Petite Vanilla Bean Scones

For years I didn’t know what I was missing. I never really had a desire to make scones, and now these days it seems like I can’t get enough! It all started with my favorite Glazed Cinnamon Scones (and if you can’t tell, I sorta have a thing for anything with a glaze on it as well!) and now I have about 50 different scone recipes pinned to my pinterest board that I’m anxious to try.  Scones are just so easy to make, they’re pretty much fail proof, they look pretty and are downright tasty. These right here are a close contender for the favorite spot.  So perfectly soft and flaky, not overly sweet and the hint of vanilla is refreshing and delicious. I mean, I was hooked the minute I smelled that vanilla pod. I know vanilla beans can be pricey, but it’s so worth the splurge, even if just for the smell that fills your kitchen!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner. In a large bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt, set aside. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup heavy cream, egg, vanilla bean seeds and vanilla extract until well combined, chill in refrigerator until ready to use. To remove seeds, split pod open and use the back of the knife to scrape out the seeds.

Add grated butter to flour mixture and mix evenly into flour using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse meal. Add cream mixture to flour mixture and stir until it just combined, then knead mixture  several times until it has come together well (it will be slightly sticky, but this is what makes the scones moist). Pour mixture onto a floured surface and shape into a 7 by 7-inch square. Cut into 9 equal squares, then cut each square in half on a diagonal to create two triangles.

Transfer to prepared baking sheet spacing scones evenly apart, and brush tops with remaining 1 Tbsp cream.

Bake 13 – 14 minutes until lightly golden. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar cream, milk, vanilla beans and vanilla extract until smooth. Cool baked scones on a wire rack then spoon vanilla glaze over tops.

Scones:
2 cups all-purpose flour
6 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup + 1 Tbsp heavy cream, divided
1 large egg
Seeds of 1 small vanilla bean
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold and grated

Glaze:
1 cup  powdered sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp heavy cream
1 1/2 Tbsp milk
Seeds of 1 small vanilla bean
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner. In a large bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt, set aside. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup heavy cream, egg, vanilla bean seeds (split pod open and use the back of the knife to scrape out seeds) and vanilla extract until well combined, chill in refrigerator until ready to use. Add grated butter to flour mixture and mix evenly into flour using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse meal. Add cream mixture to flour mixture and stir until it just combined, then knead mixture  several times until it has come together well (it will be slightly sticky, but this is what makes the scones moist). Pour mixture onto a floured surface and shape into a 7 by 7-inch square. Cut into 9 equal squares, then cut each square in half on a diagonal to create two triangles. Transfer to prepared baking sheet spacing scones evenly apart, and brush tops with remaining 1 Tbsp cream. Bake 13 – 14 minutes until lightly golden. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar cream, milk, vanilla beans and vanilla extract until smooth. Cool baked scones on a wire rack then spoon vanilla glaze over tops.

Source | Cooking Classy

Blueberry Lemon Chia Pudding {confessions of a chia convert)

Every where I look, it’s chia. I know it’s the new craze and I can’t tell you how many chia pudding recipes I have pinned to my pinterest board. They always look so tantalizing with their fresh fruit and summery hues, but I just couldn’t bring myself to eat something that produced grass hair on a ’90’s novelty item. Maybe it’s different types of seeds, who knows, but it was enough to keep me from jumping on the bandwagon and taking the plunge. However, when my sister posted this recipe on her website with rave reviews, and even labeling it as kid friendly, I knew I could take her word for it. And I’m so glad I did! It really is as fresh and delicious as it looks and the nutrition factor is just an added bonus. My kids were a split decision. The ones who have texture issues weren’t too big of fans, but the rest of us loved it. I see a bright future of chia pudding breakfasts and snacks in our future! And I’m pretty confident we won’t even be sprouting grass like a chia pet. Now if only I could get on board with cooking with lavender, it sounds enticing, but there’s just something about food made with flowers….

1 cup Greek yogurt, plain
1 cup coconut milk
1 tbsp Lemon peel
2 TBS lemon juice
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 1/2 TBS Honey
1/4 cup Chia seeds
additional berries and honey to top each serving

Combine all ingredients in a large storage container that has a lid. Make sure all the chia seeds are mixed in, and mash the berries lightly, especially if using frozen raspberries. Place the lid on the container and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours. Serve with extra raspberries (or other berries of choice), and a drizzle of honey if desired.

Source | Six Little Chefs

{decadent} Dark Chocolate & Nutella Banana Bread

I have yet to meet a banana bread recipe that I don’t just looooove. But this right here takes the banana bread up a notch. It’s taking the banana bread scene by storm. It’s stepping up it’s game. It’s bringing a more sophisticated look to the face of banana bread. I mean, we’re talking chocolate on chocolate here. Chunks of dark chocolate and swirls of warm melted Nutella make this banana bread the best you’ll ever have!

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Grease and/or line a medium size loaf tin and set aside. In a medium bowl, mash your bananas well and whisk together with the eggs and melted butter. In a separate large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix with a wooden spoon until just combined. Roughly chop the chocolate bar, then stir in the chocolate chunks.

Microwave the Nutella for 30 seconds until soft. Pour into the mixture and use a wooden spoon to swirl into the batter.

Transfer to the loaf tin and sprinkle lightly with brown sugar.

Bake on the middle shelf for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Leave to cool before turning out of the pan.

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cups brown sugar, packed
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 medium size ripe bananas
2 large eggs
6 Tbs butter, melted
1/3 cup Nutella or any other chocolate hazlenut spread
1 (4 oz) dark chocolate bar, cut into chunks (you can use milk chocolate, if you prefer)
Brown sugar, for sprinkling

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Grease and/or line a medium size loaf tin and set aside. In a medium bowl, mash your bananas well and whisk together with the eggs and melted butter. In a separate large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix with a wooden spoon until just combined. Roughly chop the chocolate bar, then stir in the chocolate chunks. Microwave the Nutella for 30 seconds until soft. Pour into the mixture and use a wooden spoon to swirl into the batter. Transfer to the loaf tin and sprinkle lightly with brown sugar. Bake on the middle shelf for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Leave to cool before turning out of the pan.

Source | adapted from The Cake Hunter

Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Pretzels

These bite sized little babies are seriously so addicting. I mean, I was eating the peanut butter mixture alone by the spoonfuls. And as I was making them I was daydreaming about every possible scenario where these would be needed. Class parties, holiday parties, ward parties, after school snacks, neighbor treats…pretty much these would be appropriate for any of life’s occasions. I got the recipe from a blog I recently came across and have really enjoyed, Crunchy Salty Sweet, and if ever there was a snack that was crunchy, salty and sweet, this would be it!

In a mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and 2 tablespoons of butter until smooth and creamy. Mix in the powdered sugar, brown sugar and vanilla and continue to mix at medium speed until smooth. Take 1 teaspoon of peanut butter mixture and roll it into a ball, then gently press the ball between two mini pretzels to flatten.

Place the pretzel sandwiches onto a baking sheet and repeat until the peanut butter mixture is gone. Place the sheet into the freezer for 10-20 minutes, or until firm.

1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
70-80 mini pretzels
1/2 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and 2 tablespoons of butter until smooth and creamy. Mix in the powdered sugar, brown sugar and vanilla and continue to mix at medium speed until smooth. Take 1 teaspoon of peanut butter mixture and roll it into a ball, then gently press the ball between two mini pretzels to flatten. Place the pretzel sandwiches onto a baking sheet and repeat until the peanut butter mixture is gone. Place the sheet into the freezer for 10-20 minutes, or until firm. Add the chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 second intervals, stirring between each one, until smooth and melted (or use a double boiler). Dip half of each pretzel sandwich into the chocolate then return to the baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened.

Source | Crunchy Salty Sweet

Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

If you like moist poppy seed bread with a hint of citrus and a rich creamy lemon glaze, then this is the recipe for you! Because I know you were craving that specific thing right at this moment. And if you weren’t then now you are. This bread is so delicious, that it really should qualify as a dessert. But I called it a bread mostly to justify making it for my kids for an after school snack. And then eating it again for breakfast. But hey, if you check out the ingredients, it’s rather healthy (er, healthier) with whole wheat flour, greek yogurt, egg whites, low fat milk and no butter. So enjoy! Also perfect for a brunch or luncheon, and pretty enough to be packaged up and given as a gift to neighbors, teachers, visiting teachers, or that friend who volunteered to watch your kids when you needed a break. Those are the best kind of friends, and this is definitely a worthy thank you gift. Just saying….

1½ cups white whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup sugar
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
½ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
¼ cup lowfat milk
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large egg whites
1 large egg
1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
Lemon Glaze:
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
3 Tablespoons heavy cream

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan (8½ by 4½) with cooking spray and set aside. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl mix sugar and lemon zest, then add greek yogurt, milk, olive oil, vanilla, egg, egg whites and poppy seeds. Whisk vigorously until well blended, then add to the flour mixture and stir until just incorporated (don’t over mix). Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until toothpick entered in center comes out clean. Let cool to room temperature before turning out and removing from pan. To make the lemon glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and cream (can thin out with a little milk if too thick). Pour over the top of the bread, then slice and serve.

Source | The Recipe Critic

New York Style Blueberry Bagel

It seems like we got a little ripped off in the Fall department. Those crisp sunny autumn days have quickly turned into cold, wet , dreary winter days. But days like that aren’t so bad when you have no where to go and are left with the luxury of lounging around in your pajamas in front of the fire all day. Last Saturday was just that sort of day and I woke up with a craving for bagels and hot chocolate. Instead of bundling up and heading out to buy bagels (which there really are no bagel shops here anyways), I opted for this homemade version instead. It takes a little longer, but you really can’t beat a warm fresh bagel hot out of the oven smothered in cream cheese. Even if it’s spring on your side of the world, swap out the hot cocoa for a side of fresh fruit and you’re good to go!

Dissolve the yeast and sugar in 1/2 cup of warm water then set aside for 5-7 minutes to proof. In a large bowl, mix together the salt and flour then gradually stir in the yeast mixture and remaining 3/4 cups water. Toss the blueberries in 1/4 cup flour then gently fold in and knead until you have a soft and elastic dough (either by hand or using the dough hook of a stand mixer. The berries will start to get mushed into the dough and it will turn purple. Cover the dough and let rise until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours. Divide the dough into 8 balls, make a hole in the center of each then stretch and form into a bagel shape. Let rest for 30 minutes.

Pre-heat oven 425. Bring a large pot of water to a boil then boil the bagels, 2 or 3 at a time, for 5-6 minutes until they have firmed up a little and aren’t so doughy (this is what gives it a soft and chewy center).

Remove from pan and allow excess water to drip off (can blot with a paper towel as well). Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cut the bagels in half and toast, then spread with cream cheese and/or jam.

2 Tbs active dry yeast
2 Tbsp sugar
1 1/4 cups of warm water
3 1/2 cups flour + 1/4 cup, divided
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 cup blueberries

Dissolve the yeast and sugar in 1/2 cup of warm water then set aside for 5-7 minutes to proof. In a large bowl, mix together the salt and flour then gradually stir in the yeast mixture and remaining 3/4 cups water. Toss the blueberries in 1/4 cup flour then gently fold in and knead until you have a soft and elastic dough (either by hand or using the dough hook of a stand mixer. The berries will start to get mushed into the dough and it will turn purple. Cover the dough and let rise until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours. Divide the dough into 8 balls, make a hole in the center of each then stretch and form into a bagel shape. Let rest for 30 minutes. Pre-heat oven 425. Bring a large pot of water to a boil then boil the bagels, 2 or 3 at a time, for 5-6 minutes until they have firmed up a little and aren’t so doughy (this is what gives it a soft and chewy center). Remove from pan and allow excess water to drip off (can blot with a paper towel as well). Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cut the bagels in half and toast, then spread with cream cheese and/or jam.

Source | Heather’s French Press

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Puff Pastry Cheese Straws

These are such a delicious and simple twist to traditional bread sticks. With no kneading and no rising, they are just about as easy as they come. The cheese and paprika give it such a good flavor and the flaky texture just melts in your mouth. The entire pan was inhaled in no time at all!

Preheat oven to 400. Roll each sheet of puff pastry a little thinner. Sprinkle with cheese and paprika.

Fold each sheet into thirds then roll out again until flattened

Brush both sides of each sheet with beaten egg

Slice into 1-inch strips and twist each strip. Place on a greased baking sheet

bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned and puffed.

2 sheets puff pastry
1-2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
1-2 tsp paprika
1 egg, beaten
Ranch or marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

Preheat oven to 400. Roll each sheet of puff pastry a little thinner. Sprinkle with cheese and paprika. Fold each sheet into thirds then roll out again until flattened. Brush both sides of each sheet with beaten egg, then slice into 1-inch strips and twist each strip. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned and puffed. Eat plain fresh out of the oven, or dipped in ranch or marinara sauce.

Source | Gran’s Kitchen  Dulcie May Booker

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{flashback Friday} Glazed Apple Crumb Muffins

My kids love when I make these for breakfast or an after school snack. They think they’re cupcakes. They taste just as good as a cupcake, but I’d like to think the apples make them a little healthier (the rich vanilla cream glaze isn’t doing much to help my case, is it?). My daughter isn’t a huge fan of desserts or breads with apples in it (she did not get that from me!), so the first time I made these she didn’t even try them. I snuck one into her lunch and she came home and confessed that she loved it.  I’m slowly changing her mind, one warm moist apple muffin at a time (drenched in glaze, of course :).

First, make the crumb topping. In a medium bowl, combine both sugars, the cinnamon, and melted butter then stir in the flour. Set aside. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Prepare apples by coring, peeling and dicing into bite sized pieces.

In a medium bowl beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat on high until creamed, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract and mix well. In a large bowl, toss together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and slowly whisk together. Add the milk, gently whisking. Fold in the apples. Fill muffin tins 3/4 full with batter then sprinkle with crumbs (crumble it with your hands to make some big chunks).

Bake at 425 for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

To make the glaze, whisk all of the glaze ingredients together and drizzle over warm muffins.

Crumb topping:
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup flour

Muffins:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup yogurt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
3 small apples

Vanilla Cream Glaze:
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
3 Tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

First, make the crumb topping. In a medium bowl, combine both sugars, the cinnamon, and melted butter then stir in the flour. Set aside. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Prepare apples by coring, peeling and dicing into bite sized pieces. In a medium bowl beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat on high until creamed, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract and mix well. In a large bowl, toss together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and slowly whisk together. Add the milk, gently whisking. Fold in the apples. Fill muffin tins 3/4 full with batter then sprinkle with crumbs (crumble it with your hands to make some big chunks). Bake at 425 for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until lightly browned. To make the glaze, whisk all of the glaze ingredients together (add a little milk if it is too thick) and drizzle over warm muffins.

Source | Sally’s Baking Addiction

Original post here

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ANZAC Biscuits

I’ve loved living here in New Zealand, for many obvious reasons. But I especially love that my kids are getting exposed to a new culture. It’s so good for them to realize that the world is a bigger place than just our little Arizona bubble. I love the kiwi phrases they have picked up, and every time I hear them sing kapa haka songs or the national anthem at assemblies it just gives me chills.  With ANZAC day coming up they’ve had a chance to learn about the roll New Zealand played in World War I, and a reverence for the many lives that were lost. ANZAC stands for the “Australia New Zealand Army Corps”, and ANZAC day (on April 25) commemorates the anniversary of the day the troops landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. The conflict that followed led to the deaths of over 150,000 total. Thanks to Google for all these facts, I’m still learning the history myself as well. So the story behind the ANZAC biscuit is that rolled oat cookies were sold at galas, festivals and public events at home in order to raise funds for the war effort. The most popular of these cookies was given the title of the “ANZAC biscuit” and that is how the name came about. So there’s a little side of history with these absolutely delicious cookies. It’s hard to imagine how a cookie could help in a war effort, but after you taste these you can see why. They’re super quick and easy to throw together, and don’t follow a traditional cookie recipe so they have a unique but delicious flavor and texture. My daughter declared these were tied with White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut cookies as her favorite cookie. Fair enough. I hope you get a chance to make these, and I hope you take a moment to remember all those who have served from which ever country you are in, and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

1/2 cup + 1 Tbs butter
1/4 cup golden syrup (can substitute with corn syrup)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 Tbs hot water
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup rolled oats

Preheat oven to 350. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and golden syrup until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat. Dissolve baking soda in hot water then mix into the saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, coconut and oats. Gradually mix it into the saucepan and stir until combined. Using a tablespoon, scoop out the mixture and place at least 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press with a fork to flatten. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden.

Source | The Great New Zealand Cookbook

{flashback Friday} World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie

I’ve lied to you. I promise it wasn’t on purpose.  I made this same claim a little while ago, and while those cookies are still delicious (I mean, you really can’t go wrong with a chocolate chip cookie, can you?), these have snuck up from behind to claim the coveted title. I haven’t tried a new basic chocolate chip cookie recipe in years, because I figured once you’ve found a keeper there’s no need. But there was just something about this recipe and it’s claim, and I knew I had to give it a try. Holy moly. The absolute perfect combination of a slightly crisp outside with a warm and chewy inside. This time I’m not lying when I say they’re the best chocolate chip cookie I’ve ever had. But you have to eat them warm out of the oven (which isn’t hard to do) for the ultimate euphoric experience. But like I said, my original recipe is still pretty dang tasty, so it’s included below and you can be the judge!

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 1/4 cups flour
1 cup (or more) chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, cream butter for 4-5 minutes then add in sugars and mix until combined. Mix in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients then gradually mix into the creamed butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips, then form into tablespoon sized balls 2-inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until just set and starting to lightly brown.

Source | Love Taza

Original Post:

This recipe literally changed my life. I always dreamed of being that kind of mom with warm chocolate chip cookies waiting for my kids when they got home from school, and I was determined that my future grand kids would beg to go to grandma’s house to eat my cookies. The only problem was that I could not make chocolate chip cookies. They turned out too flat, too hard or too dense. Until my friend passed along this recipe years ago. I finally had found the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe and I’ve never looked back. Your welcome, future grand kids. And as a side note, American chocolate chip cookies are a bit of a novelty here. I love spreading the love one moist and chewy chocolate chip cookie at a time. I feel sorta like a rockstar.

3/4 C butter, room temp
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 C brown sugar
2 1/2 C flour
1 C sugar
1 ½ C chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp salt
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350. Cream together butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs until smooth. Sift flour, baking soda and salt then add to creamed mixture and mix until combined. Stir in chocolate chips then form into balls and place 2 in apart on baking sheet. Bake for 11-12 min or until just lightly browned. They should look slightly under cooked, but take them out of the oven and let them sit on the cookie sheet for two minutes before putting on a cooling rack.

Source | Jenny Kempton