Ep 8. Baby Cakes with Johanne Killeen

In season 2, episode 8 of Baking with Julia, titled "Baby Cakes with Johanne Killeen," viewers are treated to an episode full of delectable desserts. Host Julia Child welcomes her guest baker, Johanne Killeen, who co-owns and runs the critically acclaimed Al Forno restaurant in Providence, Rhode Island.

Killeen begins the episode by showing viewers how to make a delicious spice cake, filled with apples and walnuts and topped with a caramel glaze. While the cake is in the oven, Killeen moves on to her next creation: baby cakes.

These small, single-serving cakes are made with a combination of semolina flour, sugar, and butter, and flavored with vanilla and lemon zest. Killeen explains that the key to making these delicate cakes is to mix the ingredients until they are just combined, so that the cakes will be light and airy. She then demonstrates how to evenly distribute the batter among small cake molds, so that the cakes will bake perfectly.

Once the baby cakes are in the oven, Killeen turns her attention to the filling. She combines ricotta cheese with sugar, lemon zest, and a touch of vanilla, creating a light and creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the semolina cakes. Killeen shows viewers how to carefully remove the cakes from their molds and fill them with the ricotta mixture, creating a beautiful and delicious dessert.

Throughout the episode, Killeen shares tips and tricks for creating perfect cakes and desserts, from using room temperature ingredients to making sure you have the right tools for the job. Along the way, she and Julia banter and joke, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere that makes it easy to follow along with the recipes.

By the end of the episode, viewers will have learned how to make not one, but two delicious desserts, perfect for any occasion. Killeen's baby cakes are sure to be a hit at any dinner party, while her spice cake is a perfect way to welcome the fall season. With clear instructions and helpful guidance from both Julia and Johanne, viewers will feel confident enough to try these recipes at home and impress their own guests with these delectable treats.

Overall, "Baby Cakes with Johanne Killeen" is a warm and welcoming episode full of delicious and easy-to-follow recipes. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a newcomer to the world of desserts, this episode is sure to inspire you to get in the kitchen and start baking.