pastries

Subterms

    consigliato per te

    • in Recipes

      A Vegetarian Farmers Market Brunch for HGTV.com

      ha scritto per te

      Throw The Ultimate Vegetarian Farmers Market Brunch! Turn your veggie haul into the season’s best brunch dishes.
      Spring Vegetable Frittata
      A few weeks ago, I loaded up my car with all the spring produce to make (and shoot!) A Vegetarian Farmers Market Brunch for HGTV.com. The scene was just perfect all around with temperate, sunny weather and big teakwood table on which to display all of our dishes.
      I’ve developed four delicious brunch recipes – both savory and sweet – along with instructions for an all-inclusive spring cheese board. I’m including some teasers and links in this post, but you can view the entire gallery right here.

      Fresh and Savory.
      Spring vegetable frittata (lead image) is such an easy main dish to make, and incredibly versatile. Take full advantage of all the tender new asparagus at the market, and don’t be afraid to pivot the ingredients as we move into summer months. Serve it with my Arugula Salad with Homemade Orange Poppy Seed Dressing.

      Roasted New Potatoes with Spring Herbs is another side dish I developed to perfectly compliment the frittata. It’s hearty and filling, yet light with a citrusy note. Serve the potatoes over a bed of spring greens for additional herbaceous flavor.

      Okay, this cheese board –swoon. It’s got a lot going on, and all of it is wonderful! The Ultimate Vegetarian Cheese Board ‘recipe’ is more of a guide for selecting spring cheeses. (Did you know cheese can be seasonal?). With it, we’ve added lots of other ingredients, such as comb honey, candied nuts, preserves, and lots of crunchy spring veggies for dipping.

      Here we’ve made a slightly smaller version of the cheese board to fit on a tabletop! A platter works well in place of a large serving board.

      The sweet stuff!
      What’s brunch without pastries? These Strawberry-Rhubarb Scones take advantage of rhubarb’s short season, and have buttermilk tang. I usually find scones to be quite dry, but these have a tender, moist crumb. My recommendation? Split one while warm and slather in butter!

      Lemon and blueberries together? You just can’t go wrong! Especially if those flavors are wrapped up in sweet yeast dough and baked farmhouse-style in a cast iron skillet. Get the Cast Iron Lemon-Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls right here. (Side note, developing this recipe inspired me to create these strawberry sweet rolls!)

      Special thanks to my colleagues (and friends!), a.k.a. the team that made this happen! HGTV editor and stylist Camille Smith, (Get her Strawberry Shrub recipe right here) stylist and art director Jill Tennant, and stylist and crafter Ann Nelson.
      View the entire gallery of brunch images at this link on HGTV.com.
      Please note: Some of you may not be able to view these recipes on HGTV.com due to geo-blocking, which is a necessary security measure. Unfortunately I can’t change this, but I’d be happy to send the recipes to those who comment below (just fill in your email address – it will stay private!).

      You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Classic Buttermilk Waffles

      ha scritto per te

      Crisp on the outside, tender and light on the inside, these homemade Classic Buttermilk Waffles are a brunch staple. A secret ingredient gives them delicate texture.

      Like many of you, I’m getting ready for a brunch-y weekend with mom, with all the fixings. And these waffles are on the menu! They are so crisp and airy just out of the waffle iron. Crunchy and light on the outside, with a soft interior. They’re so easy to whip up using just a whisk!

      Dry ingredients.
      First, mix up the dry ingredients. Flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and the secret ingredient: cornstarch. Studied waffle makers may already be familiar with this method. Replacing some of the flour with cornstarch (in just about any waffle recipe) will make the exterior extra crisp, while maintaining a soft interior. It’s extra-good in this double buttery recipe.

      Wet ingredients.
      Buttermilk gives the waffles tangy flavor, and melted butter makes gives them richness. Mix up all of the wet ingredients. If you’d like a creamy cake note, add a splash of vanilla at this stage.

      Mix it up! (But not too much.)
      Pour in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, and expect a few small lumps. This is normal. If you don’t have lumps, then you’ve overmixed the batter. So, keep those lumps in there!

      Waffle irons: so many options!
      You’ll need a waffle iron, of course. And boy, waffle makers sure run the gamut! I have two now; a round Belgian-style waffle iron, which makes big, fluffy waffles with deep pockets. With that one, I can only make one at a time. And this new one (above) that makes four slightly thinner square waffles with deep pockets. I’m loving this one. I wish I’d had this one at the last brunch I hosted! Making a single fresh waffle for each guest was so time-consuming.
      Fill and bake the waffles in your iron according to the directions that came with your waffle maker. This iron held about 1 1/4 cups of batter and baked for 5 minutes. However, waffle irons vary greatly, so consult the manufacturers instructions.

      Mmmm. Golden brown goodness! Classic Buttermilk Waffles are practically a blank canvas ready for butter, maple syrup, berries. Even chocolate sauce with whipped cream. (Not that I’d know anything about that. Ahem.)

      I’ve really enjoyed this recipe on repeat. It’s a true staple for breakfast. The batter is a quick fix requiring no fussy whipping of egg whites or resting the batter. It’s ready to go as soon as your waffle iron is hot.
      For a uniquely southern twist, try my Grits Waffles, also made with buttermilk!

      Classic Buttermilk Waffles

      This classic buttermilk waffle batter is quick to whip up using just a whisk. Cornstarch is the secret ingredient which makes the waffle exterior crisp, while keeping the inside fluffy. If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you may increase the flour to 1 3/4 cups and omit the corn starch. The waffles will be slightly more chewy, but still delicious.

      #wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #5A822B; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }No ratings yet

      Prep Time 10 minsCook Time 20 minsTotal Time 30 mins

      Course Breakfast, BrunchCuisine American

      Servings 8 waffles

      Equipmentelectric waffle iron
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1/4 cup cornstarch2 tablespoons granulated sugar2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt2 large eggs1 3/4 cups whole buttermilk1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly2 teaspoons vanilla extract optional
      Instructions In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt.In separate large bowl (I use a batter bowl with a pour spout) beat together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, if using.Pour the dry ingredients over the wet, and stir just until mixed and almost smooth. A few small lumps should remain.Coat a waffle iron with a non-stick cooking spray and preheat it. Cook the batter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A waffle is usually ready to remove from the iron when it stops steaming, but waffle irons vary, so consult the user’s manual.Serve waffles immediately with plenty of salted butter and real maple syrup. ENJOY!
      NotesWaffles are best served fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven for 5 minutes at 375F, or you can pop them in a toaster for a few minutes to crisp them up.
      Freeze cooled waffles between sheets of waxed paper stored in freezer bags. Defrost, then reheat them in the oven with the above instructions. 
      For more savory applications, omit the sugar and optional vanilla from this recipe. Serve as the bread for a savory sandwich, or as the base for chicken and waffles. 

      Keyword all purpose flour, buttermilk, cornstarch, unsalted butter

      You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Strawberries and Cream Sweet Rolls

      ha scritto per te

      Move over cinnamon rolls, Strawberries and Cream Sweet Rolls are here to spruce up your spring brunch! Fresh strawberries and preserves are rolled up and baked in sweet yeast dough. Topped with swirls of light and fluffy cream cheese frosting.

      Boy, have I been missing out. I don’t often stray from My Mom’s Cinnamon Rolls recipe. Because it is truly perfect as-is. But spring will make a gal like me wander off the beaten path. I might give into little impulses, like cutting myself some fringe (I’ve resisted so far). This time, thankfully, it was my favorite sweet dough recipe that received the spring makeover.

      Really good strawberry preserves, topped with an abundance of fresh strawberries, rolled up in yeast dough and baked to golden brown goodness is a real spring kind of thing. Fluffy cream cheese frosting is lightly sweet, beaten to a cloud-like texture, and not at all optional on these Strawberries and Cream Sweet Rolls.

      Sweet yeast dough.
      Begin with active dry yeast. Let it foam in a bowl with some warm water and a little sugar. This should take about 5 minutes.
      After that, a couple of eggs and warm milk mixed in creates the perfect tepid environment. Mix in flour and some melted butter for richness, then knead well. You can do this by hand, but I rely on my standing mixer and dough hook attachment.

      After a 45 minute rise in a greased bowl, punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll out each half to about 1/8 inch thickness. Then spread on some high quality prepared strawberry preserves. I recommend and use Bonne Maman. But before I started spreading, I mixed a little vanilla exact into the preserves. The vanilla lends a creamy note to the filling.

      A fresh addition.
      Scatter on some fresh strawberries. Quartered strawberries do the trick, although I wonder if dicing them would make them a little easier to roll up. Maybe I’ll try that next time. Roll everything together and place the dough seam side-down.

      Use a serrated knife and light sawing motions to cut through the dough. The sawing motions help cut through the berry chunks. Wipe your knife clean after each cut. This can get a little messy, so have a damp towel close to hand.

      Place each batch of buns in 9-inch cake pans (or even 9-inch square pans). This recipe makes 24 rolls, that means 12 to each pan. Let them rise under plastic wrap until puffy and touching each other. Bake them until golden brown and fragrant.

      Good gracious! I could have eaten six of these in one sitting. I didn’t. Maybe I’m getting better at controlling those impulsive urges? Honestly, it’s hard to say because I ate one just before dinner last night.

      It’s good for the soul to mix things up sometimes. I’ve never been afraid to experiment with flavors, but with beloved traditional family recipes, like my mom’s cinnamon rolls, I was… hesitant. Luckily, everything turned out just right. And I think she’d love these.

      Strawberries and Cream Sweet Rolls

      Heather Baird

      Fresh strawberries and prepared strawberry preserves are rolled up and baked in sweet yeast dough. Topped with swirls of light and fluffy cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect spring brunch pastry!

      #wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #5A822B; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }No ratings yet

      Prep Time 2 hrsCook Time 25 minsTotal Time 2 hrs 25 mins

      Course Bread, Breakfast, DessertCuisine American

      Servings 25 rolls

      Equipment9 inch round cake pans (2) or 9 inch square pans
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Dough1 cup whole milk1/2 cup sugar1 1/2 teaspoons salt4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast1 teaspoon sugar1 cup warm water 90-110°F2 large eggs room temperature6 cups all-purpose flour sifted4 tablespoons unsalted butter meltedFilling1 cup prepared strawberry preserves divided1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 drop red food color optional2 cups quartered strawberriesFrosting1/2 cup salted butter at room temperature4 oz. cream cheese at room temperature2 cups confectioners’ sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract
      Instructions DoughHeat the milk, 1/2 cup sugar and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until sugar melts and a few small bubbles appear at the edges of the pan. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm.Meanwhile, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in very warm water (90°F to 110°F) in the bowl of a standing mixer (or a large bowl if you don’t have a stand mixer). Stir the mixture with the paddle attachment or a wooden spoon until well blended. Let stand for 5 minutes or until the mixture foams and bubbles.Beat the eggs into the yeast mixture. Stir in the lukewarm milk. Switch to the dough hook then add in flour a little at a time until a shaggy dough forms. Mix in the melted butter then add in more flour until the dough is elastic and pulls away from the sides of the mixer. Note: you may not have to use all the flour. Do not add so much flour that the dough does not stick to your hands.Set a timer and mix with the dough hook for 5 minutes. If you are kneading by hand, work the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes.Place the dough in a buttered bowl and turn it over to coat the entire surface. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.Punch down dough and turnout onto a lightly floured surface. Knead a few times and cut into two pieces. Roll out each piece to roughly 1/8-inch thickness, about 15×12-inch rectangles.FillingStir together the strawberry preserves, vanilla extract, and food color, if using.Evenly spread 1/2 cup of the preserves onto one of the dough pieces. Scatter 1 cup of the quartered strawberries across the dough. Starting at a long end, carefully roll up the dough. Trim away about 1″ of the tapered ends to even the roll (discard). Cut the dough into 12 buns using light sawing motions with a serrated knife. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling ingredients.Coat two 9-inch round cake pans with flour-based baking spray. Place 12 slices in each pan, just touching. Cover and let rise for about 45 minutes or until well puffed.Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°.Bake rolls for 22-26 minutes or until golden on top. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t over-bake! Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before frosting.FrostingBeat the butter and cream cheese together in the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix in the confectioners’ sugar until just combined. Add the vanilla extract and beat again. Spread the frosting over the warm sweet rolls in the pans. The frosting will melt slightly.Serve warm.
      NotesRolling up the dough: Usually, when I roll up filling into the dough, the ends of the roll are tapered slightly. I always trim this away on each end so the roll is more even before I cut it into buns. If this happens, you can do this too, and still easily get 12 buns from each roll. 
      Preserves: Bonne Maman is an excellent purveyor of delicious high quality strawberry preserves. If you have homemade preserves, all the better! You may want to pulse chunky preserves in a blender so that will spread easily. I add a drop of red food color, which really makes these buns beautiful, but it’s completely optional.
      Baking tips:
      The preserves may bubble out and slightly overflow 9×2 inch round cake pans (I had a drip or two), so place a foil-lined pan on the bottom rack under the rolls to catch drips. Alternatively you may use 9×3 inch springform pans, or even 10 inch cast iron skillets, which have a 9-inch base and measure 10-inches across the top. The springform pan has high sides and the cast iron skillet has flared sides, which will provide more room and prevent drips. Bake time for the cast iron skillet may be reduced by about 5 minutes.
      If you’re a perfectionist – the row of buns closest to the edge of the pan always brown on top first. Usually by the time the time sounds, everything is golden except the middle bun. It will be cooked through, just a little paler than the buns on the edges. Place foil over the buns around the edge of the pan so only the middle buns are exposed. Broil 2 minutes to brown. 

      Keyword active dry yeast, cream cheese frosting, fresh strawberries, strawberry preserves

      You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Giant Strawberry Pop Tart

      ha scritto per te

      What’s better than a Pop Tart? A Giant Strawberry Pop Tart made completely from scratch! Two all-butter crusts hold homemade strawberry jam inside.

      As a Pop Tart eater and enthusiast, I have to say this was a fun little baking project. I think most people are familiar with Pop Tarts, but for the uninitiated, here’s the gist. Pop Tarts are rectangular pastries with biscuit-like crust, sweet filling, and a thin coat of icing on top. Kellogg’s released them all the way back in 1963 and changed the pace of breakfast from leisurely, to grab-and-go.
      This scratch-made version is super-sized! It’s made of an all-butter pie crust, homemade strawberry jam, and sweet confectioners’ glaze. Add some sprinkles and you’ve got a homemade version of an American classic!

      First, make the all-butter pie crusts. I usually make my pie crusts in a food processor because it’s super quick and easy. All of the ingredients for a double crust will easily fit in a medium-sized food processor bowl.
      Roll out each crust with a rolling pin and trim to 13×9 inches. If you have a 13×9-inch sheet pan you can lay it on top of a crust and use it as a cutting guide. I used a 13×9 inch pre-cut parchment sheet. I keep these on hand because I use this size sheet pan constantly. And having those parchment sheets ready to hand is a real time-saver. Layer the crusts between parchment and place on a baking sheet. Transfer them to the refrigerator to chill while you work on the homemade strawberry jam.

      Simple is best.
      This strawberry jam recipe is little more than quartered strawberries, sugar, a touch of corn starch to thicken, and a squeeze of lemon. Cook all this down to a jam-like consistency, which may take up to 10-15 minutes, depending on how juicy your berries are.

      Look for a thickened, syrupy consistency with some larger pieces of berries that have cooked down and lost their shape. When you see this, you’ll know the jam is properly cooked.

      Transfer the jam to a shallow dish to speed cooling. The jam will be screaming hot just off the stove top, so let it cool about 10 minutes in the saucepan. Then transfer it to the dish, spread evenly and refrigerate until completely cooled. When the jam is cooled, you should be thick enough to hold in a spoon.

      Spread the jam all over one of the chilled pie crusts to about 1.5″ inches from the crust’s edge.

      Seal it up!
      Apply egg wash to the 1.5 inch border and top with a second crust. This is like adhesive to keep your Pop Tart together as it bakes. Now, you can crimp the edges with a fork to seal in all that lovely jammy goodness.

      Here is another important step. Dock the top crust with a fork, all over. This helps steam escape during baking. The tart will puff up in the center while baking, and if there’s no outlet for the steam to escape, then it will burst open.

      Finishing touches.
      The crust will form little fault lines during baking – this is normal. The pop tart puffs up like a pillow, and naturally stretches a little. When you take it out of the oven, it will deflate to a more flattened, pop tart shape.
      A simple confectioners’ glaze adds that extra bit of sweetness, and the finishing touch – the most important garnish of all…

      Sprinkles! This Giant Strawberry Pop Tart definitely puts child-like happiness in my heart and a big smile on my face. And boy, is it ever tasty! It didn’t even last a day. The slices are like hand pies. Because they are easy to pick up, you can easily snag a slice on a paper towel and eat it on the go.

      Even though I will always hold a deep love for store-bought, ready-made Pop Tarts, I must say this is an improvement. I would describe the original Pop Tart crust as – a little tough. (But of course it is! It has to hold up to worldwide shipping and handling!)
      This homemade is sturdy enough to hold in your hand, yet tender and so buttery. The homemade strawberry jam tastes of summer to me. The glaze is creamy and soft, not at all like the original’s hard royal icing coating. One Giant Strawberry Pop Tart will feed a crowd, or you can simply have breakfast made ahead for the week.

      Giant Strawberry Pop Tart

      Heather Baird

      What’s better than a Pop Tart? A Giant Strawberry Pop Tart made completely from scratch! Two all-butter crusts hold homemade strawberry jam inside. It’s a slab pie that you can share with a crowd!The pie crusts are rolled out and trimmed to 13×9 inches. If you have a 13×9 baking pan, you can use it as a template. Lay it on top of the pie crusts and trim around it.

      #wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #5A822B; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }No ratings yet

      Prep Time 25 minsCook Time 40 mins1 hour cooling time 1 hrTotal Time 2 hrs 5 mins

      Course DessertCuisine American

      Servings 12

      EquipmentPastry brushparchment paper
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Pie crusts2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt1 cup unsalted butter cold6-8 tablespoons ice cold waterStrawberry filling2 cups quartered fresh strawberries or frozen berries, thawed1/2 cup granulated sugar1 teaspoon lemon juice squeezed from fresh lemon quarter2 teaspoons cornstarch1 tablespoon cold water1/2 teaspoon vanilla extractPinch of fine grain sea saltEgg wash1 large egg1 tablespoon waterGlaze and garnish1 cup confectioners’ sugar1 tablespoon milk plus more to thin if needed1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract3 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles
      Instructions Pie crustsIn the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the flour and salt. Cut the butter into tablespoon pieces and add half on top of the flour mixture. Pulse 5-6 times and add the remaining butter. Pulse in short bursts until pea-sized pieces are scattered throughout the flour. Add ice cold water 1 tablespoon at a time through the feed tube while processing in short bursts. Keep pulsing until a shaggy ball is formed to one side of the bowl.Turn out the dough and shape into a ball. Cut in half. Roll each piece of dough on a piece of floured parchment paper to about 14×10 inches. Trim each piece to 13×9 inches using a large chef’s knife. Stack the dough between parchment paper and transfer on a baking sheet to the refrigerator. Chill while you make the strawberry filling.Strawberry fillingPlace the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium high heat until the berries give off their juices and start to lose their shape. Keep stirring until some of the liquid is cooked off and the mixture is slightly syrupy, about 10 minutes (the time depends on how juicy your berries are). The berries should be almost translucent.In a small cup, stir the cornstarch into the water. Immediately add the mixture to the berries while whisking constantly. Cook an addition 1-2 minutes, or until mixture further thickness. Stir in the salt. Remove from the stove top and let cool 10 minutes. Pour into a shallow dish and transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely, about 30 minutes.Egg washBeat the egg and the water together in a small bowl.AssemblyPreheat the oven to 375F.Remove the pie crusts from the refrigerator. Place one on a large parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the crust with the cooled strawberry jam within 1 1/2 inches of the edge. Brush the edge of the pastry with the egg wash. Top with the second pie crust, lining up the edges evenly.Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pastry. Use the fork tines to poke holes all over the top crust. Lightly brush the entire surface of the pastry with the egg wash.Bake the pastry for 20 minutes. The pop tart will puff up like a pillow as it bakes. Remove the pastry from the oven and allow it to deflate. Preheat the broiler. Place the pop tart under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown. The pastry may puff up a little while under the broiler.Allow the pastry to cool on the pan 5 minutes, then slide it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re serving the pop tart on the pan you can let it cool completely on the pan.Glaze and garnishWhisk together the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Add additional milk, if needed thin the mixture. It should be thick and opaque yet still pourable. Pour the mixture on top of the cooled pop tart. Top with rainbow sprinkles. Allow the glaze to crust, about 5 minutes.To serve, cut into 12 squares (more or less to suit your appetite!).
      NotesIf you’re short on time you can substitute your favorite ready-made strawberry jam. I like Bonne Maman strawberry preserves.

      Keyword all butter pie crust, confectioners’ glaze, rainbow sprinkles, strawberry filling

      You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Teacup Apple Charlottes

      ha scritto per te

      Teacup Apple Charlottes are layered with soft ladyfingers, vanilla custard and tender spiced apples. Make them ahead for an elegant Thanksgiving Day dessert.

      I hope you won’t mind the many apple desserts I have on the agenda this month. I’m trying to use the bounty that my mom brought me from her trip to an orchard. It’s been fun to think up new ways to use them, and this recipe is one I loved instantly!
      This Teacup Apple Charlottes recipe is my riff on the British classic. The original is made with buttered white bread that lines a pudding tin, then it’s filled with cooked apples and served with a sweet sauce and whipped cream. This version isn’t quite as elaborate, and presented in teacups!

      Creamy custard.
      Begin by making a crème patissiere. Making this always feels special because it tastes so indulgent. It’s one of my favorite pastry elements. I usually break out the vanilla bean paste or split half a vanilla bean and scoop the seeds into the custard. If you don’t have those on hand, just use vanilla extract. The result will still be lovely.
      Cover the surface of the custard with plastic wrap so it doesn’t develop a skin. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble. One important note: Crème patissiere should be thick enough to hold in a spoon. This is not a sauce, it’s a custard. Be sure you cook it until thickened.

      Next, bubble up some sugar and water together in a skillet – just until the edges start to caramelize. You can see here it’s lightly golden and ready for the next step.

      Have the apples ready to pour in at a moment’s notice. Caramelization happens quickly, and requires a watchful eye. The caramelized edges may seize up a little when the apples are added but this is normal.

      Punch up the flavor!
      Immediately pour in the juice of one orange and some apple brandy, if you have it. I did not have this on hand, so I added a little boiled cider to the mixture. Stir, stir, stir. You may see little clumps of caramelized sugar lurking about. Keep stirring while cooking and they’ll dissolve in the acidic juice of the orange.

      Cook the apples down until most of the moisture has evaporated, and the apples are golden brown and shiny with syrup.

      Prep the teacups.
      Line six teacups with ready-made soft lady fingers standing upright. You can find these at most grocery stores in the bakery aisle. This is a wonderful shortcut without compromising flavor.

      Pipe or spoon the pastry cream into the bottoms of the cups, about 1/3 of the way full.

      Next, spoon in the apples. Aim for equal parts crème patissiere and apples for a nice balance. The apples are a little sharp, especially if you use Granny Smith apples.

      Whipped cream can be served on the side, but I think the desserts look best presented with a big dollop on top.

      I could see these being served as a fun ending to Thanksgiving dinner, and the components can be made ahead. I’m always for a low stress dessert, especially when entertaining a houseful of people.

      Teacup Apple Charlottes

      Heather Baird

      This recipe is my riff on the British classic, Apple Charlotte. This slightly less involved version is served in a teacup, layered with crème patissiere, and topped with freshly whipped cream. See the recipe notes for instructions to make them ahead.

      #wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #5A822B; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }No ratings yet

      Prep Time 20 minsCook Time 15 minsTotal Time 35 mins

      Course DessertCuisine American, British

      Servings 6

      Equipment6 oz. teacups (6)
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Crème patissiere2 tablespoons cornstarch1 cup whole milk1 egg2 egg yolks6 tablespoons granulated sugar2 tablespoons unsalted butter1 teaspoon vanilla extractPinch of saltSpiced apples1/2 cup granulated sugar3 tablespoons water6 Granny Smith apples peeled cored and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces2 tablespoons apple brandy or boiled apple cider1/4 cup orange juice from 1 large orange1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon2 tablespoons unsalted butterCrème chantilly2/3 cup heavy cream2 tablespoons granulated sugar1/2 teaspoon vanilla extractAssembly36 ready-made soft lady fingers about 1 1/2 packagesGround cinnamon for garnish
      Instructions Crème patissiereIn a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1/4 cup of the milk. Beat the whole egg, then the yolks, one at a time, into the cornstarch mixture.In a saucepan, combine the remaining 3/4 cup milk and the sugar; bring to a boil whisking constantly. While whisking the egg mixture, slowly pour 1/4 of the hot milk into it, to temper the eggs. Return the remaining milk in the saucepan to medium-low heat.Pour the hot egg mixture into the saucepan in a thin stream, whisking, so as to not scramble the eggs. Whisk constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla; stir in the salt.Pour the pastry cream into a bowl and press a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the surface so it does not form a skin. Cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until ready to use.Spiced applesPlace the sugar and water into a saucepan set over medium heat. Cook gently until the sugar has dissolved and turns lightly golden at the edges. Immediately pour in the chopped apples, add the apple brandy or boiled cider, orange juice, cinnamon, and butter. Stir together briskly. The caramel may seize when the apples are added; this is normal. Keep stirring until lumps have disappeared. Cook uncovered over medium high heat. Cook for 10 minutes, or until all of the liquid has evaporated and the apples are fork tender. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.Crème ChantillyPour the heavy cream into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whip attachment. Whip the cream on high until it starts to thicken. Add the sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form.Use immediately, or store in the refrigerator until ready for use.AssemblyPlace six 6 oz. teacups on a baking sheet or tray. Line each teacup with six soft ladyfingers standing upright. Spoon or pipe the pastry cream into the bottoms of the teacups, about 1/3 full. Add an equal amount of spiced apples on top.Add dollops of Chantilly cream on top of each cup. Sprinkle with pinches of cinnamon and you’re ready to serve!
      NotesWhat to expect:
      The pastry cream balances the flavors of tart granny smith apples. The lady fingers are soft and cake-like.
      Patience and a watchful eye are both required for the caramel portion of the apple recipe. Be careful not to burn the sugar, and don’t try to multitask during this step.
      The orange juice in the apple recipe really brightens the apple flavor. Use freshly orange juice squeezed from one large orange.
      To make these ahead, assemble the lady fingers, pastry cream, and apples in the teacups. Cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, top with the whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon. 

      Keyword creme chantilly, creme patissiere, espresso pastry cream, soft lady fingers, spiced apples

      You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Strawberry Brioche Tarts

      ha scritto per te

      A hybrid between enriched bread and delicate pastry, brioche is the best of both worlds. The addition of eggs, butter, and milk to a sweetened dough is the secret to a luxurious crumb, making brioche the picture-perfect base for fillings and toppings. For our Strawberry Brioche Tarts, we highlight the season’s freshest fruit. These light-as-air […] LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Chocolate Dipped Orange Madeleines

      ha scritto per te

      Madeleines are buttery French tea cakes with a distinctive scallop shell shape. This version is a riff on the classic sponge, but with bright orange flavor. A dip in chocolate glaze makes them an indulgent tea time treat.

      I haven’t posted madeleines to this weblog in years, but I make them every so often for an afternoon pick-me-up. I decided to remedy the situation a couple of days ago when my new shell pan arrived. I have the classic madeleine pan with a more elongated shell shape, but the new pan holds a little more batter per cavity. And I’m all for a more robust madeleine!

      I’ve used the same recipe for these cakes for more than 10 years. It’s adapted from Epicurious and is likely the most unfussy version of madeleines you’ll find. As written, it is classic with zesty lemon flavor, but it’s also a fine blank canvas for other zests and flavorings.

      Many madeleine recipes require resting the batter or chilling the pans before baking, all in an effort to achieve a crisp exterior and the signature bump that develops during baking. This recipe skips those steps and, in my experience, the cakes always turn out perfect. I noticed in my new pan with deeper cavities, the bump was a little more pronounced. This turned out to be a good thing, because the cakes can be held by their bumps for easy dipping.

      This adaptation was inspired by an extra-large orange in my refrigerator. It had the most beautiful fragrant peel, and it deserved to be used in something special. Chocolate and orange flavors together are a favorite of mine, so they were destined for dip in semisweet glaze.

      Speaking of chocolate, I’m not sure if I’ve shared this here previously, but I prefer to melt chocolate in the microwave, as do many modern chocolatiers. With the right timing, it’s less likely to overcook or seize from the steam created in a double boiler. The key to the microwave method is to use a Pyrex bowl to hold fine chopped chocolate and heat in 30 second intervals. Between heating intervals, stir well using the residual heat from the bowl to melt the chocolate. Using this method in this recipe creates a very smooth, nearly flawless glaze.

      What a treat! These just beg to be enjoyed with a cup of hot tea and a good book. We’ve had grey skies here this week, and these buttery little cakes have been a bright spot in such chilly conditions. 

      If you’re in need of a madeleine pan, you’ll find links to the ones I own below. These are affiliate links. I’ve included instructions for both pan sizes.

      Chefmade 12-Cavity Non-Stick Spherical Shell Madeline Bakeware
      Chicago Metallic Professional 12-Cup Non-Stick Madeleine Pan

      [click to print]
      Chocolate-Dipped Orange Madeleines
      Yields 15-20 cakesA madeleine pan is required for this recipe, which can be found online for purchase and in cookware stores (see blog post for sources). Shallow shell pans will yield more cakes, and require less bake time. Pans with deeper cavities will yield less cakes and require longer bake time.Cakes
      2 large eggs
      2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
      1 teaspoon vanilla extract
      1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
      1/8 teaspoon fine grain salt
      1 cup (123g) all-purpose flour
      10 tablespoons (141g) unsalted butter, melted, cooled slightly but still warmGlaze
      1 cup (6 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips (or bar chocolate, chopped)
      2 tablespoons neutral-tasting oil such as vegetable oilPreheat oven to 350°F.Coat a madeleine pan with flour-based baking spray (or butter and flour well, which is in keeping with tradition). In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat eggs and 2/3 cup sugar in large bowl just to blend. Beat in vanilla, orange peel and salt. Add flour; mix until just combined. Gradually add cooled melted butter in steady stream, beating just until blended.For large, deep cavity shells (such as the one pictured) spoon batter into the cavities 2/3 full. If using a shallow shell pan, spoon about 1 tablespoon batter into each indentation in pan. Bake large shells for 20-25 minutes, or until browned around the edges and a bump develops on top. Bake shallow shells about 16 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Gently remove from pan. Repeat process, washing the pan and greasing it before baking each batch. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.For the glaze, place the chocolate and oil in a microwave-safe bowl (Pyrex recommended). Heat in 30 second intervals at 100% power. Stir well between heating intervals using the residual heat from the bowl to melt the chocolate. When a smooth, thin consistency is achieved, the glaze is ready to be used.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Holding the madeleines by their bumps, dip the faces of the madeleines into the chocolate and transfer to the prepared pan. When all of the cakes are dipped, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill until the glaze is well set. It will lose its shine and take on a matte appearance (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature. Keep cakes stored airtight, or in a dish covered with plastic wrap.
      link Chocolate Dipped Orange Madeleines By Heather Baird Published: Friday, February 05, 2021Friday, February 05, 2021Chocolate Dipped Orange Madeleines Recipe LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Dark Chocolate Sumac Brownies

      ha scritto per te

      Ground sumac is the surprising magic ingredient in these rich chocolate brownies. It adds tang and enhances dark cocoa notes with new depth of flavor.  

      If you had asked me two weeks ago what to do with ground sumac, I would have rattled off a list of savory recipes and handed you my favorite kofta kabob recipe. It held no place in my mind as an ingredient for sweet things, but I’m not sure why. One sniff of the crimson powder reveals notes of tart raspberry, red florals, something lemony; a host of opportunity for the sweet kitchen.

      While I’m still exploring the possibilities of ground sumac in sweets, there’s one place where it clearly belongs. Paired with dark chocolate, it punches up the flavor and brings forward hidden subtleties. You won’t be able to identify the spice on its own in these brownies, but you’ll know it’s there by the intensity of the chocolate flavor. 

      If you’re not familiar with sumac, it’ s a wild flowering plant that grows in the Mediterranean and yields red berries. The fruit is dried and ground which releases its tangy fragrance and flavor. It is widely used in Middle Eastern recipes, and most often in savory fare. If you reside in the US as I do, you’ll find it in the Middle Eastern spices section at the grocery store, and it is widely available for order online. 

      The brownie recipe I’m using originates from Ovenly, the salty-sweet themed cookbook from the eponymous bakery in New York. (see here). It’s hard to improve upon a recipe such as this, and the end result is pretty spectacular on its own, but the magic ingredient of ground sumac really ups the ante. 

      To further intensify and punctuate the flavors, a sprinkling of thin Maldon salt is scattered on top of the brownie batter. Most of the brittle flakes melt as the brownie sheet bakes, but you’ll know its there when you take a bite. If you own my second cookbook (Sea Salt Sweet) then you know I’m a huge fan of Maldon salt, as I’ve written a primer on the best salts to use in desserts. I’d urge you to pick up a small tin of this salt if you don’t already have it in your pantry. 

      Just like coffee brings out the flavors or chocolate, sumac plays the same role but in a different way. There’s a new tartness, subtle red cherry notes, a lingering fruity floral… something. The things I can’t articulate are best described by tasting the goods. I hope you’ll give these a try!

      If you’ve experimented with ground sumac in your baking, I’d love to hear about your results!

      [click to print]
      Dark Chocolate Sumac Brownies
      Yields 12-16 brownies
      Adapted from Ovenly: Sweet and Salty Recipes1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, cubed
      1 cup (100 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
      1/4 cup (25 grams) dark unsweet cocoa powder
      1/2 cup (63 grams) all-purpose flour
      2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
      2 teaspoons ground sumac
      3/4 teaspoon salt
      4 large eggs, room temperature
      3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
      3/4 cup (170 grams) packed brown sugar flaky sea salt, such Maldon, for garnishPreheat the oven to 350F. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with flour-based cooking spray (recommend Baker’s Joy). Alternatively, line the pan with foil that overhangs two sides and grease the foil.On the stovetop, melt the butter in a small saucepan on medium heat. Set aside to cool until barely warm but still liquid.In a large mixing bowl, sift together cocoa powder, dark cocoa powder, flour, espresso powder, ground sumac, and salt.In a large glass measure with a pour spout, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir half of the egg mixture into the cocoa powder mixture. Stir in the melted butter. Finally, stir in the remaining egg mixture until just smooth. Do not over-mix.Pour the batter into prepared baking pan, and level evenly in the pan using an offset spatula. Sprinkle Maldon salt over the top of the batter before baking. Don’t be shy here, Maldon salt is very thin and less salty than table salt. Sprinkle liberally to make sure the top is well-speckled with the salt.Bake brownies about 20 minutes, or just until center is set (check at 20 minutes; bake for 5 more minutes if needed). Remove from oven and let cool in the pan. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.For neatest slices, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting, if desired. Brownies will stay fresh up to five days if stored in an airtight container, or frozen for up to two months well wrapped and double bagged in freezer bags.
      link Dark Chocolate Sumac Brownies By Heather Baird Published: Wednesday, January 20, 2021Wednesday, January 20, 2021Dark Chocolate Sumac Brownies LEGGI TUTTO