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Apple Cider Streusel Muffins with Glazed Pecans
The scent of apple cider signals the coming of crisp fall days and cozy nights. Apple picking is fine, but when we head to a local orchard, the true pleasure for me is returning home with gallons of apple cider and way too many doughnuts. Experimenting with some of this cider led to delicious muffins that feature a middle layer of cider glazed pecans and a cinnamon streusel topping. With cider incorporated into the buttermilk batter, they smell so good that we always eat them while still freshly-baked and warm.
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Cornmeal Scones with Red Cheddar and Apricot
With a sweeter flavor than other varieties, red cheddar always strikes me as the ideal cheese for breakfast. A perfect complement to fruit, it calls to mind my father’s predilection for topping apple pie with a slice of cheddar. Why opt for sweet or savory when you can have both?
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Raspberry Goat Cheese Tart
At a bakery I rarely can resist the raspberry filling and nutty crust of a linzer torte or the cookies inspired by this classic Austrian dessert. I use the term “dessert” loosely, of course, since linzer tortes are perfect for breakfast. Consider them an elevated jam on toast. With my predilection for dessert as breakfast, I used classic linzer torte flavors to create a cheesecake style tart that is perfect for any time of day. The vanilla bean flecked filling and almond crust are topped with lightly sweetened, macerated raspberries. Serve this tart after lunch or dinner, with afternoon coffee or tea, or join me in having a slice in…
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Imperfect Baking 101 (& Blueberry Cheesecake Topping Recipe)
How do I prevent a cracked cheesecake? If you ever baked a cheesecake, you likely have consulted with Google or a friend on this one. Just the sight of butter in the fridge generally makes me start whipping up a dessert, which is to say I know my way around a kitchen, but I certainly have not mastered the perfectly formed cheesecake top. Custardy smooth middle. Perfect crust. Check and check. Sometimes with a beautiful crack in the middle.
