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Ostara Cakes

Ostara Cakes

Ostara Cakes

 

¾ Cup All-Purpose Flour

¾ Tsp Baking Soda

A Dash of Salt

One Egg

1/3 Cup Sugar

3 T. Honey

Zest and Juice of One Lemon (Juice should be about ¼ cup)

6 T. Unsalted Butter

¼ Cup Milk

1 T. Rosemary

¼ Cup Powdered Sugar (give or take a few T.).

 

Preheat your oven to 350 F and oil/butter three ramekins. Set aside. Whisk together honey, lemon zest, sugar, and butter (melted). Once combined, crack and whisk in the egg, followed by the ¼ Cup of milk and half your lemon juice. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the rosemary.  Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour your wet mixture into the center. Gently fold to combine. Equally divide the batter among the ramekins. Before placing in the oven, hold your hands above the ramekins and recite the following: I imbue these cakes with the energy of new beginnings. May I grow and flourish. May I nurture nature as it has nurtured me. Place the cakes in the oven for 20 minutes at 350 F. While the cakes bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and the remaining lemon juice. This will be your glaze.  Once the cakes have baked through, remove them from the ramekins and coat in the glaze as well as a drizzle of honey.

Spruce Shortbread

Spruce Shortbread

Spruce Shortbread

 

The trick to making shortbread is processing the dough just long enough so that it can be rolled out but still appears a little crumbly in the bowl. If you process the dough until it forms a ball or sticks together in the processor, the cookies will spread out on the baking sheet and their texture will suffer.

 

1/4 cup fresh spruce tips

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup flour

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

 

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Process the spruce tips and sugar until the spruce tips are finely chopped. Add the flour and process in bursts to mix well, being sure to scrape out any sugar or spruce tips trapped in the corners of the food processor bowl. Cut the butter into 1/2” chunks, add to the processor bowl, and process until the butter is evenly distributed and the dough holds together when pinched. Dump the dough onto parchment paper and form into an evenly thick rectangle. Roll out with a lightly floured rolling pin until the rectangle is 6”x 8”. Using a straight edge as a guide, cut the rectangle into 1” crosswise strips and then in half lengthwise to form 16 1”x 3” cookies. Prick each cookie 5 times with the tines of a fork. Carefully place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 23 – 26 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just starting to turn golden (not browned). Let cookies cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.

Mulberry Honey Cake

Mulberry Honey Cake

Mulberry Honey Cake

 

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 stick (4 T. ) unsalted butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 T.  honey

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 large egg

1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk

1 cup fresh mulberries, stems removed*

1 1/2 T.  sugar

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan. (You can use a normal cake pan, but it comes out of a springform more easily.) Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Beat butter and 1/2 cup sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add honey and vanilla, then egg and beat well after each addition. At low speed, mix in flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour, and mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Scatter berries evenly over top and sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 T.  sugar. Bake until cake is golden and a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pan at least 10 minutes, then remove from the pan. (If you’re using a springform pan, you can let it cool all the way in the pan.) * Mulberries have a short little skinny stem that’s hard to remove without mashing the fruit. It’s too tough to leave on and it doesn’t just pull out like a raspberry; you have to kinda pinch it off with your fingernails. It’s rather a pain in the ass to pinch off all those little stems. This cake is worth it the trouble.

Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon-Pepper Syrup

Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon-Pepper Syrup

Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon-Pepper Syrup

 

2 T. unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan

2 quarts strawberries (about 2 lbs.)

2 T. plus 330 grams sugar (about 1 3/4 cups)

1 lemon, zested

155 grams all-purpose flour (about 1 1/4 cups)

1 1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2 large eggs

1 large egg white

1/3 cup whole milk (warmed)

2 tsp. plus 1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/8 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper

2 cups heavy whipping cream

 

Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter, line the bottom with parchment and grease the parchment. Cut off the tops of the strawberries and thinly slice half of them, leaving remaining berries whole. Mix sliced strawberries with the 2 T. of sugar and half the lemon zest. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip eggs and egg white on high speed until frothy, about 30 seconds. Gradually pour in the 230 grams (1 1/4 cups) of granulated sugar and whip on high speed until the mixture is a pale yellow and has thickened enough to mound onto itself when beater is lifted, 1 to 3 minutes (note: in my experience, the mixture didn’t really “mound,” but after whipping it this long, it seemed fine once it was baked). Using a rubber spatula, gently fold flour mixture into egg mixture. Fold in milk, 2 tsp. vanilla and 2 T. melted butter until completely combined. Gently pour batter into prepared pan and bake until golden brown and firm to the touch, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in pan. Invert cake onto a cooling rack and peel off parchment. Let cool completely. While the cake bakes, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water and pepper and whisk together. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture reduces by half, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in remaining lemon zest. (Note: don’t do this step too far in advance as the mixture tends to easily recrystallize). Whip heavy cream with 1 tsp. vanilla until soft peaks form. (Note: I considered making the whipped cream in my ISI cream whipper, but decided it might not have enough body to hold up the cake). Using a serrated knife (like a bread knife), horizontally slice cake in half. Generously brush each cut side with lemon-pepper syrup. Transfer the bottom half to a cake plate, cut side up, and spoon sliced strawberries and any juices over it. Spread half the whipped cream over sliced strawberries and gently place the other cake half on top. Spread remaining whipped cream over top and sides of cake (or mound it all on the top). Position whole berries all over the top of the whipped cream.

Winter Citrus Lemon Cake

Winter Citrus Lemon Cake

Winter Citrus Lemon Cake

 

3 cup Almond Flour

¾ cup Arrowroot Flour

¾ tsp Baking Soda

¾ tsp Baking Powder

¼ tsp salt

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp cardamom

1 tsp lemon zest

¾ cup Coconut Sugar

3 T. lemon juice

3 T. Blood Orange juice

¾ cup olive Oil

3 eggs

¼ cup applesauce

2 tsp vanilla extract

Icing

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine all ingredients together in a medium bowl and stir until well combined. Spray a 9 inch cake pan with oil spray and line with parchment paper. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, until lightly browned on top. For icing you can buy a vanilla frosting from simple mills or miss jones (as pictured) or just do the citrus icing:  1 cup powdered sugar + 3 T. lemon or blood orange juice

 

Lemon Zucchini Coffee Cake

Lemon Zucchini Coffee Cake

Lemon Zucchini Coffee Cake

 

1½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

½ cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

2 lemons zested and juiced, divided (use Meyer lemons if possible)

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup shredded unpeeled zucchini, loosely packed

 

⅓ cup all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon reserved lemon zest

pinch of salt

3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces

 

⅓ cup powdered sugar, packed

1 teaspoon milk

1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice, or as needed to reach drizzling consistency

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch round or square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. A deep dish pie plate works nicely. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside. In a large mixing bowl use an electric mixer to combine the sugar, yogurt, vegetable oil, eggs, ¼ cup lemon juice (reserve 2 teaspoons juice for later), 2 teaspoons lemon zest (reserve remaining zest for later) and the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Use a wooden spoon to stir in the zucchini. Add the dry mixture and mix again just until combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish. Place the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, remaining reserved lemon zest (about 1 teaspoon), salt, and butter in a small mixing bowl. Work the mixture with a pastry blender or fork for several minutes until the pieces of butter are pea-sized then use your hands to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the surface of the cake. Bake for 35 to 42 minutes, or until the crumb topping is light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before drizzling with the lemon glaze. Combine the powdered sugar, milk and as much of the remaining lemon juice as needed to reach a nice drizzling consistency (no more than 1 to 2 teaspoons). Drizzle over the crumb topping of the cake while it is still slightly warm. Delicious served warm or cold.

French Chocolate Cake

French Chocolate Cake

French Chocolate Cake

 

½ cup granulated white sugar, divided

4 ounce bittersweet chocolate baking bar

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

¾ cup unsalted butter, cubed

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

5 large eggs, at room temperature, separated

¼ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

dash of salt

2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

 

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 9-inch springform cake pan with parchment paper and spray the paper and the sides of the pan generously with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside 3 tablespoons of the granulated sugar. Break the chocolate into pieces and place them in a large, heavy-bottomed pan along with the cubed butter and remaining sugar. Cook over LOW to MEDIUM-LOW heat until the chocolate and butter have melted, and the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla, and leave the mixture to cool slightly. While chocolate mixture is cooling, beat the egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer until foamy. Add the salt and beat until the mixture becomes puffy and white and you can see peaks when you pull the beaters out. Sprinkle reserved sugar over egg whites, and beat until stiff and glossy. Set aside. Beat the egg yolks into the slightly cooled chocolate mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the flour just until combined. Beat ⅓ of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, then carefully fold in the remaining whites with a spoon or rubber spatula. Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan, and tap the pan gently to release any air bubbles. Place the pan on a baking sheet. Bake for about 35 minutes to 45 minutes, until well risen and the center feels almost set, but not completely. If the cake appears to rise unevenly, rotate after 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, set the pan on a wire cooling rack, and remove the sides only. Do not attempt to remove the cake from the base before it’s completely cooled as this cake is very fragile. Sprinkle the completely cooled cake with confectioners’ sugar. Remove from base, carefully peel off parchment paper and move to a serving platter.

Strawberry Muffins

Strawberry Muffins

Strawberry Muffins

 

2 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt, or light or full fat sour cream

1 heaping cup diced fresh strawberries, rinsed and dried

 

½ cup powdered sugar

4 to 5 teaspoons heavy cream or half-and-half, or more to reach desired consistency

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with paper liners. In large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer. Add the granulated sugar and beat for a minute or two until completely combined. With the beaters running, pour in the oil and then add the vanilla. In a separate medium bowl, stir together the flour, salt and baking soda. Using a wooden spoon, mix the dry mixture into the wet mixture, a little at a time, alternating with the Greek yogurt. Add the strawberries and mix with the wooden spoon just until combined. Divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the muffins to cool for 10 minutes and then carefully remove from the muffin pan to cool completely. For the Glaze: Combine ingredients for the glaze in a small mixing bowl, using about half of the amount of cream stated. Add just enough of the remaining cream to reach a consistency that allows the glaze to run off the tip of a spoon. Drizzle over the completely cooled muffins. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Portuguese Bolinhos de Laranja “Little Orange Cakes”

Portuguese Bolinhos de Laranja “Little Orange Cakes”

Portuguese Bolinhos de Laranja “Little Orange Cakes”

 

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

grated zest of 2 oranges

4 eggs

1 1/4 cup sugar

1 cup fresh orange juice

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla

Sanding sugar

 

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease 2 muffin pans. In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt and orange zest. In a separate bowl combine eggs and sugar and beat with an electric mixer for 3 minutes or until the eggs are pale yellow and fall in ribbons. Stir in orange juice, butter and vanilla until well combined. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. The mixture will froth a little. Pour the batter into the muffin cups filling them 3/4 of the way up. Bake for 13-14 minutes or until the edges start to brown. Sprinkle the top of each cake with some sanding sugar and return pans to the oven. Turn the oven off and leave them in there for 2 minutes. Allow the pans to cool 5 minutes then run a knife around the edge of each cake and gently unmold. Let the cakes cool completely.

Cranberry Chess Pie

Cranberry Chess Pie

Cranberry Chess Pie

 

Single pie crust

1 1/4 C. granulated sugar
1/2 C. (1 stick) unsalted butter
Zest of 1 orange
3 large eggs
7 T. all-purpose flour
1 T. cornmeal
Pinch kosher salt
1 C. buttermilk
1 T. vanilla paste (can substitute vanilla extract)
2 C. fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped

Prepare single pie crust. Chill dough at least one hour before rolling and fitting into a greased and floured 9-inch pie pan. Let chill for 15 more minutes in the fridge. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine sugar and butter. Zest the orange into the bowl and cream together the ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, and salt. In a separate small bowl or pitcher, stir together the buttermilk and vanilla paste. Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until combined. With the stand mixer set to low, add half of the buttermilk mixture and mix to combine. Add another 1/3 of the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Add the rest of the buttermilk mixture, mixing to combine, and then the final third of the dry ingredients. Mix until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate any unmixed ingredients and gently fold in the cranberries. Pour the batter into the prepared pie shell, smoothing the filling with a rubber spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, rotating 180 degrees half-way through. The pie is done when the top is golden brown and slightly puffed. Cool to room temperature. Serve pie at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins

Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins

Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins

 

1 ¼ tsp active dry yeast*

1 tsp honey**

1 ¼ c warm water

2 1/2 c bread flour***

2 tsp sea salt

¼ c extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 tbsp butter, melted

2 tbsp finishing salt, like Le Saunier de Camargue Herbes De Provence Fleur de Sel

 

1/3 c extra virgin olive oil

2-3 sprigs of rosemary, minced

3 garlic cloves, minced

 

Focaccia Muffins: Day one:   Mix the yeast, honey, and water together in a large bowl. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture gets foamy and yeasty. Add the flour and salt to the bowl, and mix everything with a large spoon or spatula until a rough dough forms. The dough may still seem wet, but it should hold together. Drizzle about 2 tbsp of olive oil on top of the dough, and gently turn the dough in the oil so it’s coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge overnight, at least 8 hours. The dough will double in size.

Day two: The next day, drizzle an additional 2 tbsp of olive oil on the dough and give the dough a quick knead to deflate it in the bowl. Turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled counter. Pat it into a rough rectangle (the dough will still be a little sticky). Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, divide the dough in half, and then cut six pieces from each half for a total of twelve pieces of dough. Grease a muffin pan with olive oil. Divide the dough into the muffin tins. The dough does not have to be perfectly round, but it should fit snugly into the tins. Allow the dough to rise, covered, for about 2 hours. The dough will slowly rise inside the tins.

Rosemary Garlic Topping: Meanwhile, prepare the Rosemary Garlic Topping by heating the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, turn off the heat and add the minced rosemary and garlic. Remove the pan from the heat and gently swirl it around to quickly cook the rosemary and garlic. This should only take a minute. If it starts to burn, transfer the mixture to a bowl.

Preheat the oven to 450 F degrees. Oil your hands and poke deep holes all over the top of the dough. Don’t be shy–you want there to be lots of holes that touch the bottom of the pan! Drizzle about 1 tsp of the rosemary garlic oil evenly over each of the muffins. You may not use all of the oil. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Brush the hot focaccia muffins with melted butter and sprinkle with the finishing salt.

Soul Cakes (for All Souls Day)

Soul Cakes (for All Souls Day)

Soul Cakes (for All Souls Day)

175g butter (6ozs)

175g caster sugar (6ozs)

3 egg yolks

450g plain flour (1lb)

2 tsp. mixed spice

100g currrants (4 ozs)

a little milk to mix

 

These little cakes are a cross between a biscuit and a scone and are traditionally made for All Soul’s Day, which is on the 2nd of November. Packed with currants and mixed spice, these lovely little cakes are delicious with an afternoon cuppa.

 

Pre-heat oven to 180C/375F/Gas mark 5.  Cream the butter and sugar together and then beat in the egg yolks, one at a time. Sift the flour into another bowl with the mixed spice and then add them to the butter, sugar and egg yolk mixture. Stir in the currants and add enough milk to make a soft dough, similar to scones. Roll the dough out and cut out little cakes with a biscuit cutter. Mark each cake with a cross and then place them on a greased and/or lined baking sheet. Bake the cakes for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack and the store in an airtight tin for up to 5 days.

Herbalicious Lammas Loaf Biscuits

Herbalicious Lammas Loaf Biscuits

Herbalicious Lammas Loaf Biscuits

 

2¼ cups flour (and a bit extra to flour the counter)

1/2 cup of finely minced aromatic herbs. Use a blend whatever you like:  i.e. rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, field mustards & garlic mustard. (Put aside four tablespoons for sprinkling the top of the loaf.)

1/4 cup minced flower blossoms. Again use a mix of what you have on hand i.e. calendula petals, wild fennel blossoms, crow garlic or chive blossoms, oregano and sweet marjoram blossoms. (Put aside two tablespoons for sprinkling.)

3/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese. (Put aside four or five tablespoons for topping.)

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon of sea salt

1 tablespoon of sugar

⅓ cup butter

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing the top.

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease baking sheet. Add your flour, baking powder, salt and sugar together in a bowl & mix together. Cut in your butter, mixing it through the dry mixture until crumbly. Add half the milk and stir, then add remaining milk and mix together. Add herbs, blossoms, cheese. Mix well. Prepare a floured surface and gently knead dough for about a minute. Shape into a roll and cut off rounds for your biscuits. Place in a circular shape (gently touching) on greased baking sheet and sprinkle with remaining cheese and herbs. Bake at 425 degrees for 13-15 minutes. Brush tops with olive oil as they come out.

Baba Yaga’s Wild Spice Honey Cookies

Baba Yaga’s Wild Spice Honey Cookies

Baba Yaga’s Wild Spice Honey Cookies

 

​¾ cup spice-infused honey

½ cup butter

1½ cups rye flour

1½ cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup spiced sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg

2 egg yolks

 

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the butter and honey together and stir just until they’re combined. Set aside. ​In a bowl, whisk together eggs and spiced sugar. Add the honey-butter mixture. Then, add the flour and salt. Using your hands, mix together until it holds its shape. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1-2 hours and up to 24 hours. ​When ready to bake, allow the dough to warm up. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 of an inch, and use extra flour if too wet. Cut out your desired cookie shapes and stamp as you wish. ​Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges start browning just a little. Cool on a wire rack before glazing.

 

Butter Rum Spiced Glaze

 

2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 tbsp wild spice sugar

1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and warm

1 tbsp dark rum (or lemon juice)

1 tsp warm water

Pinch salt

​

​Prepare the glaze while the cookies are still in the oven, it needs to be brushed on while they are still warm. Sift the icing sugar and wild spice into a bowl. Add melted butter, rum (or lemon juice) and water and mix with a spoon until smooth. The glaze will thicken slightly if it sits around, so stir through a little more warm water if you need to – it should be the consistency of runny honey.  Remove the cookies from the oven, leave to rest for 5 minutes, then brush or dab the glaze all over with a pastry brush. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Biscuits will keep for up to five days in an airtight container.

Easy No Knead Focaccia

Easy No Knead Focaccia

Easy No Knead Focaccia

 

1 ¼-oz. envelope active dry yeast (about 2¼ tsp.)

2 tsp. honey

5 C. (625 g) all-purpose flour

5 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 T. Morton kosher salt

6 T. extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for hands

4 T. unsalted butter, plus more for pan

Flaky sea salt

2–4 garlic cloves

 

Whisk one ¼-oz. envelope active dry yeast (about 2¼ tsp.), 2 tsp. honey, and 2½ C. lukewarm water in a medium bowl and let sit 5 minutes (it should foam or at least get creamy; if it doesn’t your yeast is dead and you should start again—check the expiration date!).  Add 5 C. (625 g) all-purpose flour and 5 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 T. Morton kosher salt and mix with a rubber spatula until a shaggy dough forms and no dry streaks remain. Pour 4 T. extra-virgin olive oil into a big bowl that will fit in your refrigerator. This puppy is going to rise! Transfer dough to bowl and turn to coat in oil. Cover with a silicone lid or plastic wrap and chill until dough is doubled in size (it should look very bubbly and alive), at least 8 hours and up to 1 day. If you’re in a rush, you can also let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size, 3–4 hours.  Generously butter a 13×9″ baking pan, for thicker focaccia that’s perfect for sandwiches, or an 18×13″ rimmed baking sheet, for focaccia that’s thinner, crispier, and great for snacking. The butter may seem superfluous, but it’ll ensure that your focaccia doesn’t stick. Pour 1 T. extra-virgin olive oil into center of pan. Keeping the dough in the bowl and using a fork in each hand, gather up edges of dough farthest from you and lift up and over into center of bowl. Give the bowl a quarter turn and repeat process. Do this 2 more times; you want to deflate dough while you form it into a rough ball. Transfer dough to prepared pan. Pour any oil left in bowl over and turn dough to coat it in oil. Let rise, uncovered, in a dry, warm spot (like near a radiator or on top of the fridge or a preheating oven) until doubled in size, at least 1½ hours and up to 4 hours. Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 450°. To see if the dough is ready, poke it with your finger. It should spring back slowly, leaving a small visible indentation. If it springs back quickly, the dough isn’t ready. (If at this point the dough is ready to bake but you aren’t, you can chill it up to 1 hour.) Lightly oil your hands. If using a rimmed baking sheet, gently stretch out dough to fill (you probably won’t need to do this if using a baking pan). Dimple focaccia all over with your fingers, like you’re aggressively playing the piano, creating very deep depressions in the dough (reach your fingers all the way to the bottom of the pan). Drizzle with remaining 1 T. extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Bake focaccia until puffed and golden brown all over, 20–30 minutes. Hold off on this last step until you’re ready to serve the focaccia: Melt 4 T. unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat. Peel and grate in 2–4 garlic cloves with a Microplane (use 2 cloves if you’re garlic-shy or up to 4 if you love it). Return to medium heat and cook, stirring often, until garlic is just lightly toasted, 30–45 seconds. (Or, if you prefer raw garlic to toasted garlic, you can grate the garlic into the hot butter, off heat, then brush right away.)  Brush garlic-butter all over focaccia and slice into squares or rectangles.  Do Ahead: Focaccia is best eaten the day it’s made, but keeps well in the freezer. Slice it into pieces, store it in a freezer-safe container, then reheat it on a baking sheet in a 300° F oven.

Easy Artisan Seedy Soda Bread

Easy Artisan Seedy Soda Bread

Easy Artisan Seedy Soda Bread

 

4 cups Red Fife flour

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp fine sea salt

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup hemp or flax seeds

2 1/4 cups buttermilk

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Add the seeds and stir to distribute them evenly. Pour in the buttermilk and stir to combine. If necessary, add a drop or two more buttermilk until the mixture just comes together to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured work surface, knead it gently for about 1 minute, and then form it into a ball about 6 inches in diameter. Dust generously with flour and, using a sharp knife, score a cross into the top, cutting about ½ inch down into the loaf. Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 65– 75 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Remove from the oven and place the loaf on a cooling rack to keep the crust nice and crispy

Sweet Briar Rose Hip Nut Bread

Sweet Briar Rose Hip Nut Bread

Sweet Briar Rose Hip Nut Bread

 

Juice of 1 orange, plus water to make 1 cup

1//2 C. chopped raisins

3/4 C. seeded and chopped sweet briar rose hips

2 T. melted butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg, beaten

1 1/2 C. flour

1 C. sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 C. nuts or sunflower seeds

 

Preheat oven to 35O°F. In a large bowl, mix orange juice, raisins, rose hips, butter, vanilla, and egg. Separately, sift together the dry ingredients and then add to first mixture. Mix just until ingredients are combined; do not overmix. Gently stir in nuts or sunflower seeds. Pour or spoon batter into a well-greased 5-by-8-inch loaf pan and bake for one hour.

Anything You Like Galette

Anything You Like Galette

Anything You Like Galette

Keep pie dough in the freezer, and a galette for dinner is surprisingly simple. Anything can become a galette filling—saute some mushrooms or greens, roast up some root vegetables, or just rummage through the fridge for leftovers. As Irene will tell you, baked brie is technically a galette! Once you’ve got your filling, spoon it onto the crust, make a few simple folds (so easy a six-year-old can do it, we promise), bake, and eat. You can also layer a sauce on the bottom of the crust, mix in some herbs or spices, or sprinkle on bits of cheese or meat. Experiment on the outside of the crust too, by dusting on some grated Parmesan, everything bagel spice, or just a few grinds of black pepper and a pinch of flaky salt.

 

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed

1 small onion or large shallot, chopped

4 garlic cloves, chopped

3 cups filling of choice

1 pie crust, thawed if frozen and unrolled

1 egg beaten with a small splash of water, for egg wash (optional; a bit of olive oil or heavy cream works too)

 

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in any other filling ingredients as directed below, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Roll out the pie crust and place on the prepared baking sheet. If you’re adding a sauce or cheese to the base of the galette, smear it across the center, leaving a roughly 2-inch border around the edges. Scoop your filling on top and spread it around. Fold the edges up over the sides of the filling in all directions (galettes are meant to be rustic, so don’t worry too much about the shape), then brush with an egg wash, olive oil, or cream, if using. Bake until the crust is a deep golden brown, 35 to 45 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Plum Spice Cake

Plum Spice Cake

Plum Spice Cake

 

As needed butter and flour to coat pans; set aside until assemble

 

1 recipe of quick caramel sauce (see below) set aside until assembly

6 whole red flesh plums, skin on; stone removed and cut into sixth; set aside until assembly

 

3/4 cup light brown sugar

3 eggs, room temperature

1 cup all purpose flour

1 T. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1/2  tsp. ground cardamom

½ tsp. salt

6 ounce melted unsalted butter or olive oil may be substituted or used in combination

5 ounce half and half at room temperature

 

Quick Caramel Sauce for bottom of the pans: place 6 ounce butter, 1 ¼ cup brown sugar and 3 T. water in small sauce pan; cook just to dissolve sugar and place in bottom of greased and floured baking pans or tins; place fruit in caramel and batter on top of fruit; bake as directed above. To assemble pan: Brush 2 each, 8”cake pans or 1 12 cup muffin top pans with butter and then flour – shake off excess.  Place caramel syrup in the bottom of prepared pan before adding plums. Place 3 plums  in bottom of each muffin top pan on top of caramel; or arrange on top of caramel in 8″ layer pan. Place stone fruits in pattern with skin side up. To make the cake batter: Beat brown sugar and eggs together to a foamy consistency. Sift flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom and salt together and add these ingredients to egg mixture. Combine butter (and or olive oil) with cream and add to batter slowly till blended. Divide batter to cover fruit in muffin top tins; or 8″ pan. Bake at 350° F for approximately 20-25 (for muffin tops) to 25-30 minutes for layer pan; or until cakes spring back when touched. Cool only ten minutes and turn out onto cake rack to cool (fruit on top). Serve same day if possible. Serving suggestion: Whipped cream or with vanilla ice cream; add a nut brittle for crunch. Chef Notes: If you forget to take cakes out of pans after 10 minute rest and the cake sticks, carefully heat the bottom of the cake pan on low to warm caramel and it should come out. Other stone fruit, such as peaches and cherries, may be substituted or combined with the plums. In pear season, this becomes our Pear Upside Down Spice Cake!

Cardamom Pistachio Cookies

Cardamom Pistachio Cookies

Cardamom Pistachio Cookies

 

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled

1/2 cup superfine sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 egg yolks

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cardamom seeds, crushed using a mortar and pestle

1/4 cup sparkling decorative sugar

1/4 cup chopped pistachio nuts

 

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar and beat for one minute. Add the vanilla extract and egg yolks and beat an additional minute. Sift together the flour and salt. Spoon the flour mixture into the butter mixture and add the cardamom. Beat on low speed, then increase to medium and mix until the batter is combined. Spoon the dough into a cookie press and press out onto ungreased baking sheets. Or roll the dough into a log, wrap in parchment paper and chill for two hours before slicing into rounds and arranging evenly onto the cookie sheets. In a small bowl, combine the sparkling sugar and the pistachio nuts, then sprinkle some on each cookie. Bake just until the edges of the cookies start to turn a pale golden color, about 8 to 10 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet, then remove carefully to a wire rack. The cookies will firm up as they cool. When they are completely cool, store in an airtight container. They may be kept frozen up to two months.

Blueberry Bannock Scone

Blueberry Bannock Scone

Blueberry Bannock Scone

 

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

1/2 cup wheat germ

1 T. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

5 T. sugar

5 1/3 (1/3 cup) T. unsalted butter, chilled

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs

1 cup blueberries

1 tsp. water

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly sprinkle a 14-x-16-inch baking sheet with flour, or line with a Silpat, and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour, pecans, wheat germ, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and 2 T. of sugar. Cut the butter into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or fork until it has the consistency of small crumbs. In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and one egg. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just moistened. The dough will be quite wet and sticky; work it as little as possible.

Divide the dough in half and shape one piece into a 9-inch circle on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the blueberries evenly over the circle and sprinkle with 1-2 T. of sugar. On a lightly floured piece of parchment paper, form a 9-inch circle with the remaining dough and gently slide it on top of the berries. With the backside of a knife, score the top in 8 wedges. Beat the remaining egg with the water and lightly brush the egg wash over the top of the scone. Sprinkle with the remaining T. of sugar.  Bake until the scone is golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. When cool, cut into wedges and serve.

Cheese Bread with Field Garlic

Cheese Bread with Field Garlic

Cheese Bread with Field Garlic

 

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Black pepper

2 large eggs

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil or field garlic oil

1/2 cup beer, plus a little extra

3 oz coarsely grated Gruyère

2 oz cheddar, grated, grated or cut into very small cubes

1/2 cup finely-snipped fresh field garlic greens (or chives)

Coarse salt to sprinkle on the top of the loaf

 

Variation: instead of the field garlic or chives, use 1 Tbsp of ground sumac, and substitute cider for the beer.

Preheat the oven 350’F/180’C. Butter or oil an 8.5″ long loaf pan (or muffin trays, if you’d like individual servings. They will bake much faster). Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the beaten eggs, milk, olive oil and the beer. Stir gently till well mixed. Add the cheeses and field garlic or chives and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. The mixture should be quite stiff, but if it is too dry to turn easily with the spoon, add another slug or two of beer or milk. Do not overmix. Pour the bread mixture into the prepared pan, making a shallow hollow down the middle of the batter with a wooden spoon, lengthwise. Sprinkle the top lightly with coarse salt (or sumac).  Bake for 50 – 60 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean. Remove from the oven and gently tip the loaf from its pan. Place on a cooling rack.

 

Rhubarb Magic Custard Cake

Rhubarb Magic Custard Cake

Rhubarb Magic Custard Cake

 

2 Rhubarb Stalks, sliced into ¼” pieces

2 T. Sugar

⅓ cup Water

4 Large Eggs, separated

¾ cup sugar

1 T. Lemon Juice

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 stick(1/2 cup) Butter, melted

¾ cup All-purpose Flour

2 cups Whole Milk, lukewarm

Powdered Sugar, for dusting

 

Add the sliced rhubarb, 2 T. of sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring gently on occasion, until all the water is evaporated and rhubarb is soft. Remove from heat and set aside. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease an 8×8 baking pan. Place the egg whites in a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer to stiff peaks. Set aside. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until creamy. Whisk in the lemon juice and vanilla. Whisk in the melted butter. Add the flour to the bowl and whisk in until fully combined. Add the milk to the batter, ½ cup at a time, whisking in well before adding in the next ½ cup. Note that the batter will be extremely runny. Fold the egg whites gently in the batter, just until there are no large lumps left. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. Spoon the cooked rhubarb slices evenly over the top of the batter. The egg whites that remain on the top of the batter should be strong enough to support the fruit slices.

Bake for 40-60 minutes, or until the cake no longer jiggles when tapped. Bake time will vary depending on how hot your oven gets, so check the cake after 40 minutes.

Remove the cake from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes. Invert cake onto a cooling rack. Cake should fall right out of the pan, but if you are worried about sticking, run a knife around the edge of the cake before inverting. Place cake on a serving dish or cake stand and dust with powdered sugar right before serving.

Chocolate Magic Custard Cake

Chocolate Magic Custard Cake

Chocolate Magic Custard Cake

 

For the egg yolk mixture

4 egg yolks at room temperature (see note)

⅔ cup granulated white sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

½ cup / 1 stick salted butter, melted (see notes)

2 cups of milk at room temperature or lukewarm (see notes)

¾ cup cake or all-purpose flour (see notes if you prefer a gluten-free option)

⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

 

For the egg white mixture

4 egg whites

1 T. white granulated sugar

½ tsp. salt

 

Grease and line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Leave an overhang of parchment paper making it easy to lift out the cake after baking Separate the eggs. Yolks in one bowl and whites in another. Add sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl with the yolks. Beat until the mixture turns pale and creamy (about 4 to 5 minutes). Pour in the cooled melted butter and mix for 1 minute on low speed. Sift in the flour and unsweetened cocoa powder. Beat or whisk to combine. Slowly pour in the milk while beating the mixture and until just combined. Set the bowl aside. Preheat the oven now to 325° F / 170°C (150°C if you are using a fan assisted oven). Rinse out and dry the whisk or beaters (if you were using for the yolk mixture). Beat the egg whites on medium speed for 1 minute. Then add in the 1 T. white granulated sugar and salt. Continue beating for about 4 minutes. When the beaters are lifted from the bowl, the whites should now form stiff peaks. Be careful not to overbeat the egg whites past this stage. Or the result will be curdled egg whites. Combine the egg yolk mixture with the egg white mixture. Use a spatula to transfer the beaten egg whites to the yolk mixture. Fold the beaten whites (½ of the mixture at a time) gently into the yolk mixture with a spatula. Don’t worry if you see a few specks of egg white on the surface. You don’t want to overbeat it. The mixture will look thin and quite runny even as you pour it into the baking pan. This is also perfectly normal.

Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Rhubarb Coffee Cake

 

8 ounces fresh Rhubarb, 1/4″ dice

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

2 eggs, large

2 cups AP flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon ground

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup buttermilk, room temp

1 tsp. vanilla

 

Set oven rack in center of oven; preheat 350ºF. Choose pan. 13×9″, 9″x 2″ round. Grease bottom. Flour and shake out excess or line bottom after greasing with parchment paper cut to fit. Leave sides ungreased. Set pan aside. Cover chopped rhubarb with sugar and set aside. Beat the butter and remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar in large mixer until well combined and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, until fluffy. Set aside Sift flour, soda, cinnamon and salt together. Add to creamed mixture, ALTERNATING with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. On slow speed, mix just to combine. Fold in rhubarb, sugar mixture. Add vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 30 minutes before removing. Or cut and serve from pan. To Glaze: Whisk together 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar and juice from 1/2 lemon. working out lumps as you go and making it almost clear. Remove warm cake from pan. Discard paper bottom; place cake on serving plate. While cake is still hot, brush glaze over top of cake. Continue cooling cake.

Dark Chocolate Cake

Dark Chocolate Cake

Dark Chocolate Cake

 

1¾ cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

¾ cup unsweetened baking cocoa

2¼ tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 cup sour cream

½ cup vegetable oil

1 T. vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 cup hot water

2 tsp instant coffee powder

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 13- x- 9-inch pan. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Beat sour cream, oil, vanilla, and eggs using a handheld mixer or an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Combine water and instant coffee in a separate bowl. Alternately beat dry ingredients and coffee mixture into egg mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients until just blended, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool. Frost with Chocolate Buttercream recipe.

Oreo Dump Cake

Oreo Dump Cake

Oreo Dump Cake

 

24 Oreo cookies, divided

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

1 box chocolate fudge cake mix

1 1/2 sticks (12 T.) salted butter, sliced

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange 18-20 Oreo cookies in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared pan, covering as much surface area as possible. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layer of Oreo cookies. Spread the thawed whipped topping over the sweetened condensed milk in an even layer. Sprinkle the dry chocolate fudge cake mix evenly over the whipped topping layer. Use a fork to break up any large lumps in the cake mix. Arrange the butter slices in a single layer on top of the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible. Roughly chop the remaining 4-6 Oreo cookies and sprinkle them on top of the butter layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the top is set and the butter has been absorbed into the cake mix. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, scooping out portions with a large spoon. If desired, top individual servings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

 

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup water

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 

3/4 cup unsalted butter

2/3 cup creamy peanut butter

6 T. milk

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugars, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and water. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat, add the peanut butter, and stir until well blended. Pour the peanut butter blend over the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. In a small bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add to the batter and mix until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake cools, make the frosting. Combine the butter, peanut butter, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and gradually stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Immediately spread the frosting over the warm cake. Then, let the cake and frosting cool before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

Vanilla Wafer Cookies

Vanilla Wafer Cookies

Vanilla Wafer Cookies

 

1/2 cup sugar (3.5 ounce)

2 T. vanilla paste

1 cup flour (about 7 ounces)

3/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 egg

1 T. vanilla

 

Blend sugar and vanilla paste to incorporate well; set aside. Whisk and set aside flour baking powder and salt. Cream the butter and vanilla sugar by beating 2 minutes. Add egg and mix a half minute more. Add vanilla and milk and blend on low speed. Add flour mixture and mix on low just to incorporate and do not over mix. Chill the batter for 10 minutes before scooping with 100 scoop. or about 1 teaspoon balls. Arrange  on greased sheet or parchment lined sheet. Bake in 350ºF oven for 15 -18 minutes–remove when evenly golden browned. Cool completely

Dimply Plum Cake

Dimply Plum Cake

Dimply Plum Cake

 

1 1/2 cups all purpose four

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground cardamom

5 T. unsalted butter

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1/3 cup canola oil

Grated zest of one lemon (I left this out, by accident, mostly)

1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

8 purple or red plums, halved and pitted

 

Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter an 8×8 baking dish or a glass pie plate and set aside. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and ground cardamom. In a stand mixer, cream the butter with the brown sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the oil, lemon zest and vanilla. Reduce the speed and add the flour mixture. Pour the batter in the prepared dish, smooth the top and arrange the plums on top, cut side up. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Pear and Cardamom Cobbler

Pear and Cardamom Cobbler

PNW Pear and Cardamom Cobbler

For the Biscuit Dough 1½ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup coconut sugar (or granulated) 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground cardamom 8 T. (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced 1 egg, cold ¾ to 1 cup heavy cream, cold For the Cobbler ¼ cup brown sugar 2 tsp. ground cardamom 2 to 3 ripe pears, cored and sliced 1 T. cold unsalted butter, diced Powdered sugar, for garnish, or serve with vanilla bean ice cream

Preheat the oven to 35O°F. To prepare the dough, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cardamom in a large bowl. Cut in the diced butter with a pastry cutter or fork or even your fingers until the flour mixture is crumbly. Once the butter is cut into the flour mixture, stir in the egg and ¾ cup heavy cream, just until nicely blended. Add the additional ¼ cup cream if your mixture hasn’t reached dough consistency. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9-by-l 3-inch baking dish or a 9-inch round cake pan. To prepare the cobbler, mix together the brown sugar and cardamom in a small bowl. Place the pear slices over the dough in the baking dish or cake pan and sprinkle the brown sugar and cardamom evenly over the top. Place the butter over the pears. Bake for 2 5 to 3 0 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with powdered sugar or serve with vanilla bean ice cream.  Note: I used Bose pears for my cobbler, but you can use any type of pear you’ve got on hand or find at your farmers’ market. Cardamom is most fragrant and flavorful when it’s fresh. If your cardamom has been in your pantry longer than 6 months, you may want to use a tsp. more in the cobbler or purchase a fresh bottle of cardamom. There is nothing like fresh cardamom in a baked recipe

Spice Cake from Yellow Cake Mix

Spice Cake from Yellow Cake Mix

Spice Cake from Yellow Cake Mix

 

1 yellow cake mix box

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon allspice or cloves

 

Prepare as directed on box.

Lemon Custard Magic Cake

Lemon Custard Magic Cake

Lemon Custard Magic Cake

 

4 cold eggs, separated

3/4 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

2 cups lukewarm milk

1 tsp. Vanilla

4 T. melted butter, cooled

Zest and juice of one lemon

 

Line a 2-inch tall 8×8-inch cake pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 325°F.  In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, egg yolks, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla and 1/2 cup of the milk. Whisk to combine and then whisk in the remaining milk.  In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the liquid mixture, folding in one-third of the egg whites at a time. Be sure the liquid at the bottom of the mixing bowl is fully incorporated each time.  Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake the cake for 45 minutes until the top is lightly golden and a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean.  Allow the cake to fully cool in the pan for at least one hour. Remove the cake from the pan, pulling it out using the sides of the parchment paper. Dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing and serving at room temperature or chilled.

Ham & Cheese Quiche

Ham & Cheese Quiche

Ham & Cheese Quiche

 

1 store-bought pie shell in foil pie tin

⅓ pound smoked ham diced

2 medium leeks dark green stalks removed and finely diced

1 ¾ cup coarsely grated Emmentaler cheese or Jarlsberg or Gruyere depending on availability

1 cup coarsely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese or regular parmesan cheese if preferred

1 cup heavy cream

3 large eggs

1 small handful fresh chives chopped

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt to taste

 

Bake the pie crust 2-3 minutes less than recommended on pie crust packaging (usually 10-15 minutes). Set aside. Preheat oven to 350℉. In a small pot, add olive oil and leeks. Sauté leeks just until softened, about 2-3 minutes, over medium heat. Use a slotted spoon to remove leeks from pot and place an even layer of leeks on pie crust. Add diced ham on top of leeks in an even layer. Mix grated cheeses together and spread evenly over ham. Whisk together heavy cream, eggs, and salt. Drizzle your egg/cream mixture VERY slowly, in a spiral motion, throughout your quiche. If you pour too quickly, the mixture won’t have time to absorb into the quiche and it will spill over! Use as much of the mixture as possible, until the pie crust is full without spilling over. There may be a bit leftover depending on the exact size of the crust. Sprinkle a generous amount of chives on top of quiche. Bake ham and cheese quiche, uncovered, at 350℉ for 30 minutes. Then loosely cover your quiche with foil and bake for an additional 45 minutes, or until quiche is deep golden brown and egg mixture is set. The total baking time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. Let quiche rest for 10 minutes before slicing!

Italian Sesame Seed Cookies

Italian Sesame Seed Cookies

Italian Sesame Seed Cookies

 

½ pound butter – softened

1 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Anise Flavoring/ extract

3 cups flour (may need to add more)

2 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

Milk (for dipping, optional)

12-16 ounces Sesame Seeds (May be lightly toasted in oven, if desired, before using for cookies.)

.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cream together butter and sugar.  Mix in eggs, vanilla, and a few drops of anise flavoring. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture to form a soft dough. Pinch off pieces of dough and roll them into small thumb size logs (about 1 ½ to 2 inches long and about ½ inch thick).  You may want to flour hands before shaping cookies. Put sesame seeds shallow bowl or plate.  Roll cookie logs in sesame seeds to coat.  (Optional:  Pour milk and a few drops of anise flavoring in a shallow bowl.  Put sesame seeds in another shallow bowl or plate. Dip dough into milk and then roll them in sesame seeds to coat.).  Place on a greased or parchment covered cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 – 15 minutes. Mine took longer. Keep peeking.  Cool on racks.  Can be frozen.  Makes about 2 to 3 dozen

Cake Mix Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Cake Mix Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Cake Mix Lemon Cheesecake Bars

 

1 box Yellow Cake

¼ cup butter or margarine, softened

3 eggs

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

2 tablespoons lemon juice

 

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). In large bowl, beat dry cake mix, butter and 1 of the eggs with electric mixer on low speed until crumbly. Press in bottom of ungreased 13×9-inch pan. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar on low speed. Stir in lemon peel and lemon juice until smooth. Reserve 1/2 cup; refrigerate. Beat remaining 2 eggs into remaining cream cheese mixture on medium speed until blended. Spread over cake mixture. Bake bars 23 to 28 minutes or until set. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Spread with reserved cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate about 3 hours or until firm. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 6 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Cape Cod Cranberry Scones with a Summery Lemon Glaze

Cape Cod Cranberry Scones with a Summery Lemon Glaze

Cape Cod Cranberry Scones with a Summery Lemon Glaze

 

1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup sugar

1/8 tsp salt

zest of one orange

5 tbsp butter

1/2 cup dried craisins

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup sour cream

1  medium egg

1 tbsp milk or heavy cream

1 tbsp sugar

Lemon Glaze

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

2 cups powdered sugar sifted

1 tbsp butter

zest of one lemon

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F Sift the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt into a large bowl, add zest of one orange. Cut in butter using a pastry blender until it resembles small peas. Stir in the craisins. Mix together 1/2 cup milk and sour cream in a measuring cup. Pour all at once into the dry ingredients, and stir gently until well blended. Do not overwork the dough or they will be tough. With floured hands, pat the dough into one large disk about 1″ tall. Place the disk on a cookie sheet lined with parchment and with a sharp knife or bench knife, score into 8 triangles cutting almost all the way through the dough. (If not baking until the next day, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate at this point.) Whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream. Brush the top of the scone with the egg wash and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. sugar. Let them rest for about 10 minutes. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown, but not deep brown and the scone is cooked through. Cool for about 10 min. while preparing the glaze. Mix the lemon juice with the powdered sugar until dissolved in a microwave-safe bowl. Whisk in the butter and lemon zest. Microwave for 30 seconds and whisk until the glaze is smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the scones. Let it set a minute before serving. Enjoy!

No Knead Focaccia

No Knead Focaccia

No Knead Focaccia

 

4 cups/500g white bread flour (or swap half of the strng white flour for more nutritious flours such as spelt or rye or whole wheat)

1 1/4-oz/7g (1 envelope) instant dried yeast

1 T. honey (or agave syrup, for vegans)

4 tablespoons/60ml olive oil

For the herb garden topping

Flaky salt or 1 T. of caper brine or olive brine, plus a mix of any leaves and edible petals that you can grow or forage, such as sage, marjoram, rosemary, marigolds, rose petals, pansies, fig leaves

 

Measure the flour into your biggest mixing bowl. Using a big wooden spoon or spatula, stir in 2-3 teaspoons/10-15g salt, the yeast, honey, and 1 2/3 C. lukewarm water. Stir well until it comes together and there are no unmixed bits. Add up to 2 ½ tablespoons/40ml more water and keep stirring until you have a wet, shaggy dough. Cover with a plate and let rise at room temperature for at least 4 hours or up to 8. It should be very bubbly and will have doubled or tripled in volume (hence the need for your biggest bowl). Take a big heavy pan—I use a 12-inch/30cm iron pan but if you don’t have something similar, it will also work fine on a lined baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper if it’s a pan that sticks. Pour 2 T. of the olive oil into the bottom of the pan or sheet and gently pour in the bubbly dough. Using your fingers, make deep holes in the dough, like craters on the moon. Spread the final 2 T. of oil over the top. Let rise at room temperature for another 2 hours or so until it is even more risen and bubbly. When you are nearly ready to bake, preheat the oven to 450° F. Decorate the focaccia with a range of leaves and petals (bear in mind that they shrink in the oven so use more than you think you need) and sprinkle with a little flaky salt or drizzle 1 T. of brine from ajar of capers, which adds a delicious tang. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the color of autumn leaves. Cool on a wire rack.