Two Quick Breads

Published on April 10, 2016 by carol lou

Both of these recipes are quick to prepare and are great gifts, office treats, weekend breakfast goodies, afternoon tea accompaniment, after school snack, …..

I could go on and on – let’s just say, they are terrific for any occasion.

Apricot Bread

2016-04-05 15:13:49

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Ingredients

6 oz. chopped dried apricots
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup water
6 tablespoons shortening
1 egg, beaten
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8 x 4 inch loaf pan with foil. In a medium saucepan, cook apricots, sugar, spices and water over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir in shortening. Cool completely. Blend in egg. Combine flour and baking soda, add to fruit mixture and mix well. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 - 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove to a rack and cool completely.

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Cinnamon Sour Cream Bread

2016-04-05 15:18:57

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Ingredients

Bread
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
Topping
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 x 5 inch loaf pan
Combine topping ingredients and set aside.
Combine flour, baking powder, soda and salt in a medium bowl. Cream butter and 1 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold in sour cream and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture.
Spoon 1/2 of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, top with 1/2 of the topping. Repeat with dough and finish with topping. Bake 350 degrees for 50 - 60 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan. Remove from pan and cool completely.

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Baked Doughnuts

Published on March 18, 2016 by carol lou

Every once in awhile it is fun to make something unexpected. Baked Doughnuts are the perfect thing to make when you want to experiment in the kitchen and serve an unexpected delight. I want to think these are a bit healthier than traditional fried doughnuts since these are baked. So, when you want to make something special, these are the perfect treat!

Baked Doughnuts

2016-03-08 10:40:41

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Ingredients

2 packages active dry yeast
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 lukewarm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 eggs
1/3 cup shortening
4 1/2 - 5 cups flour
1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add warm milk, sugar, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, eggs, shortening and two cups flour. Blend 1/2 minute on low speed, scraping bowl frequently. Beat for 2 minutes. Stir in remaining flour until smooth (start with 4 1/2 cups flour and add additional until you have a smooth dough). Cover and let rise in a warm place or until double (50 - 60 minutes). Turn dough onto floured board, knead lightly until smooth. Dough will be soft. Roll dough out to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out with doughnut cutter or two different sizes of round cutters (inside cutter should be about the size of a thimble). Lift cut-out doughnuts to a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter. Cover and let rise until double in size approx.20 minutes. Heat oven to 425 degrees. After doughnuts have doubled in size, bake 8 - 10 minutes. Brush with additional butter after baking and shake in cinnamon sugar, plain sugar or confectioner's sugar. Makes approx. 2 dozen.

Notes

Bake your doughnuts holes too, just watch when baking and remove from the baking sheet as soon are they are golden brown. They will cook much quicker than your doughnuts.

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Berry Scones

Published on February 16, 2016 by carol lou

I remember years ago the small bakery in England where we had scones during afternoon tea. After that day, I became a huge fan of scones. I had some fresh blueberries in the refrigerator, dried cranberries and cherries in the pantry. A cool winter afternoon and I thought what a great day for scones. My house smells delightful and I am ready to bring out the tea pot.

Berry Scones

2016-02-05 12:59:28

Serves 8

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Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, well chilled
1 1/4 mixed berries, fresh or dried
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, beaten
1 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Line a baking sheet with parchment or grease the baking sheet.
In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, sugar and baking powder. Cut butter into small cubes and add to dry mixture, using a pastry blender or your fingers combine until butter is in very small pieces. Stir in fruit. Add egg and cream and mix until combined. I use my hands to incorporate the last amount of flour mixture. Place dough in the center of the baking sheet and pat into a circle approximately 1 inch thick. Mound slightly in the center. Brush top with additional cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired. Score circle into eight wedges. Bake in preheated oven for 20 - 25 minutes. Remove from baking sheet.

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Orange Date Crumble Cake

Published on February 12, 2016 by carol lou

Put the coffee pot on! This cake is just perfect to serve for breakfast or brunch. The brown sugar crumble tops a moist orange cake studded with dates. Just too good to pass up. Time to sit, relax and enjoy this wonderful cake with friends and family.

As a side note – I sent this crumble cake to my husband’s office – First comments on the coffee cake, “These are ridiculous!” and “Best coffee cake – ever!”

Orange Date Crumble Cake

2016-02-10 12:42:20

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Ingredients

2 cups flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup dates, diced
3 teaspoons finely grated orange peel
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a medium mixing bowl combine flour, sugar and baking powder. Mix well. Add egg, milk and oil, stir just until all dry ingredients are incorporated. Add egg, orange juice and dates. Stir until batter is just blended. Pour into a greased 9 inch square pan. Combine brown sugar, butter and cinnamon with a pastry blender or 2 knives until the butter is cut into small pieces. Stir in the walnuts. Sprinkle over batter. Bake 375 for 30 minutes.

A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Are You Ready for the Big Game?

Published on February 3, 2016 by carol lou

Looking for recipes for this weekend ?

A Passion for Entertaining’s popular recipes that would be perfect to serve at your Super Bowl party

http://apassionforentertaining.com/smoked-salmon-topped-deviled-eggs/

http://apassionforentertaining.com/pizza-dough/

http://apassionforentertaining.com/chocolate-toffee-brownies/

http://apassionforentertaining.com/packer-fan-cheese-bread-in-under-one-hour/

http://apassionforentertaining.com/bbq-pulled-pork-sandwiches/

http://apassionforentertaining.com/game-day-wings/

Piadina

Published on January 25, 2016 by carol lou

The recent snowfall gave me the opportunity to go though my recipe collection. Here is one that you must try. Piadina is a thin Italian flat bread or sometimes referred to as a griddle flat bread. They are typically filled with a variety of cheeses, cold cuts and vegetables, but also with sweet fillings such as jam or Nutella. They are quick and easy to make, I make the dough in my food processor and the dough is done in a flash. After you make the dough, you simply divide the dough in 5 pieces, roll them into thin circles and quickly cook them. Absolutely delicious served warm.

Roll dough into circles Cook in large hot skillet or griddle

Delicious served with meat and cheeses. (also fantastic with Nutella)

Piadina

2016-01-23 11:42:48

Yields 5

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Ingredients

3 cups flour
3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup cold water

Instructions

Mix all ingredients together to form a dough ( I make mine in the food processor, you can also combine in a large mixing bowl and knead lightly). Cut into five pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle approximately 8 inches in diameter. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle until hot, brush with olive oil. When hot add one circle at a time. Watch carefully, as soon as it is golden brown, flip with a spatula a cook the other side. Be careful not to burn, these cook very fast. I brush the skillet with oil prior to cooking each Piadina.

A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Pecan Muffins with Orange Honey Cream Cheese

Published on January 19, 2016 by carol lou

Recipe #2 – Spartan Oil #EVOOChallenge

Why olive oil? I know we have all heard the benefits of using olive oil in recipes. I did a bit of research and found this interesting article; http://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil-health-benefits. After you read this article, I think we will all rethink the oils we use when we cook. Take a look, very interesting.

On to my second challenge recipe. Ever thought of replacing butter with olive oil? That is exactly what I did with my muffin recipe, this recipe has always been good with butter, but I must say, delicious when using olive oil. The oil makes these muffins very moist and delicious. I baked these in miniature muffin tins and then flipped them over when I removed them from the pans. I like the look of the flat tops. Top with a dollop of Orange Honey Cream Cheese, it is hard to eat just one!

Pecan Muffins with Orange Honey Cream Cheese

2016-01-12 08:29:22

Yields 24

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Ingredients

1/3 cup Spartan Olive Oil
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly greased 24 mini muffins pans. Combine oil and sugar in a mixing bowl, mix well to combine. Add eggs, flour and vanilla, mix well. Fold in pecans. Fill each muffin pan 3/4 full. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool, serve with Orange Honey Cream Cheese

Notes

Orange Honey Cream Cheese
In a medium bowl combine 8 oz. cream cheese (room temp.) 1 tablespoon of honey and the zest of one orange.

A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

Published on January 5, 2016 by carol lou

We were out of town over the holidays and when we returned I had a nice bunch of over ripe bananas looking at me. I just cannot bring myself to throwing those gems away – so, out came my banana bread recipe. This one is delicious with the addition of chocolate chips and pecans. A great way to start the new year.

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

2016-01-04 13:11:52

Yields 1

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Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup mashed bananas
3 tablespoons milk
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar, egg, and butter. Stir together the mashed bananas and milk, set aside. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the flour mixture and bananas mixture alternately to the creamed mixture. Stir until all is combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans.
Grease one 9x5x3 loaf pan. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake 1 hour or until tests comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove and cool on rack.

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Almond Puffs

Published on December 15, 2015December 17, 2015 by carol lou

I cannot tell you how many times I have made this recipe. This was one of my mother’s favorites recipes; I remember she always made these during the holidays. It is perfect to serve for breakfast, brunch or even dessert. This recipe has two components; the buttery crust and a custard puffed topping. Hard to explain, but it looks and tastes like you went to the most elegant bakery. Every time I serve this gem, I always get asked for the recipe. This is a keeper. One more note, these freeze beautifully; cool and wrap tightly to freeze, thaw overnight to serve in the morning.

Almond Puff

2015-12-15 11:09:34

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Ingredients

Crust
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons water
Filling
1/2 cup butter
1 cup water
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup flour
3 eggs
Powdered Sugar Glaze
Toasted sliced almonds

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment t.
Prepare the crust - in a medium bowl cut 1/2 cup butter into small pieces, add the 1 cup flour. With a pastry blender combine until the butter is the size of peas. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of water over and mix together. Combine into a ball. Divide in half. Pat each piece of dough into a rectangle 12 inches by 3 inches. Dough rectangles should be at least 3 inches apart.
Prepare the filling - heat 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat. Quickly stir in the almond extract and 1 cup flour. Return to low heat, stir mixture vigorously until mixture forms a ball (approx. 1 minute). Remove from heat. With a hand mixer, beat in eggs using high speed. Continue to beat until mixture becomes smooth and glossy, about 3 minutes. Divide filling; spread half of the filling over each rectangle of crust.
Bake 1 hour or until golden brown. Cool.
Spread with Powdered Sugar Glaze and sprinkle with almonds.

Notes

Powdered Sugar Glaze
Mix 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 - 2 tablespoons warm water in a small bowl. Mix until desired consistency. Spread over cooled puffs, top with nuts.

A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Spoon Rolls

Published on November 20, 2015 by carol lou

With Thanksgiving one week again, I searched to find this quick to make recipe, perfect to serve on Thanksgiving. The reason they are called Spoon Rolls, is that you simply stir the dough, drop in muffin cups and bake. From start to finish, these hot rolls can be on the table in 30 minutes! I received this recipe years ago from a co-worker, written on a slip of paper. These my friends, are the type of recipes that transcend generations. Family favorites to be shared and enjoyed.

Spoon Rolls

2015-11-17 07:33:51

Yields 18

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Ingredients

1 package yeast
2 cups warm water
3/4 cup oil
4 cups self-rising flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in yeast mixture and stir until well combined. Spoon into greased muffin tins. Bake 15 - 20 minutes or until golden brown.

A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/