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| ISBN-13: | 9781579656546 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Workman Publishing |
| Publication date: | 03/24/2015 |
| Sold by: | Hachette Digital, Inc. |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 312 |
| File size: | 79 MB |
| Note: | This product may take a few minutes to download. |
CHAPTER 1
THE BEGINNING OF A GREAT DAY
BISCUITS, MUFFINS, AND MORE
The morning is my favorite time of day — Griff and I are the first to arrive at the bakery, and I still get excited when I put the key in the door, even in the wee hours of the morning. We always frame our baking as one person baking for another, and so that is what we are thinking about as we start to mix our batters and make our doughs. Viewing the process as the two of us making something for one person to enjoy rather than thinking of the hundreds who will be visiting in just a few short hours makes our work much more rewarding.
Griff and I also take great pleasure in knowing that we are a big part of many folks' daily routine. We know that Vivian will call us at exactly 8A.M. to see what we have made for breakfast, just as she has done every single day since we opened. And the day wouldn't start off right if we didn't see Warren come in for his coffee and biscuit.
Getting ready for our first customers is not always as easy as it looks. We call our crew at the front of the house the "Sugarnauts," and they're attired in denim aprons and vintage headscarves. These are the smiling faces people see when they enter the bakery. And they are the guides for a tour of our cases filled with breads, breakfast pastries, cakes, pies, and an array of other freshly baked treats. They know each one of our regular customers' names and often have their orders ready when they walk through the door. Because our regulars feel right at home, they help themselves to the cream in the fridge for their coffee, and they are likely to tell others who are visiting us for the first time where it is.
We share stories with our team in our daily morning "cuddle" at about 9 A.M. It's a way to connect everyone to everything that happens in the bakery and to make sure that we all stay in tune with one another.
I have discovered that the morning hours can be a magical time of day if you start by allowing yourself a few moments of joy. A little planning goes a long way. You can make our Sweet-Potato-Hash Hand Pies (see recipe) or the Honey-Nut Bran Muffin batter (see recipe) the night before and then pop these in the oven for a fresh-baked treat to eat on the go. There is nothing quite like Pancakes with Buttered Maple Pecan Syrup (see recipe) or Breakfast Bread Pudding (see recipe) on Sunday morning to give a day of rest and relaxation a whole new meaning. Don't pour your breakfast out of a box when it is so easy have a handmade breakfast at home.
Jam Muffins Raspberry Corn Muffins Apple Spice Muffins with Walnut Streusel Fresh Fruit Turnovers Honey-Nut Bran Muffins Sweet-Potato-Hash Hand Pies Cinnamon Walnut Bread Chocolate Bubble Loaf Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits Walnut Wheat Biscones Eggnog French Toast Pancakes with Buttered Maple Pecan Syrup Breakfast Bread Pudding Good-Morning Granola
JAM MUFFINS
Makes 12 muffins
Jelly-filled muffins, our take on the doughnut-shop favorite, make our customers almost giddy when they come in for their morning coffee. The muffins are baked, not fried, but just like doughnuts, they are finished with a vanilla-flavored glaze.
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder, preferably aluminum-free
1½ teaspoons baking soda
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1½ cups sour cream, at room temperature About 1/3 cup jam (any kind)
FOR THE GLAZE
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray 12 standard muffin cups with nonstick spray or line with paper liners.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer), cream the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn the mixer speed down to low and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as necessary. Add the vanilla and mix until blended.
With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in thirds, mixing until just combined and scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add the sour cream and mix until combined, about 1 minute.
Scoop 2 tablespoons of batter into each muffin cup and spread it over the bottom of the cup. Spoon 1 heaping teaspoon of jam into the center of each. Top each one off with another 2 tablespoons of batter, making sure to cover the jam.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the muffins are golden brown. The tops should be firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin should come out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 15 minutes. Once the muffins are cool to the touch, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If they cool completely in the baking pan, condensation will form; removing them from the pans prevents soggy bottoms.
To make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix the confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla together.
Generously drizzle the glaze on top of the muffins.
The muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. (Who am I kidding? They never last that long.)
SWEET NOTE
WE * BUTTERMILK
Buttermilk is one of our baking staples. Every self-respecting Southerner (and other scratch bakers and cooks across the land) has good old-fashioned buttermilk chilling in her refrigerator. Why? Because she knows she can use it to make tender biscuits, moist desserts, tangy dressings for slaws and salads, and so much more.
Real, traditional, or genuine buttermilk is a slightly sour, creamy liquid that is a by-product of butter making; it's the liquid left behind after churning butter from cream. Back in the day (yes, pun intended!), farmers would let pitchers of this liquid gold with flecks of butter sit at room temperature so the natural cultures would ferment, sour, and thicken it. Old-timers still drink buttermilk straight, calling it "Grandma's probiotic" because of the many benefits it provides, including healthy bacteria, much like those found in yogurt. Buttermilk is loaded with vitamins like potassium and calcium, and it's low-fat too.
"Real" buttermilk is hard to find these days, but it is making a comeback in farmers' markets and health food stores, thanks to demand from customers and to the local dairy farmers who still make it. Sadly, the stuff on most supermarket shelves is made from low-fat milk by adding cultures to create lactic acid and thickening agents for texture, and it has nothing to do with the butter-making process at all. This kind of buttermilk will work in our recipes in a pinch, but if you can find the good stuff, use it instead.
You can substitute buttermilk in any recipe that calls for sour cream or yogurt. I love it in Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits (seerecipe) and Pancakes with Buttered Maple Pecan Syrup (see recipe). I also use it in salad dressings and for tenderizing my fried fish or chicken. Give it a try — it just may become one of your cooking staples too.
RASPBERRY CORN MUFFINS
Makes 12 muffins
Most people think of corn bread or corn muffins as something to accompany a savory meal, but with the touch of sweetness that plump raspberries bring, they're perfect for breakfast. Swap in the same amount of blueberries (not thawed if frozen) for an easy-peasy variation.
2¾ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1½ cups yellow cornmeal
2½ teaspoons fine sea salt
1½ teaspoons baking powder, preferably aluminum-free
1½ teaspoons baking soda
2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
1½ cups canned creamed corn
¾ cup honey
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray 12 standard muffin cups with nonstick spray or line with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
In another large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, creamed corn, honey, vanilla, and butter. In a small bowl, gently toss the berries with the sugar.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the liquid ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in the raspberries, using as few strokes as possible; be careful not to overmix the batter.
With a large ice cream scoop or spoon, scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them approximately two-thirds full.
Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the muffins are golden brown. The tops should be firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin should come out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
Once the muffins are cool, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely; this prevents soggy bottoms.
The muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They are great heated up the next day (in a 300°F oven) for breakfast too.
APPLE SPICE MUFFINS WITH WALNUT STREUSEL
Makes 12 muffins
Fall is one of my favorite seasons in Savannah, and we love to load up on bushels of apples at our farmers' market. Honeycrisp apples are Griff's apple of choice, and they are perfect for this recipe. You can also use Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or any firm apple with a slightly tart taste. The angostura bitters add an herbal note that complements the flavor of the muffins.
FOR THE STREUSEL
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
3 apples, preferably Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and diced (about 3 cups)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon angostura bitters (optional)
¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder, preferably aluminum-free
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 large eggs
¾ cup whole milk
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup canola oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray 12 standard muffin cups with nonstick spray or line with paper liners.
To make the streusel: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, flour, and walnuts. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until the crumbs are the size of peas. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, toss the apples with the lemon juice, angostura bitters, if using, and pepper. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, butter, oil, and vanilla. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pour in the liquid ingredients, and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the apple mixture, using as few strokes as possible; don't overmix, or the muffins will be tough.
With a large ice cream scoop or spoon, scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them approximately two-thirds full. Sprinkle the tops generously with the streusel.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the muffins are golden brown. The tops should be firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin should come out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
Once the muffins are cool to the touch, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely; this prevents soggy bottoms. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
The muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days — or go ahead and eat the leftovers for dessert tonight.
FRESH FRUIT TURNOVERS
Makes 8 turnovers
Sweet berries (and cherries, if you like) and our favorite piecrust make a delicious flaky breakfast pastry. Use whatever local fruit is in season for these. You can dice pears, plums, and peaches or grate apples for equally delicious variations.
1 recipe Extra-Flaky Piecrust (see recipe)
FOR THE FILLING
2 cups mixed fresh berries (such as sliced strawberries or whole blackberries or blueberries)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 eggs, lightly beaten with a pinch of fine sea salt for egg wash
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
5-inch round cookie cutter
On a floured surface, roll out each disk of dough into a 10-inch square, about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out 4 equal circles from each piece. Place on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate until firm.
To prepare the filling: Put the berries in a medium bowl, add the sugar, salt, cornstarch, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and gently toss together until combined. Set aside.
Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and lightly brush the edges of each circle with the egg wash. Divide the filling among the circles, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Gently fold each circle of dough over to make a half circle and press the edges with your fingers to seal; make sure that the filling is not oozing out of the sides. Crimp the edges of each turnover with a fork.
Put the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour to set the crusts. Refrigerate the remaining egg wash.
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 425°F.
Remove the turnovers from the refrigerator and brush the tops with the egg wash. Using a paring knife, cut 3 small slits in the top of each one for steam vents. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the turnovers are golden and the filling is bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes, then serve warm.
The turnovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
HONEY-NUT BRAN MUFFINS
Makes 12 muffins
Some muffins are actually good for you. Here's a healthy version to start your morning. This recipe uses applesauce in the batter to keep the muffins moist; the buttermilk adds some tang and flavor and makes the muffin more tender.
1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder, preferably aluminum-free
¾ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon baking soda
3 cups wheat bran
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ cup applesauce
2 large eggs
1 cup canola oil
? cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup honey
1½ cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup golden raisins
½ cup walnuts, finely chopped Raw sugar for sprinkling
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray 12 standard muffin cups with nonstick spray or line with paper liners.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, allspice, and baking soda. Stir in the bran and salt. Set aside.
In another large bowl, whisk the applesauce, eggs, canola oil, brown sugar, and honey together until lightened in color and smooth. Whisk in the buttermilk and vanilla. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pour in the liquid ingredients, and mix just until combined. Gently fold in the raisins and walnuts, using as few strokes as possible; be careful not to overmix. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
With a large ice cream scoop or spoon, scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them approximately two-thirds full. Generously sprinkle the tops with raw sugar.
Bake for 24 to 28 minutes, until the muffins are golden brown. The tops should be firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin should come out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
Once the muffins are cool to the touch, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely; this prevents soggy bottoms. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
The muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Back in the Day Bakery Made with Love"
by .
Copyright © 2012 Cheryl Day and Griffith Day.
Excerpted by permission of Workman Publishing.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Introduction,
The Craft of Scratch Baking,
The Baker's Dozen,
A Well-Stocked Spice Rack,
THE BEGINNING OF A GREAT DAY Biscuits, Muffins, and More,
EVERYDAY CAKES Easy Recipes for Dressed-Down Treats,
PIE DAY Pies, Tarts, and Crisps,
YOUR DAY-LY BREAD Breads, Rolls, and Crackers,
HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS Cupcakes, Layer Cakes, and Other Special-Occasion Sweets,
SATURDAY SUPPER CLUB Savory Pies and Cobblers, and Pizza,
A SATISFYING TREAT SAVES THE DAY Cookies, Brownies, and Bars,
MAKE IT FOR A RAINY DAY Jams, Spreads, and Make-Ahead Treats,
Resources,
Acknowledgments,
About the Authors,
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