I love these bagels for many reasons. For starters, it doesn't take a mathematician to figure out that making your own homemade bagels is much cheaper than buying them at the local coffee shop. I'm talking an entire batch of bagels costs about the same as buying a single bagel at the bakery. Not to mention...
Brunch
Hot Cross Buns
Note: This post was updated with new photos in 2020. Hot Cross Buns are a Good Friday tradition dating back to the days of Queen Elizabeth the First, and probably even earlier. It is my understanding that at that time, the sale of Hot Cross Buns was forbidden unless it was Good Friday or Christmas....
Chinese Marbled Tea Eggs
Happy Easter Week! No bunny-shaped waffles, pastel-colored snacks, or cupcakes covered in Peeps around here. If there's one holiday to take seriously, it's Easter. I'm talking about the REAL Easter. The Jesus-Christ-died-on-the-cross-and-rose-again-on-the-third-day-to-save-me-for-my-sins Easter, and that is something to remember, and celebrate. I may not be an Easter Bunny super-fan, but I have been wanting to try...
Banana Poppy Seed Pancakes with Caramel-Banana Syrup
There’s pancakes, and then there’s pancakes. Truth be told, I’ve never been a fan of pancakes. Unless we’re talking about Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes at Walt Disney World. But if we’re talking about the somewhat soggy pancakes made from the mix that leaves a plaster-like aftertaste…well in that case, I’ll pass. Have I mentioned that...
Coconut Banana Muffins
These muffins are my new favorite homemade muffin. Hard to believe, considering they don't contain chocolate chips. The bananas make them super moist and as delicious as banana bread, but the coconut adds some extra sweetness and a crunch to the top that makes them extra special. You'll feel less guilty than if you were...
Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
If breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, it's a good thing we've got baked goods to start our mornings off right. I'll take a homemade pastry over bacon and eggs any day. These muffins are so easy to make, and they're really nice and moist, thanks to the buttermilk. I'm such...
Homemade Honey Wheat English Muffins
Every once in a while there's a recipe that totally changes my grocery-shopping habits. Last year, Creamy Homemade Ricotta was groundbreaking for me, and now I refuse to use store-bought unless I absolutely have to. These Homemade Honey Wheat English muffins do the same for me. I am of the belief that homemade is always better,...
Erbazzone (Savory Spinach and Mushroom Pie)
Erbazzone is basically a vegetable pie/tart that could be served as an appetizer, brunch, or main dish. The history of this dish originates in the Parma region of Italy, where they have ideal conditions for producing exquisite Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Yum. Seriously, can I go there, like right now? Cured meats and artisan...
Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread
I've got the perfect thing for you to make for yourself this weekend. The recipe for this Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread is so incredibly easy and it tastes and smells incredible, similar to Amish Friendship Bread but so much quicker! It's lick-your-fingers delicious. I am a complete sucker for baked goods containing buttermilk. It makes...
Madeleines (French Sponge Cakes)
Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I certainly did. However, I am growing weary of our dreary and bitter cold weather around here. I've been bitten with the travel bug and I am constantly dreaming of our next adventure, which will hopefully happen soon. (As you may know, I get to live in...