The Best Lemon Loaf

Loaf

Cooking spray
flour
3 eggs
1 c. sugar
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. canola or veg oil
2 Tbsp. lemon zest
1-2 Tbsp. lemon extract (note, NOT tsp.)
1 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Lemon Glaze

1 c. confectioners' sugar
3 Tbsp. lemon juice, or as necessary for consistency

To make the loaf: Preheat oven to 350 F.

Spray a 9x5 loaf pan with cooking spray then flour. Set aside.

Add the eggs, sugar, and sour cream to a large bowl, then whisk vigorously until smooth and combined.

Drizzle in the oil while whisking to combine.

Add the lemon zest and extract, and whisk to combine.

Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined. Don't overmix. If there's a few lumps, it's okay.

Turn the batter out into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula. Bake for about 50-52 minutes or until top is domed, set, and toothpick comes out clean.

In the last 10 minutes of baking, tent pan with foil to prevent excessive browning on the top and sides of bread before the center cooks through.

Allow loaf to cool in the pan on top of a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before turning out onto a rack to cool completely before glazing.

To make the lemon glaze: In a small bowl, add the confectioners' sugar, and slowly drizzle in the lemon juice while whisking until smooth and combined and desired consistency.

Evenly drizzle glaze over bread before slicing and serving.

Plum Flognarde

Butter or cooking spray
7-8 ripe plums
1/2 c. + 6 Tbsp. sugar, divided
2-3 Tbsp. cognac
1/2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. whole milk
3 large eggs
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Butter a tart pan or cast iron skillet. Cut a circular piece of parchment paper and place on the bottom of the pan, spraying under and over with cooking spray. Set aside

Cut each plum in half crosswise and remove the pit. Slice the plums into thin slices. Combine the sliced plums with cognac and 2-3 Tbsp. sugar in a bowl. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.

In a food processor, combine flour, 1/2 c. sugar, salt, milk, eggs, butter, vanilla, and liquid from plums. Pulse until incorporated and consistent in texture.

Pour batter into prepared tart pan. Bake for 25 minutes until batter is set.

When you remove from the oven, flognarde will be puffed and overflowing. It will sink rapidly within a few seconds. At this point, arrange sliced plums on the flognarde, starting on the outside rim and working your way to the middle. Sprinkle 1-2 Tbsp. sugar over the top of the plums and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Let cool before serving.

Recipe courtesy of newblooming.com

Orange Souffle

Creme Anglaise Sauce

2 egg yolks
1 c. heavy cream
1/3 c. sugar
1 Tbsp. Grand Marnier, or other orange liqueur
1/4 tsp. vanilla
orange zest

Souffle

1 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 Tbsp. sugar
5 tsp. butter
5 tsp. flour
1/4 c. cold milk
2 egg yolks
1 tsp. orange zest
1 Tbsp. Grand Marnier, or other orange liqueur
1/8 tsp. vanilla
2 egg whites
1/4 c. sugar, divided

 To make the creme anglaise sauce: Whisk all ingredients together in a small saucepan until smooth.

Over med-low heat, stir constantly with rubber spatula, scraping the bottom, until thickened and reaches a temperature of 180 F.

Remove from heat, strain to remove any uncooked particles of egg. Allow to cool. Add in some freshl orange zest to the cooled creme anglaise. Then make the souffle.

 
To make the souffle: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Brush the insides of 4 4 oz. ramekins with 1 Tbsp. melted butter, and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. sugar. Place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

Melt 5 tsp. butter in a saucepan over medium low heat. Cook and stor flour into the melted butter until golden brown and bubbly, about 2 minutes.

Pour in milk and cook, stirring continuously until smooth and thick, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl.

Stir orange zest and orange liqueur into butter mixture until combined. Add egg yolks and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

Whisk egg whites in a large bowl until frothy. Slowly add 1/8 c. sugar and whisk until combined. Add remaining sugar and continue to whisk until meringue is thick and holds it shape, but is not stiff.

Fold half the meringue into egg yolk mixture until well combined. Gently fold in second half until well mixed. Transfer to the prepared ramekins, allowing 1/4 inch of space at the top.

Bake until risen and browned, about 16 minutes.

Immediately make a divot in the top of each souffle with a small spoon. Pour the creme anglaise into the divot and over the top of each souffle. Serve warm. Enjoy!

I have this souffle on a Princess Cruise ship. It was the most amazing dessert I'd ever had. I wanted to remake it. I found these recipes on Allrecipes.com and it is very nearly the same and most heavenly.

Copycat Piranha Pool

We had this drink at Disneyland, and came home and tried to recreate it. I think I got pretty close! So, when you’re getting ingredients, don’t make the same mistakes I did. Cream of coconut is not to be confused with coconut cream. They are very different. Also strawberry puree is more than just pureed strawberries. There’s a component of added sugar and lemon juice, so it won’t be as sweet unless you’re using strawberry puree.

1 oz. blue curacao
1.5 oz. pineapple juice
2 oz. cream of coconut
1 oz. strawberry vodka 1.5 c. ice
1 Tbsp. strawberry puree
pineapple slice for garnish (optional)
maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)


Mix all the ingredients except the strawberry puree in a blender.

Taking a tall empty cup, tilt it to the side, and scoop in your strawberry puree so it covers the side.

Tilt the cup upright and quickly pour in the contents of the blender. Garnish with a cherry on top!

This is one of my favorite drinks! Enjoy!

Hot Cross Buns

*Plan ahead... needs to rise...

Buns

2 c. whole milk

1/2 c. canola oil 

3/4 c. granulated sugar, divided

2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast 

4 1/2 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for flouring

1/2 tsp. baking powder 

1/2 tsp. baking soda 

2 tsp. salt 

1 tsp. cinnamon

Dash of ground nutmeg

Glaze

1 egg white

splash of milk 

Icing

1 egg white

confectioners' sugar, as needed

milk, as needed

 To make the buns: Combine the milk, canola oil and 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar in a saucepan. Stir and heat until very warm but not boiling. Turn off the heat and allow to cool until the mixture is still warm but not hot, about 30 minutes.

Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Add 4 cups of the flour and stir to combine; the mixture will be very sticky. Cover with a towel and set aside for 1 hour.

Add the baking powder, baking soda, salt and remaining 1/2 cup flour to the dough. Stir until combined.

Combine the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl with the cinnamon and nutmeg or whatever other spices you want to use.

Lightly flour a work surface and turn out the dough onto it. Press to slightly flatten the dough. Sprinkle a third of the sugar/cinnamon mixture over it. Then fold the dough over on itself and flatten again so the dough is "plain" again. Repeat the sugar process, then fold the dough again. Repeat a third time.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pinch off golf ball-size bunches of dough. With floured hands, quickly roll them into balls, then turn the edges under themselves slightly. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place for at least 30 minutes....an hour plus is better. 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 

To make the glaze: Mix the egg white with a splash of milk. Brush onto the balls of dough.

Bake until the tops of the buns have turned nice and golden brown, 20 minutes give or take. Allow to cool on a cooling rack. 

  

To make the icing: Mix the egg white with enough powdered sugar for the icing to be very thick. Splash in the milk as needed for consistency.

When the buns are completely cool, add the icing to a small ziptop bag and snip the corner. Make icing crosses on each bun. Enjoy!

Shamelessly borrowed from The Pioneer Woman

Asparagus Quiche

I made this quiche the other day, and there were no leftovers. So delicious. I got the crust recipe from Mary Berry. I make this crust all the time. It’s so simple and tasty. The quiche recipe comes from my new cookbook: Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines.

Pie Crust
175g flour, plus more for dusting
87.5 cold butter
6-12 Tbsp. cold water

Quiche
1 lb. asparagus, ends trimmed
6 eggs
1 c. heavy cream
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. black pepper
8 oz. Fontina cheese, grated
2 oz. Gruyere cheese, grated

To make the crust: Place the flour in a large bowl.

Grate the butter into the flour, and cut with a pastry blender until mixed together.
Add in the cold water one tablespoon at a time. Between each addition of water, stir with a knife until it’s a doughy consistency.

Gather together in a ball. Wrap securely in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes (and up to 24 hours).

When your dough is ready, set it out for 10 minutes, still wrapped.

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 14 inches across. Don’t stretch or turn it over.

Fold the pastry in half, then in half again, to resemble a fan shape. Place in the center of the 9 inch pie dish you’re using. Unfold and ease into the pan. Trim the edges and decorate the edge as you like.

To make the quiche: Cut the asparagus into 1 inch pieces.

Steam the asparagus for about 3 minutes. Then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, garlic, and pepper. Stir in the cheeses and asparagus.
Pour mixture into unbaked pie crust.

Bake until lightly golden and set in the center. Jiggle the pan. It shouldn’t wiggle in the center. Bake 40-50 minutes.

Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving. Cut into 6-8 slices. Serve warm.

Pan de Muerto

2 1/4 tsp. dry yeast
1/4 c. warm water
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. warm milk
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1/2 c. butter, melted
Orange zest of 1 orange
3 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
Olive oil
water
egg wash (egg and water)
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/4 c. sugar

In a large bowl, mix yeast, warm water, and sugar. Set aside to let the yeast mixture become frothy, about 5 minutes.

When the yeast is ready, stir in milk, eggs, yolks, butter, and zest.

Add in 1 c. flour and stir. Add in the salt. Add in 1 c. flour and stir. Add in the last cup of flour and stir.

Turn out dough on floured surface. Knead until smooth.

Add a teaspoon or two of olive oil to a large bowl, and spread around the bottom and sides with a paper towel.  Place the dough in the bowl. Cover and let rest 1 - 1 1/2 hours.

When the dough has rested and doubled in size, turn out onto floured surface. Cut into 10 portions, then cut the pointed tips of each portion off. About 1/2 an ounce in size.

Roll all 20 pieces into balls and place onto lined baking sheets. You'll need 2 baking sheets. Cover and let rest 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Make 6 cuts on the small balls to make them look star-like. Leave the center attached.

Brush water on the top of each roll. Attach top ball that has been cut. Spread and shape the top ball into bones.

Brush with egg wash.

Bake 18 minutes or until golden. Brush with butter, then sprinkle with sugar.

Enjoy!!

Recipe courtesy of Rosanna Pansino. http://rosannapansino.com/blog/recipes/coco-day-dead-bread/

Dragon Noodles

8 oz. lo-mein noodles
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. sriracha
2 Tbsp. butter
1 egg, beaten
1 Tbsp. cilantro

Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain.

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha.

In a large skillet, melt the butter, and cook the egg. Add in the cilantro. Stir around to break up the egg.

Add the noodles to the skillet with the egg. Stir to combine. Then coat with the sauce. Again stir to combine. Serve hot.

Super easy. Super fast. Next time I may add chicken, but it was a great dinner and I will definitely be making it again!

Here's the website where I found the recipe: https://www.budgetbytes.com/2012/08/spicy-noodles/

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

*Plan ahead... needs to marinate

Marinade:
1 c. plain yogurt
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. salt

Chicken:
3 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts

Sauce:
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, de-seeded and finely chopped
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. Garam Masala
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp. salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp. chili powder
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 c. heavy cream
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. water
2 drops red food coloring
2 drops yellow food coloring

Basmati rice, cooked

Combine marinade ingredients and chicken in a gallon Ziploc bag. Knead with hands until thoroughly mixed. Refrigerate to marinate overnight.

The next day, preheat the oven to 450° F.

Line a baking sheet (with raised edges) with parchment paper.

Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off and discarding the excess marinade.

Arrange chicken breasts on baking sheet, and bake at 450° for 10 minutes. (Chicken will be not fully cooked.)

Plug in crock pot, and set to low heat. Add melted butter, garlic, and jalapeño, covering the bottom of the pot.

Cut chicken into 1" cubes and add to crock pot. Do not stir.

In a small mixing bowl, combine paprika, cumin, garam masala, sugar, salt, chili powder, tomato sauce and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then pour mixture over the chicken.

Place lid on crock pot and leave at low for 3 hours.

After 3 hours are up, combine corn starch, water, and food coloring in a small bowl. Vigorously mix and add to crock pot, stirring everything together before the corn starch can settle out of the water.

Set crock pot to high, then re-cover and cook for 20 more minutes.

Serve hot over basmati rice.

 
 

Mini Sloppy Joes

1 lb. ground beef
half of a large onion, chopped
8 oz. tomato sauce
1/3 c. ketchup
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. dry mustard
salt and pepper
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 baguette, cut into about 25 slices
Parmesan, shredded
Provolone, grated

Preheat oven to Broil.

In a large saucepan, over medium heat, combine the beef and onion. Cook until meat is mostly browned, then drain well.

In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt and pepper, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

Pour the sauce ingredients over the drained beef, then stir to coat evenly. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Line your baguette slices onto one or two baking sheets. Put about a Tbsp or two of the beef sauce onto the top of each bread slice. Sprinkle each slice with Parmesan, then cover the top in Provolone.

Broil for 2 minutes.

Let cool a minute or two before enjoying.