I first learned to make popovers back when I was in high school. I took a cooking class and popovers were one of the first things we ever made. I was so amazed at how they fluffed up right out of the pan and how they were so light and silky on the inside with a beautiful light … [Read more...]
Biscotti Picanti
I came across this recipe while searching for some different kinds of yeast breads to teach at one of my classes. I was looking for something that would have a very distinctive flavor and that would utilize some different techniques. This recipe has both of those and the spices … [Read more...]
Braided Brioche
I love brioche!! How can you beat the oh so soft and rich interior of a bread that is made with so much butter? Well, I think spread a bit more butter on a slice and add a touch of fresh raspberry jam! This dough is hard to work with and I recommend making the dough by stand … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Doughnuts
It is October which just screams pumpkin to me. I will say though, that after Thanksgiving hits I am pretty much pumpkin free for the next 9-10 months. Since I made my own pumpkin puree this year I have an abundance of the stuff in the freezer so, I have been looking for all … [Read more...]
Apple and Sweet Cheese Bread
I love bread, I love apples...oh and I love cheese danish! So, this apple and sweet cheese bread is all encompassing for me. It is a nice enriched sweet dough with sauteed cinnamon apples and rich cheese danish filling. There are a lot of parts to it, but it is worth the extra … [Read more...]
Raspberry Cheese Danish
This past Father's Day I thought it would be nice to bring my father some danish to enjoy before his golf match. Who can resist flaky pastry filled with creamy cheese filling and a touch of raspberry? This recipe is a very similar dough to my apricot danish recipe, but slightly … [Read more...]
English Muffins
My husband loves these English muffins, so I try to always have some around. These are slightly different than the store versions because they are not sweetened and when you toast them up they retain a wonderful crunch on the bottom. If you like your English muffins to be … [Read more...]
Traditional Bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups (16 oz) warm water 1 ¼ tsp. instant yeast 2 TB malt syrup or sugar 1 TB vegetable oil 7 cups (32 oz) bread flour 1 TB salt Toppings of choice 1. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer place the water, yeast, and malt syrup. … [Read more...]
Cheese Filled Babka
This babka is very different from my Easter babka. The Polish style that I make for Easter is laced with raisins, but this babka is a richer butter dough that is filled with a creamy cheese filling. When you cut into this loaf you will see the swirl of thick cheese filling … [Read more...]
Challah Bread
Ingredients: 5 tsp instant or active dry yeast (2 pkgs) 1 cup (8 oz) warm water ½ cup (4 oz) sugar 3 large eggs 4 ½ - 5 cups (22 ½ - 25 oz) unbleached all-purpose flour 2 tsp salt ½ cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, at room temperature In a large bowl dissolve … [Read more...]
Cranberry Pecan Boule
A toasted slice of this cranberry pecan boule was one of my favorite things to eat for breakfast in the early days of my pregnancy. It has a light heartiness and a wonderful sweetness from the cranberries and pecans. I used to make two to three loaves a week and would enjoy them … [Read more...]
Herb Toasted Pita Chips
Herb toasted pita chips are so easy to make and they are even better when you make your own homemade pita breads. I recommend trying them with a garlic infused oil for an extra depth of flavor. Ingredients: 2 tsp. dried thyme 1 TB finely minced fresh parsley 2 tsp … [Read more...]
Pita Bread Recipe
Store bought pita bread just doesn't compare to a warm out of the oven fresh pita. I love them because they are so versatile. You can fill them just like you would a sandwich or cut them into wedges and place them next to a bowl of hummus. They definitely take a bit of practice … [Read more...]
Focaccia
Focaccia to me is like a cross between a loaf of nice Italian bread and pizza. I like to top it minimally and let the flavor of the dough come through without competing with a multitude of different flavors. Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups (10.6 oz, 300g) water (room … [Read more...]
Gruyere and Roasted Garlic Loaves
I love roasted garlic! I love the aroma in my home, I love how it spreads like butter on my toasted baguette slices, and I love how it is mild and sweet, yet distinctive all at the same time. These gruyere and roasted garlic loaves are kind of large rolls (each one will probably … [Read more...]
Apricot Danish
Apricots are a very mild flavored fruit and so they do not overpower this recipe. I also like to fill them with a bit of cheese filling that I use in my raspberry cheese danish as well as the apricot, because then you get a nice balance of sweet and creamy. If you don't want … [Read more...]