Thursday, January 6, 2011

S'More Granola Bars Recipe - Joyofbaking.com

S'More Granola Bars Recipe

One bite of these delicious S'more Granola Bars and you will be hooked. They contain all the necessary S'more components - chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers. But instead of sandwiching the chocolate and marshmallows between two graham crackers, we sandwich them between a yummy mixture of graham cracker crumbs, rolled oats, flour, coconut, ground cinnamon, butter, sugar, and maple syrup (or golden syrup). To keep these bars soft and chewy make sure to bake them only until lightly browned. Cut the granola bars into rectangles or squares while they are still warm. The S'More Granola Bars can be stored at room temperature for several days, if they last that long. ??

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A few notes on ingredients. You can use either golden syrup or pure maple syrup in these bars. Lyle's Golden Syrup is a British sugarcane syrup that is thick like molasses, amber colored, with a rich delicate flavor. Using this syrup gives the granola bars a soft and chewy texture and a flavor that is sweet, but not cloyingly so.?You can usually find this product in some grocery stores or else in specialty stores or on the net. If using maple syrup, I recommend using pure maple syrup in these bars as it adds a nice depth of flavor. Do not use the artificial pancake syrup. If you do not have pure maple syrup in your pantry,? you can substitute dark corn syrup realizing, of course, that the taste of the bars will be somewhat altered. I like to use old fashioned rolled oats in this recipe, not the quick cooking type. While both types start with oats that are cleaned, toasted, and hulled to?become what we call oat groats, the difference between the two is in the thickness of the oats after the oat groats have been steamed and flattened.?Old-fashioned rolled oats are thicker because to make quick-cooking rolled oats the oat groats are first cut into pieces before being steamed and flattened.?For those not living in North America a good substitute for graham cracker crumbs is crushed Digestive Biscuits although you could use any crushed butter cookie if that is all you have on hand. The only other point that needs mentioning is about the sweetened coconut. Sweetened coconut is made by combining coconut with powdered icing and is packaged either in plastic bags or cans. It comes shredded or flaked and you can use either type. Again though, if you are unable to find sweetened coconut, unsweetened coconut can be used.

S'More Granola Bars: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and place the rack in the center of the oven.?Butter (or use a non stick vegetable cooking spray) a 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm)?square baking pan.?

Melt the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup (golden syrup) in a medium sized saucepan, placed over medium heat. Once the sugar has dissolved remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the mixture to a large heatproof bowl. Stir in the flour, oats, graham cracker crumbs, coconut, salt and ground cinnamon, making sure all the dry ingredients are coated with the butter mixture. Press about half of this mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan and leave to cool (about 5-10 minutes). Once the mixture has cooled sufficiently, evenly sprinkle with the chocolate chips and marshmallows. Top with the remaining crust mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 20 minutes. Cut into squares while they are still warm. Can be stored at room temperature for several days.

Makes about 16 - 2 inch squares.

Source:

King Arthur Flour Company, Inc. 'The All-Purpose Baking Cookbook'. The Countryman Press. Woodstock: 2003

6 tablespoons (3 ounces) (84 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1/4 cup (55 grams) light brown sugar

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon (80 ml plus 1 tablespoon) pure maple syrup or golden syrup

1/2 cup (65 grams) all purpose flour

2 cups (190 grams) old fashioned rolled oats

1 cup (100 grams) graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)

1/4 cup (25 grams) sweetened or unsweetened coconut (optional)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Filling:

1 cup (170 grams) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups (90 grams) mini marshmallows


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Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Wilton 2105-459 Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack

Wilton 2105-459 Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling RackUse these non-stick cooling racks singly or stack to save space while cooling 3 layer cakes or batches of cookies at the same time.
Set of 3
Dimensions: 15-7/8"L × 9-7/8"W
Product of China

Price: $19.99


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Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan

Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie PanWe think the best brownies have moist centers, a paper thin crackly crust, and lots of chewy edges. If you agree, you'll love the Edge Brownie Pan - it's the only gourmet brownie pan that adds two chewy edges to every brownie! The award-winning design also improves baking performance by circulating heat evenly to the pan's middle, where food typically takes longer to bake. The Edge Brownie Pan has a single baking chamber that allows brownie batter to settle evenly, and the 9" x 12" size is a perfect fit for box mixes, as well as most recipes for 9" x 9" and 9" x 13" conventional pans. A durable nonstick coating makes it easy to clean, and the recessed handles are an easy grab when the pan is turned upside down. Widely acclaimed for its innovation and quality since its launch in 2006, the Edge Brownie Pan has quickly become a best-seller - and has garnered rave reviews from bakers everywhere. The Edge Brownie Pan is 100% made in the USA, and each pan comes complete with a flexible nylon spatula and a brownie recipes insert.

Price: $36.00


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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Dinner at Chez LuLu

Tomato Basil and Brie Baguette
We dined at Chez Lulu last weekend, sitting outside in the (finally) fall weather while enjoying toasted baguette topped with basil, tomatoes, and fat slices of brie. We traded bites of rich garlic soup and a nearly perfect turkey sandwich, and when our plates were cleared we sat back and watched people walking their dogs.

As much as I love some of the fancier restaurants i’ve tried since moving here, it’s been nice to find a few places that serve relatively simple, unassuming food. I’m looking forward to more al fresco dining as the weather continues to cool.

Upcoming Events of Interest:
Break’n Bread- food, wine, and beer tastings + live music.
Sunday 10.10.2010 from 1-5pm at Pepper Place
http://www.birminghamoriginals.org/

Citrus Walking Tour @ Petals from the Past
Tuesday 10.24.2010 at 2pm
(I am hoping to acquire many lbs of kumquats from them in the near future)

Primavera Coffee Roasters weekly coffee cupping
Saturdays at 2pm
http://www.primaveracoffee.com


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Custards and Puddings: Lemon Chiffon Pudding | Submitted By: CHESSETTE (Allrecipes)

3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour2/3 cup sugar2 tablespoons butter, softened3 tablespoons lemon juice2 egg yolks, beaten2/3 cup milk2 egg whitesPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, stir together the flour and sugar until well blended. Stir in butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the egg yolks, lemon juice and milk. In a clean glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff but flexible peaks form. Fold egg whites into the lemon mixture. Transfer to a casserole dish. Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until set. Serve warm or chilled. Amount Per Serving? Calories: 266 | Total Fat: 9.2g | Cholesterol: 125mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

Servings Per Recipe: 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 266

Total Fat: 9.2gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 89mgTotal Carbs: 41.7g????Dietary Fiber: 0.2gProtein: 5.4g VIEW DETAILED NUTRITION
About: Nutrition Info

?view all reviews ?


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Monday, January 3, 2011

Cake Decorating Made Easy

Take your cake decorating to new levels, learn the secrets of the masters. Tips, tricks, ideas and techniques of the pros are revealed in this comprehensive cake decorating e-book.


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Pear Butter Recipe from the Cackleberry Club (About)

Bedeviled Eggs by Laura Childs Published by The Berkley Publishing Group 2010Thanks to Laura Childs' for letting us use this recipe for Pear Butter from her latest Cackleberry Club Mystery - Bedeviled Eggs.

One of the reasons I just love all of Laura Childs' books is that she has created some of the most likable characters. Typically, they are strong women you wouldn't mind having as friends. Just as important is the other reason I enjoy her books. Not only do you get to experience an exciting mystery, but there are new recipes to experience as well.

In Bedeviled Eggs, Suzanne, the main character, is up to a new adventure with her friends and co-workers Petra and Toni. Besides serving really good food at their restaurant, the Cackleberry Club, they also sponsor book and knitting clubs. This time they're also offering something similar to speed dating. Throw in a couple of murders and a historic quilt trail, and you'll find there's never a dull moment at the Cackleberry Club.

2010 Book Cover Photo of Bedeviled Eggs by Laura Childs Published by The Berkley Publishing Group


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Sunday, January 2, 2011

Boiled Fruit Cake Recipe - Joyofbaking.com

Boiled Fruit Cake Recipe The British fruit cake is traditionally served during the Christmas season. It is full of dried fruits and nuts, laced with alcohol (usually brandy), and covered with marzipan and royal icing. The problem with making a regular fruit cake is that it is quite labor intensive to make and it needs time to age so it has to be made well in advance of Christmas. Luckily, there is a much simpler version of this cake for the last minute baker, and it is called a Boiled Fruit Cake (also known as a War Cake or Bachelor's Cake). It still tastes delicious and uses all the necessary fruit cake ingredients, like candied fruits, dried fruits and spices, but it is easy to make and can be eaten almost right away. This is one cake that is so good that it begs to be made all year, not just during the Christmas season.

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A Boiled Fruit Cake does not contain alcohol and yet its' texture is still moist. Now, as the name "Boiled"? implies, the brown sugar, water, butter, spices, and the dried fruit are, in fact, "boiled". Once this boiled mixture has been left to cool, the next step is to stir in the lightly beaten eggs, baking soda, flour, vanilla extract, and candied fruit. And that's it. Just pour the batter into the pan and bake. Now, if possible, do try to resist eating this cake right away. Although it does not need weeks to age, it does benefit from being stored, at least a day or two.?

A few things about this recipe are worth mentioning.?I have used just raisins, but you can use a combination of raisins, dried cranberries, and dried cherries. Spices can also be adjusted to your taste, adding more or less of each. Finally, if you are an avid fan of fruit cakes and want to make them during the rest of the year, it might be a good idea to pick up extra candied fruit during the holiday season as it is very hard to find during the rest of the year.?

Boiled Fruit Cake: Butter, or spray with a nonstick vegetable spray, a 9 x 5 x 3 inch (23 x 13 x 8 cm) loaf pan.? Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). (Note: if using a dark colored pan reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C).)

In a large saucepan, over medium heat, bring to a boil the sugar, water, butter, spices, and raisins.? Boil for five minutes, remove from heat, and let cool till lukewarm.? Stir into this mixture the lightly beaten eggs, flour, baking soda, vanilla extract and candied fruit.? Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 45 - 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.? Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.? Cover and store, if possible, for a few days before serving. This fruit cake can be frozen.

Makes one - 9x5 inch loaf

1 cup (210 grams) light brown sugar

1 cup (240 ml) hot water

1/4 cup (56 grams) unsalted butter

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups (250 grams) seedless raisins

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/2 cups (195 grams) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup (175 grams) candied and chopped mixed peel


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Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe - Joyofbaking.com

For Sugar Cookies:? In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.

In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 to 4 minutes).?Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat until combined.?Add the flour mixture and beat until you have a smooth dough.

Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about one hour or until firm enough to roll.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.?

Remove one half of the chilled dough from the refrigerator and, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch (1 cm).?(Keep turning the dough as you roll, making sure the dough does not stick to the counter.)?Cut out cookies using a lightly floured tree cookie cutter and transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheet.?Place the baking sheets with the unbaked cookies in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to chill the dough which prevents the cookies from spreading and losing their shape while baking.

Bake cookies for about 10 minutes (depending on size) or until they begin to brown around the edges. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.?Frost with royal icing, if desired. Be sure to let the royal icing dry completely before storing. (This may take several hours.)

Frosted cookies will keep several days in an airtight container. Store between layers of parchment paper or wax paper.

Makes about 20 - 4 inch (10 cm) cookies.

For Royal Icing with Egg Whites:? In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the egg whites with the lemon juice. Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined and smooth. The icing needs to be used immediately or transferred to an airtight container as royal icing hardens when exposed to air. Cover with plastic wrap when not in use.

For Royal Icing with Meringue Powder:? In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the confectioners' sugar and meringue powder until combined.?Add the water and beat on medium to high speed until very glossy and stiff peaks form (5 to 7 minutes).?If necessary, to get the right consistency, add more powdered sugar or water.?To cover or 'flood' the entire surface of the cookie with icing, the proper consistency is when you lift the beater, the ribbon of icing that falls back into the bowl remains on the surface of the icing for a few seconds before disappearing.

The icing needs to be used immediately or transferred to an airtight container as royal icing hardens when exposed to air.?Cover with plastic wrap when not in use.

For Confectioners Frosting: In an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth and well blended. ?Add the vanilla extract. ?With the mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the sugar. ?Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beater. ?Add the milk and beat on high speed until frosting is thick and smooth.

To Serve:? Place small mounds of confectioners frosting on your serving plate. Cover and place in the refrigerator until the frosting is firm. Then, just before serving, gently place the decorated cookies into the frosting.?

Sources:

Pappas, Lou Seibert. 'the Christmas Cookie Book'. Chronicle Books. New York: 2000.

Yard, Sherry. 'The Secrets of Baking'. Houghton Mifflin Company. New York: 2003.


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Saturday, January 1, 2011

Holiday Mini-Cakes Baking Tin Case Pack 12 348380

Holiday Mini-Cakes Baking Tin Case Pack 12 348380Handcrafted to the highest standards using the artistry of the decoupage technique, artwork is triple sealed with a special sealant to ensure durability,easy cleaning and obtain an enamel like finish. Artwork will not fade. Our switchplates are heavy duty plastic nylon that is virtually unbreakable and hardware is included. A cinch to install. Each one of our switchplates is handcrafted with great individual care using licensed materials. We also offer matching Outlet Covers, Double Size Switchplates, Triple Size Switchplates, Rocker GFI Covers, Combo Switchplates, Phone and Cable Covers. We guarantee your complete satisfaction or money back. We are sure you will be delighted with these unique items. Items will arrive via USPS and a tracking # will be sent to you. Also Check out our matching Drawer Knobs here on Amazon.

Price:


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The French Chef With Julia Child 2

The French Chef With Julia Child 2 A regular program on WGBH Boston from 1963 to 1972, The French Chef is perhaps best known for its down-to-earth hostess Julia Child with her dry wit and practical approach to "fancy" French cooking. Eighteen classic programs, in black and white and color, feature the ever-practical Julia Child educating viewers in everything from starters and side dishes like braised spinach, shirred eggs, and hollandaise sauce, to main courses like seafood crêpes and braised goose, to breads and desserts like croissants and the exotic gateau in a cage. Julia Child leads viewers step-by-step through each recipe, imploring budding chefs to use their fingers and hands, let go of their fear of failure, avoid a sense of panic and maintain a sense of humor so that neither the cook nor the soufflé collapses. Helpful tips include advice about preparing dishes ahead of time, how to save a recipe gone awry, and an ever-present sense of humor that includes a waving goose and more than a few chuckles from Julia Child at her own inevitable bloopers. While current recommendations about food safety may necessitate altering some suggestions like defrosting a goose in the sink for 4 hours and modern dietary guidelines might frown upon the use of pork back fat in a terrine or paté, the majority of these recipes can easily be prepared without alteration today. If you love French food and want to learn how to prepare it yourself, join Julia Child for 18 lessons that are sure to have you cooking up exotic dishes in no time. --Tami Horiuchi

Price: $39.95


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