Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie

Incredibly inviting! This recipe was followed meticulously for the most beautiful product. It did have a few little *drawbacks which were more about individual taste preferences. This is an America’s Test Kitchen recipe put together by my oldest. If you know anything about America’s Test Kitchen you are aware some recipes are not shared without joining. However, this recipe is shared in a Youtube presentation. Just plug in Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie & add America’s Test Kitchen.

*Know this recipe is on the tart side. Of course apple choice may contribute to the lack of sweetness. Secondly, the crumb topping was very crunchy. I’m not sure I have a correction for this except to say … if your filling lacks moisture and the topping cannot be placed over a flat surface this might contribute. Too, the melted butter in the crumb topping might be the crunch contribution.

It was delicious!! Ice cream right in the pie! Thank you Will.


Espresso Coffee Cake

This is what happens when you don’t follow a recipe. It’s delicious but nothing like the King Arthur Glazed Espresso Coffee Cake. Well, it’s the same ingredients but steps do make a difference! Mine has a dome-like center, oops, which might have been avoided if I had layered the cake batter little by little over a silicone mat covered bottom per directions. I read the directions months ago and when I finally made the cake today I had forgotten the one thing that caught my eye initially … the marbling of the cake. (As you see, no marbling at all. Yep, I mixed all the batter together.) Too, I used parchment paper with the thought it would work as well as the silicone. It did help with the cake removal but silicone does provide even baking. It does seem the amount of batter was a bit excessive for an 8 inch square baking dish. You might like to try a 9 inch square and cut the baking time a bit Or use the reverse creaming method as in the King Arthur recipe. These all affect the baking outcome.

I do love King Arthur Products. Their mixes are helpful when you have unexpected company or need a break from the time a scratch recipe requires. I’m sure you can get around some of the King Arthur ingredients here by substitution if needed. This is a many ingredients recipe and does take some attention when putting it together.

Continue reading


Hummingbird Quick Bread

Sometimes you just want a fully loaded quick bread. If you love the cake you’re gonna love this! A mere 15 minutes to the oven. Yep, it does take an hour to bake but your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes. I opt for light olive oil just because of the health benefits. There is reportedly more health benefits to extra virgin. I have used extra virgin without significant taste difference. But if you are baking this for a foodie with a very discriminating palate opt for the light.

Enjoy!

Continue reading


Lemon Pastry Crust Blueberry Pie

Amazing lemon crusted blueberry pie needs no topper! This rich buttery lemon pastry crust is so easy. You’ll want to use it with other pie fillings too. Here it makes such a great combination with blueberries. To avoid a soggy crust I suggest baking the pie crust completely before adding the filling. You then can choose to add the uncooked sweetened berries and bake again, or you can choose to cook your berries stovetop and add to the baked pie shell.

There is no topper necessary for this pie but a dab of creme fraiche or whipping cream is always appropriate.

Continue reading


Blueberry Brioche Pudding

The perfect ending to a summer meal! At this time of year you may have an over-load of berries. Yes, this works with just about all berries. The attraction here is not only the deliciousness but the absolute ease of this recipe. Try it today. You and your family will not be disappointed.

Continue reading


Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl & Nut Crust

Amazing variation to a great brownie recipe. And what brownie is really that good without nuts! I’ve added a nut crust that is just beyond rich and delicious. These three giant flavors make for an A+ dessert! BTW, no electric beater needed!

Continue reading


Baked Strawberry Shortcake

Everyone loves strawberries … well almost everyone! This is the time of year fresh strawberries are plentiful. This recipe is packed with strawberries. Would you believe two pounds! Time for strawberries, shortcake and whipped cream topping.

This recipe is not difficult and there is wiggle room for imperfections. Delicious? I should say so! And what is amazing … this Baked Strawberry Shortcake is not cake like nor is it soggy like strawberry shortcake can be. It is meant to be eaten warm from the oven, and works well served at room temperature. Leftovers are not likely but refrigerate any you may have and eat the next day … cold. There you have it, warm, room temperature or cold … It works!

Continue reading


Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake

Coffeecake with a spongelike texture … Definitely a different take on coffeecake. This is a sweet eggy moist cake that’s perfect with coffee or tea. It’s pretty much a pantry ingredient recipe … freeing you up to make this just about anytime. Give yourself or family a morning treat with this delicious cake. You say you don’t have yogurt! You know the substitutions, right? Sour cream, buttermilk, blended cottage cheese to name a few.

Continue reading


Boston Brown Bread

Amazingly simple! Deliciously rich! Quick mix with a somewhat lengthy bake. So worth it! For the recipe ingredients I received a little help from Fannie Farmer. Yep, I grew up on canned brown bread … so, no family recipe. Homemade is so much better! Add a medley of seedless raisins or no raisins at all. It’s delicious.

Traditionally served with Boston Baked Beans. Try our many Baked Beans Recipes.

Continue reading