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Apple Loaf Cake
Each slice of this loaf cake has an irresistible quality that comes from a combination of baked apples and cider. Studded throughout the batter, the chopped pieces add fresh-from-the-orchard flavor while the reduced cider and warm spices give it depth. Buttermilk makes it tender and far from dry. Bake this at night then enjoy it for breakfast – or bake it when the sun comes up and enjoy it throughout the day. As morning fare, a snack, or dessert, it’s the ideal way to celebrate apple season If you’ve enjoyed my apple cider vinaigrette recipe, you already are familiar with the process of making a cider reduction. Concentrated apple flavor…
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Skillet Cornbread Topped with Tomatoes and Rosemary
Skillet cornbread may be the best kind to serve, as it cooks up with a toasty bottom and tender middle. I love to top mine with garden tomatoes and chopped rosemary to hold onto every last bit of summer. Since corn is available through September, fold some into the batter for added texture and flavor using the recipe below. Recently I recommended this as the ultimate side to my summer Cobb salad, and with Labor Day weekend here, this is a crowd-pleasing addition to the menu. By the start of September, our vegetable gardens have become looser, more natural and sprawling, and our dishes follow suit. The actual amounts of…
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Lemon Blueberry Muffins
Bursting with molten blueberries, these muffins have bakery style tops with tender middles made even more delicious with the use of lemon sugar, granulated sugar rubbed with lemon zest. I love the way the citrus shines in each muffin but still allows the blueberry flavor to take center stage. For a bit of added texture on top, I sprinkle homemade blueberry muffins with turbinado sugar before baking though this step is optional. The flavored sugar is a step I would not skip when making lemon blueberry muffins, since it introduces a bright and complex flavor that is quite different from lemon juice. There are many ways to make a delicious…
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Fruitcake Blondies
Fruitcake blondies made with brown butter, nuts, and dried fruit soaked in brandy are inspired by the classic cake while having a flavor all their own. Packed with festive ingredients, these bars have the toastiness of butter that has developed deep color and rich flavor similar to hazelnut, one of the nuts I recommend adding to your batter. Once you begin making brown butter, you will find uses for it in plenty of sweet and savory dishes. This season I have been sharing cookie recipes during my holiday baking classes in which we make festive shortbreads, linzer cookies filled with jewel-like jams, and plenty of others. Alongside these festive treats…
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Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin bread made with sweetness, spice, and olive oil satisfies the need for simple and delicious baked goods that can be enjoyed throughout the day. A thick slice is perfect with morning tea or coffee and even with a seasonal lunchtime salad, which is how I have been eating it lately. While I won’t be ready for pumpkin pie (or rather my strawberry pumpkin tart) until Thanksgiving, this pumpkin loaf recipe keeps me inspired with cinnamon, nutmeg, and all the cozy spices. Olive oil lends both moisture and a lovely, nuanced flavor to the bread, but feel free to spread some butter on top for extra deliciousness. When selecting an…
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