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Cracker Making: A collection of Thin & Crispy Sesame (Benne) Seed Crackers

Cracker Making: A collection of Thin & Crispy Sesame (Benne) Seed Crackers

A collection of Thin & Crispy Sesame (Benne) Seed Crackers

Benne Seed Crisps

 

1 Cup Yellow Cornmeal

1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour, sifted

1/2 tsp Salt

1/4 tsp Baking Soda

2 T. Butter, Melted

1/3 Cup  Cream

Sesame Seeds

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sift the cornmeal together with the flour, salt and baking soda into a bowl. Mix in the butter and cream. Knead the dough until it holds together (6 to 8 times) on a floured board.  Roll the dough by the teaspoonful on the floured board. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Roll into very thin 4″ diameter rounds, leaving the edges ragged. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet until golden (about 15 minutes). Sprinkle with salt while still warm. Store in a tightly covered container. Go well with cocktails and seafood soups.

 

 

 

Benne Seed Cocktail Crackers

 

1/2 cup of Sesame Seeds

1 cup of Unbleached White Flour

1/2 teaspoon of Baking Powder

1/2 teaspoon of Salt

1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons) of cold Butter

4 or 5 Tablespoons of Milk

1 Egg, beaten

 

Preheat the oven to 350 F.  Pour the sesame seeds out onto the rimmed baking pan and toast them in a single layer until they are golden–for, perhaps, 10 minutes.  Cool them completely.  If you are using a Food Processor, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt onto a sheet of waxed paper and pour the sifted mixture into the Processor.  Cut the cold butter into bits, add it to the dry ingredients and pulse until the butter is well incorporated into the dry ingredients and the mixture becomes ‘mealy-looking’.  If making the dough by hand, sift the flour, baking powder and salt directly into the mixing bowl and rub the cold bits of butter into the dry ingredients with your fingers until the mixture becomes fine-textured like cornmeal.  With the Processor turned on, add milk to the mixture, a Tablespoon at a time through the feed tube until the mixture balls and forms a dough.  (Alternatively, add milk by Tablespoons, working the mixture into a dough with one hand as you add milk with the other.)  Using either method, the dough formed by the mixture should be neither crumbly nor sticky–but in between the two and a little on the stiff side.  (The dough for the crackers in the photos required 5 Tablespoons of milk.)  If the dough has been mixed in the Processor, transfer it to a bowl.  Add the toasted sesame seeds and mix them in with your hands, roughly squeezing the dough and kneading in the seeds until they are distributed throughout the dough.  (The dough may be made up to this point a day or two in advance, wrapped and chilled.  Chilled dough will require a little time to sit at room temperature and soften before rolling out and cutting.  Sprinkle a little flour on the pastry board.  Divide the dough in half.  Roll out the first half as thinly as possible:  “a sesame seed thick.”  The dough is easy to work since it isn’t sticky and will roll out into a very thin sheet.  Cut rounds from the dough with the biscuit cutter.  Place them on an ungreased baking sheet.  In the same way, roll out the second half of the dough and cut rounds.  Gather up the scraps, re-roll them into a sheet, and cut more rounds.  Continue making crackers until all the dough is used.  Brush the rounds with beaten egg and bake them until they are golden.  A reasonable estimate is 12 – 15 minutes of baking. Cool the crackers on a rack.  Store them in an air-tight container if they aren’t used on the day of baking.

 

 

Sesame (Benne) Seed Crackers

 

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 large pinch sugar

3/4 cup unhulled sesame seeds, toasted

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, beat together 2 eggs and oil until frothy. In another bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, sugar, and sesame seeds. Mix into egg mixture. Add extra flour if needed to make a stiff dough; it shouldn’t be sticky.  Roll out dough on a lightly floured board as thinly as possible. Using a 3-inch-round biscuit cutter, cut into circles. Arrange on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water to make egg wash. Brush wafers lightly with egg wash. Poke holes all over crackers with a fork, making sure the holes go all the way through. Bake for 10 minutes, or until brown around edges. Turn over, and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 4 minutes. Let cool; store in an airtight container.

 

 

Thin & Crispy Sesame Crackers

 

1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast (7 g; see notes)

1 3/4 cups warm water (420 ml, 105° to 115°F)

1 Tbsp diastatic malt or honey (15 ml)

1/2 oz kosher salt (15 g)

2 ½ Tbsp Asian sesame oil (40 ml)

6 oz whole wheat flour (170 g)

20 oz bread flour (568 g)

1/2 lb sesame seeds (228 g; a mixture of black and white)

 

In the bowl of an electric mixer, dissolve the yeast and the honey in the warm water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, until the yeast activates and a foam cap forms. Mix in the salt and the sesame oil. Using the dough hook attachment, incorporate the whole wheat flour and all but a handful of the bread flour. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough develops. Keep adding more flour if necessary. Incorporate the sesame seeds. Remove the bowl from the mixer, cover and place in a warm place for 1 hour to proof.

Cut the dough into 4-6 pieces. Flatten each piece with your hands or a roller to about ¼ – inch thick. Cover the dough pieces with a piece of plastic wrap and let relax for 15 minutes. Roll each piece out to #6 setting on the KitchenAid pasta roller attachment, which is about 1/64 inch or about 0.5 mm thick (see notes). Lay the rolled out dough on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut the dough sheets into crackers of the desired size and shape. Large triangles or wedges work particularly well. Bake immediately (do not let them rise, or the crackers will be thick instead of thin and crisp) at 375°F (190°C) until deep golden brown (see notes). Rolled out to #6 they need 14-15 minutes of baking. Store in airtight containers.

 

Notes:  The original recipe uses fresh compressed yeast, which is not readily available to a home baker, not is it practical for a home baker. If want to us fresh yeast, you will need 3/4 oz or 20 grams for this recipe. In the original recipe the author recommends rolling the dough out to 1⁄16 inch (2 mm) thick. You may want to experiment and decide for yourself whether you like your crackers thinner or thicker. In the original recipe the author advises to bake the crackers until deep golden brown. Be sure not over-bake as they tend to taste a little bitter if baked too much. I’d recommend to experiment a little and pick the color that corresponds to the best tasting crackers to you.

 

 

Alton Brown Seedy Crisps

 

5 ounces whole-wheat flour

4 3/4 ounces all-purpose flour, plus additional for rolling

1/3 cup poppy seeds

1/3 cup sesame seeds

1 1/2 teaspoons table salt

1 1/2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder

3 tablespoons olive oil

6 1/2 ounces water

 

In a medium bowl whisk together both flours, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, salt, and baking powder. Add the oil and stir until combined. Add the water and stir to combine and create a dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead 4 to 5 times. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, cover with a tea towel and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. For a thin snacking cracker: On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 piece of dough to 1/16-inch and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. If there is room on the sheet pan, repeat with a second piece of dough. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 4 minutes then flip and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. When cool, break into desired size pieces. Repeat procedure with remaining dough . For a thicker dipping cracker: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough as above but to 1/8-inch thick. Bake for 6 minutes on the first side, then flip and bake another 4 to 6 minutes. For super even thickness and easy rolling: Roll out using a lightly floured pasta roller. Flatten the dough until it will pass through the first setting and go to the highest number that your pasta roller will allow without tearing the dough. Bake according to the thin cracker instructions. Note: Baking times will vary depending on exact thickness of dough and oven temperature, so watch them closely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Ham and Cheddar Lunch Box Muffins

Ham and Cheddar Lunch Box Muffins

Ham and Cheddar Lunch Box Muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup stone-ground yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled, divided
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces thick-cut deli ham (1/2-inch thick), diced
3 tablespoons finely chopped chives, divided
Freshly ground black pepper

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 375°F. Line a standard 12-well muffin pan with papers liners or coat the wells with cooking spray. Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and 5 tablespoons of the butter in a medium bowl until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. Some lumps are fine. Fold in the cheese, all but 1/2 cup of the ham, and 2 tablespoons of the chives. Spoon the batter into the muffin wells, filling each about 3/4 full. Top the muffins with the reserved ham, sprinkle with the remaining chives, and sprinkle with pepper. Top each muffin with 1/2 teaspoon of the remaining melted butter. Bake until the tops just begin to brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool the muffins in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. RECIPE NOTES: Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for 3 months. Eat cold or reheat in the toaster oven for a few minutes before serving.

The Walking Dead Brain Cupcakes

The Walking Dead Brain Cupcakes

The Walking Dead (Zombie) Brain Cupcakes

Pink or white paper Cupcake liners

1 recipe batter for Red Velvet Cupcakes

1 recipe Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting

Red and black food coloring

Pastry bag and large round tip

 

Line Cupcake tins with the liners. Fill the Cupcake liners two-thirds full with the batter and bake the Cupcakes as directed in the recipe. Mix a drop of red and black food coloring into the frosting to make it a pinkish gray brain color. Using the pastry bag, pipe the frosting in a squiggly pile on half of each Cupcake top (brains have two hemispheres, you know). Now pipe the frosting in a squiggly pile on the other half of the Cupcake top.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 C. butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature

1-1/2 C. smooth peanut butter

1 C. packed brown sugar

1/2 C. white sugar

2 eggs

2 T. light corn syrup

4 T. water

1 T. vanilla extract

2 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 C. (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).  In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the corn syrup, water, and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the peanut butter mixture. Fold in chocolate chips. Chill dough for 15 minutes in the refrigerator (this will prevent spreading during cooking), then drop by large spoonfuls (about 1-1/2 T. each) 3 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden (they will seem super soft). Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

Garlic Bubble Bread

Garlic Bubble Bread

Garlic Bubble Bread

1 loaf frozen white bread dough

1 egg beaten

¼ tsp. salt

¼ C. oleo (or butter), melted

1 tsp. parsley flakes

½ tsp. garlic powder or

1 T. minced garlic

 

Thaw dough and cut into walnut size pieces. Mix the oleo, egg, parsley flakes, salt and garlic. Dip pieces into this mixture and place in greased loaf pan. Cover, let rise until double. Bake @ 375º for 30 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes. We love the fresh garlic.

Zucchini and Olive Breakfast Cake, French-Style

Zucchini and Olive Breakfast Cake, French-Style

Zucchini and Olive Breakfast Cake, French-Style

This French-style cake is baked in a loaf pan, using whatever ingredients are on hand.  I love having a basic cake recipe like this because it is simple to make and encourages my creativity in the kitchen with different flavor combinations. Next time, I will bake one with tomato, mozzarella, and basil. (I know these are not French ingredients, but that combination of flavors in a cake sound good to me, just the same.)Â Since it is French, you know it would contain cheese, and Gruyère and Comté come to mind immediately, of course, as well as parmesan, cheddar, feta, or goat cheese. A cake salé could also contain vegetables, herbs, meats, fruits, or nuts.  Instead of butter, use olive oil, which is healthier and lends a more subtle savory flavor.

This cake is more like a quick bread, or a cross in texture between a muffin and a quiche. It is made much like a muffin, with the dry ingredients mixed together in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another, and the two are combined.  To the American palate, this type of cake is more likely to be eaten for breakfast.  Yes, I, too, enjoyed it with my morning coffee, but I can also imagine this cake cut into small bites and served with an aperitif at my next dinner party.

Makes 9×5 inch 1 loaf

1/3 C. olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan and drizzling

1/2 pound zucchini,

1 tsp. salt

1 large clove garlic, minced

1 3/4 C. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. black pepper

3 large eggs

1/3 C. milk

2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

1/2 C. Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Kosher salt

 

Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with olive oil. Grate the zucchini on the coarsest side of a box grater. Place the zucchini in a colander in the sink and toss with 1 tsp. of salt. Let drain while preparing the rest of the recipe.  In a large bowl, whisk the minced garlic with the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. In a separate, medium bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, then whisk in the milk and olive oil. Use a rubber spatula to fold the wet ingredients into the dry until barely mixed. Fold in the crumbled goat cheese and the sliced olives. Press firmly on the zucchini in the colander, pressing out as much water as possible. Quickly fold the zucchini into the batter. Spread the batter in the prepared loaf pan, and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the top with kosher salt. Bake loaf for about 45 minutes, or until golden and a knife inserted in center comes out with a few crumbs attached.  Transfer to a rack to cool in pan for 5 minutes. Run a knife around edge to release. Turn out loaf onto rack to firm up before slicing, about 30 minutes; using a serrated knife, cut into 3/8-inch slices, then cut into halves or quarters.

 

Zucchini Parmesan Jalapeno Flatbread

Zucchini Parmesan Jalapeno Flatbread

Zucchini Parmesan Jalapeno Flatbread

 

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon vegetable broth mix

2 egg whites, or 4 teaspoons pasteurized dried egg whites plus ¼ cup water

1 cup shredded zucchini

1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt

1/2 jalapeno pepper, minced

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

 

Preheat oven to 35O°F. Coat a 9-inch-square nonstick baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and broth mix. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Add the zucchini, yogurt, jalapeno, and Parmesan, and blend well. Stir the zucchini mixture into the flour mixture and combine well. Spread the dough on the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cheesy Bread with Thyme

Cheesy Bread with Thyme

Cheesy Bread with Thyme

Herbs, poppy seeds, and a nippy topping of cheese transform basic baking powder biscuit dough into a flavorful dinner bread. Cut in generous squares and serve hot.

1/2 cup (l stick) butter

1 large yellow onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

3 tablespoons minced fresh thyme

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

 

Preheat oven to 35O°F and grease an 8-inch square pan. In a small skillet, melt l tablespoon of the butter and sauté the onion until it is soft and golden. Combine the egg and buttermilk in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder, and cut in 5 tablespoons of the butter. Blend into the egg and buttermilk mixture. Add the onion and 1/2 cup of the cheese. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine with the remaining cheese, the thyme, and the poppy seeds. Spread the dough in the pan and pour the cheese mixture over the top.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, cut into squares, and serve hot.

Cracklin’ Cornbread

Cracklin’ Cornbread

Cracklin’ Cornbread

Makes one 9-inch round loaf

4 ounces bacon

2 C. Coarse Yellow Cornmeal

1 tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. baking powder

1½ C. whole-milk buttermilk

1 large egg, lightly beaten

 

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Put a 9-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to preheat for at least 10 minutes. Run the bacon through a meat grinder or very finely mince it. Put the bacon in a skillet large enough to hold it in one layer and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently so that it doesn’t burn, until the fat is rendered and the bits of bacon are crispy, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the bits of bacon to a paper towel to drain, reserving the fat. You need 5 T. bacon fat for this recipe. Combine the cornmeal, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and bits of bacon in a medium bowl. Reserve 1 T. of the bacon fat and combine the remaining 4 T. fat, the buttermilk, and egg in a small bowl. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just to combine; do not overmix. Move the skillet from the oven to the stove, placing it over high heat. Add the reserved T. of bacon fat and swirl to coat the skillet. Pour in the batter, distributing it evenly. It should sizzle. Bake the cornbread for about 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm from the skillet.

Fougase Bread – Olive & Onion

Fougase Bread – Olive & Onion

Fougase Bread – Olive & Onion

POOLISH (STARTER)

1 C. King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

1/2 C. water

1/8 tsp. instant yeast

 

DOUGH

1/2 C. water

1 C. King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

1 C. King Arthur 100% White Whole Wheat Flour

2 tsp. instant yeast

1 tsp. salt

2 T. olive oil

 

FILLING

3/4 C. pitted Kalamata olives

1/2 C. golden baking onions (“french-fried” onions)

 

To make the poolish: Combine the flour, water and yeast, and set aside to rest, covered, overnight.

To make the dough: Add the 1/2 C. water and flours to the poolish, mix until combined, cover the bowl, and allow the mixture to rest for 20 minutes. Add the yeast, salt and olive oil, and knead the dough until it’s fairly smooth but not necessarily elastic, about 3 minutes by machine, or 5 minutes by hand. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover the bowl, and allow the dough to rise, at room temperature, for 1 1/2 hours, gently deflating it and turning it over after 45 minutes. Knead in the olives and onions; this will be a messy process, but just stick with it (literally!), and it’ll get done. Shape the dough into a 12″ x 6″ oval, place it on a lightly greased baking sheet, and allow it to rise for about 30 minutes. Cut three deep diagonal slashes, all the way through the dough, in the center of the loaf, and pull it apart to form a ladder shape. Allow it to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the fougasse for 20 minutes, or until it’s starting to brown. Remove from the oven, and cool on a wire rack. Store, well-wrapped, at room temperature for 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.

Breads in Español

Breads in Español

I can’t translate all the colorings and flavorings, but aren’t they pretty?

I see mushroom, a carrot and ?something, basil, chili pepper, spinach and something, chocolate and coffee and I think beet root.

Fougasse (Provençal Bread with Olive and Herbs)

Fougasse (Provençal Bread with Olive and Herbs)

Fougasse (Provençal Bread with Olive and Herbs)

1 tsp. active dry yeast

1 tsp. sugar

4 1⁄2 cups flour

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing loaves

1 tsp. kosher salt

Cornmeal, for dusting

1⁄2 cup minced kalamata olives

1⁄4 cup minced green olives

2 tbsp. minced fresh parsley

2 tbsp. minced fresh thyme

1 tbsp. minced fresh rosemary

Sea salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

 

In a large bowl, stir together yeast, sugar, and 1 1⁄3 cups water heated to 115°; let sit until foamy, 10 minutes. Stir in flour, oil, and salt and mix until a dough forms. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 minutes. Cover with a damp towel; let sit until doubled in size, 1 1⁄2 hours.

Heat oven to 500°. Divide dough into 5 equal pieces. Working with one dough piece at a time, roll into a rough 8″ x 5″ triangle. Transfer rectangle to a cornmeal-dusted, parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut three lengthwise parallel slashes in middle of dough and one small slash below and parallel to middle large slash. Spread slashes apart with your fingers. Cover with a damp towel; let rest until puffed, about 30 minutes. Combine olives and herbs in a bowl. Lightly brush each dough piece with oil; sprinkle with olive mixture and season with salt and pepper. Bake, one at a time, until golden brown, about 15 minutes each.

Savory Ham & Cheese Palmiers

Savory Ham & Cheese Palmiers

Savory Ham & Cheese Palmiers

 

1 sheet (about 9 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Fresh Thyme

4 ounces very thinly sliced good-quality baked ham, such as Black Forest

1 cup (2 ounce) freshly and finely grated Parmesan cheese

 

Roll pastry into 12-inch square then brush with mustard. Mince 2 teaspoons thyme and sprinkle over top. Lay ham evenly over top to edge of pastry and sprinkle with Parmesan. Roll up both sides of dough until they meet in the middle. Wrap log of dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Trim ends of log, then slice into 1/3-inch-thick pieces with sharp knife. Lay on prepared sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake until golden brown and crisp, about 25 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through baking. Transfer palmiers to wire rack and let cool completely before serving.

Yummy Apple Cake

Yummy Apple Cake

Yummy Apple Cake

 

1 3/4 C. sugar, divided

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 C. butter, softened

1 to 2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 1/2 C. flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 Braeburn apples, peeled and chopped

1 C. chopped pecans

Powdered sugar

 

Combine cream cheese, butter, 1 1/2 C. sugar in a bowl and beat with electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl and whisk to blend. Add to sugar mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Combine remaining sugar and cinnamon in a sifter and shake into bowl. Sprinkle 2 tsp. over the chopped apples and toss to coat. Stir apples and pecans into batter. Spoon batter into lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar.  Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 60 to 70 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with sifted powdered sugar and serve.

Savory Scallion and Cheese Scones

Savory Scallion and Cheese Scones

Savory Scallion and Cheese Scones

1 cup (230 g) cottage cheese

4 tablespoons milk, plus more for brushing on top

2½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

¾ teaspoon salt

â…› teaspoon black pepper

6 tablespoons (80 g) unsalted butter, chilled and diced

3 scallions, green and white parts, thinly sliced (about ½ cup sliced)

 

Preheat oven to 450F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat liner. Puree the cottage cheese and milk together until smooth in a blender or food processor; set aside. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Cut in the butter with a fork or using two butter knives until it looks like coarse meal. Add the scallion and stir in the cottage cheese/milk puree. (The dough should come together, but not be too wet; if the dough is still too crumbly, you can add milk a little at a time until it comes together.) Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disk; wrap it in plastic wrap and chill 10 minutes in the freezer. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or press the dough out to a circle about 7 to 8 inches in diameter and ¾ inch thick. Use a floured 2½ inch round cookie cutter to stamp out the scones, then gather up the dough scraps and repeat as necessary (you should get about 8 to 10 scones). Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, lightly brush the tops with a little milk, and bake until puffed and light golden brown on top and bottom, about 14 to 16 minutes. Serve warm. (Leftover scones will keep for a couple days in an airtight container at room temperature; you can reheat them in the microwave before serving.)

Bacon, Cheddar Zucchini Bread

Bacon, Cheddar Zucchini Bread

Bacon, Cheddar Zucchini Bread

3 eggs

1 Tablespoon sugar

1/2 cup or 120 ml oil

Half (about 1 cup) of a whole zucchini, washed and shredded

1 cup cooked and drained chopped bacon (cooled)

1 cup grated Cheddar cheese

6 Tablespoons of milk

1 1/2 cups All Purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

Pinch of salt

1 tsp. Black Pepper

 

In a mixer, add eggs, sugar, oil and mix for 5 minutes . Switch off mixer and using a wooden spoon, add the zucchini, bacon and cheese. Combine well. Then add 6 Tablespoons of milk.   In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking soda and baking powder, salt & pepper then add that slowly to the wet mix and combine well. Pour the batter into the lined bread pan and bake at 325 F / 170 C for 1 hr 20 minutes. Test with a toothpick the center is cooked.

Roasted Garlic & Rosemary No Knead Garlic Bread

Roasted Garlic & Rosemary No Knead Garlic Bread

Roasted Garlic & Rosemary No Knead Garlic Bread

1 head garlic, roasted

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast

1 1/2 cups room temperature water

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

 

To roast the garlic, heat the oven to 425 degrees.  Slice the top off the head of a garlic bulb to expose the cloves, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the exposed garlic cloves.  Wrap in tinfoil and roast for 45 minutes, then remove from oven and cool until the soft garlic can be squeezed out of the papery skin.

 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, yeast, rosemary, and roasted garlic.  Add the water and stir to combine, just until it starts to come together in a very shaggy dough.  Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit on the counter at room temperature for 12-18 hours.

 

When you are ready to bake the bread, place a dutch oven, pizza stone, or other oven-safe pan in the oven to preheat and heat the oven to 450 degrees.

 

Working on a clean, well-floured surface, turn the dough out onto the counter or table and shape into a ball using floured hands.  The dough will be very sticky.   Drop the ball of dough into the preheated dutch oven or other baking dish, cover with lid or an oven-safe bowl, and bake for 30 minutes with the lid on.  Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and crusty on top. Remove bread from the dutch oven to cool completely before slicing.

 

Recipe Notes

I have switched it up and used bread flour in place of all-purpose flour with good results, or some combination of the two, if you prefer bread flour for making bread. Preheating the dutch oven prevents the bread from sticking to the bottom, but if you are concerned, you can slide the ball of dough onto a piece of parchment paper before placing in the dutch oven.

 

Try adding 1 to 1 1/2 cups of mix-ins in the following combinations in place of the roasted garlic & rosemary for a totally different and delicious bread!

 

Cranberry Pecan

Hazelnuts & Dried Cherries

Cheddar Jalapeno

Cranberry, Orange Zest, & Sliced Almonds

Raisin Walnut Cinnamon

Pumpkin, Sunflower, & Poppy Seeds

Sun-dried Tomato with chopped Basil

Lemon zest, Thyme, & Asiago

Pepperoni & Mozzarella

Dark Chocolate, Dried Cherry, Pecan

 

Or leave out any mix-ins for a perfectly wonderful plain loaf that will go with any soup, salad or dinner!

Raisin Rosemary Bread

Raisin Rosemary Bread

Raisin Rosemary Bread

2 C. tepid water + more as needed

1 T. honey

just over 1 lb. (3-4 C.) bread flour + more as needed

1 T. salt

scant 2 T. instant yeast

~â…“ c. fresh rosemary leaves

~9 oz. (~1½ c.) raisins

 

Add the ingredients in the order listed from water through yeast to the pan of your bread machine and select dough cycle.  Adjust water and/or flour as needed until your dough is neither sticky nor dry…it should be just “tacky”.  Add raisins and rosemary to pan just once everything is mixed correctly and just as it starts to knead the ingredients together.  Let cycle run (and rise).  Turn dough out onto a floured counter and knead for a few minutes by hand.  Form into either a free-form round or long loaf and place on a baking sheet that has been dusted with flour.  Alternately, oil a loaf pan really well, form dough into a cylinder and place in pan.  Cover lightly with a greased film of plastic or a clean kitchen towel and let rise until doubled in size, ~45 minutes – 1 hour.  Preheat oven to 350° F during last 15 or 20 minutes of rise time.   Score the length of the bread with a sharp knife, stick a sprig of rosemary in (if you wish) and slide into preheated oven.  Depending on how you formed  your loaf, bake for anywhere from 25-50 minutes, until golden and crisp.  It seems to take longer to bake if it is in a loaf pan.  If I had to recommend a shape, I’d go with a free form or banneton-formed loaf (it has a tendency of sticking to the pan if baked in one).  Try as a grilled cheese sandwich, or with a ploughman’s lunch.

Cheddar Cheese Coins

Cheddar Cheese Coins

Cheddar Cheese Coins

8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 C.)

1 1/2 C. (7 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour

1 T. cornstarch

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. paprika

8 T. unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces and chilled

3 T. water

 

Process cheddar, flour, cornstarch, salt, cayenne, and paprika in food processor until combined, about 30 seconds. Scatter butter pieces over top and process until mixture resembles wet sand, about 20 seconds. Add water and process until dough forms ball, about 10 seconds. Transfer dough to counter and divide in half. Roll each half into 10-inch log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. (Dough can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw completely before slicing and baking.) Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 350°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap logs and slice into ¼-inch-thick coins, giving dough quarter turn after each slice to keep log round. Place coins on prepared sheets, spaced 1/2 inch apart. Bake until light golden around edges, 22 to 28 minutes, switching and rotating sheets halfway through baking. Let coins cool completely on sheets before serving. (Coins can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.)

Bacon and Dried Tomato Scones

Bacon and Dried Tomato Scones

Bacon and Dried Tomato Scones

3/4 C. dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)

2 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

1 T. baking powder

1 tsp. dried basil, crushed

1 tsp. dried oregano, crushed

1/4 tsp. garlic salt

3/4 C. butter, cut up

8 slices bacon, crisp-cooked, drained, and crumbled

1/4 C. sour cream

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 T. milk

1/2 C. shredded mozzarella cheese

Crisp-cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place tomatoes in a bowl. Add enough boiling water to cover. Let stand 5 minutes. Drain well; chop tomatoes. In large bowl combine flour, baking powder, basil, oregano, and garlic salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped tomatoes and bacon. Make a well in center of flour mixture; set aside. In small bowl combine sour cream, eggs, and milk; add all at once to flour mixture. Stir with a fork just until moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough gently 10 to 12 strokes or until dough holds together. Divide in half. Pat or lightly roll each dough half to a 7-inch circle. Cut each circle in 8 wedges. Place wedges 2 inches apart on a very large ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes. Sprinkle tops of scones with cheese. Bake 7 to 8 minutes more or until tops are lightly browned. Serve warm. Top with additional crumbled bacon. Makes 16 scones.

 

Yield: 16

Calories: 202

Fat: 13g

Fiber: 1g

THE Teething Cookie

THE Teething Cookie

THE Teething Cookie

 

1 Egg Yolk, beaten

2 T. Vegetable Oil

2 T. Blackstrap Molasses

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 T. Rice/Soy Milk

3/4 C. Whole Wheat Flour plus 1 T. for rolling

1 T. Soy Flour

1 T. Wheat Germ

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a Food Processor or bowl put all liquid ingredients. Blend. Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and then add to wet ingredients. Blend until mixture forms a ball of dough. Sprinkle whole wheat flour on a clean surface and roll into a square. With a knife, cut into 1 1/2 inch logs. Place the logs on a parchment or silpat lined cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool on the sheet or transfer to a wire rack. Serve.

Lemon-Cranberry Pound Cake

Lemon-Cranberry Pound Cake

Lemon-Cranberry Pound Cake

Cranberries:

1/3 C. (80 ml) lemon juice

2 T. brandy

1 T. granulated white sugar

4 oz. (115 grams) dried cranberries or dried cherries

 

Pound Cake:

1 3/4 C. (245 grams) all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 C. (227 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 C. (200 grams) granulated white sugar

4 large eggs

1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Zest of one lemon

 

For Cranberries: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat; bring the lemon juice, brandy, sugar, and dried cranberries just to a boil. Cover and remove from heat. Let cool completely and then drain, reserving cranberries. For Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Butter (or spray with a non-stick pan spray) a 9 x 5 x 3 inch (23 x 13 x 7 cm) loaf pan and then line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.  In a medium sized bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of your electric mixer, cream the butter until soft and creamy.  Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy (about 3 – 5 minutes).  Scrape down the sides of the bowl.  Then add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. With mixer on low, add the flour mixture beating just until batter is smooth.  Stir in the lemon zest and drained cranberries, making sure you do not over mix.  Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Bake for approximately 50 – 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack for 10 minutes and then remove it from the pan to cool completely.  This cake can be stored for a few days at room temperature, one week in the refrigerator, or about one month frozen.

Bacon Cheddar Scallion Scones

Bacon Cheddar Scallion Scones

Bacon Cheddar Scallion Scones

3 C. flour

1 T. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 stick butter, cut into small pieces, about 5 ounces of cheddar, grated

4 green onions

10 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

3/4 C. buttermilk

1 large egg

 

Preheat oven to 400°. Combine dry ingredients (flour through cayenne). Add in butter and work with your hands to combine – press butter between your fingers to form thin sheets. Add cheese, green onions, and buttermilk, and mix together. Add bacon and egg and mix until all the ingredients are incorporated. Turn dough out onto a flat surface and knead a few times to smooth out the dough. Form dough into a ball, then flatten into a 1/2-inch thick disk. Cut the disk into wedges. Spread wedges across a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little room around them. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the bottom of the scones start to brown and the cheese in the scone begins to turn golden. Best served warm

Cranberry Quick Bread

Cranberry Quick Bread

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan

2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan

1 cup packed light-brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 large egg, lightly beaten

3/4 cup whole milk

1 bag (12 ounces) cranberries

1 tablespoon turbinado sugar, for topping (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees; butter and flour a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan (8-cup capacity), and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine butter, egg, and milk. Add wet mixture to dry mixture, and whisk to combine; fold in cranberries.     Pour batter into prepared pan; sprinkle top with turbinado sugar, if desired. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack; let bread cool 30 minutes. Invert onto rack, then immediately turn right side up to cool completely.

Spooky Mummy Pumpkin Pop Tarts

Spooky Mummy Pumpkin Pop Tarts

Spooky Mummy Pumpkin Pop Tarts

3 C. all-purpose flour

1 T. sugar

1 tsp. salt

4 T. unsalted butter, cold

1/2 C. milk, plus 1 to 2 T. more

1 large egg yolk

PUMPKIN FILLING:

1 C. pumpkin puree

2 T. sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground ginger

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

Pinch of salt

Edible eyeballs

TOASTER STREUDEL-INSPIRED GLAZE:

1 C. powdered sugar, sifted

Pinch of salt

2 T. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 

In a large stainless steel bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt; stir to mix well. I am a firm follower of the grating butter method. Using a cheese grater, grate the butter into the dry ingredient mixture. Transfer to the freezer to chill for about 5 minutes. Mix the butter into the flour mixture, until thoroughly combined, breaking up the butter bits until they resemble the size of peas. In a measuring C., measure out the milk and then add the egg yolk. Whisk the two together. Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients and mix until it roughly comes together. Remove the dough from the bowl, place it on a lightly-floured counter, and knead it until it comes together; if it’s super dry, add a T. of milk or water until it comes together (I needed about 2 T. extra of milk). Form it into one disc and using a bench scraper or knife, divide into two equal pieces. Gently pat each into a 1-inch thick square, working quickly to seal any broken edges before wrapping them tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or, ideally, overnight. You can keep the dough in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for up to 1 year. If frozen, remove the dough and place tin the refrigerator to thaw one full day before you intend to use it.

 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, sugar, egg yolk, spices and salt. Remove the first disc of dough from the fridge. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to a 1/2-inch thick round. Using a 3-inch or 4-inch round cookie cutter, stamp out rounds of pop tart dough and transfer them to a baking sheet or tray. You should end up with about 20 rounds. I stuck them in the freezer for about 10 minutes just to firm up a bit. We’re going to use the scraps for the top; if it’s too warm, transfer the scraps to the fridge to cool down before rolling out. Re-roll the scraps and cut a variety of 2-inch strips, 1-inch strips and 1/2-inch strips. This will all be the “mummy bandage” top. Brush each round entirely with beaten egg. Add a scant tsp. of pumpkin filling to the center of each round. Place a variety of strip on top, one skinny, one thicker, overlapping them, so it appears “bandage-like.” Trim the strips so they’re not super long, but they don’t have to be perfect. Using the tines of a fork (dipped in flour), press the edges together and do this around the edge of the entire round, making a decorative edge. Take the 3-inch or 4-inch cutter (whichever one you used) and cut the hand pie once more to clean and define the edges. Transfer to a baking sheet and place it in the fridge. Repeat with the remaining hand pies.

Transfer them to the freezer to chill for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

I baked these in batches, about 8 to a baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash and transfer to the oven to bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining pop tarts. Add the edible eye balls to each pop tart. I used tweezers to make it easy on myself.

 

Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, salt, milk and vanilla, until smooth. I added the glaze to a piping bag (no tip required), snipped off the end and drizzled it on. You can use a spoon too!

Add the glaze on top! To store, place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature.

Baked Cheese Bites

Baked Cheese Bites

Baked Cheese Bites

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
6 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease a large cookie sheet. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Stir in the cheddar cheese and melted butter to form a firm dough. Roll pieces of dough into ropes as big around as a penny. Slice into 1/4 inch pieces. You may need to chill the dough until firm for better rolling. Place the slices onto the prepared cookie sheet, 1 inch apart. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bottoms of the coins are lightly toasted and the tops are firm. Allow to cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Lemon Cake

Lemon Cake

Lemon Cake

2 ½ Lemons
4 medium Eggs
1 ¼ C. Sugar
¾ C. Oil (neutral taste, not cold pressed)
¾ C. Orange Juice
2 ¼ C. Flour
1 T. Baking Powder
1 C. Powdered Sugar

Preheat oven to 400. Remove zest from one lemon and squeeze juice from all lemons. Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy. Add oil, orange juice and ¾ of the lemon juice. Briskly stir in half the lemon zest, flour and baking powder. Pour batter in prepared bundt pan; bake 50-55 minutes. Soft powdered sugar and mix with remaining lemon juice to make a glaze. Spread onto cooled cake and sprinkle with remaining zest.

Very Basic Cake Recipe

Very Basic Cake Recipe

Very Basic Cake Recipe

1 11” spring form pan, 1 13” loaf pan, or 1 10”x15” jellyroll pan

4 medium Eggs
1 ¼ C. Sugar
¾ C. Oil (neutral taste, not cold pressed)
¾ C. Liquid (juice, dairy, coffee, or wine)
2 ¼ C. Flour
1 T. Baking Powder

Grease pan well and sprinkle with flour. For springform pans, only grease the bottom. Never fill pans more than 2/3 full. Preheat oven to 400. Beat Eggs and sugar in mixing bowl for 2-3 minutes until light and creamy. Add oil and liquid to sugar and egg mixture, while stirring constantly. Sift flour, combine with baking powder; add to bowl and mix well. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake just below center of oven for 25 minutes in a shallow pan or 45 minutes in a deep pan. Check with a toothpick or chopstick; if batter sticks, bake the cake a few more minutes.

Chocolate: Use Orange juice for your liquid. Add 3 T. cocoa to flour. Melt 1 ¼ C. semisweet chips and spread on cooled cake.

Banana Cake

Banana Cake

Banana Cake

1 large banana (3/4 C. mashed total)
2 tsp. Lemon Juice
4 medium Eggs
1 ¼ C. Sugar
¾ C. Oil (neutral taste, not cold pressed)
¾ C. ground Hazelnuts
½ tsp. ground Ginger
2 ¼ C. Flour
1 T. Baking Powder

Preheat oven to 400. Prepare Tube Pan. Pell Banana, mash and combine with lemon juice. Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy. Add oil. Stir in banana puree, nuts and ginger. Stir in flour mixed with baking powder. Por into prepared pan and bake in lower third of oven for 45-50 minutes.

Tangerine Cake

Tangerine Cake

Tangerine Cake

4 medium Eggs
1 ¼ C. Sugar
¾ C. Oil (neutral taste, not cold pressed)
¾ C. Orange Juice
2 ¼ C. Flour
1 T. Baking Powder
3 Tangerines, peeled
1 ¾ C. Powdered Sugar
Juice from 1 Lemon
3 T. chopped Pistachios

Preheat oven to 400. Prepare Tube Pan. Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy. Add oil and juice. Briskly stir in flour mixed with baking powder. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake in the lower third of the oven for 10 minutes. Arrange tangerine sections on top, return to oven and bake another 35-40 minutes. Sift powdered sugar and stir in lemon juice, drop by drop, to make a smooth syrupy glaze. Pour over cooled cake and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Let glaze set before serving.

Basic Breadsticks

Basic Breadsticks

Basic Breadsticks

1 package active dry yeast
1/3 cup warm (110 degrees) water
2 1/4 cups bread flour, divided
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons oil
1/3 cup cold water
1 egg white
Sesame or poppy seeds

Dissolve yeast in warm water. In processor bowl with blade in place, combine 2 cups flour, sugar and salt. Process 10 seconds. Remove lid; add yeast and oil. With processor running, pour cold water through feed tube. Add additional flour if necessary so dough forms a ball. Process 30 seconds. Divide dough into 16 equal portions; roll each into pencil-like rope, 8 inches long. Place 1 inch apart on greased baking sheet. Brush with oil. Cover; let proof (to let yeast dough rise) 20 minutes. Brush with egg white; sprinkle with seeds. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes.

Yield: 16
Calories: 76
Fat: 1.8g
Fiber: .6g

Salted Olive Crisps (Croquets Sales Aux Olives)

Salted Olive Crisps (Croquets Sales Aux Olives)


½ C. all-purpose flour
½ C. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. granulated sugar
½ tsp. dried thyme
½ tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. black pepper
1 C. buttermilk
â…“ C. almonds, coarsely chopped
â…“ C. pitted olives, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil a 9-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper. Whisk flours, sugar, thyme, sea salt, baking soda, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir in buttermilk. Fold in almonds and olives. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven. Decrease oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice loaf into ¼ inch thick slices or thinner, if possible. Lay the slices in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for another 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until both sides are golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack.

English Muffin Toasting Loaf

English Muffin Toasting Loaf

3 C. King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. instant yeast
1 C. milk
1/4 C. water
2 tsp. vegetable oil or olive oil
cornmeal, to sprinkle in pan

Whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Combine the milk, water, and oil in a separate, microwave-safe bowl, and heat to between 120°F and 130°F. Be sure to stir the liquid well before measuring its temperature; you want an accurate reading. If you don’t have a thermometer, the liquid will feel quite hot (hotter than lukewarm), but not so hot that it would be uncomfortable as bath water. Pour the hot liquid over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Beat at high speed for 1 minute. The dough will be very soft. Lightly grease an 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ loaf pan, and sprinkle the bottom and sides with cornmeal. Scoop the soft dough into the pan, leveling it in the pan as much as possible. Cover the pan, and let the dough rise till it’s just barely crowned over the rim of the pan. When you look at the rim of the pan from eye level, you should see the dough, but it shouldn’t be more than, say, 1/4″ over the rim. This will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour, if you heated the liquid to the correct temperature and your kitchen isn’t very cold. While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove the cover, and bake the bread for 22 to 27 minutes, till it’s golden brown and its interior temperature is 190°F. Remove the bread from the oven, and after 5 minutes turn it out of the pan onto a rack to cool. Let the bread cool completely before slicing.

Lemon-Lime Basil Shortbread Cookies

Lemon-Lime Basil Shortbread Cookies

1 C. all-purpose flour
1/2 C. powdered sugar plus more for pressing cookies
1/2 C. (1stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2″ cubes
2 tsp. sliced fresh basil leaves
1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest plus 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. finely grated lime zest
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Sanding sugar (optional)

Decorative sanding sugar has large, crunchy crystals; available at specialty foods stores and
Preheat oven to 375°. Place flour, 1/2 C. powdered sugar, butter, basil, both zests, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until large, moist clumps form. Measure level T.fuls of dough; roll between your palms to form balls. Place on a large baking sheet, spacing 2″ apart. Lightly dust the bottom of a flat measuring C. with powdered sugar and press cookies into 2″ rounds, dusting C. bottom with powdered sugar as needed to prevent sticking. Sprinkle tops of cookies with sanding sugar, if using. Bake until edges are brown, about 14-15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool.

Delicious 19 cents Don’t Buy Bagels Again Bagels

Delicious 19 cents Don’t Buy Bagels Again Bagels

19.25 oz. bread flour (3 1/2 C.)
1/4 oz. instant dry yeast (2 1/2 tsp.; or 1 envelope active dry)
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
12 oz. hot water (1 1/2 C., 120°–130°F) [340g]
1 1/2 tsp. malt syrup (for the boiling water; alternatively, you can use 1 1/2 tsp. sugar)
1 egg beaten with 1 tsp. water (optional, for toppings)
Toppings: Sesame seed, poppy seed, salt, minced onion/garlic, etc. (Optional)

Add all the dry ingredients to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until mixed, about 5 seconds. With processor running, slowly add the water; process until dough comes together and rides up over the blade, about 30 seconds. Continue processing until dough becomes satiny and elastic, about 30 seconds more. Transfer dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. After dough has risen but before you divide and shape it, prepare your water bath: Add the malt syrup to 6 quarts of water over high heat and let it come to a boil as you continue with the following steps. Also: Preheat the oven to 400°F. After dough has doubled in bulk, turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface and press down with your fingers to expel the gases. Divide dough into 10 equal portions. Ball a portion of dough, then roll it into a “rope” about 7 inches long and about 1 inch thick. (Tip: I like to taper the ends slightly in preparation for the next step.) Wrap the dough around the back of your hand, overlapping the ends in your palm. Place your hand, along with the dough, palm-down on the work surface and roll dough back and forth until ends crimp and seal together. Place dough ring under a span of plastic wrap while you repeat rope-and-loop process with remaining dough portions. Tip: You can brush a little water on the ends to help them stick, but this dough is wet enough that it usually comes together without help. A note on hand size: The recipe calls for wrapping the rope around your palm, but I like a smaller, tighter bagel, so I wrap it around my first three fingers, as shown. If you have a smaller hand, you could probably wrap it around all your fingers. Allow bagels to rise again for 10 minutes. At this point, your malt syrup–water should be boiling. Use a skimmer or slotted spoon to carefully add bagels, one at a time, to the water. (Note: no more in the pot than 3 at a time.) Bagels should sink but then rise again after a few seconds. Simmer for 1 minute, flipping bagels at the 30-second mark. Tip: The original recipe calls for this second rising, but I often skip it. I’ve found it makes very little, if any, noticeable difference. Remove bagels from water with skimmer or slotted spoon to a clean kitchen towel. Pat dry. If making plain bagels, move on to placing on baking sheet. For bagel toppings: Place bagels on wire cooling rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Brush bagel tops with egg-water mixture. Shake on desired toppings. Sesame seed, poppy seed, kosher salt, minced onion, and minced garlic are classic (at least in NYC). The baking sheet will collect excess dry toppings (such as sesame or poppy seeds). Simply pour them back into their containers for reuse. Place bagels on prepared baking sheet. Bake until light brown and shiny, 15 to 20 minutes. Flip, and bake until reverse side is golden-brown and shiny, about 10 minutes more.

Fluffy Buttered Rosemary Braids

Fluffy Buttered Rosemary Braids

1/4 C. warm water
1 tsp. sugar
1 package (2.25 tsp) instant yeast
1 3/4 C. all-purpose flour
1 3/4 C. bread flour
2 tsp. salt
6 large eggs, lightly beaten + 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 1/2 sticks (12 T.) unsalted butter at room temperature, cut into 6 pieces, plus 2 tsp. melted for brushing
2 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed and finely chopped

In the bowl of a stand mixer combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for five minutes until foamy. In a medium bowl, whisk together both flours and salt. Add eggs and flour mixture to yeast and combine roughly with a wooden spoon. Place the bowl on the mixer and fit with the dough hook, and knead on medium-high speed until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. This will take about five minutes. Beat in the butter one piece at a time until fully incorporated and the dough is sticky but firm. If the dough is too sticky you can add a little more flour a tsp. at a time until it’s no longer sticky (tacky is okay). Keep in mind adding more flour makes bread denser. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the warmest spot in your kitchen to rise. Let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in bulk. Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator and chill the dough for at least two hours, or overnight. Line two large baking sheets with parchment or a silpat. Once the dough has chilled, divide it into six equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 16-inch-long rope. Braid the ropes on the prepared sheet trays. Press the ends to seal. Set aside and allow to rise for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush the braids with egg wash and place in the oven to bake for 20 minutes. While the bread is baking add the chopped rosemary leaves to the 2 tsp. melted butter. After the bread has baked for 20 minutes, remove from oven and brush with rosemary butter. Return to oven and bake for another 8 minutes. Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Easy Drop Biscuits

Easy Drop Biscuits

10 oz., weight All-purpose Flour (or 2 C. Measured)
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Sugar
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 C. Cold Unsalted Butter, Cubed
1 C. Whole Buttermilk

Preheat oven to 450ºF. In a food processor, pulse to combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Once those ingredients are combined, add cold butter cubes and pulse mixture about 10 times to break down butter into small pea-sized pieces. Add buttermilk, then pulse about 10 times until dough clumps together in one side of the food processor. Use a large 3-T. cookie scoop to drop scoops of the biscuit mixture onto a baking sheet. You should have 12 scoops. Bake for 15 minutes in the lower third of the oven until golden brown. Enjoy! You can add ingredients with the flour, such as cheese, bacon, scallions, etc.

Limoncello Soaked Pound Cake

Limoncello Soaked Pound Cake

3 C. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 sticks butter, softened
¾ C. granulated sugar
½ C. brown sugar
3 eggs
½ C. milk plus 2 T.
the zest and juice of 1 lemon
Limoncello for soaking (anywhere from ½ C. to 1 C. depending on how strong you like it)

Preheat oven to 350º. Grease loaf pan. (see notes). In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a stand mixer (or hand mixer) beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Add milk and mix for another two minutes over medium speed. Add flour mixture by the heaping spoonful just until incorporated. Add lemon juice and zest and mix on medium speed for two more minutes. Pour batter into greased loaf pan and bake in a 350º oven until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. (about an hour) Let cake cool for ten minutes. Poke holes all over the top of the cake. (I used a fork) Using a spoon, ladle the Limoncello over the top of the cake slowly. Allow each spoonful to be absorbed before adding another. Wrap cake with cellophane and chill for at least two to three hours. It’s even better if you wait until the next day to serve. Notes: I used an odd sized 12″x5″ pan, but you can use a standard loaf pan for this recipe.

Graham Cracker Swirls

Graham Cracker Swirls

1 C. whole wheat flour
1 1/2 C. all purpose flour
1/2 C. dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 C. butter, chilled & cubed
1/4 C. honey
1/4 C. water
1/2 C. Nutella, peanut butter or preserves

Preheat oven to 350 F. Place the flours, sugar, salt, cinnamon and baking soda in the bowl of your KitchenAid® Stand Mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix to combine. Add the cubed and chilled butter and mix until it resembles coarse meal, about 2 minutes. Add the honey and water and continue to mix until it combines and forms a dough. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces and roll each piece into a 9 x 13 inch rectangle until 1/4 inch thick. If the dough is soft it can be refrigerated 30-60 minutes. Spread 1/4 C. of the Nutella or other filling in a thin layer over each sheet of dough. Starting at the 13 inch side, use your fingertips to roll the dough tightly into a spiral like a cinnamon roll, and pinch the seams to seal. Slice the dough into 1/2 inch pieces, place on a silpat or parchment lined cookie sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Tip: Cookies can be frozen before or after baking. Place cookies on a baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes, until frozen solid, then transfer to a zip top bag or other freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 4 months.

Kindred’s Milk Bread

Kindred’s Milk Bread

Makes 6 rolls, two 9- by 5-inch loaves, or 12 split-top buns

5 1/3 C. bread flour, divided, plus more for surface (Kindred uses King Arthur)
1 C. heavy cream
1/3 C. mild honey (such as wildflower or alfalfa)
3 T. nonfat dry milk powder (such as Alba)
2 T. active dry yeast (from about 3 envelopes)
2 T. kosher salt
3 large eggs, divided
4 T. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, at room temperature
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
Flaky sea salt (optional, but shouldn’t be)

Cook 1/3 C. flour and 1 C. water in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly, until a thick paste forms (almost like a roux but looser), about 5 minutes. Add cream and honey and cook, whisking to blend, until honey dissolves. Transfer mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and add milk powder, yeast, kosher salt, 2 eggs, and 5 remaining C. flour. Knead on medium speed until dough is smooth, about 5 minutes. Add butter, a piece at a time, fully incorporating into dough before adding the next piece, until dough is smooth, shiny, and elastic, about 4 minutes. Coat a large bowl with nonstick spray and transfer dough to bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. If making rolls, lightly coat a 6-C. jumbo muffin pan with nonstick spray. Turn out dough onto a floured surface and divide into 6 pieces. Divide each piece into 4 smaller pieces (you should have 24 total). They don’t need to be exact; just eyeball it. Place 4 pieces of dough side-by-side in each muffin C..
 If making loaves, lightly coat two 9- by 5-inch loaf pans with nonstick spray. Turn out dough onto a floured surface and divide into 12 pieces. Nestle pieces side-by-side to create 2 rows down length of each pan.
 If making split-top buns, lightly coat two 9- by 13-inch baking dishes with nonstick spray. Divide dough into 12 pieces and shape each into a 4-inch long log. Place 6 logs in a row down length of each dish. Let shaped dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size (dough should be just puffing over top of pan), about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375° F. Beat remaining egg with 1 tsp.. water in a small bowl to blend. Brush top of dough with egg wash and sprinkle with sea salt, if desired. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until bread is deep golden brown, starting to pull away from the sides of the pan, and is baked through, 25 to 35 minutes for rolls, 50 to 60 minutes for loaf, or 30 to 40 minutes for buns. If making buns, slice each bun down the middle deep enough to create a split-top. Let milk bread cool slightly in pan on a wire rack before turning out; let cool completely.