minutes
Method note: The card supplied the main dough ingredients and yield; cinnamon sugar was added for the classic finish, and the complete method was developed for Bob’s collection.
For a soft, chewy texture, remove the cookies when the centres still look slightly underdone. Store airtight for up to 5 days.
58 Cookies

Source: “Cookie for Every Craving” card (uploaded 2026-09-25)
Yield: About 30 cookies
Bake: 350°F (175°C) • 10–12 minutes
Total: About 40 minutes
Method note: The card supplied the ingredients and yield; the complete baking method below was developed for Bob’s collection.
Commercial smooth peanut butter gives the most consistent texture. Store airtight for up to 5 days.
59 Cookies

Source: “Cookie for Every Craving” card (uploaded 2026-09-25)
Yield: About 24 cookies
Bake: 350°F (175°C) • 10–12 minutes
Total: About 1 hour 45 minutes
Method note: The card supplied the ingredients and yield; the complete baking method below was developed for Bob’s collection.
A heavy powdered-sugar coating makes the crinkles more distinct. Store airtight for up to 4 days.
60 Cookies


Source: “Cookie for Every Craving” card (uploaded 2026-09-25)
Yield: About 26 cookies
Bake: 350°F (175°C) • 11–13 minutes
Total: About 45 minutes
Method note: The card supplied the ingredients and yield; the complete baking method below was developed for Bob’s collection.
Soak dry raisins in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before mixing them into the dough. Store airtight for up to 5 days.
61 Cookies

Source: “Cookie for Every Craving” card (uploaded 2026-09-25)
Yield: About 30 cookies
Bake: 350°F (175°C) • 9–11 minutes
Total: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Method note: The card supplied the ingredients and yield; the complete baking method below was developed for Bob’s collection.
Refrigerate airtight for up to 5 days because the cookies contain cream cheese. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
62 Pies and crisps
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 9-inch (23 cm) pie • 8 slices
Temperature: 175°C (350°F) • 35-45m
Time: 15 min + bake
Imperial + metric as provided. For extra nutty top, sprinkle extra 2 tbsp pecans before bake.
63 Pies and crisps
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 9x13 • 6-8 servings
Temperature: 350°F • 40-45m
Time: 20 min + bake
64 Pies and crisps
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: Double crust
Temperature: As needed
Time: 10 min + chill
65 Rolls, buns, doughnuts and fritters


Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 8-10 fritters • 2 Macintosh
Temperature: 350°F oil • 2-3m per side
Time: 15 min + fry
66 No-bake treats and candies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 24 balls
Temperature: No bake • chill 1h
Time: 20 min + chill
67 No-bake treats and candies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 18 macaroons
Temperature: 325°F • 25-30m
Time: 10 min + bake
68 No-bake treats and candies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 28 kisses
Temperature: 225°F • 1h + 1h off
Time: 15 min + bake
69 No-bake treats and candies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 20 balls
Temperature: Chill set
Time: 15 min + 20m chill
70 No-bake treats and candies
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: ~1 1/2 cups syrup
Temperature: Stovetop • 5-7m
Time: 5 min + cool
Two archival methods — cocoa is pantry-quick, melted is richer. Both store 2 weeks fridge.
71 No-bake treats and candies

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 20 balls
Temperature: Chill 20-30m
Time: 15 min + chill
72 No-bake treats and candies

Source: Bob (2026-10-02)
Yield: Makes 28 balls
Temperature: Chill 20-30m
Variations: Salted — add 1/4 cup chopped peanuts; sprinkle flaky salt on top before the chocolate sets. Festive — roll in sprinkles or crushed candy cane. Double-chocolate — mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder into the peanut butter mixture.
73 Meringues

Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 24 kisses
Temperature: 200°F • 1.5h
Time: 15 min + bake
74 Meringues
Source: Recipe book (uploaded 2026-09-23)
Yield: 22 kisses
Temperature: 200°F • 1.5h
Time: 15 min + bake
Cocoa deflates meringue if over-mixed — fold quickly.
75 Cookies

Source: Bob (2026-10-04)
Temperature: 350°F / 175°C
Bake: 14–17 minutes
Cool: 10 minutes
For extra chew, let the dough rest for 10 minutes before baking.
76 Rolls, buns, doughnuts and fritters

Rich, glossy chocolate glaze over soft vanilla donuts. Dual metric + imperial.
Yield: Makes 6 donuts.
Bake: 10–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
Fry: 1–2 minutes per side at 350°F (175°C)
77 No-bake treats and candies

Easy no-bake coconut-covered marshmallow squares. Dual metric + imperial.
Yield: 1 pan (8×8 inch / 20×20 cm)
Difficulty: Easy, no-bake
Setting time: 4 hours or overnight
78 Pies and crisps

Farmhouse pumpkin pie with a graham crust and maple-kissed filling. Dual metric + imperial.
Yield: 1 pie (9-inch pie plate)
Crust: 8 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
Pie: 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then 30–40 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
Cool: 2–3 hours
79 Cookies


A classic buttery shortbread swirled with raspberry jam and finished with a white chocolate drizzle.
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Prep: 20 minutes + 30 minutes chill
Bake: 12–15 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
Storage: Airtight container up to 5 days
80 Rolls, buns, doughnuts and fritters
“It's like eating a cake of apple cinnamon Timbits.”
— Bob




A warm, cinnamon-sugared pull-apart bread layered with buttery apple pie goo. This bake was a team effort with Joanne: Bob cut the dough while Joanne dipped each piece in butter, rolled it in cinnamon sugar, and layered it in the pan.
Source: Bob's kitchen
Dough rise: 60–90 minutes
Final rise: 30–45 minutes
Bake: 35–40 minutes at 350°F / 175°C
Do not roll out the dough. Turn the risen dough onto the counter and lightly flour your hands only. Cut it into 45–55 rough chunks with a bench scraper or knife. Each piece should be 1–1½ inches, soft and irregular. Keep the dough airy—do not flatten or shape it.
New recipes added here should include, when available: