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Apple Ginger Cake with Whipped Cinnamon Crème Fraîche

Apple Ginger Cake with Whipped Cinnamon Crème Fraîche

Apple Ginger Cake with Whipped Cinnamon Crème Fraîche

 

2 C. heavy cream

4 T. cultured buttermilk

4 apples

1½ C. flour

1¼ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

1½ tsp. ground cinnamon, divided

1 C. sugar

½ C. butter, room temperature

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs, room temperature

2 tsp. grated ginger

2 T. brown sugar

Sliced almonds

 

To make the crème fraîche, mix heavy cream and buttermilk in a clean jar and secure a piece of cheesecloth over the top with a rubber band to allow some air flow. Place on the counter for 12 to 24 hours until it thickens (if your kitchen is cold, it might take longer). Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you don’t have time to make your own, you can use store-bought or replace with sour cream. Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter the sides and bottom of a 10-inch springform pan. Cut a round piece of parchment paper and place in the bottom of the pan. If using a regular cake pan, line with parchment paper, enough to hang over the sides so that it’s easy to remove the cake after baking. Peel, core and slice apples into half moons and set aside. Mix flour, baking powder, salt and 1 tsp. ground cinnamon in a bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, cream the sugar and butter for about 1 minute until fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, and beat until just mixed. Add ½ C. crème fraîche and ginger; beat until combined. Mix in the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon or spatula and stir until there are no lumps or dry bits of flour. Fold about ¼ of the sliced apples into the batter and stir until fully coated. Pour batter into the greased pan and smooth out the top. With the remaining apples, create a pattern on top, laying slices however you like and pressing them slightly into the batter. Bake for 70 to 80 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the apples begin to brown too quickly, place a piece of foil on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. While the cake bakes, use an electric mixer to whip 1 C. of the remaining crème fraîche with brown sugar and ½ tsp. cinnamon until stiff peaks form. Store in the fridge until the cake is ready to serve. When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Run a knife along the outside edge before removing from the pan. Cool on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting. Just before serving, sprinkle with sliced almonds. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped crème fraîche.

Queijadas (Portuguese Custard Cupcakes)

Queijadas (Portuguese Custard Cupcakes)

Queijadas (Portuguese Custard Cupcakes)

 

1 stick (8 tbsp.) butter, cut into chunks

3 1/2 C. whole milk

1 1/2 C. flour

1/4 tsp. baking powder

4 eggs

3 1/4 C. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Zest of 2 lemons

 

Note: These queijadas are meant to be very sweet. If you choose to make them less sweet, you can reduce up to a C. of sugar. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray standard size muffin pans with cooking spray (enough for 30-count). Melt butter in a medium saucepan on medium heat. Add milk, stirring occasionally, until it is warm. Turn off and remove from heat. Whisk flour and baking powder in a small bowl. Set aside. In a deep mixing bowl, beat eggs for 1 minute. Slowly add sugar, 1 C. at a time. Continue beating for 1 minute after the last addition. Add vanilla extract and lemon zest. Blend. On medium speed, gradually add in 1 C. of the milk and melted butter mixture. Beat for 30 seconds. Slowly add half of the flour mixture, followed by 1 C. of the milk mixture, beating for  30 seconds after the milk addition. Slowly add the rest of the flour, then 1/2 of the remaining milk. Beat for 1 minute. The batter will be watery and will splash. Reduce speed to medium low, if needed. Angling a large paper plate over the bowl with help contain the splashing. Add the rest of the milk. Beat for 30 seconds. Fill muffin pans 3/4 full. Bake for 35–38 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Cupcakes will sink slightly in center upon standing. Store refrigerated and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cake Mix Cookies

Cake Mix Cookies

Cake Mix Cookies

 

1 cake mix (dry ingredients only)

1/2 C. vegetable oil

2 eggs

1/2 C. mix ins (such as chocolate chips, coconut, nuts, etc.)

 

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with a silpat liner or parchment paper.

In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, vegetable oil and eggs until combined. Stir in the mix ins. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, at least 2 inches apart. Bake just until the cookies are set in the middle, 10-12 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet then transfer to a cooling rack or a sheet of waxed paper.  Recipe Notes: I have used different cake mix sizes from 15.25 oz to 18.25 oz and they all seem to work just fine. You won’t need to adapt the other ingredients.  Mix ins can be whatever you want to mix into the cookies – coconut, chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, etc. The possibilities are endless!

Coconut Chip Cookies

Coconut Chip Cookies

Coconut Chip Cookies

 

1 C. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, room temperature

½ C. plus 2 T. granulated sugar

¾ C. packed light-brown sugar

1 large egg

1 ¼ C. plus 2 T. all-purpose flour, plus more for glass

1 tsp. baking soda

Pinch of fine sea salt

4 C. coconut chips

 

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and granulated sugar; add brown sugar and mix until well combined. Add eggs and mix until fully incorporated. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix to combine. Add remaining flour mixture and mix to combine. Add half of the coconut chips; mix to combine. Add remaining coconut chips and mix to combine. Using a 1 ¾ inch (1 ½ tablespoons) ice cream scoop, scoop out balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets at least 3 inches apart. Transfer baking sheet to refrigerator; let chill for 30 minutes. Using the flat bottom of a floured drinking glass, flatten dough slightly. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Transfer baking sheet to oven and bake until golden brown, 14 to 16 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Let cool at least 20 minutes before serving.

Dutch Sugar Cookies (Arnhemse Meisjes)

Dutch Sugar Cookies (Arnhemse Meisjes)

Dutch Sugar Cookies (Arnhemse Meisjes)

 

Sugar, for sprinkling

1/3 C. whole milk

5 grams fresh yeast

1 1/2 C. unbleached all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1 T. pure vanilla extract

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons, room temperature

 

Line a baking sheet with parchment; sprinkle evenly with sugar to cover. Set aside. In a liquid-measuring cup, combine milk and yeast. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, salt, and vanilla. Beat in milk mixture on medium-high speed until thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes. With mixer running, add butter, 1 T. at a time, making sure it is fully incorporated before adding the next one. Once all butter has been added, increase speed to high and beat 5 minutes. Turn out dough, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously sprinkle sugar on work surface. Place dough on sugared surface; sprinkle with sugar to cover. Top with a piece of parchment, then roll out dough 1/4 inch thick. Using a 3-inch oval cutter, cut out cookies. Transfer to prepared baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart. Sprinkle with additional sugar. Bake until deeply golden all over, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool on sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

Spiked Snickerdoodle Sugar Cookie

Spiked Snickerdoodle Sugar Cookie

Spiked Snickerdoodle Sugar Cookie

 

2 C. (450 grams) softened butter

2 C. (402 grams) granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 T. (29.5 milliliters) vanilla extract

¼ C. (59 milliliters) bourbon, Screwball Cookie Dough Bourbon preferred (optional)

6 C. (750 grams) flour

3 T. (23.4 grams) cinnamon

¼ C. (30.5 grams) cornstarch

For the topping

1 T. (8.3 grams) cinnamon

2 C. (400 grams) brown sugar

 

Preheat oven to 350° F. Cream butter and sugar until blended. Add eggs, extract and, if using, bourbon. Mix until well incorporated. Blend dry ingredients in a separate bowl then add 1 C. at a time, mixing between each cup. Dough should cleanly pull away from the sides of the mixing bowl. If not, add ¼ C. of flour. Take a generous portion of dough out of mixing bowl to roll out between parchment paper. Fluff the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture with a fork to evenly incorporate. With the dough rolled out, generously sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture over it by hand. Roll dough upon itself like a cinnamon roll. Then re-roll the dough, sprinkle again and cut out your preferred shapes. Repeat this process until all dough is used. Bake cookies on parchment paper-lined baking sheet for 9 to 12 minutes as ovens may vary. Baking time is based upon dough flattened to a 3/8-inch thickness. If rolled thinner, reduce baking time.

Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin Cookies

 

1 small (about 1½ pounds) pie pumpkin

7 T. unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

⅔ C. (packed) brown sugar

1 large egg, separated

½ tsp. cinnamon

Grated zest of 1⁄2 lemon

¼ tsp. salt

2½ C. all-purpose flour

Coarse turbinado or sanding sugar, for finishing

 

Remove the pumpkin stem and cut in half; remove seeds. Cut each half into 3 pieces. Place in a steamer basket set over simmering water; cover and steam for about 15 minutes or until very tender. Cool, then scoop out flesh and mash; measure ½ C. of pumpkin. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar together. Add egg yolk and mix well, then mix in pumpkin. Add cinnamon, lemon zest and salt; blend well. Add flour and mix well. Transfer dough to a work surface. Divide in half and roll each half into a log about 1½ inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F; line a baking sheet with parchment. In a small bowl, whisk the egg white to blend. Brush dough with egg white, then roll in sugar to coat. Slice into rounds about ½ inch thick. Transfer cookies to baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, until golden brown.

Cider Spice Muffins

Cider Spice Muffins

Cider Spice Muffins

 

1 1⁄2 C. apple cider

Cooking spray

1 3⁄4 C. all-purpose flour

1 1⁄4 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. fine sea salt

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground cardamom

1⁄2 tsp. ground nutmeg

Zest of 1 orange

10 T. butter (11⁄4 sticks) at room temperature

3⁄4 C. light brown sugar, lightly packed 1⁄4 C. granulated sugar

2 large eggs at room temperature

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 

To finish:

6 T. butter (3⁄4 of a stick), melted

1⁄2 C. granulated sugar Zest of 1 orange

 

Place 1 1⁄2 C. apple cider in a small saucepan. Over medium heat, bring to a boil and reduce until it is 1⁄2 cup. Let cool while assembling other ingredients. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease your 12-C. muf- fin pan generously with the cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients from the flour through the orange zest. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the 10 T. of butter, add the sugars and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs 1 at a time, scraping the bowl as necessary until well mixed. Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly. Add the flour mixture and mix just until well combined. With the mixer running low, add the reduced apple cider until well combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl. Divide batter evenly among the 12 muffin C. and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the center bounces when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Melt the 6 T. butter, put aside, and mix together the sugar and orange zest in a small bowl. Brush each hot muffin generously with butter and divide the sugar evenly on the top of muffins. Drizzle with any remaining butter and allow to cool somewhat before removing from the pan. These are great served warm, and they also keep for several days in a tightly lidded container.

Zucchini Ricotta Pound Cake

Zucchini Ricotta Pound Cake

Zucchini Ricotta Pound Cake

Cooking spray

1 ½ C. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

1 ¾ C. whole-milk ricotta cheese at room temperature

1 C. sugar

¾ C. butter at room temperature

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

½ tsp. almond extract

1 C. shredded zucchini about 1 medium zucchini

 

Preheat the oven to 325°. Spray or grease an 8 1/2- by 4 1/2­ inch loaf pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl until thoroughly combined, about 30 seconds. Use an electric mixer to cream together the ricotta, sugar, and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy, 6–7 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until smooth, about 2 minutes more. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. With a silicone spatula, fold half of the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients, scraping the bottom of the bowl to incorporate any hidden flour. Fold in the zucchini. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles. Move the pan to a baking sheet and bake for 70–75 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out nearly clean, with just a couple of crumbs. Cool the cake in the pan for about 30 minutes, loosen from the pan by running a knife around the edges, and invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Great Grandma Inez Kisser’s Sour Cream Peach Pie

Great Grandma Inez Kisser’s Sour Cream Peach Pie

Great Grandma Inez Kisser’s Sour Cream Peach Pie

 

Makes one 9-inch pie

 

1  9-inch pie crust of your choice, uncooked (my preference is an all butter crust)

6+ peaches, depending on size

1 C. sugar

3 T. flour (may need to adjust depending on how juicy your peaches are)

⅛ tsp. sat

1 large C. slightly soured cream (can substitute ½ sour cream to ½ whipping cream)

 

Grandma Inez: Place halved peaches pit side up (peel if desired) in pie crust, mix flour, sugar and salt and pour over peaches. Then top with sour cream mixture. Bake at 375° F for 45–50 minutes.  *My notes: I prefer my peaches cut in large chunks; peel left on. I toss lightly with the flour/sugar mixture before placing in the pie crust. I use the same bowl from my peaches to then mix up my soured cream and prefer to increase this to ~1½ C. total. Pie serves best when it has an opportunity to cool so the filling can set up.

Strawberry Oat Squares

Strawberry Oat Squares

Strawberry Oat Squares

1 C. cooked steel-cut oats

3/4 stick of softened butter

1 egg

1/2 C. sugar

1 C. flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 C. strawberry or other fruit jam

2 T. brown sugar

 

Preheat oven to 350 degree. Combine butter, sugar and egg and mix until combined. I use an electric mixer, but you can do this by hand. Add in the cooked oats, being sure to fully incorporate it into the mix. Mix the flour, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl and then add to the oat and butter mixture. Spread half the batter into a greased 8 x 8 pan. Top with the jam, spreading it evenly over the batter. Spread the remaining batter over the jam. Sprinkle brown sugar on top. Bake for 20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool and serve.

Slowcooker Bread with Basil Pesto

Slowcooker Bread with Basil Pesto

Slowcooker Bread with Basil Pesto

 

2¼ tsp. (or 1 envelope) active dry yeast

1 T. sugar

1½ C. lukewarm water (about 105 degrees Fahrenheit)

3¾ C. all-purpose flour

1 T. olive oil

¼ C. basil pesto

1 tsp. salt

dried parsley, for topping

kosher salt, for topping

 

Line a 6-quart slow cooker with parchment paper and set aside. Place yeast and sugar in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Add water and continue to stir until combined. Add in the flour, olive oil, basil pesto, and salt; stir with a wooden spoon until well incorporated and a shaggy dough begins to form. Turn out the dough onto a floured working surface and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is soft and smooth. IF the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, about one T. at a time.  Place the ball of dough in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the top with dried parsley and salt. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or until golden on the bottom. The internal temperature of the baked bread should register at 200˚F. Remove the bread from the slow cooker together with parchment paper and place on a baking sheet. Place the bread under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove the bread from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. Let rest until completely cooled before cutting and serving.

Strawberry Pie With Strawberry Crust

Strawberry Pie With Strawberry Crust

Strawberry Pie With Strawberry Crust

 

½ C. freeze-dried strawberries

1 T. granulated sugar

2½ C. all-purpose flour, plus more as needed for dusting

½ tsp. fine sea salt

2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into ½ inch-cubes

¼ C. ice water, plus more as needed

 

5 C. fresh strawberries, halved

1 T. fresh lemon juice

½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

Pinch of fine sea salt

½ C. plus 2 T. granulated sugar

⅓ C. cornstarch

1 large egg white

Sanding sugar, for finishing

 

In a food processor, pulse the strawberries and granulated sugar to a fine powder. Add the flour and salt, and continue to process until well combined. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles small peas. Transfer to a medium bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the ice water (leave the ice cubes behind). Mix by hand until the mixture uniformly comes together but isn’t sticky or tacky. If necessary, add more water 1 T. at a time. Divide the pie dough in half and form each half into a 1-inch-thick disk. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.  In a large bowl, toss together the strawberries, lemon juice, vanilla and salt. In another small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Add the mixture to the strawberries and toss well to combine. In another small bowl, make an egg wash by whisking together the egg white and 1 T. water. Reserve. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of the dough to ¼ inch thick. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate and trim the excess crust around the edge with scissors so that only ½ inch hangs over the edge of the plate. Pour the filling into the pie crust, then transfer to the refrigerator while you work on the lattice. Roll out the second disk of dough to ¼ inch thick. Cut 1½-inch-wide strips from the dough. To make the lattice crust, lay 5 strips vertically and evenly spaced on top of the pie (use the longer strips in the center and the shorter strips toward the edges.) Fold every other strip back so the pie filling is exposed, then lay one of the remaining strips horizontally over the pie. Fold the vertical strips back over the pie, then fold the opposite vertical strips back so they lay over the horizontal strip. Put down another horizontal strip, then fold the vertical strips over the new horizontal strip once more. Repeat with the remaining strips, weaving over and under until you have a lattice. Roll up the bottom crust overhang and crimp the edge of the pie crust as desire. Chill the pie for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 425°F. When the oven is preheated, brush the surface of the pie with the egg wash and sprinkle with the sanding sugar. Bake until the crust begins to brown slightly and the filling is bubbly, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool completely before slicing and serving.

Mini Cherry Crumbles

Mini Cherry Crumbles

Mini Cherry Crumbles

 

4 C. sliced, pitted sweet cherries

1 T. fresh lemon juice

¾ C. lightly packed brown sugar

½ C. flour

4 T. cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

¾ C. old fashioned oats

¼ tsp. salt

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray four individual 8oz ramekins with cooking spray. Set aside. In a large bowl, toss the cherries with the lemon juice. Spoon about 1 C. cherries into each ramekin (you should be filling each ramekin to the top with cherries). In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, oats and salt. Using your fingers, mix in the butter until well incorporated. Spoon about ¼ C. topping onto each ramekin—don’t be shy here! The more streusel the better. (You should have some leftover streusel topping) Bake cherry crumbles for about 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream! You can also make this in an 8” casserole dish if you don’t have individual 8oz dishes.

Lemonbalm Shortbread

Lemonbalm Shortbread

Lemonbalm Shortbread

 

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 C. + 1 T. confectioner’s sugar

1 C. flour

1/8 tsp. salt (omit if using salted butter)

3 T. chopped fresh lemonbalm (about 2 dozen leaves)

1 tsp. fresh lemon zest

 

Rinse the lemonbalm well and shake the excess water off, then allow to air dry completely. (A salad spinner speeds up the task). Fresh herbs should never be chopped when wet, so be sure the leaves are 100% dry after rinsing. Pick off the leaves and discard the stems, then pile the leaves on top of each other, a dozen at a time, and roll into a tight “cigar”. Using a sharp knife, slice very thinly. Pile the shredded herbs into a mound and chop them up a bit more, until quite fine. Use right away. In a medium bowl, beat together the room temperature butter, chopped herb, fresh lemon zest, salt, and sugar until well mixed. Add the flour and mix well. You may need to use your hands for the final part of mixing. You can also use an electric mixer, just be sure not to overwork the dough after the flour has been added. Once the dough is smooth and coming together, roll it into a ball and flatten it. Wrap tightly in wax paper and chill for 20 minutes. Roll the flattened disc out on a lightly floured countertop and cut into shapes using a cookie cutter. Quick tip: shortbread dough can be a bit finicky to roll out (it can’t be too warm or too cool because of all that butter). So you can skip the whole rolling out step by shaping the ball of dough into a large cylinder shape, then cooling it in the fridge for 2 hours, and slicing about 1/4 inch thick. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, about 1 inch apart. If you rolled the dough, refrigerate the unbaked cookies for 20 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape and bake more evenly. Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 8 to 10 minutes on a rack placed in the top third of your oven. If your oven is on the hot side, check the cookies after 6 minutes to make sure they aren’t burning.

Rhubarb Cardamom Rose Upside-Down Cake

Rhubarb Cardamom Rose Upside-Down Cake

Rhubarb Cardamom Rose Upside-Down Cake

 

For the bottom:

4 T. butter, melted

Around 1 1/2 pound of fresh rhubarb stalks (preferably bright red)

1/2 C. cane sugar

For the batter:

2 C. whole wheat flour (or 1 C. all-purpose + 1 C. whole wheat for a lighter cake)

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

1 C. cane sugar

1 C. extra-virgin olive oil

1 C. milk (can be plant-based)

3 large beaten eggs

2 tsp. ground cardamom

1/4 C. orange juice

2 T. rose water

 

Preheat your oven to 350F. Line bottom of a round 8 inch baking pan (3 inches deep) with parchment paper. Cut your rhubarb stalks to fit snugly at the bottom of the pan in an attractive arrangement, flat side down. (If you wish to make the geometric pattern I show in the video, you’ll need to cut the stalks on an angle with the cut side as close to the same length as the uncut side as possible. (Using rhubarb stalks that are uniform in width will make this easier). Once your rhubarb pieces are all snuggly packed like sardines at the bottom of the pan, sprinkle 1/2 C. of sugar on top of the rhubarb, aiming for even distribution. Pour 4 T. melted butter all over, as evenly spread out as you can. With a spatula, gently nudge the sugar and butter around to try to ensure coverage of all the rhubarb, but don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be perfect since it will all melt into a caramel in the oven. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, salt, baking soda and baking powder. In another bowl or stand mixer, beat together the olive oil, sugar, beaten eggs, milk, orange juice and rose water. Once the liquid mixture is silky and uniform, add the dry ingredients and mix everything together until just combined (small lumps are ok but try to avoid large lumps). As with any cake batter, don’t overmix it. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, to cover the rhubarb. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden and a cake tester comes out clean. Transfer the cake to a rack and let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan, invert the cake onto the rack, carefully peel away the parchment paper, and let the cake cool, about 2 hours. (If the cake has risen and domed out a lot while baking, you may want to slice off the top rounded part before inverting it, so the cake sits on a flat base – it’s also a great way to get a sneak taste of the cake and no one will ever know! 😉

Cherry Icebox Cookies

Cherry Icebox Cookies

Cherry Icebox Cookies

 

1 C. (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, softened

1 ¼ C. (250 g) granulated sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

¼ C. maraschino cherry juice (You’ll see the jar listed below, use ¼ C. from the jar.)

½ tsp. almond extract

3 ¼ C. (406 g) all-purpose flour

½ tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. cream of tartar

1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, quartered (about ½ cup)

½ C. (71.5 g) almonds, finely chopped (can omit)

 

In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, add butter and sugar. Mix until light and creamy. (You could also use a handheld mixer.) Add the egg, cherry juice, and almond extract. Mix until incorporated. In a separate bowl add flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Whisk together to combine. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, 1 C. at a time, until combined. Gently fold in the cherries and the almonds. Add dough to a sheet of parchment paper and roll into 2, 8-inch rolls. Wrap in plastic wrap and seal the ends. Place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for about 2 hours, or until firm. When ready, preheat the oven to 375°F and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place each roll on a cutting board. Slice each dough log into ¼-inch cookies and place cookies onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake 7-9 minutes, or until edges are slightly browned.

Pistachio Cardamom Shortbread Drops

Pistachio Cardamom Shortbread Drops

Pistachio Cardamom Shortbread Drops

 

1 C. unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 1/4 C. whole spelt (or whole wheat) flour

1/2 C. icing sugar*

1/2 C. ground pistachios

1 tsp. ground cardamom

1/4 C. finely chopped pistachios for garnish

 

Using an electric mixer, whip the butter, sugar, cardamom, and ground pistachios together until smooth and creamy. Add the flour and mix until a uniform dough is obtained. With floured hands, roll into balls about an inch in diameter. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, 3 inches apart. With your thumb, make an indentation in each ball and fill with chopped pistachios. Refrigerate the cookie sheet with the cookies on it for about 15 minutes, while you preheat your oven. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 F. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan before removing.

Zucchini Cherry Muffins

Zucchini Cherry Muffins

Zucchini Cherry Muffins

 

¾ C. whole wheat flour

1 C. unbleached flour

½ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. salt

2 eggs

1 C. sugar

½ C. vegetable oil

1 tsp. vanilla

1 C. grated zucchini, grated

1 C. fresh, frozen or dried sour cherries, pitted and chopped

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Whisk together flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.  In separate bowl, add eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Stir in zucchini. Gently fold in cherries. Grease a standard size muffin tin or use muffin cups. (This recipe only makes 11 muffins. If that bugs you, fill them a little less full and stretch it for a full dozen.) Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick stuck into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Strawberry-Thyme Croustades

Strawberry-Thyme Croustades

Strawberry-Thyme Croustades

¾ C. all-purpose flour
½ C. almond flour
1/3 C. oatmeal
¼ C. brown sugar
¼ tsp. of salt
A few grinds of fresh black pepper
½ tsp. fresh thyme leaves (divided use) plus extra for sprinkling
1/3 C. butter, at room temperature
½ pound strawberries, sliced
2 T. local honey
¼ C. salted and roasted pistachios, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place flour, almond flour, oatmeal, brown sugar, salt, pepper and ¼ tsp. of thyme leaves into mixer bowl. Add butter and mix until large lumps form. Divide dough into 6 portions and roll out each (or press each down with your palm) to form discs. Put discs on baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, mix together remaining ¼ tsp. of thyme leaves, strawberries and honey. After the little crusts have cooled, top with strawberry mixture, then sprinkle with extra thyme leaves and chopped pistachios. Serve warm or later at room temperature.

Patriotic Pie Bites

Patriotic Pie Bites

Patriotic Pie Bites

 

Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing

1 box (14.1 ounces, or 399 g) refrigerated piecrusts (2 piecrusts), thawed

Flour, for dusting

½ C. (130 g) prepared blueberry pie filling

¾ C. (195 g) prepared cherry pie filling

¾ C. (195 g) prepared apple pie filling (if the apple pieces are large, chop up the filling)

Whipped cream, for topping (

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C; gas mark 5). Spray a 24-C. mini muffin pan with cooking spray.  Unfold one thawed piecrust at a time on a lightly floured surface. With a 2½-inch (6 cm) round biscuit or cookie cutter, cut 24 rounds from the piecrusts. Using the cookie cutter, cut 6 mini star shapes from the extra dough for garnishing the blueberry pies. Press a round of piecrust into the bottom and up the sides of each prepared muffin cup. Lay the prepared muffin pan horizontally in front of you and fill the crusts to look like an American flag as follows: top row, 3 blueberry and 3 cherry; second row, 3 blueberry and 3 apple; third row, all cherry; and bottom row, all apple. Top each blueberry pie with a mini star-shaped piece of dough. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling begins to bubble and set in the center and the crusts turn golden brown around the edges. Allow to cool for 10 minutes or so before removing from the pan and recreating the flag shape on a platter. Top the apple pie bites with a dollop of whipped cream (if using).

Barbara’s Oat Crackers

Barbara’s Oat Crackers

Barbara’s Oat Crackers

 

1 C. organic flour

1 T. sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves (or ½ t. dry)

1/2 C. butter, softened

2 C. quick rolled oats (or regular rolled oats chopped in a food processor for 30 seconds)

1/2 C. milk

 

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a food processor and blend, then add the oats and milk. Pulse ingredients to mix again, then roll the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and rest for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thick, or thinner, and cut into cracker-size pieces. Place on a baking sheet and prick each cracker with a fork several times. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until lightly browned. When cooled, sprinkle with sea salt and store in an airtight container. Makes several dozen crackers, depending on the size of the pieces.

Melody Cookies

Melody Cookies

Melody Cookies

 

2 1/4 C. all-purpose flour

1/3 C. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into chunks, at room temperature

3/4 C. sugar

3/4 tsp. fine sea salt

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 large egg white

sanding or granulated sugar, for sprinkling

 

Sift the flour, cocoa and baking soda together. Working with a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter, sugar and salt together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes; scrape down the bowl as needed. Reduce the mixer speed to low and blend in the vanilla, followed by the egg white, and beat for 1 to 2 minutes. The white might curdle the dough and make it slippery — keep going; it will smooth out when the flour goes in. Turn the mixer off, add half the flour-cocoa mixture and pulse the machine to get the blending going, then mix on low only until the dry ingredients are almost incorporated. Scrape down the bowl and repeat with the remaining flour-cocoa mixture, this time beating just until the dry ingredients disappear and the dough comes together. Scrape the dough onto a work surface, divide it in half and shape each half into a disk. Working with one piece of dough at a time, sandwich the dough between pieces of parchment paper and roll out to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Slide the dough onto a baking sheet — you can stack the slabs — and freeze for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Getting ready to bake: Position the racks to divide the oven into thirds and preheat it to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. I use a 2-inch-diameter scalloped cookie cutter, but you can make the cookies smaller or larger if you’d like; the baking times will be almost the same, though the yield, of course, will change. Working with one piece of dough at a time, peel away both pieces of paper and return the dough to one piece of paper. Cut out as many cookies as you can. Place them on the lined baking sheets, leaving a generous inch between rounds; reserve the scraps. Sprinkle the cookies with sanding or granulated sugar. Gather together the scraps from both pieces of dough, re-roll them between paper until 1/8 inch thick and chill thoroughly. Bake the cookies for 15 to 17 minutes, rotating the pans front to back and top to bottom at the midway mark. The cookies are done when they feel firm to the touch around the edges and give only the least little bit when poked in the center. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies rest on the sheets for about 2 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks with a wide spatula. Let cool completely. Cut out and bake the remaining dough, always using cool sheets.

Cherry Sorrel Cakes

Cherry Sorrel Cakes

Cherry Sorrel Cakes

 

1 1/2 pounds fresh cherries

1 medium lemon

2 T. granulated sugar

1 1/2 ounces fresh sorrel

 

1 medium lemon

2 egg whites

1/2 C. granulated sugar

6 T. vegetable oil

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

3/4 C. all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting pan

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

Crème fraîche, sour cream or unsweetened whipped cream, for serving

 

To prepare the topping: Rinse and dry the cherries. Remove and discard pits, then slice cherries in half, placing cut cherries in a large bowl. Juice the lemon and discard seeds. Pour 2 T. lemon juice over the cherries. (Set aside remaining lemon juice for cake recipe.) Add 2 T. sugar to the cherries. Stir gently until sugar no longer feels noticeably grainy. Rinse and dry sorrel; remove and discard stems. Mince the leaves until you have 1/2 cup, well packed. Add 1/4 C. minced sorrel to the cherries; stir until evenly distributed. (Set aside remaining 1/4 C. minced sorrel for cake recipe.) Tightly cover and refrigerate. To make the cakes: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Generously grease and flour 12 C. of a muffin pan. Rotate pan to disperse flour, then invert and tap pan to shake off excess. Finely zest the peel of the lemon. Juice the lemon and strain to make 1/4 C. juice, using any leftover juice from topping recipe if needed. Set zest and juice aside. Using a standing mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until foamy. Slowly and gradually, add 1/4 C. of the sugar while continuing to beat. Keep beating on high until whites are opaque, firm and voluminous; set aside. In a separate large bowl, use a whisk to beat the oil with the remaining 1/4 C. sugar. Add the vanilla and mix well. Sift 3/4 C. flour with the baking powder, baking soda and salt over the oil mixture. With a spatula, begin to stir while gradually adding the 1/4 C. lemon juice. Mix until smooth, scraping bowl often. Fold in the lemon zest and the 1/4 C. minced sorrel until evenly dispersed. Add about a third of the egg whites to the batter. Delicately fold in the whites, being careful not to deflate them. Repeat with remaining egg whites, slowly folding just until batter is even in consistency. Immediately scoop batter into prepared muffin pan, filling each C. about halfway. You should have 10 to 12 filled cups. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges of cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of a cake tests clean. Let cakes cool for a few minutes in pan. Just when pan is cool enough to handle, transfer cakes to a cooling rack or counter top. Let cakes cool completely. If not serving right away, cover and store at room temperature (not refrigerated). When ready to serve, place cakes on plates or in shallow bowls. Give the chilled cherry-sorrel mixture a good stir, then place a generous scoop of the fruit on top each cake. Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche, sour cream or unsweetened whipped cream. Devour immediately.

Red Fife Honey Scones with Strawberry Butter

Red Fife Honey Scones with Strawberry Butter

Red Fife Honey Scones with Strawberry Butter

 

3 C. Red Fife flour

2 heaping tsp. baking powder

1/4 C. granulated sugar

1/2 C. unsalted butter, chilled but not hard

1 1/4 C. buttermilk

1 egg, whisked

Strawberry butter

1 C. unsalted butter, room temperature % C. pure maple syrup

1 tsp pink peppercorns

4-5 strawberries, washed, dried, and diced

 

Red Fife wheat is the key to the earthy robust and nutty flavor of these scones. They are less “biscuit” and more “soda bread” in texture (although still flaky), and the nuttiness of the scone offsets the naturally sweet strawberry butter. The perfect addition to a summer afternoon tea after picking up a pint of local strawberries from the market.  Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. To make the scones, in a medium-size bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse oatmeal. Make a well in the flour mixture and pour in the buttermilk and egg. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix together until fully combined, scraping up any dry bits from the bottom of the bowl. You will have a soft dough. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured work surface and roll into a large disc about 1 inch thick. Using a large glass or cookie cutter, cut 3-inch diameter circles in the dough. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. While the scones are baking, prepare the butter. Place the butter in a bowl and, using hand-held beaters, beat it until it’s very soft and fluffy and almost doubled in volume, 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the bowl, pour in the maple syrup, and beat until combined. Gently crush the pink peppercorns, add them to the butter, and beat well. You’ll see specks of peppercorns evenly distributed throughout. Ensure the strawberries are very dry and then add them to the mixture. Beat on low speed until fully and evenly incorporated. The butter will be soft, fluffy, and beautifully pink, with some pieces of strawberries showing through. Remove the scones from the oven, transfer to a wire rack, and let cool for 3-5 minutes, just until cool enough to handle but still warm. Place on a serving platter and serve with strawberry butter on the side. The scones will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The butter will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Raspberry Cookies

Raspberry Cookies

Raspberry Cookies

 

2 C. all-purpose flour

½ C. granulated sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

½ C. salted butter , cubed

⅔ C. heavy whipping cream , plus more as needed

½ lemon , zested and juiced

1 C. roughly chopped frozen raspberries

 

1 C. powdered sugar

2 T. lemon juice

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Mix butter in with a pastry cutter, whisk, or your hands until crumbly and combined.  Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice just until combined and a thick dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add 1 more T. cream. Gently fold or press in raspberries. Using a large cookie scoop, spoon dough 2 inches apart onto the baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Let cool 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.  In a medium bowl, stir together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies. Enjoy!

Pistachio Lemon Cake with Strawberry + Basil Salsa

Pistachio Lemon Cake with Strawberry + Basil Salsa

Pistachio Lemon Cake with Strawberry + Basil Salsa

 

Makes 1 (9½-inch round) cake

 

2 sticks/8 ounces butter, room temperature plus more for greasing the pan

Zest of 1 lemon

1 C. sugar

3 eggs, room temperature

1 tsp. vanilla

1 ½ C. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. sea salt

1 C. ground pistachios (see note)

Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Strawberry + Basil Salsa (recipe follows)

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line the bottom of a 9½-inch round pan with parchment paper. Grease the bottom and sides with butter. Cream the butter in a mixer until it’s light in color and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Rub the lemon zest into the sugar to release its oils. Add this to the butter and mix another minute. Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, beating for 2 minutes each. Mix in the vanilla. Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt and add this to the bowl all at once. Mix gently, being careful to not overmix. Add the ground pistachios. Pour the batter into your pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a rack, then turn it out to serve. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if you’d like—the cake doesn’t really need it because it’s sweet enough, but the powdered sugar makes it extra pretty. Serve with Strawberry + Basil Salsa on the side. Note: To make ground pistachios, simply put shelled, unsalted pistachios in your blender or food processor and pulse until finely ground.

 

Strawberry + Basil Salsa

 

1 pound strawberries, hulled (see note)

⅓ C. sugar (or more, depending on sweetness of your berries)

4 large basil leaves

1 T. fresh lemon juice

 

Slice and chop the strawberries into a ¼-inch dice and toss into a medium bowl with the sugar. Finely chop the basil and add this to the bowl along with the lemon juice. Taste and adjust as needed. Let rest for a half-hour before serving. Note: Don’t throw those strawberry tops in the trash! Put them in a pitcher of water and store in the fridge—and you’ve got strawberry water.

Kindred Farm’s Easiest Bread Ever

Kindred Farm’s Easiest Bread Ever

Kindred Farm’s Easiest Bread Ever

 

3 C. organic all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1 tsp. active dry yeast from a packet

2 tsp. sea salt or kosher salt

1 1/2 C. warm water (not hot – it can kill the yeast)

2 T. chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary and thyme, optional

 

Measure each cup flour by filling the cup to overflowing then tapping the flour mound with blade of a butter knife to eliminate any air bubbles and allow flour to settle into cup. Use knife to scrape excess flour off top of C. in a straight line. Add flour to large bowl, then add yeast and salt. Add warm water to dry mixture and stir together with wooden spoon, scraping sides of bowl. (Mixture will be sticky and shaggy.) Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let dough rise 6-8 hours. Letting it rise on the counter is fine, or place bowl in middle rack of turned-off oven with oven light on. (The warmth from the oven light will help it rise.) After it has risen, dough should have doubled in size and have lots of bubbles. Preheat oven to 450F. Place Dutch oven or other lidded oven-safe pot in oven to get hot. Meanwhile, sprinkle handful of flour on cutting board. Scrape dough from bowl and onto board and set bowl aside. Sprinkle flour on top of dough, take a flap of dough, and fold it over itself, almost like closing an envelope. Rotate dough and fold it over itself again and continue to repeat, sprinkling more flour as needed. Dough should feel soft and puffy and no longer sticky. Turn dough over, hiding all folds underneath.  Retrieve bowl set aside and place a piece of parchment paper inside. Set dough on top. Cover bowl lightly with clean dish towel, without letting it touch dough. Let sit 30 minutes. Carefully remove lid of hot Dutch oven. Transfer parchment paper with dough ball to Dutch oven. Place lid back on and bake 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake 15 minutes more, until there’s a gorgeous, dark-brown crust. Let bread cool a few minutes before slicing.

 

  • For really crispy crust, use bread flour. My favorite brand is King Arthur.
  • I prefer using active dry yeast from packets-not from a jar, which has an extra additive.
  • I’ll often make this dough right before bed and let it rise overnight, then bake it first thing in the morning. Or I’ll make the dough in the morning and let it rise all day so I can bake it before dinner.
Lemon Mousse Cheesecake with Macerated Strawberries

Lemon Mousse Cheesecake with Macerated Strawberries

Lemon Mousse Cheesecake with Macerated Strawberries

 

2 C. halved strawberries

1/2 C. sugar

 

CHEESECAKE

5 T. butter, melted

2 C. vanilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs

3 8-ounce packages cream cheese

4 eggs

1 1/3 C. sugar, divided

juice of 2 lemons, about 1/4 cup

2 T. flour

16 ounces sour cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 

Preheat oven to 350F. To prepare macerated strawberries, combine ingredients and let stand 2 hours. Wrap a springform pan with foil (to prevent the butter from seeping out). To prepare cheesecake, combine melted butter and crumbs. Press into bottom and partially up sides of pan. Set aside. Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add 1 C. sugar, lemon juice, and flour. Beat well. Pour batter into prepared crust. Place springform in a 9×13-inch pan. Pour water in pan to half way up springform. Bake 35-45 minutes or until set on the sides, but partially jiggly in the center. Combine sour cream, remaining 1/3 C. sugar, and vanilla; mix well. Dollop onto edges of hot cheesecake, then gently spread over top. Place back in oven for 10 minutes and remove. Cheesecake will set as it sits. Chill 2 hours or overnight. Slice and serve with macerated berries.

Rhubarb Skillet Cake

Rhubarb Skillet Cake

Rhubarb Skillet Cake

 

6 T. unsalted butter, melted, plus more butter for buttering the skillet

11/3 C. all-purpose flour

1/2 C. granulated sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

V2 tsp fine sea salt

1 large egg

2/3 C. milk

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

10-12 fresh stalks of rhubarb, trimmed

 

Preheat the oven to 3 75 °F. Lightly butter a 9-inch cast iron skillet. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Make a well in the center. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla. As you whisk, slowly drizzle in the melted butter to combine. Add this milk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir lightly, just to combine. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet. Cut the rhubarb stalks to fit your pan and lay them on top of the cake batter. Push down very lightly, just enough to embed them but not submerge them. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool. Serve directly from the pan. This will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Mini Oregon Berry Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Mini Oregon Berry Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Mini Oregon Berry Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze Recipe

 

1 cup frozen Oregon blackberries

1 ½ cup all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

½ cup of yogurt (we used plain, but greek or coconut yogurt would work great too)

½ cup olive oil (vegetable oil also works)

3 eggs

2 tsp. baking powder

Zest of 1 ½ lemons (½ for the topping)

Pinch of salt

Lemon glaze

 

1 cup powdered sugar

5 tsp. lemon juice

4 tsp. milk

Oregon Berry Bundt Cake Recipe:

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray bundt cake pans with butter. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. In a separate bowl place the sugar and lemon zest together and whisk. Whisk the yogurt in the sugar bowl. Once the yogurt is incorporated whisk the eggs in one by one. Whisk in the dry ingredients with the wet bowl until the mix is smooth. Lightly dust the blackberries in flour and fold them into the batter. Fill the mini bundt cake pans ½ full. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes (test with a toothpick to make sure batter doesn’t stick). Cool for 20 minutes prior to topping with lemon glaze. Lemon glaze steps: Put all ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and you get your desired thickness

Rhubarb Banana Skillet Cake

Rhubarb Banana Skillet Cake

Rhubarb Banana Skillet Cake

 

1 pound fresh rhubarb stalks (see note)

2/3 cup + 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1/3 cup + 1 T. vegetable oil

1 medium very ripe banana (see note)

1 medium orange

1.5 ounces fresh ginger root

1 T. pure vanilla extract

2 tsp. powdered ginger

1.25 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup boiling water

 

To yield the prettiest cake possible, pick rhubarb that’s the deepest pink in color you can find, both inside and outside of the stalks if possible. For best results, use a banana that’s extremely ripe, dark and soft. This will be easier to work with and will provide the maximum moistness and pleasant sweetness in the cake. Rinse rhubarb; trim and discard tough ends. Slice stalks in half once crosswise, and then once lengthwise (unless they are already very narrow). Set aside. Using 1 T. oil, thoroughly coat the interior of a 9 to 10 inch ovenproof skillet such as cast iron. Place rhubarb in skillet in a single parallel pile, trimming ends to make it fit if needed. Top rhubarb with 1/4 cup brown sugar. Place pan over medium-low heat and cover with lid. Cook 5 minutes, remove lid, and use heatproof tongs to gently rotate top and bottom layers of rhubarb. Cover and cook another 5 minutes. Rhubarb should be very soft and juicy. Remove lid, remove pan from heat, and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 F. Peel the banana and mash it well with a fork until no longer lumpy. Measure the mashed banana; it should yield 1/3 to 1/2 cup. (If yours yields more than this, set aside extra and use for another purpose. If less, add a bit more oil to make at least 1/3 cup total.) Rinse, dry, and finely zest the orange; set zest aside. Juice the orange and measure out 1/4 cup juice, discarding any seeds. Set juice aside. Peel and finely grate a piece of fresh ginger root (see note); then measure out 2 tsp. grated ginger. Heat a kettle of water. In a large bowl, beat 2/3 cup brown sugar and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Add the vanilla, mashed banana, and grated ginger. Mix well. Sift over the mixture: powdered ginger, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Begin to mix (batter will be thick), alternately adding the 1/4 cup orange juice and 1/2 cup boiling water. Beat well, scraping sides and bottom of bowl with spatula. Finally, fold in the orange zest until evenly distributed. Before adding batter into skillet, gently rearrange rhubarb, pulling it to edges of the pan to ensure the bottom of the cake is completely covered in a single layer of rhubarb – preferably with most of the stalks going in the same direction. Slowly pour batter over rhubarb and place skillet in oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out batter-free (a few moist crumbs are OK). Carefully remove from oven. Let sit at least an hour or until pan is cool enough to grasp. Just when ready to serve, loosen edges of cake with a knife, and invert onto a plate. If cake has completely cooled or is the least bit stubborn about coming out of pan, be sure to place skillet over medium heat on stovetop for 30-60 seconds before flipping. The cake is best served the day of baking, but feel free to store it covered and refrigerated, eating within a day.

Romanian Intelligent Cake

Romanian Intelligent Cake

Romanian Intelligent Cake

 

2 sticks unsalted butter, melted

9 eggs at room temperature

1 tsp. lemon zest

2 cups flour, sifted

4 cups whole milk, at room temperature

Pinch of salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. rum extract (optional)

1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

 

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-by- 13-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, leaving the ends long enough to hang over the long edges of the dish to help with lifting the cake out of the pan later. Melt the butter and let it cool until it is warm but still melted. Separate the eggs, placing yolks and whites in separate large bowls. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the egg yolks with the powdered sugar and lemon peel until they become pale. While beating on low speed, slowly add the melted butter, then the sifted flour, then the milk. To the bowl of egg whites, add salt, vanilla extract and rum extract (if using). Beat until they are stiff. Using only a wooden spoon or a spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture a large spoonful at a time. Do not overmix it. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 1 hour. Resist the urge to open the oven. After 1 hour, test for doneness by jiggling the pan gently (the middle should be firm). If needed, bake for up to 30 minutes longer, checking every 10 minutes or so (again, try not to open the door too often). Turn off the oven and leave cake in the oven with the door closed for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or until the next day. To serve, run a paring knife around the outside of the cake to make sure it has not stuck to the pan anywhere, then use the overhanging parchment to lift cake out of the pan. Dust with powdered sugar, cut into 2-inch squares and arrange on a serving platter. When you cut into this custardy cake, it will have formed its own layers and have a slightly crispy top.

Blackberry Lemon Bread

Blackberry Lemon Bread

Blackberry Lemon Bread

 

1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour (200 grams)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

zest of 1 lemon

1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature (or plain Greek yogurt)

3 eggs, room temperature

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon lemon oil

1/2 cup flavorless cooking oil such as canola

5 tablespoons blackberry jam

Optional: 2 to 4 drops blue food coloring**

1 cup blackberries, tossed with 1 tablespoon flour

Lemon Glaze

1 cup powdered confectioners sugar

pinch of salt

2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray an 8-1/2 x 4-1/2 inch loaf pan with cooking spray (or line the pan with parchment paper).  Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk or sift to distribute the ingredients and get the lumps out.  Place the sugar and lemon zest in a mixing bowl. Rub the sugar between your fingers to infuse the lemon zest. Add the sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and lemon oil. Whisk until everything is well blended.  Use a silicone spatula to stir in half of the dry ingredients until well blended, then stir in the other half of the flour mixture.  Pour the oil into the batter gradually while stirring with a silicone spatula.  Transfer 1/2 cup of the batter into a small bowl and stir in the blackberry jam and blue food coloring if desired.  Stir the blackberries into the larger bowl of batter and pour about 2/3 of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.  Pour the blackberry jam batter into the pan, then top it with the rest of the batter in the larger bowl. Transfer the loaf pan to the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until the loaf cake starts pulling away from the pan’s edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.  Let the loaf bread cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and remove it from the pan. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.  Lemon Glaze: Add the powdered sugar and salt to a bowl. Pour in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and whisk until smooth. If you want a thinner glaze, slowly add more lemon juice until you get the consistency you like.  Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cooled loaf bread. Let the bread sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes or until the glaze firms up.  Garnish with fresh blackberries or candied lemon slices.  You can store this cake at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for 4 days. Let it cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. If you don’t add the blackberries, you can store the loaf cake at room temperature for 4 days.

Artisan Seed No Knead Bread

Artisan Seed No Knead Bread

Artisan Seed No Knead Bread

 

3 cups bread flour

¼ tsp. dry active yeast

1 ¼ tsp. salt

2 T. sunflower kernels

2 T. pumpkin seeds

1 T. flax seeds

1 T. poppy seeds

1 T. sesame seeds

1 ⅝ cups water

 

For the topping: (optional)

1 T. of each kind of seeds, all mixed together

 

Basic Instructions: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, and salt, and all the seeds. Add the water and mix together with a wooden spoon until just combined.  You will have a sticky, shaggy ball of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours, and do not disturb!  After rising, the dough will be very sticky! Cover your hands with oil, then stretch the dough and fold it into thirds. Then turn the dough 90° and stretch it out again, and fold it into thirds.  Gently  shape the lump into a round loaf with the ends tucked under, set aside.  Pour the seed topping mixture onto a flat surface and spread it out, then roll the top and sides of the loaf in the seeds until it is well coated. Slash the top of the loaf, then allow the loaf to rest 15 minutes.  Your oven should be very hot at 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and you should have a cast irons skillet heated in the oven. Transfer your loaf to the hot pan and get ready to pop it into the oven. This next step is optional, but it will help your bread to form an amazing crust. For the best artisan style crust, you need to form steam in the oven just as the loaf goes in. Some bakers us a spray bottle of water and spray inside the oven to create this steam. I have found that the easiest way for me is to just throw a few ice cubes in right before I pop the bread in. The steam in the oven will allow your bread to expand for longer before the crust hardens, and give you bigger bubbles and a better texture! Bake 35-40 minutes.  Allow to cool before slicing!

Lemon Cardamom Sandwich Cookies

Lemon Cardamom Sandwich Cookies

Lemon Cardamom Sandwich Cookies

 

1 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3-1/2 cups powdered sugar

 

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

1-3/4 cups granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 medium egg

1 egg yolk

 

1/2 upc white chocolate chips, melted

1/4 cup candied lemon peel, finely chopped

 

To make brown butter buttercream filling: In a medium pot or skillet, cook butter over medium heat. Stirring occasionally, cook about 10 minutes until butter reaches a golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. The butter will be somewhat solidified, but not hard (you can speed up this process by placing butter in refrigerator.) Once cooled, use a stand mixer to beat butter until light and fluffy. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Slowly mix ingredients together until almost combined. Continue to beat mixture on high for 5-7 minutes until light and fluffy. Place buttercream into a piping bag with a piping tip of your choice. To make cookies: Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium pot or skillet, gently melt butter over low heat. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, lemon zest and ground cardamom. Set aside. Add sugar to a mixing bowl of a stand mixer. Once butter is melted, but not hot, add to sugar. Mix using paddle attachment. Add vanilla, egg and yolk to the bowl. Mix until combined. Add dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. Using a 3-ounce cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough onto a parchment lined sheet pan. You will get approximately 13 cookies (one extra cookie to taste test, of course!) Bake cookies for about 14-16 minutes. Allow cookies to cool completely before assembling sandwiches. To assemble: Pipe a thick swirl of buttercream on 12 cookies. Top each with another cookie. Drizzle one half of the sandwich cookie with melted white chocolate. Before the white chocolate sets, top with candied lemon peel.

Chamomile & Anise Hyssop Apple Crumble

Chamomile & Anise Hyssop Apple Crumble

Chamomile & Anise Hyssop Apple Crumble

 

note: If you don’t have access to dried anise hyssop leaves/flowers, you can use a tsp. of ground fennel seed or ground star anise.

 

7-8 cups diced apples

2 T. fresh lemon juice

2 T. arrowroot

2-4 T. maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla

2 T. dried chamomile

1 T. dried anise hyssop leaves & flowers

 

2 cups oats, divided

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

good pinch of salt

4 T. room temp/solid coconut oil or softened vegan butter

2-4 T. maple syrup

 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Add the apples, lemon juice, arrowroot, maple syrup, vanilla, chamomile, and anise hyssop to a bowl. Toss to mix then spoon into a 2-quart baking dish. Put 1 cup of the oats into a blender or food processor and pulse until you have a coarse looking flour. Add this to a bowl along with the remaining oats, salt, and the spices. Mix, then add the coconut oil and maple syrup. Mash the coconut oil and syrup into the oat mixture until it begins to hold together in clumps and looks crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of your apples. Bake your crumble for 35 to 40 minutes or until the juices from the apples are bubbling and the oats are a deep golden color. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Feel free to serve with a drizzle of cashew butter, freshly whipped coconut cream, or vegan vanilla ice cream. Makes 6-8 servings.

Meringue Cake with Rhubarb Preserves and Elderberry Chantilly Cream

Meringue Cake with Rhubarb Preserves and Elderberry Chantilly Cream

Meringue Cake with Rhubarb Preserves and Elderberry Chantilly Cream

 

This meringue cake is like a pavlova but instead of dreading the collapse of the center, we are actually trying to achieve this effect. The result is a chewy marshmallow center and the perfect vessel for anything you fancy. This variation is filled with St-Germain–scented chantilly cream and topped with rhubarb preserves and lemon balm. (If you don’t have time to make your own rhubarb preserves, you can substitute your favorite bottled jam, heated with a tsp. of fresh lemon juice to cut the sweetness.)

 

5 large egg whites, room temperature

1½ C. granulated sugar

1 T. cornstarch

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. rice vinegar

Finely grated zest of 2 lemons

1 tsp. kosher salt

 

3 C. rhubarb, washed and cut into ½-inch pieces

1 C. granulated sugar

2 T. white verjus or acidic white wine like vino verde

 

1½ C. very cold heavy cream

⅓ C. + 2 T. powdered sugar

½ tsp. vanilla extract

2 tsp. St-Germain elderflower liqueur

Fresh mint or lemon balm leaves for garnish (optional)

 

For the cake, preheat oven to 300°F. Grease an 8-inch springform pan and line bottom and sides smoothly with 2 fitted pieces of parchment paper, then grease again and dust with flour, shaking out the excess. In a stand mixer with whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium speed until frothy. Increase speed to medium-high and add the sugar, ½ C. at a time. Continue whipping until very stiff, glossy peaks are formed. Using a rubber spatula, very gently fold in the cornstarch, vanilla, vinegar, lemon zest and salt until combined. Spoon mixture into prepared pan; level top with a rubber spatula. Place in the middle rack of the oven and bake (without peeking!) for 70 to 80 minutes. Turn the oven off and, without opening the oven door, let the cake cool inside the oven for at least 1 hour or longer. The sides should be tall and crisp and the center should be concave. For the preserves, add rhubarb, sugar and verjus to a medium saucepot, bring to a boil, then lower heat to a low simmer and cook until the rhubarb is soft and the liquid is thick, approximately 15 minutes. To make the chantilly, place cream, powdered sugar, vanilla and St-Germain in the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Beat until medium peaks form. To assemble the cake, release it from its springform pan carefully, as the sides will be crisp and susceptible to cracking. Place the cake on a platter. Fill the center with the chantilly cream. Spoon rhubarb preserves on top, allowing it to run down the sides, then add leaves for garnish.

Salty-Tangy Preserved Lemon Bars

Salty-Tangy Preserved Lemon Bars

Salty-Tangy Preserved Lemon Bars

 

1 3/4 cups (225 grams) all-purpose flour

1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

10 T. (1 stick plus 2 T.) unsalted butter, cut into cubes (remove from fridge 10-20 minutes before baking)

Filling

1/4 cup (70 grams) preserved lemon paste (or 1/4 cup of seeded, puréed whole preserved lemons)

2 T. lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)

6 T. fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)

2 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar

3 T. (25 grams) all-purpose flour

Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)

Flaky salt, for serving (optional)

 

Heat the oven to 325ºF and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. (Save parchment paper by cutting one sheet several inches larger than the pan, cutting a slit in each corner, then pressing the paper into the pan.) In a medium bowl, use your fingers to combine the flour, sugar, and salt, then work in the butter pieces with your fingers, until it forms into a crumbly mass. It may not all stick together, but if you can press together a handful and it holds its shape, you’re good to go. Dump the dough into the prepared pan and hang onto the bowl. Firmly press the dough into the pan in an even layer. Use a fork to prick holes over the entire surface. Bake until the shortbread is lightly golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Meanwhile, make the filling: Place the preserved lemon paste, lemon zest and juice, whole eggs and egg yolk, sugar, and flour in the reserved bowl and whisk furiously until totally smooth. Reduce the oven temperature to 300ºF. Pull out the oven rack the crust is baking on, and carefully pour the filling over the crust. Gently push the oven rack back and bake until the filling is set and just barely jiggles in the center, about 20 minutes. Let the pan cool to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely, at least 3 hours, but overnight is best for a clean cut. Pull out the bars from the pan by the parchment overhang, place on a cutting board, and slice into 16 squares (or 32 triangles). Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle over flaky salt (if using).

Blueberry-Ginger Muffins

Blueberry-Ginger Muffins

Blueberry-Ginger Muffins

 

¾ cup sugar

½ tsp. salt

4 ounces unsalted butter

2 eggs, room temperature

2¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 T. baking powder

2 cups milk

 

Preheat oven to 400°F (on convection setting, if you have it). In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs 1 at a time and mix until just combined. In a separate bowl, sift together all dry ingredients and then slowly add to the creamed butter followed by the milk. Stir until the mixture just comes together. Do not overmix—a few lumps are fine. Prepare a muffin tin with nonstick spray, being careful to spray the flat surface where the muffin dome will spill over. Insert fluted muffin papers if you wish, then fill each muffin cup to the top. Bake approximately 12–15 minutes for mini muffins and 20–25 minutes for large muffins. The muffins are done when the muffin tops spring back, the edges are golden brown and/or a cake tester comes out clean.  *Note: I sometimes replace 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of whole-wheat white flour, which won’t much affect the recipe but adds a slight nutty flavor and almost imperceptible crunch.