Chewy Soft Oatmeal Cookies

Chewy Soft Oatmeal Cookies

This oatmeal cookie recipe makes perfect soft and chewy oatmeal cookies! They’re warmly spiced with cinnamon and filled with rich flavor from butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. And though I often make this recipe with raisins, it works well with a variety of mix-ins. Fold in walnuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips! Another reason to love this oatmeal cookie recipe? You don’t need a mixer to make it. The dough is easy to mix up with a spatula and basic pantry ingredients whenever a cookie craving strikes.Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled*
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, melted**
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ cups whole rolled oats
¾ cup raisins or chocolate chips
½ cup chopped walnuts, optional

Directions:
Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. 

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, whisking vigorously.

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir in the oats, raisins, and walnuts, if using, folding into a tight batter. Set the dough aside for 20 minutes while the oven preheats. 

(Note: If your dough seems too wet to become scoop-able, chill it in the fridge for this 20 minutes and it'll firm up. If your dough is too crumbly, stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons water.)

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop the dough, heaping your scoops slightly to get 20 to 22 balls of dough. Roll lightly in barely damp hands to make them round. Spread out onto the prepared baking sheets and press down lightly on the tops of the dough balls.

Bake until puffed, golden, and a touch underbaked-looking, 10 to 11 minutes. Let cool on the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes
*Note: These cookies are fairly thick and puffy. If you prefer thinner cookies that spread more, use a scant cup of flour instead of a full cup. I find that cookies made with less flour need an extra minute in the oven.

**Butter substitution: Use melted coconut oil to make these cookies dairy-free.

Hot Cross-Buns Tangzhong

Hot Cross Buns

Classic hot cross buns—soft, lightly spiced, and studded with rum-soaked raisins for extra flavor.

Ingredients

For the Buns

4½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off, plus more as needed
1 cup warm water, divided
1 cup raisins
3 tablespoons rum (or water)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon instant or rapid-rise yeast (this is more than one packet)
1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon allspice
2 teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
3 large eggs, divided (1 for brushing the buns)
1 large egg yolk

For the Icing

1 cup (4 oz) confectioners' sugar
3 to 4 teaspoons milk
Pinch salt

Directions:

Make the Tangzhong:  Take 3 tablespoons of measured flour out of the mixing bowl and combine it in a small saucepan with 1/2 cup of the warm water (from the 1 cup): whisk until smooth.  Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to a smooth paste resembling pudding or thin mashed potatoes, about 2 minutes.  Scrape into a medium bowl and let cool until just warm.

Plump the raisins and rum in a small bowl.  Cover and microwave until steaming about 1 minute.  Let set until softened, about 15 minutes.  Drain the raisins and discard the liquid, and blot dry with a paper towel.

Mix the dry ingredients:  In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add the sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice,  and salt to the flour in the mixing bowl.  Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds to combine.

 To the bowl with the tangzhong paste, add remaining 1/2 cup warm water and melted butter and whisk to combine.  Add 2 of the eggs and the egg yolk and whisk until smooth.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead on medium-low speed until you have a soft elastic dough that clings to the bottom of the bowl, 8 or 9 minutes.  The dough will be sticky, which is normal--this is what gives the buns their light, tender texture.  Reduce the speed to low,  add the raisins, and mix until incorporated, about 2 minutes.  If the raisins and fully incorporated, finish mixing the dough by hand to distribute them evenly.  

At this point, the dough will still be quite sticky, but you should be able to handle it and shape into a ball.  If needed sprinkle in additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing briefly just until incorporated, (you may need up to 1/4 cup more flour, add only as much as needed to make the dough easy to handle.  Lightly flour your hands and gather the dough into a smooth ball.  Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft free spot until noticeably puffy and lighter in texture (it may not be double in bulk 2 to 3 hours.)

Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with non stick spray.  Turn the dough out onto a floured counter and divide into 12 equal pieces, (about 100gm each.  To shape, pull the edges of each piece into the center to form a little pouch to seal.  Flip seam-side down, then gently roll to create a smooth ball.  Tuck any exposed raisins underneath as best you can: if some peak through, that's perfectly fine.  Arrange the balls in the prepared pan, smooth side up, in 3 rows of 4.  Cover loosely and let rise until puffy and pressing against one another.  1 1/2 hours.

Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350*F.

In a small bowl, beat the remaing egg and brush the buns with it,  Bake until golden brown and the centers register 190*F with an instant read thermometer, 24 to 26 minutes.

Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool until just warm, about 1 hour.Run a thin knife around the edges to loosen.  You can either lift the buns out of the pan and separate them, or leave them in the pan for a more rustic presentation.

For the Icing:  

Combine the confectioners sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, and salt in a small bowl and whisk until smooth, adding more milk as needed.  The icing should be very thick, like a soft paste.

Transfer the icing to a zipper-lock sandwich bag and snip the corner, about 1/8 inch opening in one of the bottom corners and pipe lines across the buns to form crosses.  If the buns are still in the pan, pipe directly over the top; if removed, pipe over the individual buns.  Serve.

Sesame And Miso Cookies

Sesame & Miso Cookies

Miso paste is so good in bakes, especially when white chocolate and tahini are in the mix.

Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
7/8 cup light muscovado sugar
1/3 cup caster sugar
2 tablespoons Tahini
2 tablespoons white miso paste
1 medium egg
1 medium egg whites
2 1/2 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp fine sea salt
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/8 cup white chocolate, roughly chopped
1/2 cup sesame seeds
Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling

Directions:

In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat together the butter and both sugars for 2-3 minutes until light (or use a stand mixer). Add the tahini, miso, whole egg and egg white and mix again until smooth. Sift in the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and cinnamon; mix again until just combined. Stir in the chocolate until combined. Cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375*F, and line 2 large baking sheets with baking parchment.  Scoop and roll the chilled cookie dough into even-sized balls, each weighing 2 ounces (Golf ball size.  Place the sesame seeds onto a tray or into a large shallow bowl and roll each in the seeds to coat.

Place 5-6 dough balls on each lined baking sheet, leaving plenty of space for them to spread during cooking. Slightly flatten each with your fingers, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt flakes and bake for 16-18 minutes until golden.

Sharply tap the underside of the baking sheets on the work surface to slightly deflate the cookies. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the sheets, then transfer to a cooling rack. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Cook’s tip:
To give the cookies neat edges, one at a time, upturn a glass or ramekin over the top of them. With a circular motion, swirl the hot/warm cookies against the inside edge of the glass or ramekin.

Golden Chickpea Soup. ~. Vegan

 

Golden Chickpea Soup 

This vegan chickpea soup is bursting with flavor. Made with veggies and rice in a golden turmeric coconut milk broth. A cheery soup for cozy winter days. Gluten free.  Serves 8

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon coconut oil or EVOO

1 onion diced

4 garlic cloves

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 

2 teaspoons fresh turmeric grated finely or 1/2 teaspoons powdered 

1/2 teaspoon yellow curry powder

2 teaspoon coriander

1 teaspoon cumin

 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

2 carrots diced

1 celery stalk diced

1/2 cup apple diced small

1/4 to 1/2 cup jasmine or basmati rice 

5 cups vegetable broth

2 cups Swiss chard, greens and stems chopped (sub spinach or Kale)

1 can garbanzo beans or chick peas

1 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

1 cup coconut milk (full fat, canned)

Pinch of cayenne to taste

2 teaspoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to taste 

*Optional,  Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of coconut yogurt.

Directions:

In a large heavy bottom pan or Dutch oven, sauté onion in oil over medium heat 5 minutes until fragrant and golden.  Add garlic, ginger, and fresh turmeric and stir 2 to 3 minutes until garlic is fragrant and golden.

Turn the heat to medium, add curry powder, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, carrots and celery, apples and rice and sauce for another 5 minutes, stirring often.

Add broth, greens, chickpeas and salt and pepper..  Cover with a vented lid and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice and veggies are tender.  Add coconut milk and heat until warm,

Taste the soup and add lemon and cayenne if desired.  Adjust seasonings adding salt and pepper as needed.

Carrot Cake Scones

Carrot Cake Scones

These carrot cake scones are loaded with all of the good stuff – plenty of shredded carrots, coconut, pecans, raisins and some candied ginger for a fiery kick. Finished with a tangy cream cheese glaze, these scones are not too sweet and they're perfect for breakfast.

Ingredients:
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup light brown sugar
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
⅛ tsp cloves
1 cup grated carrots
½ cup raisins
½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
½ cup chopped nuts (we used pecans)
3 tbsp crystallized ginger, finely chopped (optional)
½ cup heavy cream + more for brushing the scones
1 large egg
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, frozen
Optional: 2 tablespoons coarse (turbinado) sugar for
topping
Cream cheese glaze recipe follows:

Directions: 
Preheat the oven to 350˚F. In a large bowl. whisk
together the flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder,
cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

Add in the grated carrots, raisins, coconut, nuts, and
ginger, tossing to coat in the flour mixture.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the heavy
cream, egg, and vanilla.

Using a box grater, grate the frozen butter into the
bowl with the flour mixture. Gently work the
ingredients together with a spatula or your hands so
butter is evenly distributed, but don’t over-mix.

Add in the heavy cream mixture and gently mix just
until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid over-mixing – you
should still be able to see the butter pieces throughout
the dough.

Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface.
Using floured hands, shape the dough into a roughly
10-inch disk. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut
the dough into 8 triangle wedges.

Transfer the scones to a parchment paper-lined baking
sheet. Place the scones in the freezer for 15 minutes,
or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill.

Before baking, brush the tops with more heavy cream,
then sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 20-25
minutes, until light golden brown on top.

Cream Cheese Glaze (optional):

1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened to room temp
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened to room temp
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Mix ingredients until you have a lump free glaze.

Apple Pie Bars With Cognac

Apple Pie Bars with Cognac

Skip pastry with these easy, rustic and perhaps superior apple pie bars.   The cooked down apples release their sugars into a mix of lemon juice and Cognac creating an elevated filling suited for celebrations rounded out with a crumbly topping.

Ingredients:

Cognac Kissed Apple Pie Filling

6 medium apples, a mix of tart and sweet, such as Gala and Granny Smith, about 907 g

2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (80 mL) granulated sugar
1/4 tsp (1 mL) fine sea salt
3/4 tsp (4 mL) cinnamon
4 tsp (20 mL) Cognac
1/2 tsp (2 mL) fresh lemon juice

Crumb Crust                      
1 large egg
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
1/2 tsp (2 mL) almond extract
2 1/2 cups (625 mL) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar
1/2 tsp (2 mL) fine sea salt
13 tbsp (195 mL) cold, unsalted butter, cubed and returned to fridge

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C) and line a 9 × 9-inch (23 x 23-cm) square baking pan with parchment paper.

To make crust, in a small bowl, whisk the egg, and vanilla and almond extracts to combine and set in the fridge to chill.

To the bowl of a food processor fitted with the S-blade, add the flour, sugar and salt and pulse to combine. Sprinkle the cold, cubed butter overtop, secure the lid, and pulse again until the butter is dispersed throughout and the largest piece is smaller than a pea.

Remove the egg mixture from the fridge and pour it overtop of the flour mixture. Pulse one last time to combine. The dough should hold together when squeezed.

Remove 13/4 cups (425 mL) of the crust mixture into a bowl and transfer to the refrigerator.

Press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, prick it with a fork and bake for 15 minutes. The edges will be lightly golden.

Meanwhile, prepare the apple pie filling. Peel, core and thinly slice apples. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle with the flour, sugar, salt and cinnamon; toss to combine. In a small bowl, stir together the Cognac and lemon juice. Drizzle it over the apples and toss once more.

Spread the apples and the juices evenly overtop of the par-baked crust. Sprinkle with the reserved chilled crust mixture, breaking off bits so it resembles a crumble. Press down gently so crumble sticks lightly to the apples.

Bake for 15 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C)

10. Bake, rotating halfway through, for 50 minutes more, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft. Remove from oven and allow it to cool to room temperature before serving. Serve alone, or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and a dusting of icing sugar. Leftover bars will keep in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Makes 16 bars

Carrot Cake Scones

Carrot Cake Scones

These carrot cake scones are loaded with all of the good stuff – plenty of shredded carrots, coconut, pecans, raisins and some candied ginger for a fiery kick. Finished with a tangy cream cheese glaze, these scones are not too sweet and they're perfect for breakfast.
Ingredients:
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup light brown sugar
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
⅛ tsp cloves
1 cup grated carrots
½ cup raisins
½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
½ cup chopped nuts (we used pecans)
3 tbsp crystallized ginger, finely chopped (optional)
½ cup heavy cream + more for brushing the scones
1 large egg
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, frozen
Optional: 2 tablespoons coarse (turbinado) sugar for
topping
Cream cheese glaze recipe follows:

Directions: 
Preheat the oven to 350˚F. In a large bowl. whisk
together the flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder,
cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

Add in the grated carrots, raisins, coconut, nuts, and
ginger, tossing to coat in the flour mixture.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the heavy
cream, egg, and vanilla.

Using a box grater, grate the frozen butter into the
bowl with the flour mixture. Gently work the
ingredients together with a spatula or your hands so
butter is evenly distributed, but don’t over-mix.

Add in the heavy cream mixture and gently mix just
until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid over-mixing – you
should still be able to see the butter pieces throughout
the dough.

Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface.
Using floured hands, shape the dough into a roughly
10-inch disk. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut
the dough into 8 triangle wedges.

Transfer the scones to a parchment paper-lined baking
sheet. Place the scones in the freezer for 15 minutes,
or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill.

Before baking, brush the tops with more heavy cream,
then sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 20-25
minutes, until light golden brown on top.

Cream Cheese Glaze (optional):

1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened to room temp
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened to room temp
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Mix ingredients until you have a lump free glaze.

Pecan, Date And Dried Cherry Bites

Pecan, Date and Dried Cherry Bites

Medjool dates and pecans form the base of these fudgy cubes, which are no-bake, healthy and delicious—a rare combination during the holidays. For the best possible texture, try to serve them fridge-cold.
Ingredients
14 oz (400 g) Medjool dates, about 20, pitted
1/2 cup (125 mL) dried cherries
1 1/4 cups (310 mL) chopped pecans, toasted, divided
1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon
1/4 tsp (1 mL) fine sea salt
2 tbsp (30 mL) chia seeds

Directions:
Line a 5 x 8-inch (12 x 20-cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides. Set aside.

Combine dates, cherries, 1 cup (250 mL) pecans, cinnamon and salt in a food processor and pulse until mixture is well combined and clumps together. Add chia and pulse until just combined. Scrape mixture into prepared pan, lay a piece of plastic wrap on top and press mixture into an even layer.

Finely chop remaining 1/4 cup (60 mL) pecans and sprinkle evenly overtop of date mixture, pressing down lightly to embed. 

Wrap pan in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight—block should feel very solid. 

Use parchment to pull mixture out of pan and place on a cutting board. Cut block into 32 bite-size pieces. 

Transfer to an airtight container, using parchment between layers to keep pieces from sticking together. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks. Makes 32 pieces

Gluten-Free Holiday-Spiced Carrot Cakelets With Eggnog Frosting

Gluten-Free Holiday-Spiced 

Carrot Cakelets with Eggnog Frosting

These moist, gluten-free mini carrot cakes get all the holiday feels from fragrant baking spices and a cream cheese frosting flavoured with rum and nutmeg. Don’t be tempted to skip the little bit of coconut flour, as it’s vital for getting the right texture. (You can buy just a little bit at most bulk food stores.)
Ingredients:

Cakelets
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) superfine blanched almond flour
1 tbsp (15 mL) coconut flour
1 tsp (5 mL) fine sea salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking powder
1/4 tsp (1 mL) baking soda
1 tsp (5 mL) ground ginger
1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) ground cloves
1 cup (250 mL) finely shredded carrots
3/4 cup (175 mL) packed dark brown sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup (60 mL) canola oil
1/3 cup (80 mL) chopped walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup (60 mL) shredded unsweetened coconut
Frosting
1/2 cup (125 mL) Philadelphia-style cream cheese, at room
   temperature
1/4 cup (60 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 1/2 cups (875 mL) icing sugar
1 tbsp (15 mL) dark rum or heavy cream
1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly grated nutmeg, plus more to garnish
Pinch fine sea salt

Directions: 

For the cakelets, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).  Heavily grease a  

12-cup muffin tin (or fill with parchment paper
liners). You can add a circle of parchment to the base of each well
as extra insurance, if you’re so inclined.

Combine almond flour, coconut flour, salt, baking powder and
soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in a bowl and stir until
uniform. Set aside.

Place carrots on a paper towel–lined plate and top with another
paper towel, pressing down to absorb any extra moisture.

Combine brown sugar and eggs in a medium mixing bowl and
beat on high with an electric mixer until pale and thick, about
4 minutes. Working one at a time, add dry mixture, canola oil, carrots,
walnuts and coconut, gently folding to incorporate.

Divide batter between prepared wells. Bake until tops are nicely b
rowned and feel slightly springy when touched, 18 to 20 minutes. 

Cool for 5 minutes then run point of a thin knife around edges of each well and ease them out. Put cakelets top down on a wire rack to cool
completely.

For the frosting, combine cream cheese and butter in large mixing
bowl and beat with an electric mixer until completely smooth. Add
icing sugar and beat until combined. Add rum or cream, nutmeg and
salt. Beat until fully incorporated. Pipe or spread icing onto cooled
cakes and dust with a little fresh nutmeg.

Apple Cinnamon Mincemeat Pie

Apple Cinnamon Mincemeat Pie

You can substitute a box of frozen pie crust, about 22 ounces, for the homemade dough. Thaw the dough as directed, and roll it back into shape if it cracks when unwrapping.

Ingredients:
1 recipe double-crust pie dough:
3 pounds (6 to 8 medium-size) firm crisp apples, such as Empire, Mutsu or Honeycrisp
Grated zest from 1 small lemon
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup bottled mincemeat
2 tablespoons half-and-half
Coarse sugar for sprinkling

Cinnamon sweetened whipped cream, or rum raisin ice cream

Directions:
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Have a deep 10-inch glass or ceramic pie plate and a baking sheet ready.

Roll out the larger disk of dough between two sheets of floured wax paper into a thin circle about 14 inches in diameter. Carefully fold the dough in half, then place it in the pie dish, Unfold it and fit it over the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish. Trim the overhang to leave about 1/2 inch all around the pie dish. Refrigerate.

Roll the other piece of dough between 2 sheets of floured wax paper into an 11-inch circle and place it (still between the wax paper) on the baking sheet and refrigerate it.

For the filling, peel the apples, and quarter them through the stem end. Remove the core. Cut each quarter into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Put the slices into a large bowl, and add the lemon zest. Stir in sugar, cornstarch, tapioca, cinnamon and salt. Mix well. Gently stir in the mincemeat. Let stand, about 10 minutes.

Spoon the apple mixture and accumulated juices into the dough-lined pie dish. Pat the apples down to compact them a bit.

Carefully place the top crust over the fruit. Use your fingers to press together the top and bottom crusts, trimming as needed. Use a fork to make a decorative edge. Brush the top of the pie and the edges with the half-and-half. Sprinkle everything generously with the coarse sugar. Use the fork to gently poke steam vents into the top of the pie in several spots.

Bake pie at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Now slide the baking sheet under the pie to catch any drips. Continue baking at 325 degrees until the top crust is richly browned, 30 to 40 minutes more. (Use foil strips to cover the edges of the pie if they brown too quickly.) Cool pie on wire rack until barely warm.

Serve warm with cinnamon sweetened whipped cream or ice cream.

Grein Free Honey Granola

                                        Grain Free Honey Granola

This baked granola is a nutrient-dense blend of raw nuts and seeds. It’s ideal for anti-inflammatory, gluten-free, fibre-rich, low-sugar and high-protein diets. There’s natural sweetness from the dates and the honey, which —alongside all of its other health benefits — is a source of antioxidants. Use local honey to infuse with the essence of the Sea to Sky.  Serves 16

Ingredients:
2 cups raw almonds, chopped
1 cup raw pecans, chopped
⅓ cup raw pumpkin seeds
⅓ cup raw sunflower seeds
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
¼ cup honey
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
3 dates, pitted and chopped

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped nuts and whole seeds
(for smaller seed pieces, use a food processor to chop to desired size
or lay on a cutting board and break up with a chef’s knife).

Pour melted coconut oil over nuts and seeds, along with honey, sea
salt and cinnamon. Add dates and combine. Mix everything well and
spread on prepared baking sheet in a single layer.  Bake for 10 min.

Remove mixture from oven and give it a light stir, then bake for 
another 8 minutes or until nuts start to brown. 

Remove from oven and completely cool before breaking mixture into 

chunks. The longer the granola cools, the crunchier it gets.

Transfer to a glass jar with a lid and store at room temperature for up to a week. Serve with yogurt or enjoy on its own.

Roasted Apple and Squash Soup

 

Roasted Apple and Squash Soup with Spiced Squash Seeds

The Red Kuri is my favorite squash variety. Sadly, it’s often passed by in favor of the easier-to-peel Butternut or the sensationally sweet Delicata. The Red Kuri has a flavor that is nutty and sweet, reminiscent of roasted chestnuts. When roasted with apples, onions and subtle spices, the combination creates a rich, earthy flavor. Once blended, a velvety texture emerges and tantalizes the tongue with its soft, warm qualities.
This soup is remarkably easy to make and to clean up. Best of all, you can turn the leftovers into velvety Apple and Squash Mac and Cheese.

Ingredients:
1 (2-pound) Red Kuri squash
1 large sweet yellow onion, coarsely chopped
1 shallot, peeled and quartered
3 tart apples, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons melted butter
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
¾ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground mace
½ teaspoon cayenne powder
2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
4 cups water
¼ cup heavy whipping cream (optional)
Spiced Squash Seeds, for garnish

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F.

Cut the squash in half using a large, thick knife or cleaver. Carefully push down on both ends of the blade, slowly, to cut the squash in half. Scoop out the seeds and reserve for the spiced seed garnish. Place the cut side of each squash on a cutting board. Cut each into wedges. Then carve off the peel of each wedge. Cut the peeled squash into 2-inch pieces.

Place the squash, onions, shallot, apples and ginger in an 11- by 17-inch baking dish and toss together with the oil, melted butter, maple syrup, thyme, ginger and spices. Make sure everything is well combined and coated in the oil and butter. Place in the oven and roast for about 50 minutes, or until a slight char appears on the onions and shallots. Mix the vegetables once during the roasting.

Transfer all of the roasted vegetables, including any drippings, into a large 4- to 6-quart pot, and add the water. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully blend the mixture, using an immersion blender, until smooth and velvety. Taste the soup and season with additional salt, if needed.

Slowly blend in the heavy cream, if using.

Serve warm, garnished with the spiced squash seeds for a more extravagant meal.

•                                Spiced Squash Seeds

  Ingredients 
  ¼–½ cup washed and dried squash seeds (use squash seeds reserved from the soup recipe, or raw pumpkin seeds)
  1 tablespoons butter, melted
  ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  ½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  ¼ teaspoon allspice
  Directions
  Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss pumpkin seeds with butter and spices and spread in a single layer on a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and toasted. Let cool.

  
  

Hazelnut Hobbit Cake

Hazelnut Hobbit Cake

Many of us have developed traditions and rituals that get us through the winter. Pairing food preparation with certain times of the year not only picks us up, but also helps us to observe seasonality—just as we love the heat of tomato season, we love the coziness of winter.

Plus, this gives us an excuse to gather together, whether it's a big feast or a fireside chat with mugs of tea, probably with a special treat on the table. These things can ground us, help us to be present. I have made this hazelnut cake on Thanksgiving, for holiday brunches and, most often, as Bilbo Baggins' birthday cake when our found family gathers to celebrate Hobbit Day every September. I never want to eat a gingerbread cookie in July and likewise, I only want to eat this cake when the days are short and friends are near.  2025 Hobbit Day is September 22.

This spiced cake is studded with nuts and seeds in a glossy honey-caramel coating, and like an upside-down fruit cake, you're going to use the technique of making a syrup in the pan, sprinkling on nuts and seeds, then baking the cake batter right on top. When it's flipped out of the pan, you'll see there's no further decoration needed. It is its own centerpiece.

Ingredients:

For the honeyed nuts
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup honey
½ teaspoon cinnamon
⅔ cup brown sugar
1 cup hazelnuts, roughly chopped
¼ cup mixed seeds and grains, such as pepitas, nigella, poppy, 

   sunflower and millet
For the cake batter

¾ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks)
1⅓ cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
⅔ cup whole milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (fresh, if possible)

Directions: 

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Set a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over low heat. Melt the butter. Rotate and tilt the pan so a bit of the butter goes up the sides to grease it. Turn off the heat, then add the honey, cinnamon and brown sugar to the pan.

Whisk in the pan until smooth before sprinkling the hazelnuts and seeds evenly over the honey mixture in the skillet. In a bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and then the vanilla.

Whisk the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl.

Mixing on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the batter. Take care to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated.

Pour the cake batter over the nut mixture in the skillet, making a spiral from the outside in. Gently spread the batter evenly. Do not stir!
Bake for 55–60 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick in the center. As soon as you take the cake from the oven—the honey nut mixture is still piping hot, and will move!—immediately invert the cake onto a flat plate or rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Wrap tightly to store.

Notes:
If you have a trusty, well-seasoned 10-inch cast-iron skillet, I’d recommend putting it to use here. The cake will release perfectly. If you don’t have a skillet, sub in a 9- or 10-inch cake pan. Make the honeyed nuts in a separate pan on the stovetop. Butter the cake pan, then spread the warm nut mixture quickly and evenly over the unlined bottom. Proceed with the recipe, using the toothpick test at the end to see if you need 3–5 more minutes.

German Apple Custard Cake

German Apple Custard Cake

The German Apple Cake – easy recipe – is perfect for baking with beginners or if you don’t have much time for baking a cake. You have found a very easy recipe for a delicious Apple Custard Cake. 

Ingredients:

Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour  

1 teaspoon baking powder  

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 

1/4 teaspoon salt  

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened  

3/4 cup granulated sugar  

2 large eggs  

1 teaspoon vanilla extract  

1/2 cup whole milk

Custard Filling:

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.  

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.  

In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.

Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until smooth.

Pour batter into the pan and layer apple slices on top.

Bake for 25 minutes, then whisk custard ingredients and pour over the cake.

Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, then bake for another 20-25 minutes until custard is set.

Let cool before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Pre-heat oven to 355 F.

Grease a 10 inch spring form very well with butter and dust with flour.

Place batter into a greased cake spring form .

Layer all apples on top.

Bake in preheated oven on 355 F for about 60 minutes.

Baklava Bundt Cake

                                              

Baklava Bundt Cake 

I do not usually recommend box mixes but this sounded to me like a "caught in a hurry" for a dessert type recipe.    Servings: Serves 8-10
Ingredients:
Nut Topping
¼ cup butter
½ cup pistachios, roughly chopped
½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
Pinch of cinnamon 

Cake
1 (14.25 oz) white cake mix
3 eggs
½ cup butter, melted
1 cup buttermilk
Honey Sauce

¾ cup sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon water
1/3 cup honey
Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and thoroughly grease a standard bundt pan, then set aside.

Topping: Add all topping ingredients to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until butter is fully melted and sugar has dissolved. Transfer mixture to the prepared bundt pan and spread evenly along the bottom.

Cake: In a large bowl, combine all cake batter ingredients and whisk just until smooth. Gently pour batter on top of the nut mixture, then bake for 38-42 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Sauce: Start on the sauce as the cake bakes. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, lemon juice, and water and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Stir in honey and continue cooking for 1 additional minute. Set sauce aside to cool and thicken.

Allow the cake to cool for about 12 minutes then invert onto your desired serving plate. Drizzle the cooled sauce over the top.

Brown Sugar Meringues With Raspberries And Spiced Oats

 

Brown Sugar Meringues With Raspberries and Spiced Oats

Every component of this dessert is a winner but it is the oat topping that willl go back for just one more spoonful.  Serves 4

Ingredients:

3 large egg whites

7/8 cup 170g light brown sugar

 5 ounce (150g) pack of raspberries

1 tablespoon (10g) confectioners sugar

1 teaspoon (10ml) Cointreau *optional

1/2 orange (scrubbed) zest

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

1 cup (250 ml) double cream, to serve

Caramelized Spiced Oats

1 cup (100g)  jumbo rolled oats

1/3 cup (60g)  light brown soft sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon fine salt

Directions:

Meringues:

NOTE:  This is not a recipe for a humid day

Preheat the oven to 250* F ( 120*C )   Line a large baking tray with baking parchment paper.  In a clean bowl with a hand mixer or in the bowl of a free standing mixer, whisk the egg whites to a stiff peaks.  Add the sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until you have a firm glossy meringue, (5 to 7 minutes). Using a spoon scoop onto parchment paper 4 well spaced nests.  With the back of a spoon gently press the center to leave space for the filling.  Bake for 1 hour and leave in the oven to cool for 2 hours or overnight.

Oats:  Preheat the oven to 325*F  (160*C) .  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Put the oats in a bowl and set aside.  In a small pan over low heat, melt the butter and sugar sitrring occasionally (6 to 10 minutes).  Add the salt and the spices mix again and pour over the oats in the bowl and toss to coat and toss to coat.  Spread out on the baking tray and bake 30 minutes stirring halfway until golden.  Set aside to cool.

Put the raspberries in a bowl with the icing sugar and Cointreau if using,  the orange zest, and the vinegar.  Stirring to combine allowing the raspberries to break up a little.

When ready to serve place the double-cream in a chilled bowl and using a balloon whisk, beat to soft peaks.  Place a meringue on a plate, add a dollop of whipped cream, and spoon over the raspberries.  Top

with some caramelized spiced oats to finish.

TIP:  Store any left over spiced oats in an airtight jar or container for up to 2 weeks.  Sprinkle over ice cream, yogurt, or fruity compote.