Brioche

So, the first thing bread artisans will say, "This isn't the way to make brioche!"  Then, they'd launch into an explanation or debate regarding how to work in the chilled butter.  But, I take every shortcut I can and I wanted to make this recipe accessible.

First, I added the yeast to a bit of water (and orange juice) to let it dissolve.  Then, I add chunked butter, eggs, sugar, salt, nutmeg and vanilla to the mixer and run it until the butter is broken down to small bits.  Then add the water and yeast mixture and enough flour to make a soft dough.  Keep mixing to form the gluten.  Set in a cool place for about 8-10 hours.  This allows the dough to ferment and develop complex tangy flavours.

Then add more flour to form a stable dough, mixing it with the dough hook.  Allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes and form to round loaves.  Set in a warm place to raise until it's more than doubled in size.

Bake at 350F until light golden brown.  Then remove from the oven and brush with egg wash (a whisked egg and a shot of water).  Return to the oven and bake it until it's a dark golden brown.

This is what delicious looks like!

Baklava

Baklava!  Sweet, savoury, crisp tops and chewy filling.

First, I like to make sure the nuts are dehydrated, so I warm raw almonds, pecans, walnuts and pistachios at 200F for 20 minutes.

While they're warming, alternately layer butter and sheets of phyllo dough - 10 layers of dough in total.

Coarsely grind the nuts and add them on top of the phyllo dough.  Although it's common to add another layer of dough and nuts, I prefer just the single layer.  An additional layer can get extra soggy.

Top with a dozen layers of buttered dough.  Cut in squares *before* baking - and be sure to trim up the sides (don't leave the sloppy edges like I did).  Bake at 350F for ~30 minutes.

While it's in the oven, prepare the syrup.  There are two options.  Both are tasty, but distinct: rose water, very floral and strong; orange blossom water, much lighter but still floral. Star Kay White Orange Blossom Water, 2.0 Ounce Star Kay White Rose Water, 2.0 Ounce

Boil sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves and a flavouring.

When the baklava is done baking, allow it to cool for a minute or so.  Pour over the syrup until it's saturated - but not sloppy.

Let sit for at least an hour.  I let it sit overnight.  Not much better than fresh baklava with the morning coffee.

Sugar overload! ... but nuts are healthy, right?

Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Warm and pecan cinnamon rolls.  They're the perfect weekend food and they keep for a few days.  Monday morning isn't so bad with these as leftovers.

Start with a basic bread dough, adding a bit more sugar and a whisper of cinnamon.  Once the dough is ready, prepare the pan first by giving it a spray of olive oil (or other non-stick cooking spray), then arrange pecan halves on the bottom.

Prepare the filling: a mixture of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and a dash of salt.  I also like to use coconut oil to reduce the amount of cholesterol.  The mix should be slightly pasty, but spreadable.

Roll out the dough, spread the filling and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Roll, score evenly and cut with unflavoured dental floss.

Arrange in the pan and allow to raise.  Bake at 175C or 350F until the tops are golden brown.

Remove from the oven and immediately invert on a hear safe surface.

The perfect weekend food to serve with hot coffee.

Hot Cathead Biscuits

Down home, we call these biscuits "cathead" biscuits.  They're roundish and have pointy bits... like feline noggins.

The classic 3:1:2 recipe: flour:fat (coconut oil):milk (soy)

They're delightful and vegan.

Simply add frozen blueberries to boiling syrup (sugar and corn starch) for a fresh and easy compote.  Serve with local honey and imported Irish butter.

I are most of them for supper... a fat intake of over 70Grams.  Worth it!