Whole Wheat Bread Experiments

Experimenting with recipes is something I love do to, but it often stems from the fact I don't have all the right ingredients on hand. I'm impulsive and don't always want to go out to the store so I just go for it. I just got this awesome recipe for whole wheat bread. And true to form I tweaked it.

Super easy cinnamon buns. Like, for beginners.

This Brioche dough takes 5 minutes to make. I mix it up in a tupperware container (and don't seal the lid, just set it on top). I do this after dinner then just before bed throw it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, it takes a few minutes to roll out the dough, sprinkle it with sugar, and pop it in the oven.

Maple bacon chocolate toffee

Yup, you read that right. I made this after the hubby came home with the recipe from a coworker. It was adapted from this recipe.

I made 1/2 a batch and stirred in a scant 1/4 cup chocolate chips at the very end after it was spread out onto the silpat. Mine looks much butterier than the one on Foodie with Family, I'm not sure why. I can tell you it doesn't affect the taste! Man this is RICH stuff...very very addicting. Probably excellent on ice cream. I'll have to check that out since the summer weather seems to be happening now that it's the END of SePTEmBer. Sheesh.

Lamb Barley Stew (Slow Cooker style)

I've been looking forward to doing some fall-style meals and this one really hit the spot.

Southern Biscuits for Breakfast

Yogurt Pumpernickel Bread

This bread came out quite nicely; I was really worried about it when I didn't see it rise much during the first rise. Also the instructions say to add the flour last which is not the way I've learned to make bread.  I cut the recipe in half and just made one loaf and we have been enjoying it with breakfast and as an afternoon snack. Its not too dense, has a nice tang and tons of flavor.

Superbowl Sugar cookies

Had fun making these Saturday for the Superbowl. I baked the sugar cookies in the afternoon and then let them cool completely (about 3 hours) and decorated them into the night. This is the first time I really attempted to decorate pro-style using all my tips, tricks, tools, sprinkles, and color. It was fun! I found the football themed cookie cutter shapes at Gloria's in Culver City and used the recipe on the back. Instead of making the royal icing with egg whites, I picked up meringue powder which made the whole process super quick and easy!

Cranberry (or Blueberry!) Banana Bread

This is a dense, rich, sweet quick bread. I have made it with superfine white sugar and All Purpose flour which also comes out nicely.

Heart Healthy - a change

I make a lot of bread around here...pizza, naan, no knead, and regular sandwich bread. But I need to start eating more whole grains and fish to keep an eye on my health as father time ticks away. I've joined the JanuaryRules challenge because this fit with my goals. I am looking forward to reading the posts from the community of cooks and learn about new foods and recipes!

Meanwhile, today I made a simple salad of roasted sweet potato (I cheated and zapped it in the microwave), quinoa, and dried blueberries. The dressing was EVOO, balsamic, honey, curry powder, and sunflower seeds. Yum!

Happy New Year!

For New Year's eve dinner we made pizzas. I made the 8-hour pizza dough from Cook's Illustrated and then topped with various yummy cheese, veggies, and other fun stuff.