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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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Plum Custard Tart
Slice through the deep purple exterior of a black plum, and you find a center whose sweetness intensifies in the oven. Combine that sweetness with vanilla crème fraîche custard and a tender, cookie-like crust, and you have what could easily be my favorite fruit tart. This recipe made me fall in love with plums all over again, and it is a glorious way to enjoy late summer fruit. As with many of my dessert tarts, a slice rivals the best breakfast pastry. In the middle of the plum custard tart sits a half-round that becomes glazed with its own juice – no jam topping here. A generous sprinkle of raw…
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Soft Pretzels (with Video Tutorial)
Hot soft pretzels may be the coziest of snacks. In addition to flaky sea salt, pesto tops some of the twists, making this a great baking project for when your herb garden overflows with basil. I let the pretzel dough rise overnight for the best, most nuanced flavor, but these can be made the same day. Bake along with me using this video, in which I share how to make deeply golden, delicious pretzels right at home. With my steps, you can ensure they are toasty on the outside yet soft in the middle. The ingredients and process are also listed below, including my recipe for homemade pesto. Once you…
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Pistachio Cookies with Chocolate and Strawberry
Dressed up with white and dark chocolate drizzles plus crushed dried strawberries, these pistachio cookies incorporate the classic trio of Neapolitan dessert flavors. The cookies are delicious on their own, but if you’re in the mood for pistachio plus a little extra, consider adding the drizzle and the naturally bright and tangy bits of strawberry. The melted chocolate helps the strawberries adhere and lend their vibrant color while keeping the ingredients natural. If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day ideas, offer a plate of festive homemade cookies instead of traditional chocolates. Cut them into hearts as seen here or pick another shape that speaks to you or your loved ones on…
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Gingerbread Cookies
Ring in the holiday season with a batch of my classic gingerbread cookies, with patterns that fit your holiday mood. Snowflakes, trees, and a scattering of stars filled my baking racks over the weekend while I made the season’s first batch of homemade Christmas cookies. Since my family always made gingerbread without icing, I decorate the centers of each cookie with cut-out patterns so each one is unique. Save plenty of the little shapes and bake them to serve alongside the larger cookies. With warm spices and rich flavor, these cookies lend festivity to the table with their cheerful designs. Once you get into a merry rhythm of rolling and…
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