Whole Wheat Applesauce Coffee Cake (High Altitude Style)

 Continuing on my breakfast treats for baking this week...

Whole Wheat Applesauce Coffee Cake (High Altitude Style)

Yields: 1 cake (9x9)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

CAKE:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

3/4 cup brown sugar (I did partial light and partial dark)

1 1/2 cup apple sauce

1/2 cup raisins

1/3 cup butter, melted

1/2 tsp allspice

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

3/4 tsp baking soda

TOPPING:

2 tbsp whole wheat flour

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

1 tbsp butter

1/8 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 375

2. Grease bottom of a 9x9 cake pan.

3. In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, applesauce, egg, and brown sugar.

4. In a large bowl, combine WW flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.

5. Add butter mixture to flour mixture. Mix well.

6. Add raisins.

7. Pour batter in pan and sprinkle topping over top.

8. Bake 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean and the top springs back when touched in the center.

9. Enjoy!

Blueberry Muffins & Morning Glory Muffins (High Altitude Style)

Did you know how many changes you have to make to baking recipes when you are in high altitude? Neither did I! King Arthur has an incredible resource to augment recipes, which I have been doing with some of my regular cookbooks. But, I also decided I should purchase a high altitude cookbook so that I didn't have to augment everything! I decided to cook a few muffin recipes from it. 

 Blueberry Muffins (High Altitude Style) 

Yields: 12 muffins

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

1 egg

1 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries (you can use fresh - I have just found that frozen don't bleed as much) 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425

2. Grease muffin tin

3. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt and make a well in the center of flour mixture.

4. In a separate bowl, combine egg, milk, vanilla and oil. Then add to the well int he flour mixture.

5. Stir quickly with fork until flour mixture is moistened.

6. Add blueberries in the last few strokes

7. Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full

8. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

9. Enjoy!

Morning Glory Muffins (High Altitude Style)

Yields: 24 muffins

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup golden raisins

Hot water to soak raisins

2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups grated carrots (approx. 3 carrots)

1 tart green apple peeled and diced (I used a Granny Smith)

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup shredded coconut (it's okay if it's sweetened)

3 large eggs

2/3 cup butter melted and cooled (approx. 1 1/2 sticks)

2 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Cover raisins with hot water and let soak 20-30 minutes then drain well.

3. Grease muffin tins or use paper liners.

4. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

5. Add drained raisins, carrots, apple, almonds, and coconut. Stir to combine.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, butter, and vanilla.

7. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture but do not over mix!

8. Spoon batter into muffin tins until 3/4 full

9. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

10. Let cool 5 minutes in tin then remove from tin and let cool fully.

11. Enjoy!

Cranberry Curd Tart

 I needed another try at curd but honestly, this recipe was not my favorite. It felt like it didn't have as strong of a cranberry flavor..

Cranberry Curd Tart

Yields: 1 tart

Total Time: 1 hr 30 minutes

Ingredients:

CRUST: 

1 1/4 cups raw hazelnuts

1 cup rice flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup sugar

6 tbsp butter (softened)

CURD:

12 ounces cranberries

1 cup sugar

1 orange (peel and juice- about 1/2 cup)

1 stick butter (softened)

2 eggs plus 2 egg yolks

Directions: 

1. Heat oven to 325. Put hazelnuts on baking sheet and roast 10-15 minutes (until skins are dark and crack). Put roasted nuts in a clean towel and rub off skins. Discard skins and let nuts cool.

2. In a food processor, grind nuts with half the rice flour until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Then add remaining rice flour and salt and pulse.

3. Cream sugar and butter in a mixing bowl with a wooden spoon until pale and thick. Add nut mixture and combine until dough comes together. Note: If dough is crumbly, add 1-2 tbsp softened butter or a little cold water (I added 2 tbsp water).

4. Press dough into a 10 inch tart pan. Use half the dough for the sides and half for the bottom. Prick bottom with a fork and freeze for 30 minutes 

5. Heat oven to 350. Bake chilled tart about 15 minutes then cool.

6. Make curd: Put cranberries, sugar, juice, and peel in a saucepan in a medium hit. Simmer until cranberries have popped and softened (about 10 minutes). Transfer to a mesh sieve or puree then press through sieve. Then whisk the butter into the warm liquid.

7. Put eggs and egg yolks into a bowl and beat lightly.  Then whisk liquid into the eggs to temper.

8. Combine both and whisk together over low heat until bubbling and thickened.

9. Let cool to room temperature then pour cranberry curd into prefaced tart shell.

10. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes to set curd. Then cool.

11. Enjoy!

Lemon Bars

 I think next time I would tweak this curd recipe a bit (to set a bit more) and do less crust. But otherwise, it was delicious and a gorgeous tart flavor.

Lemon Bars

Yields: 8

Total Time: 1 hr 30 minutes

Ingredients:

CRUST:

1 1/4 cups flour

1/4 cup sugar

3 tbsp confectioner's sugar

1 tsp lemon zest

1/4 tsp salt

10 tbsp butter (cut in cubes)

CURD:

4-6 lemons (enough to make 3/4 cup juice and 1/2 tbsp zest)

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 large eggs plus 3 yolks

1 1/2 tsp cornstarch

pinch of sea salt

4 tbsp butter

1/4 cup olive oil

confectioner's sugar and flaky sea salt

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 325 and line a 9x9 baking pan with enough parchment to hang over two of the sides.

2. Pulse together flour, sugars, lemon zest, and salt in a food processor.

3. Add butter and pulse to cut the butter into the flour until a crumbly dough forms

4. Press dough into a prepared pan and bake until shortbread is pale golden all over (30-35 minutes)

5. While shortbread is baking, prepare the lemon curd by whisking together 3/4 cup lemon juice, sugar, eggs, yolks, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat until boiling and thickened (2-5 minutes). Note: You should see it thicken before you take it off the heat but, once it boils do not cook for longer than 1 minute or you risk the curd thinning out again.

6. Remove from heat and strain into bowl. Whisk in butter, olive oil, and 1/2 tbsp zest.

7. When the shortbread is ready, take it out of the oven and pour in lemon curd.

8. Return the pan to oven and bake until topping is just set (10-15 minutes).

9. Allow to cool and refrigerate.

10. Sprinkle with sea salt or confectioner's sugar before serving.

11. Enjoy!

Ricciarelli

 I went to a local place and had one of these cookies and thought "I must make these." A week later, I made them and they are delicious!

Ricciarelli 

(Recipe found here)

Yields: 16 

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including drying)

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: ~2 hours

Ingredients:

2 egg whites

Dash of lemon juice

2 1/4 cups almond flour

1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

Pinch of salt

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp orange zest (I used a clementine)

1 tbsp almond extract

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup powdered sugar for coating

Directions: 

1. In a large bowl, whip egg whites and lemon juice using mixer until stiff peaks form.

2. Using a mesh sieve, sift almond flour, powdered sugar, salt, and baking powder.

3. Fold into egg whites in 2-3 batches, keeping some air in the egg whites but creating a sticky dough.

4. Add orange zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Fold until combined

5. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Roll into about 1" balls and roll in powdered sugar until well coated. Shape into an oval baking sheet.

7. Leave at room temperature for about an hour until the tops have dried out. 

8. Pre-crack the cookies by squeezing the cookies slightly from opposite corners. 

9. Preheat oven to 300

10. Bake 20 minutes

11. Enjoy! 

Bagels and Gravalox

 This week I got adventurous with my baking (and cooking) and wanted to make a true NYC breakfast. And I have to say... I didn't blow it! The bagels could've been cooked a bit less and the gravalox with a bit less pepper but, not bad for my first rodeo!

Bagels and Gravalox

(Original recipes)

BAGEL RECIPE

Yields: 6

Prep Time: 24 hours

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 day 1 hour

Ingredients:

DOUGH

1 1/8 cups lukewarm water

1 tbsp barley malt syrup 

1 1/8 tsp active dry yeast (1/2 packet)

3 1/4 cups bread flour

1 tbsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt OR 1/2 tbsp Morton kosher salt

Neutral oil

ASSEMBLY: 

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/8 cup barley malt syrup (plus more as needed)

Toppings (if desired)

Directions:

1. Pour 1/4 cup luke warm water into a small bowl. Whisk in barley malt syrup and yeast until both dissolve. Let sit until mixture foams (about 5 minutes) 

2. In a large bowl, combine bread flour and salt.

3.  Make a well in the center and pour in yeast mixture and remaining water. Mix. (The dough should be shaggy)

4. Knead the mixture in the bowl several times then turn onto a clean work surface, kneading for about 15-20 minutes until you have a stiff but very smooth dough

5. Gather dough into a ball, lightly dust with flour, and put in a large clean bowl with seam side down. Cover with a damp towel and let the dough rise until it has doubled, about 2 hours.

5. Lightly punch dough down to knock out the air. 

6. Cut the dough into 6 equal pieces

7. Preshape the bagels into tight balls. Then gather one ball at a time, pinching irregular edges into tear drop shape. Then cup your hand down and over the top in a loose grip, moving your hand in a circular motion dragging the dough across the surface until it has a high tight dome.

8. Repeat with all pieces then cover with a damp towel and let rest for 5 minutes.

9. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush with oil then set aside.

10. One piece at a time, roll out a ball into a 9 inch rope. Then wrap the rope around one hand and seal the ends together. Slip the ring of dough off your hand and stretch to even out thickness, until you have a ring that measures about 4". Then add to sheet. 

11. Once all are shaped, cover baking sheet with plastic and damp towel then put in the refrigerator to chill 4-24 hours.

12. 2 hours before you want to serve the bagels, preheat oven to 450. 

13. Fill large Dutch oven halfway with water and set a wire rack next to it. 

14. Prep bagel toppings in a plate on the side. 

15. Remove baking sheet from the refrigerator. Fill a small bowl of room temperature water and put a ring into the bowl. If the ring floats, it is ready to be boiled and baked. If it sinks, dry it off and let the rings sit for about 30 minutes and then check again. 

16. Set Dutch oven over high heat and bring to a boil. Whisk in baking soda and barley malt syrup. (You want the water to look like a strong black tea. Add more syrup until it does.) 

17. Bring to boil and skim any foam off the surface. Then maintain a gentle boil.

18. Add bagels into the Dutch oven (as many that will fit)

19. Boil for 1 minute, turning halfway through.

20. Transfer to wire rack then add topping, if using.

21. Remove parchment from baking sheet and put bagels on sheet.

22. Bake 20-25 minutes, rotating the sheet after 12 minutes.

23. Enjoy!

GRAVALOX 

Yields: 1 filet (1 lb)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time/Cure Time: 5 days

Total Time: 5 days 10 minutes

Ingredients: 

1lb salmon filet

1/4 cup kosher salt

1/4 cup sugar

1/8 cup black pepper

1 bunch dill (about 1 cup)

Directions: 

1. Lay salmon skin side down in a baking dish.

2. In a small bowl, combine salt sugar and pepper. 

3. Put mixture oven salmon evenly until fully covered as if under a blanket of snow (use it all).

4. Spread dill on top to make a thick grassy carpet.

5. Lay plastic wrap or parchment over salmon to cover and press down. Then place a heavy weight on top. 

6. Refrigerate without disturbing for 5 days, except turn salmon over midway through the cure (Day 3).

7. Remove salmon from cure (which has now become liquid), brush off dill, and set on cutting board.

8. With a knife, slice tilted at an angle, stopping short of cutting though the skin and starting a few inches from the tail. Then run your knife between the skin and flesh to release. Transfer to parchment until ready to serve. 

9. Enjoy!

 

Ginger Stout Cake

  I decided to continue with my ginger molasses theme this week and get some stout to make a cake. Unfortunately though my mom didn't have a bundt pan so I settled for this slightly strange giant donut-esque pan. Still delicious.

 

Ginger Stout Cake

(original recipe here)

Total Time: 1 1/2 hours

Yields: 1 cake

Ingredients: 

2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)

1/2 cup raw Demarara sugar ( I used granulated sugar and honestly, I think you should use the raw)

1 cup stout (I used Murphy's Stout - cheap and generic. You won't use all the stout in a bottle though so, choose one you like or can reuse in things)

1 cup molasses (Helpful hint: Spray the measuring cup with pam before you put the molasses in and it's way easier to get out!) 

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 cups flour

1 tbsp ground ginger

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp all spice

1/4 tsp alt

3 tbsp grated fresh ginger

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup lightly packed brown sugar

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup oil 

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Grease a bundt pan with softened butter and coat pan with raw sugar so it sticks

3. Add stout and molasses to a medium saucepan and bring to simmer. Then remove from heat and carefully whisk in baking soda. Let cool. (The stout will bubble up)

4. Mix together flour, ground spices, pepper, and salt. Set aside.

5. Mix fresh ginger, vanilla, brown sugar, and sugar (with mixer, if you have one for 5 minutes on medium) 

6. Add oil (mixer on low for 5 minutes)

7. Add stout mixture and mix for another 5 minutes

8. Add dry ingredients in two parts mixing well between them.

9. Add batter to prepare pan and bake 55-65 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

10. Let cake cool 15 minutes then flip upside down to release.

11.  Enjoy!

Ginger Molasses Cookies

 This recipe gives just the right amount of crunch and chewiness, taste of molasses and ginger all in one. It's like gingerbread and a molasses cookie combined. Yum!

Ginger Molasses Cookies

(original recipe) 

Makes: ~36 

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: ~15 minutes/tray

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients:

3 cups flour

1 tbsp ground ginger

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp all spice

1 1/2 cups butter (3 sticks, room temperature)

3/4 cup molasses

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

3/4 cup coarse sugar (for rolling)

Directions: 

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and all spice.

2. In another bowl, beat butter, molasses, and sugar until the mixture is super light, fluffy, and pale. Then add eggs (1 at a time) beating well after each addition. Add vanilla.

3. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix

4. Refrigerate dough for 30-45 minutes (until it's firm enough to roll).

5. Preheat oven to 325

6. Roll dough into tablespoons and then into the sugar. If dough becomes too soft again, put in the refrigerator for a bit (10-15 mins). 

7. Put balls onto parchment lined or greased baking tray 2" apart and bake until cookies are golden brown and tops spring back slightly when touched, about 12-15 minutes (I found 14 minutes was the sweet spot!) 

8. Enjoy!

Inside Out Cookies

 I've done a bunch of chocolate chip cookies recently (a solid go-to) so I decided to try something new. These are definitely good but, not absolutely incredible! They have a nice chocolatey taste and aren't overly sweet though which I love.

Inside Out Cookies

(original recipe) 

Makes: 2 dozen

Prep Time: 3 hours (incl. cooling) 

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup + 2 tsp cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp salt

1 tbsp milk

1 1/4 cup white chocolate chips

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugars until fluffy. Then add egg and vanilla.

2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. 

3. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients (the dough will be very thick). 

4. Beat in milk and then mix in chocolate chips (the dough will be sticky).

5. Cover tightly and chill for 3 hours - 3 days.

6. Remove from fridge and allow to sit at room temperature 10 - 20 minutes

7. Preheat oven to 350 

8. Scoop and roll dough into balls and cook 11 minutes.

9. Enjoy!

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

 This does require a donut tray if you want them to be a nice cute shape but, you could also use a muffin tray if not. This is a great way to use up leftover apple cider!

Apple Cider Donuts

Makes: 24 small donuts or muffins

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

Non stick cooking spray

1 3/4 cup all purpose flour

1 1/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup apple cider

Directions: 

1. Heat oven to 350 and lightly grease trays. In a medium bowl, add flour, baking powder, salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, and nutmeg. 

2. In another bowl, cream 10 tbsp butter, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup sugar until fluffy then add eggs and vanilla. 

3. Add flour mixture until incorporated. 

4. Add apple cider.

5. Spoon batter into prepared donut pans or muffin tins. Fill them about 2/3 of the way and no need to smooth the top! (I did this with a plastic bag cut on the corner to pipe in.) 

6. Bake 15-20 minutes

7. While the donuts bake, whisk remaining sugar (1/2 cup) and cinnamon (1 tsp) together and melt 6 tbsp butter.

8. Let the donuts cool for 5 minutes then brush with melted butter and cover with cinnamon sugar.

9. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Roll with Caramel Coffee Cream

I had never made a rolled cake before so, figured what better excuse than quarantine and honestly, it turned out super well. 

Pumpkin Roll with Caramel Coffee Cream

Link here

Total Time: 3 hours (with cooling)

Ingredients:

Cake - 

Unsalted butter for greasing

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup pumpkin puree

3 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

powdered sugar for dusting

Filling - 

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp butter

2 tsp finely ground coffee

8 ounces cream cheese

1/4 cup powdered sugar

Assembly - 

1/2 cup heavy cream

powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350. Butter baking sheet, add parchment paper, and then butter parchment

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, whisking gently if needed to eliminate any lumps.

3. Spread the batter onto the prepared sheet in an even layer. (It's so thin!) Bake until the cake is puffed, set and springs back when pressed gently in the center, about 15 minutes.

4. Put clean towel on work surface and dust with powdered sugar.

5. Carefully remove cake from oven and put onto the towel. Roll from the short edge into a spiral, taking care not to compress it and then move it to a rack to cool.

5. After the cake is cooling, make the filling: Add 1 tablespoon water to a small saucepan. Add the granulated sugar and bring to a simmer, without stirring, over medium-high heat. Once the sugar starts to turn amber in spots, swirl the pan to help the sugar cook evenly. Continue to cook the sugar mixture, swirling occasionally, until it turns a deep amber color, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove it from the heat and immediately stir in the cream, butter and ground coffee. (Be careful, as the mixture will steam and bubble.)

6. Cook for another minute or two over medium heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then carefully pour it into a bowl.  Let the caramel cool for a few minutes but don’t let it cool completely, as it will harden.

7. Add cream cheese a few pieces at a time until all is incorporated. Then transfer to a smaller bowl and cool completely (about 1 hour).

8. When you're ready to assemble, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream to a stiff peak and mix into the cream cheese mixture.

9. Carefully unroll the care and spread filling evenly over the cake. Then roll it back up without the dish towel. Trim about 1 inch from each end and transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle with powdered sugar

10. Enjoy!

 

English Muffins

 So I figured I would try something a bit more tricky. Though I had to make augmentations for the high altitude, they still worked well - augments not listed below.  Honestly though, just buy them at the store!

Whole Wheat English Muffins

(original recipe here)

Makes: 6 

Prep Time: 2 hours (incl. rising)

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hrs 30 minutes

Ingredients: 

2 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

4 tbsp unsalted butter

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup warm whole milk

1/2 tbsp honey

1 tsp salt

1 cup WW flour

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

cornmeal

Directions:

1. Combine yeast and 1/3 cup warm water until yeast dissolves, about 5 minutes

2. Melt 2 tbsp butter and put in large bowl. Whisk in yogurt, milk, honey, salt, and yeast mixture.

3. Add flours and baking soda to bowl and beat thoroughly. Then cover bowl and let sit to rest 1-1 1/2 hours or until dough is doubled.

4. Heat oven to 350 and dust baking sheet with cornmeal.

5. Heat skillet and melt 1 tbsp butter. Using a scoop, drop batter into skillets to form muffins (about 4 inches in diameter) creating 3 in a pan. 

6. Reduce heat to low and cover skillet, cooking for 3-5 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown.

7. Uncover skillet and flip muffins. Then cover again and cook 2-4 minutes.

8. Put muffins on baking sheet and repeat with remaining batter.

9. Once all are completed, bake 6-9 minutes or until puffed and cooked through.

10. Enjoy!

• 1

Couple of Cakes: Carrot & Lemon Poppy Seed

Because it was my partner's birthday, I wanted to bake a cake.. or two. So, after researching the two mentioned, I went ahead and began to make... The lemon poppy seed is definitely better for a breakfast treat or a mid-day snack with coffee or tea but, that carrot cake is really the star.

Left to right: Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake, Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake

Halved initial recipe here to make 1 cake

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1hr 15 minutes

Ingredients (for one cake)

Nonstick vegetable oil spray 

1/4 cup golden raisins (I used regular and it turned out great!) 

1 1/2 tablespoons dark rum

1/2 cup chopped walnuts 

1/2 pound carrots, peeled, coarsely grated 

1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature 

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 

1 teaspoons ground cinnamon 

1 teaspoons ground ginger 

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 

1 teaspoons baking powder 

3/4 teaspoons kosher salt 

1/3 teaspoon baking soda 

2 large eggs, room temperature 

1/2 cup granulated sugar 

1/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar 

1 teaspoons vanilla extract 

1/3 cup vegetable oil 

6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 

1/3 cup  unsalted butter, room temperature 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Generous pinch of kosher salt 

2 cups powdered sugar 

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Lightly coat pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper round then lightly coat again.

3. Heat rum and raisins together in a small saucepan until just warm.

4. Remove from heat and let sit until all liquid is absorbed and raisins are plump (~15-20 minutes)

5. Put walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast, tossing once, until golden brown (~8-10 minutes) 

6. Combine grated carrots and buttermilk in a small bowl

7. Whisk flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

8. Beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla together until pale and thick (~4 minutes). If you are not using a stand mixer, this will take longer but keep at it!

9. Gradually stream in oil.

10. Add dry ingredients in 3 additions alternating with carrot mixture (e.g. Dry, Carrot, Dry, Carrot, Dry) and mix until smooth.

11. Fold in raisins and walnuts.

12. Scrape batter into pan (s) and bake, rotating pan(s) halfway through until a tester in the center comes out clean (~35-45 minutes)

13. Transfer pans to a wire rack and let cakes cool 10 minutes

14. Run a knife around the edge and invert onto a wire rack, remove parchment, and cool completely.

15. For frosting: beat cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth. 

16. Then add vanilla and salt.

17. Gradually add powdered sugar (I did about 1/2 cup at a time)

18. Beat until frosting is light and fluffy

19. Spread frosting on cake and let set, then add more and candied carrot coins (if desired)

20. For candied carrots, you will need equal amounts carrots to tbsp sugar and double water (e.g. 1 carrot, 1 tbsp and 2 tbsp water). Combine in a skillet over medium heat and then toss with more sugar to coat carrots. Then cool. 

21. Enjoy!

Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake

Original recipe here

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 1hr 15 minutes

Ingredients: 

Butter, for greasing pan

1 ¾  cup all-purpose flour, more for pan

Zest of 2 lemons

1  cup sugar

½  cup buttermilk

3  tablespoons plus 4 teaspoons lemon juice

3  large eggs

1 ½  teaspoons baking powder

¼  teaspoon baking soda

¼  teaspoon fine sea salt

⅔  cup extra-virgin olive oil

1  tablespoon poppy seeds

½  cup confectioners’ sugar

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Butter and flour 8 inch loaf pan

3. In a bowl combine lemon zest and sugar and rub with your fingers until it looks like wet sand.

4. Whisk in buttermilk, 3 tbsp lemon juice, and eggs.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

6. Whisk dry ingredients into the batter and then add oil and poppyseeds.

7. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until toothpick inserted comes out clean, about 1 hr.

8. Let cool until warm to the touch then turn onto a baking rack over a baking sheet. 

9. Turn right side up.

10. Whisk together 4 tsp lemon juice and confectioners' sugar. 

11. Use pastry brush to spread glaze evenly over top and sides of cake.

12. Cool completely and enjoy!

Hamburger Buns

Baking Monday has shifted to Baking Day. This past week it was on Saturday. We had gotten some bacon burgers at the farmer's market but sadly were out of buns... no fear, I made some!

Hamburger Buns
Recipe from Homemade Pantry by Alana Chernila
Yields 8 buns
Prep Time: 4 hours (includes rises)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4hr 30 mins

Ingredients:
1 cup warm water (about 110℉)
3 tbsp whole milk
2 tsp active dry yeast
2 tbsp sugar
3 large eggs
3 3/4 cup all purpose flour (plus additional for counter)
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (at room temperature)
Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or coarse salt (optional)


Directions:
1. In a liquid measuring cup, combine water water, milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it stand until foamy (about 5 minutes)
2. While you wait, beat 2 eggs in a small bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the flour and salt together.
4. Add butter to the mixture and gently rub it within your fingers.
5. Stir in yeast mixture and beaten eggs until the dough starts to come together
6. Dump the dough onto a well floured counter and kneed (folding the dough onto itself and throwing it down) for about 10 minutes - adding additional flour when the dough gets sticky.
7. Shape the dough into a ball and return to its bowl.
8. Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled (about 2 hours).
9. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a knife divide the dough into 8 equal parts.
10.  Gently roll each part into a ball and arrange 2-3" apart on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with a dish towel and let buns rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours
11. Preheat oven to 400℉ with the rack in the center.
12. Fill a metal pan with water and set it on the oven floor or bottom rack (DO NOT USE A GLASS PAN)
13. In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with 1 tbsp water and brush some of the mixture on top of the buns with a pastry brush. This is when you would add seeds or coarse salt over the egg wash, if you are using them.
14. Place buns in the oven and bake (turning the sheet halfway through baking) until the tops are golden brown, about 20 minutes.

15. Enjoy!

Cookies

Last week, I made some rice krispie treats with birthday cake granola which were a whole lot easier than I thought and kind of created a fake Baking Monday. So, I ended up having a Baking Friday to make up for it.. Lots of cookies. All recipes below.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Original recipe here
Made 30-40
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup (1 stick + 6 tablespoons) butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups old fashioned oats 
1 cup raisins

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars together
3. Add eggs and vanilla
4. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Add to wet mixture.
6. Add oats and raisins.
7. Mix well and then drop dough onto ungreased cooking sheet.
8. Bake 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but center is still soft to the touch.
9. Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Original Recipe here
Made 30-40 
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients: 

2 1/4 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 cups (a 12 ounce package) of chocolate chips

1 cup nuts (optional)*

*Note: apparently if you do not add nuts, you're supposed to add 2 more tbsp flour.. I forgot.

1. Directions:
2. 1. Preheat oven to 375
3. 2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt
4. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugars, and vanilla until creamy.
5. 4. Add eggs
6. 5. Beat in flour mixture gradually
7. 6. Add chips (and nuts)
8. 7. Drop onto uncreased baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes.
9. 8. Let cool for about 2 minutes then move to wire rack to cool completely.
10. 9. Enjoy!

Vegan GF Sugar Cookies

Original Recipe Here (includes recipe for vegan royal icing, if curious)

No photo sadly but, these were fine.. super easily crackable so be careful when transferring them to cool and wait a bit longer. Also, they may need to cook longer to get brown. 

Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (incl. resting)

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients: 

2 cups + 1 tbsp gluten-free flour

1/2 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

pinch of salt

1/2 cup coconut oil, room temperature but able to scoop*

3/4 cup + 2 tbsp sugar

1/3 cup water

1/2 tsp vanilla

*Mine was very melted so this may have been where the texture was different

Directions: 

1. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. In a large bowl cream together coconut oil and sugar

3. Add water and vanilla.

4. Add flour mixture.

5. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for 1 hour

6.  Let dough sit at room temperature 30 minutes - 1 hour

7. Preheat oven to 325

8. Roll dough out onto parchment paper and cut out into shapes.

9. Transfer cookies to baking sheet with parchment paper, approx 1" apart

10. Bake 8-10 minutes until cookies are lightly browned

11. Enjoy!

Apple Pie

Man, Baking Monday got away from me with everything going on in the world so instead of Monday, I shifted to Tuesday and I called it more of a "Cheating Baking Tuesday." I used a pre-made crust which made it cheating. But, honestly, totally worth it. But, I also made some granola, which you can find the recipe to here.

Apple Pie
Recipe here
Makes 1 pie
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Rest Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 3hrs
Before & After

Ingredients:
1 box Pillsbury pie crusts (2 crusts total)
6 apples - sliced thinly
3/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp all purpose flour
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
Pinch of sugar (optional)

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 425. Place 1 pie crust in pie pan (ungreased) placing it firmly against the bottom and side.
2. In a large bowl, mix filling ingredients. Spoon into pie crust. (I let the filling sit too long while the oven heated up so, it ended up getting very soggy.)
3. Sprinkle sugar over second crust and pat into it.
4. Top pie with second crust. Wrap excess top crust under bottom crust and press edges to seal. Then cut slits into top crust.
5. Bake 40-45 minutes. After 20 minutes however, cover edge of crust with tin foil so it doesn't burn. Then continue baking until it's golden brown and the apples are tender.
6. Let sit for 2 hours to cool.
7. Enjoy!

Lemon Sweet Rolls

So, my first attempt at cinnamon rolls in the beginning of my Baking Mondays didn't go as planned - I think the coconut milk didn't allow for the rise. This week, I wanted to try again but, do a slightly different take. Lemon rolls it was!

Lemon Sweet Rolls
Recipe on NYT Cooking
Makes 12 rolls

Ingredients:
DOUGH
1 package/7 grams active dry yeast
1 cup buttermilk, 100 degrees warm
1/4 cup/4 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cadamom
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 - 4 1/2 cups flour

FILLING
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp cardamom
Pinch of salt
6 tbsp butter, soft

ICING (I halved this)
6 ounces cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp lemon juice, to taste

Directions:

1. Combine yeast, buttermilk, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let it sit until foamy (about 5-7 minutes)

2. Add butter, remaining 3 tbsp sugar, lemon zest, salt, and cardamom. If you have a stand mixer, go forth and use it. If not (like me), then mix well to combine. (I used a wooden spoon to help me.)

3. Add eggs and buttermilk mixture and stir until combined well.

4. Slowly add 4 cups of flour and stir until all the flour is moistened. The dough will be soft and billowy (whatever that means) and it will stick to the bottom of the bowl. Add more flour if the dough seems extremely soft. (I didn't end up adding any additional)

5. Transfer the dough to a freshly oiled bowl and turn the dough to coat then cover with plastic wrap.

6. Let the dough to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour/doubled in size.

7. Combine sugar, lemon zest, cardamom, and salt. Use your fingers to mix the lemon zest into the sugar.

8. Line a 9x13 baking sheet with parchment paper and butter both the pan and the paper. 

9. Gently deflate the dough by folding it over itself a few times in the bowl.

10. Turn the dough on a floured surface and pat or roll into a 12x16 rectangle.

11. Spread the soft butter over the dough and sprinkle with the sugar mixture evenly.

12. Roll dough into tight log and cut into 12 pieces.

13. Place the rolls into the pan, cover, and let rise again until doubled/about 1 hour.

14. Heat oven to 350 and bake 30-35 minutes or until they are golden and cooked through.

15. While the rolls are baking, make the icing by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Again, feel free to use a stand mixture or a whisk.

16. Let the rolls cool about 5 minutes then spread the icing over the top.

17. Enjoy! 

Simple Focaccia

Baking Tuesday as well! The focaccia has come out, risen, and is ready to be devoured.. and we sure did. I made some nice sandwiches and my boyfriend happily exclaimed "this is the best thing you've made." I guess I'll have to make it again soon...


Simple Focaccia
NYT Cooking recipe
Makes 1 pan (9x13)

Ingredients:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp active dry yeast
4 tbsp EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
1 tbsp salt
1 3/4 cup warm water
1 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
Dried herbs for garnish (optional)




Directions: 
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
2. Add warm water and stir until all the flour is incorporated and a stick dough forms. (Experct a very wet dough.)
3. Pour 2 tbsp oil into a medium bowl.
4. Transfer the dough, turn to coat, and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
5. Place in refrigerator to rest for 24 hours
6. Brush inside of a 9 x 13 baking sheet with oil.
7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and transfer to prepared pan.
8. Spread dough as much as possible, adding oil if needed to keep from sticking. (It will fill the pan once it relaxes and rises.)
9. Place the dough in a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk. (Mine took about 2 1/2 hours)
10. When the dough is ready, heat the oven to 450.
11. Pat down focaccia to an even thickness (approx. 1 inch) and dimple the entire dough.
12. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil on top and sprinkle with sea salt and herbs, if using.
13. Bake until top is uniformed golden brown (about 20-25 minutes)
14. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats

This week will be a baking Monday and Tuesday.  While my focaccia sits in the fridge overnight, I figured that Baking Mondays need not be just for humans! We have a furry friend coming to visit this week so, I wanted to bake her some treats. These are extremely simple to make and she seems to be quite the fan as well.

This time, I tried using a mini muffin tin instead of cutting them and it was so much easier and they are all uniformed, which I love. But, if you have a cute cookie cutter (e.g. bones or stars) that could work. My boring circle one was just not worth it.

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Original Recipe here
Makes about 25-50 depending on size

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour*
2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin/pumpkin puree**
2 tbsp peanut butter**
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon

*Any type of flour will do. I use gluten free so that I don't have to use the precious all-purpose.

**Make sure that both the pumpkin and the peanut butter don't have anything added into them. I use natural/organic for both to ensure it's only pumpkin/peanuts and salt.

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Mix together all ingredients.
3. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable but the dough should be dry and stiff.
4. Roll dough into 1/2 inch thick roll
5. Cut into 1/2 inch pieces (using cookie cutters or knife) OR push into mini-muffin tins
6. Bake in preheated oven until hard (about 35-40 minutes)
7. Enjoy!

Zucchini Bread

Another Monday, another loaf. This time.. zucchini. My mom sent me a great recipe so, I wanted to try it out.

Zucchini Bread
(from Cooks Illustrated)
Makes 1 loaf

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lb zucchini, shredded (about 2 large zucchinis)
1 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour (or 1/2 cup whole wheat and 1 1/2 cups all purpose)
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp sugar

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 and grease loaf pan
2. Shred zucchini, put in a dish towel, and drain as much liquid as possible out of it.
3. Whisk brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a medium bowl.
4. Fold in zucchini.
5. Whisk flours, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and nutmeg together in large bowl.
6. Add in zucchini mixture.
7. Pour batter into a pan and add sugar on top of the bread
8. Bake until toothpick inserted comes out clean (about 65-75 minutes).
9. Enjoy!