I have worked as a consultant dietitian in the food industry, then as a community and public health dietitian for a number of years. After which I resigned to take on a role as a youth pastor. We’ve had countless dinners and meetings at our house over the years, so there has been plenty of opportunities to bake and cook for guests. Again and again I have been asked, “Can you teach me how to cook that”. After writing out the recipes numerous times and even having friends come to my house to learn how to cook, I decided to one day start a cooking blog.
In March 2011 my third son was born (three wonderful boys), he was quite unwell and I was up feeding him 3 hourly throughout the night until he was 7 months old. To stay awake during those times I started howtocookthat.net Yes, that’s correct most of the first years posts were typed one handed at all hours of the night while feeding a baby.
I often get asked how can you make all of those cakes and desserts and not be overweight? Well, there is no magic pill – all of our meals are low fat and healthy, I eat plenty of fruit and excercise regularly. I try to only make amazing desserts when we have people coming over to share it with. I did have intentions of adding the recipes that I use for dinner to the blog, but I keep getting sidetracked with desserts – they photograph so much more beautifully.
I have been cooking sweet things and collecting recipes ever since I was a little girl. What a blessing to have a mum that taught me to cook despite the mess that kids make in the kitchen.
Above is a pic of the first recipe I ever wrote out – my friends mum had made the most amazing chocolate cheesecake, so I asked for the recipe. I have a recipe file that is thick with gems collected over the years. If there is no source listed it is because I don’t actually know where they came from or I have adapted or developed the recipes myself.
Ann
Please direct all media, advertsing, business and booking enquiries to: howtocookthat [at] iinet.net.au
FAQ: Where is Ann Reardon from? I live in Sydney Australia but my wonderful subscribers are from USA, UK, Canada, Australia and all over the world.
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Hi Ann
WOW the cakes U make are great ur a great inspiration to me I have an little daughter who is the age of 2 and she loves peppa pig so could U make a peppa pig pls and I know this for a fact that U make a significant addition to you tube
Hi Ann
U are the best at making cakes I just had an request please could U do a Mickey mouse cake tutorial I wanted to make it for my 2year old brother even if U are unable to make it I will still look forward to ur amazing and goerges cake making
Hi Ann
This is Tasha again I just found out that U done an Mickey mouse cake tutorial so sorry for troubling u
hi ann
i loved the minion cake
one question
can fondont be kept for 2 months or more?
yes
Hi there,
Quick question. I have just purchased the templates for ‘lightning mcqueen’ to be sent to Armidale, NSW.
How long do you expect it to take?
Cheers
J
Hello Ann,
I`ve decided to make some red velvet cupcakes for my mother and I just wanted to ask if the Cream Cheese is the best frosting for it or will the taste of another one go well with it?
Thanks! 🙂 Tina, 17
Thanks for doing what you do and maintaining this website.
Thanks to you, I was able to take on the project of giving my 4 year old daughter Alexandra her Barbie Princess birthday cake and my son James his Thomas The Tank Engine Cake this weekend.
Hi ann,
As usual, wonderful things to look at and make. I really excited because I have the opportunity to come and see you in action on the 7th of June in Wangaratta, can’t wait.
See you then,
Rachel dal Zotto
Hi Ann I have been watching your video’s for quite a while and love them!
One question though…can you show us how to make a Shark Cake? I have a granddaughter who wants to be a marine biologist and loves sharks. I would so love to make her a Shark Cake for her birthday but can’t find anything on how to make one. Thanks and I hope to see a video soon on how to make one!!!
Hi Ann,
Thank you so much for this amazing website and for sharing all of your wonderful creations! I too love baking and what a wonderful source of ideas! Can’t wait to try them ALL!!!!! Happy Birthday to your little angel! X
Hi
Loved your videos and im dying to try making chocolates. But I have some doubts regarding it.
1. What chocolates are you using for melting ?
2. Are the melted chocolates the one that have been tempered or are they of some other brand?
3. Are the chocolates that have been layered with the coat of the tempered chocolate at the end to be refrigerated? and for how long can they be stored?
Eagerly awaiting your response to begin with my chocolates !
Hi, Ann.
I just stumbled onto your site and love it! My husband and I intend to make an Olaf cake on Saturday that we won’t serve until Sunday afternoon. What frosting would work best in this circumstance? We will refrigerate it overnight and can wait to add the eyes/hair/nose/buttons, etc. until Sunday.
Thanks!
Kimberly
Hi Kimberly either a buttercream or whipped white chocolate ganache would be best.
Thanks, Ann!
I love your show!! I would like to learn how to make a soccer ball cake. Thanks…
Thank you for the great Minion tutorial. I did it last week for my son’s 6th birtday. He was so ” Happy “.
woohoo looks great Andrea
Hi Ann
i watch alot bake and cooking may you please make an eggless n gelatin free and no bake cheese cake the reason is becaue it’s almost mother’s day and our oven dose not work so may you please do that.
thanks so much Ann
Used your video and template to make a Lightning McQueen cake for my son’s 2nd birthday. It was a huge hit. My little guy loved it so much, all he wanted to do all day until the party was look at his cake. And he wanted to finish every last crumb saying he had to finish his McQueen cake. Thank you thank you! Your tutorial was amazing! Per your request, I’m including a photo of my cake I made with your help. This was my first 3D cake ever and first time using fondant.
Awhhh that sounds like you did such an amazing job. Happy birthday to your little guy
Hi i want to now if u can make 3d cake but can you do Elsa or Anna from frozen please…..thank you
Isabella 8 years old
Hi Ann! I just wanted to tell you how much I support and watch your videos. One because they’re just so amazing! And two because I read that your a youth pastor! I think it’s so cool that your a Christian too 🙂
Hello Mrs.Reardon
I have been watching your videos for a while, and I enjoy cooking these things that you create. I can’t do the elaborate cakes or pies, but I can (and have) done the chocolate lava cake and the chocolate dipped honey comb. I am diabetic and can’t eat any of these things because of the carbohydrates. These cooking projects are for weekends or the summer. I am also allergic to peanuts and all nuts (except coconut and doughnuts *yum*), and I noticed that many of the truffles had types of nuts in them. I was wondering if you could do more recipes without nuts. I enjoy doing the simple things that you put on your channel, since i am only 14, but I hope to one day be able to make the doctor who cake ( I love doctor who) or make the instagram cake. I love watching your tutorials very much
Hi Ann
sorry if i have already asked this before but can u please make a horse cake i have looked everywhere and i can not find a tutorial on one
Hello! Do you think you could do an Attack on Titan themed cake? I want to make one for my friend, but have no idea how to begin getting started on it…