breads: quick and yeasted Archives - Page 3 of 7

2015/07/302018/01/03

Zucchini Bread with Biscoff and Toasted Pecans

Too much of a good thing.

“And you want to know what to do about it? Sure I do.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Too much zucchini? What a wonderful problem! Let’s call it an opportunity. I’ve worked my way through more versions of zucchini bread than blossoms on a squash vine. This is where I‘ve landed, a place where Biscoff and toasted pecans transform the humble quick-bread to a memorable and requested treat. Biscoff is a version of the famous European cookie, Speculoos. The cookies are sweetly spiced with a pleasant crunch and the spread can be found in smooth or crunchy. Cinnamon and ginger flavored, Biscoff is reminiscent of graham crackers and mild mannered ginger snaps. These are flavors that pair exceeding well with zucchini or other summer squash. READ MORE . . .

2015/06/082018/01/03

Blueberry Muffins with Doughnut Topping

Blue Velvet

“They left the valley road and drove into the worn and rutted hills over a set of wheel tracks gulleyed by the winter rains. The horses strained into their collars and the buckboard rocked and swayed. The year had not been kind to the hills, and already in June they were dry and the stones showed through the short, burned feed.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Spending time picking blueberries was a wonderful way to begin summer. With bursts of sunshine punching through a sky filled with cotton candy fog I bravely left my sweatshirt in the car. It didn’t take very long to load up with blueberries. I came home with a bucket of blue velvet. Pure summer bliss! READ MORE . . .

2015/04/212018/04/07

Easy Yeasted Banana Bread with Toasted Pecans

A Recipe for the Forgotten Bananas

“Breakfast, he said and nudged the door open with the edge of the linen-covered tray. He pushed the door closed with his knee. Want it there? He asked and gestured toward the gray room with his chin. No, I’ll have it right here. And I want a boiled egg and a piece of cinnamon toast.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I started making this bread with the forgotten bananas. My excuse was to make fresh bread for breakfast that included whole grain flour. But when this loaf is barely cool enough to slide from the hot pan thick slices have been cut and devoured, usually toasted and then slathered with both butter and honey. Leaving barely half a loaf for my breakfast plans. What’s left of the Yeasted Banana Nut Bread gets toasted for our for breakfast. To jump start our day we add a scoop of almond butter for protein. But if my vision of cream cheese ever so slightly melting on the warm toast sounds better, give it a try. If that’s not enough enticement, I’ve discovered that apricot jam is another fine option. READ MORE . . .

2015/01/28

Swedish Limpa Bread

A Tiny Commitment

“It was no quick thing Adam contemplated, to be finished and ready in a hurry. His men worked deliberately and slowly. It was a long job. Adam wanted it well done.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Making a loaf of bread is a commitment. Time and faith. Time to mix the dough long enough to develop the gluten in the flour. Time to check back to gauge the rising time and then the baking time. Being engaged with the process means time spent at home, without rushing. Making bread is that way. There is only so much that can be done to speed up the process without compromising the outcome. Faith that the yeast will activate. That the dough will rise from a lump into a light and gorgeous loaf. It’s a thing of joy, a finished loaf of bread. A reward for a tiny commitment of time and faith. READ MORE . . .

2014/11/242014/11/24

Yeasted Pumpkin Bread with Cranberries, Pecans and Browned Butter

With Gratitude and Thanksgiving — What We Have Forgotten

“Lee apologized for the dinner like an old fool. He blamed the gas oven which didn’t heat like a good wood stove. He blamed the new breed of turkeys which lacked a something turkeys used to have. But he laughed with them when they told him he was acting like an old woman fishing for compliments.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Home cooking and the gender of who cooks these meals is buzzing in the media. It’s not a new discussion though. Ever since women started working full-time outside the home, cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner has been a timely topic. There’s lots more too, budgeting, planning, shopping and clean-up. Even a bold essay about not cooking at all. I’ve wanted to comment on each of these blog posts, but my response is long and conflicted. I’ve had spurts of enthusiasm with cooking too. I still do. READ MORE . . .