Whole Wheat and Roasted Oat Bread

I love the ritual of baking bread: the blooming of the yeast, the kneading, the rise, the punching down, the second rise, the baking, and finally, the eating. I also love the warm, sweet scents that accompany this ritual. Baking bread can be challenging, and many view it as a chore, but instead, let yourself get lost in the ritual. Be patient. 

This hearty bread has a beautiful crust and soft crumb. The roasted oats give this bread a nutty caramel flavor. Try adding fresh herbs, such as sage or tarragon, when kneading for a more complex flavor.

What You'll Need:

• 4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast*
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/3 cup walnut oil
• 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cup white, all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup quick rolled oats

*A word about yeast. When I first began baking bread, I always bought yeast in packages. I often found that my yeast often did not bloom correctly, resulting in flat, stiff bread. I recommend using Fleischmann's Active Dry Yeast from the bottle. It's a little more of an investment to buy it in bottle form, but it's actually a better deal and seems to work much better than the packages. 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lay the oats on a cookie sheet and spread evenly. Toast the oats in the oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool.
2. Combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a large bowl and let stand for 5 minutes. This allows the yeast to bloom - it should look foamy, if not, throw it away and start again.
3. Once the yeast has bloomed, add the walnut oil, flours and salt and gently stir with a fork to combine. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Knead for an additional 2 minutes, working in the oats as you knead. 
4. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover. Let rise in a warm, draft free spot until the dough doubles in bulk, about 90 minutes.
5. When the dough has doubled, gently punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead gently for 30 more seconds and form into a loaf. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 5 minutes.
6. While the dough is resting, place a sheet of parchment on a cookie sheet. After the dough has rested, place the loaf on the prepared cookie sheet and cover with a clean towel. Let rise in a warm, draft free spot until it doubles again, about 40-60 minutes (I find the best spot is on top of my preheating oven).
7. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Once the dough has rested, remove the towel and dust the loaf with flour. Using a serrated knife, slash a long line from tip to tip about 1 inch deep. 
8. Place the loaf in the oven and reduce the heat down to 400 degrees. Bake until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, about 35-40 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack and enjoy while still warm with freshly churned butter. 

Yield: 1 loaf

Golden Beet and Citrus Slaw

When it gets to be 100 degrees in Boston, it seems hard to think straight, let alone cook anything. This lovely little slaw is a breeze to whip up and goes perfectly with grilled steak or chicken. The brightness of the lemon with the earthy spice of the raw golden beet makes this a healthy twist on traditional slaw recipes.

What You'll Need:

2 medium sized beets
Juice of 1 small lemon
6 oz. plain greek yogurt
1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Grate the beet, either using a food processor or a good old fashioned grater.
2. Combine the grated beet, lemon juice, greek yogurt, and dill in a large bowl and stir until combined.
3. Salt and pepper to taste.

And there you have it! A lovely little slaw that requires next to no effort for those incredibly hot days.

Serves 4

Caramelized Onion and Parsnip Tart

This is one of my favorite afternoon snacks in the late fall, early wintertime. The spice of the parsnips pairs wonderfully with the delicate sweetness of the caramelized onion and buttery crust. Serve it warm with just wilted arugula and a balsamic reduction drizzled over top.

If you have left over pastry dough, roll it out as thin as you can, cut into small squares and skewer with a fork.  Salt and pepper and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes and you'll have delicious little crackers!

What You'll Need:
For the Crust

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, cold and cut into 1/2" cubes
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream, plus extra

For the Filling

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 red onion, sliced into thin half circles
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 medium sized parsnips
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper

To prepare the crust, combine the flour, confectioners' sugar and salt in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Scatter the butter pieces over top and toss to coat them. Using 2 knives or a pastry cutter, cut in the butter until the mixture is coarse and resembles corn meal (this can also be done in a food processor to speed up the process - just pulse it a couple times). In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and cream with a fork until smooth. Make a well in the center of the flour and butter mixture and pour in the egg mixture. Using the fork, start to beat the egg mixture into the flour until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is still too dry, add a little extra cream. Form the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk with the heal of your hand, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or up to overnight.

When the crust is thoroughly chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and place the disc in the center of a tart pan. Using the heal of your palm, press the dough into the pan, filling up the bottom and sides, until the dough is about 1/8" thick. Cut off any excess. Place the crust in the refrigerator for 30 minutes and preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

When the crust is chilled, line it with tin foil and fill the foil with rice, beans or pie weights. Place the crust in the oven for 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes are up, check to see if the crust is dry by gently lifting up one corner of the foil. If the foil sticks, it is not ready - return the crust to the oven and check every 2 minutes. Once the foil stops sticking, remove the foil and weights and return the crust to the oven for another 5 minutes. Remove the crust from the oven and let cool. Reduce the oven temperature down to 375.

To prepare the filling, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is just golden brown, add the onions. When the onions begin to soften, add the brown sugar. Cook the onions until they are dark in color and fragrant, about 5 - 7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Remove the onions from the heat.

Chop the peeled parsnips in half and again lengthwise into longish strands, about 4" long and 1/4" wide. Arrange the parsnips in the bottom of the crust so they cover the bottom. Try to arrange them in an attractive pattern. Set aside

In a medium bowl, whisk the milk, cream, eggs, yolk, salt, pepper and thyme until the mixture is smooth. Pour the milk mixture over the parsnips into the crust. Arrange the onions on top.

Place the tart in the oven until the center has set when you give it a little shake, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm.

Roasted Acorn Squash and Andouille Kale

Hello again!

First, I want to apologize to my readers for my long summer break. I am back and ready with more delicious recipes and fun crafts for the fall season... so let's jump right in!

I have been on a huge kale kick recently. It's delicious when prepared in the right way and it is extremely healthy, often referred to as a super food. As most of you know, fall is my favorite season - I love the abundance of color and rich flavors that are associated with autumn. This is a hearty meal perfect for a crisp fall evening. I may even try to serve it with oven roasted rabbit. Enjoy!

What You'll Need

1 acorn squash
2 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 andouille sausages
2 medium trimmed leeks
10 ounces kale
1/4 cup red wine
salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Cut the squash in half, lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Brush 1 tsp of olive oil on each half. Salt and pepper each half to taste. Place the squash on a cookie sheet or in a roasting dish and roast in the oven for 35 minutes.
3. After the squash is done roasting, remove from oven and let cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove the green skins, watching out for escaping steam. Chop the squash into large chunks and return to the sheet or dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar over top and return to oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. 
4. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter in the skillet.
5. Cut the leeks and sausages into rounds and add the skillet. Cook until they start to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the kale, red wine, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover with a lid and let sit on medium heat for about 5 minutes. 
6. Remove the squash from the oven and serve the kale on top of the squash.

Flower and Herb Ice Cream

Ice cream is one of my most favorite desserts. I think one of the reasons is that ice cream reminds me of summertime. Now, I know we are still a few weeks away from summer, but I just couldn't wait any longer! That is why I created this lovely ice cream. The flavors are reminiscent of early spring - they are light and lively, with an earthy density that reminds me of sodden springtime soil. Serve it with a bourbon chocolate sauce, raspberry syrup or all on its own!

What You'll Need:

3 cups of whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

¾ cup white sugar

8 egg yolks (save the whites for an omelet or something…)

2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers

2 tablespoons dried fennel seed

Red and blue food coloring (optional)

Ice Cream Maker or Kitchen Aid Ice Cream Attachment

1.   In a large bowl, whisk the sugar and yolks until light and creamy, about 3 minutes.

2.   Combine the milk, cream, lavender and fennel in a medium sized sauce pot over medium heat. Continue to stir the mixture until the milk is just below a boil.

3.   Pour the milk mixture through a sieve into a bowl to strain out the flowers and seeds. Be sure to work quickly so the mixture stays hot.

4.   Next, slowly add the milk mixture to the eggs and sugar, being sure to constantly stir the egg mixture as you pour in the milk. If you do not stir the eggs, the heat from the milk can cause the eggs to cook and curdle… not fun for anyone. Once everything is incorporated, return the mixture back to the sauce pot on medium heat and continue to stir.

5.   If you would like to color your ice cream, now would be the time. Add the red and blue until the color reaches a shade you like. Remember that once your ice cream is churned, it will appear lighter in color.

6.   Once the cream is thick enough to coat your spoon, remove it from the heat. Pour the mixture into a container with a lid and let it sit overnight or 8 hours in the refrigerator. This will give the cream a chance to rest and the flavors a chance to mellow and meld together. This is a very important step.

7.   Once the cream has sat long enough, it is time to churn it. Pour the cream into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions to churn your cream.

8.   When the cream is churned, return it to the container and freeze for at least 6 hours.

And there you have it - a delicious springtime ice cream.

Yield: About 1 quart

Bourbon Soaked Apple and Hazelnut Biscotti

My husband and I love to have after-dinner coffee and a biscotti every evening. Since we do this every night, it is a challenge to come up with creative variations on this humble little cookie. This is my newest recipe, and I think it is my favorite thus far...

What You'll need

½ cup of apple cider

¼ cup Bourbon (I like Four Roses)

1 baking apple (such as Cortland, Mac, or Braeburn)

2 eggs

¾ cup white sugar

½ cup butter, melted and cooled

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but it makes a BIG difference)

1 tablespoon cinnamon

2 cups all purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup of hazelnuts (feel free to add more if you'd like)

·      Preheat oven to 350.

·      Lightly butter a cookie sheet. Dust with flour so it is covered and set aside.

·      Peel the apple and cut into tiny cubes, about ¼" on each side.

·      Place the cider, bourbon, and apple cubes in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight.

·      When the apples are ready, begin making the dough. With an electric beater or stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar until light in color and fluffy.

·      Add the cooled butter (it is important it is cool so it does not cook the eggs…ew) and extracts. Mix until blended.

·      In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder and cinnamon. You can sift these together if you like, but I always just take a whisk do a real good once over - who has time to sift?

·      Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture very slowly and mix until blended.

·      Remove the apples from the fridge and strain them. We don't want any of that extra liquid in the dough. Feel free to take the extra liquid and make yourself a cocktail!

·      Using a spatula or spoon, mix the apples and hazelnuts into the dough.

·      Halve the dough using your spoon and scoop the half onto one side of the prepared cookie sheet. Take the other half of dough and do the same on the other side of the sheet. Try to get the two piles as equal as possible.

·      Using damp hands (this prevents the dough from sticking to you), form the piles into logs about 10" long and 4" wide. Smooth the edges and try to make the corners as square as possible.

·      Place the sheet in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.

·      Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.

·      Reduce the oven temperature to 300.

·      Once your logs are done cooling, transfer them to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut each log crosswise into slices about 1" thick. Place each slice, cut side down, back on the cookie sheet.

·      Return to the oven and bake for another 18 - 22 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

·      Let these cool completely before you handle them as they are fragile when they first come out of the oven. They will harden as they cool.

·      Place in your cookie jar and enjoy!

Yield: about 24 cookies

Apple Barnstars

Believe it or not, I got this idea after watching "Fantastic Mr. Fox". These cookies are beautiful and taste delicious. They smell wonderful as they bake and go great with coffee or tea or even under a scoop of French vanilla ice cream.

What you'll need:


1 cup of butter, softened
1 ½ cup white sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons molasses (I like the robust kind)
2 ½ cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoon ground ginger
3 baking apples (I like Cortlands or Braeburns)
Turbinado (or raw) sugar for sprinkling

·      Preheat the oven to 350.

·      Cream the butter and sugar until well blended.

·      Add the egg and molasses. Beat on high until lighter in color and fluffy.

·      Add the salt, spices, and baking powder. Mix until just blended.

·      Add the flour, ½ cup at a time until well blended. Do not over-mix or your poor little cookies will be stiff.

·      Portion out 1 tablespoon worth of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet leaving plenty of space between each cookie. Do not be over generous with your portions because these babies like to spread.

·      With damp hands, roll each cookie into a ball and gently flatten onto cookie sheet until it is about 2" in diameter and set tray aside.

·      Wash and peel your apples. Cut the apples in half perpendicular to the core. Slice your apples into circles. Be sure to remove any seeds from your slices.

·      Place one slice of apple onto each cookie. Don't worry if the slice is bigger then the cookie itself. As the cookie spreads, it will fill out the apple slice.

·      Sprinkle a pinch of turbinado sugar on each cookie.

·      Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are golden brown.

Yield: About 3 dozen