Follow along as I document my adventures in baking. I hope it inspires you to try something new.
Thanks for visiting,
Sarah
All in Breads / Buns / Rolls
Potato + leeks is such a classic combination, isn't it? Add in some fresh rosemary and melted Gruyère cheese and we're talking pure heaven. It's almost summer now, but that doesn't mean I'm not still craving freshly baked bread! This is a lovely summer recipe because it pairs so nicely with a simple green salad and a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc for a light yet satisfying dinner ... though I'm sure that rosemary and potato will keep me feeling cozy come fall as well. I'll just probably pair it with a soup and a cab instead ;)
Soft, savory buns filled with a mix of tahini, sesame seeds, lots of chopped scallions and a touch of honey to balance it all out. I could see a plate piled high with them on Easter Sunday, dipped into a skillet of shakshukah like I did last night, and of course, on its own with a drizzle of chili crisp as the recipe developer, King Arthur Baking, suggests. Either way, serve them warm, fresh from the oven. Delicious.
If there’s a cheese bread recipe out there I will find it and make it. The recipe for this beauty is essentially the Three Cheese Semolina Bread on King Arthur Banking and I absolutely recommend giving it a try. I made mostly as written, but substituted for ½ cup sundried tomatoes for one of the cheeses (the provolone) and added a little extra Asiago. It was easy to make and absolutely delicious with a crisp exterior and soft interior. I love the tang from the strong cheeses and tomatoes.
All the best flavors of fall go into this wholesome whole wheat, slightly sweet focaccia. Juicy in-season pears, rosemary infused olive oil, earthy walnuts, a touch of cinnamon. Enjoy it on its own or as part of a rustic cheese platter.
Soft, savory, buttery pull-apart rolls, swirled with cheddar and caramelized yellow onions. Perfect for brunch alongside some fried or poached eggs (try dipping them in the runny yolk), or as part of a light lunch with a green salad or tomato soup, or maybe even some chili.
Bunny Pineapple Buns inspired by Yukiko Tanzi's adorable Bunny Melon Pan recipe. Sweet fluffy buns, filled with chocolate chips and topped with a cookie-like topping. Perfect for spring celebrations.
Potica is a Slovenian term meaning rolled-up. In this case, the yeasted dough is rolled-up with a citrus-maple-nut filling, making for an incredibly flavorful and gently sweet bread. I enjoyed slices of it with my morning coffee. It would also make some amazing French toast.
Soft, buttery brioche buns filled with sweet berries, cardamom sugar, and vanilla custard...a decadent brunch treat to be sure. While the brioche buns are best the day they're baked, the dough and custard can be made the day before, so all you'll need to do is assemble and bake before your guests arrive.
Scaccia loaves are crusty and blistered on the outside with soft, delicate layers on the inside. The layers are created by spreading tomato sauce over very thinly rolled out dough, sprinkling cheese or other toppings across, then folding it over on itself. You repeat that process three times, earning the bread it's nickname: Lasagna Bread.
Conchas are super fluffy sweet buns - popular in Mexican bakeries - with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, and are absolutely amazing fresh from the oven. So satisfying to sink your teeth into, I definitely recommend giving them a try!
Soft, buttery Filipino buns. A little sweet, a little savory, very swirly, and truly fantastic. I topped my Ensaymada with shredded white cheddar though traditionally they're topped with powdered sugar and Edam cheese or queso de bola. The sweet/savory combination was what first drew me to them. I loved the restrained–but definitely-still-there sweetness of these buns.
For Valentines Day this year I made an attempt at recreating a first date meal with a decadent, cheddar whisky fondue and homemade delicious, buttery soft and chewy garlic breadsticks. (
Scali Bread is a popular Italian-American bread studded with sesame seeds. Chewy on the outside, soft on the inside, and big flavor - it's clearly popular for a reason.
Showstoppers don’t always need to be desserts. I can see this bread as a stunning, savory centerpiece for a holiday meal. Just tweak the flavors to compliment your meal.
With their soft and pillowy texture and warm yet vibrant flavors, these Gingerbread Cinnamon Buns are made for cozy fall mornings.
t. Want to make something special, but also really just want to eat pizza? This braided beauty's got you covered. It’s filled with a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and asiago cheese all melted together with caramelized shallots, kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. The top is then sprinkled with grated parmesan, dried oregano and red pepper flakes and baked until golden brown.