Last week, I came down with the first cold I've had in 3-1/2 years. While staying home to keep my germs to myself, I decided to try baking some bread, despite being intimidated by bread and having had poor results in the past. I started with this simply crusty peasant loaf, which worked out so … Continue reading Easy Braided Challah Bread
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Classic Chocolate-Dipped French Madeleines
I've always wanted to learn to make classic madeleines, but they intimidated me. Far-more-experienced bakers than me always made them seem advanced and difficult. So one day, with the brilliant expertise of Sally's Baking Addiction, I decided to try! I am now here to tell you, as an amateur baker, that madeleines are another case … Continue reading Classic Chocolate-Dipped French Madeleines
Chewy Honey and Fruit Granola Bars
If you're looking for a sweet treat without any refined sugar, these homemade Chewy Granola Bars are for you! Sweetened with only honey and fruit, they make an excellent afternoon snack or grab-and-go breakfast. The use of healthier grapeseed oil and the addition of flaxseed meal increase the health benefits even more. NOTE: These bars … Continue reading Chewy Honey and Fruit Granola Bars
Apricot and Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies
Another of my recipe developer crushes is Danielle at Rustic Joyful Food. When I first picked up My Heart's Table from my local library last year, this was one of the first recipes that caught my eye. Apricots in a chocolate cookie? I was intrigued! These did not disappoint! They're not hearty or chunky oatmeal … Continue reading Apricot and Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies
My New Favorite Chocolate Cake
April's recipient of the Birthday Celebration Dessert requested a really good chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. I've had some decent chocolate cakes, but I wanted to find an exceptional chocolate cake. Something that would become my new go-to chocolate sponge recipe. Bonus would be a new go-to chocolate frosting recipe. I did a lot of … Continue reading My New Favorite Chocolate Cake
Jewish Charoset
Confession: I'm not Jewish, and I've never celebrated a Passover in my life. But I'm fascinated by rich Jewish history and culture, so I'm learning more through their food. I'm so glad I am, too, because this apple and walnut chutney - called Charoset (ha-ROE-set) - is DELICIOUS! From what I have read, this recipe … Continue reading Jewish Charoset
Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons
Did you know macaroons are popular sweet treats during Jewish holidays, like Hanukkah and Passover? They don't contain any of the forbidden foods for traditional Jews during these sacred celebrations. That's just a bonus, however, to the fact that they're absolutely delicious! Even though I'm not Jewish, I plan to make them every December and … Continue reading Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons
Pastry Cream (Crème Pâtissière)
Do you like to binge Great British Bake Off as much as I do? I've been watching since it began over a decade ago. Back when I had no idea what they were referring to when they would make a "creme pat", though it looked tasty! Turns out that term is short for Crème Pâtissière, … Continue reading Pastry Cream (Crème Pâtissière)
Brown Butter Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Every good home cook needs an on-deck recipe for chocolate chip cookies, so I've been on a mission to find an especially memorable one to adapt as my own. Once I found these, I stopped looking. There are good cookies, and then there are incredible cookies. These are incredible cookies! There are three elements that … Continue reading Brown Butter Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie
I'm starting a new series for 2022 called Birthday Celebration Desserts! Each month, I'm asking a loved one whose birthday falls within that month to choose a birthday dessert; anything they want! I'll research and develop the recipe, make them the dessert, and deliver it to the person as close to their birthday as I … Continue reading Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie
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