Tag

bread

Browsing

Irish soda bread recipe

Contrary to popular belief, soda bread didn’t originate in Ireland. It actually got its start with the Native Americans well before European colonization, yet the simple bread was easily adopted during the increasing poverty and famine of 19th century Ireland. Soda bread requires only a few ingredients—flour, buttermilk, baking soda, and salt, so it was an economical choice and soon became a staple in the Irish diet during those difficult times. Legend has it that a cross was cut into the top of every loaf to ward off the devil and protect the household. The original loaves were generally baked in iron pots or griddles in open hearths. Today’s Irish soda bread typically includes add-ins to enhance the flavor. Butter, sugar, raisins, and seeds are almost always included nowadays. Pair your hearty Irish soda bread with soup, stew, or this Crock Pot Guinness Pot Roast for a true taste of the…

How to freeze and thaw bread while keeping it fresh

If you’re guilty of wasting one food it’s probably bread. Here’s the all-too-common situation: You just twisted open a basic bag of sliced sandwich bread at home, but then you go ahead and buy an artisanal loaf to accompany tonight’s dinner-for-two anyway. (After all, they are very different breads.) Then you buy buns for grilling burgers later this week and perhaps some bakery rolls for Sunday’s dinner. That’s when you realize, you’ll never get through all of that bread before it gets stale. Can you keep it fresh in the freezer? Thankfully, the answer is yes! Most bread really only lasts about two or three days before it starts to show signs of staleness, or worse, mold, but the freezer can help ward off both. Also see: Is it safe to tear the mold off of bread and eat the rest? How to freeze bread: short-term Short term storage can…

Gluten-Free foods you can order at Panera Bread

Panera Bread doesn’t seem like it would be the place to go if you’re gluten-free, after all, it has “bread” right in the name. But the quick, casual restaurant chain actually has quite a large number of menu options for gluten-free guests. Of course, in a restaurant where fresh bread is baked daily, there is always the chance for cross contamination, so anyone on a gluten-free diet for medical reasons so inquire further, but those on a less-strict dietary regimen can dig right in to a delicious variety of items. Here is everything you can order gluten-free at Panera in both categories: Gluten-free Panera menu items Just order these straight from the menu. No need to ask for special orders unless otherwise noted. Salads Greek salad Seasonal Greens Salad Fuji Apple Chicken Salad Modern Greek Salad with Quinoa Southwest Chile Lime Ranch Salad with Chicken Green Goddess Cobb Salad with…

8 common stuffing mistakes that could ruin your holiday dinner

Okay, maybe “ruin” is a bit dramatic, but that doesn’t mean you and your guests won’t be disappointed with dry or less-than-stellar stuffing. This classic Thanksgiving dinner dish — with its familiar flavors of onion, celery, and herbs mixing with crispy, chewy, buttery bread — is well-loved, but it’s also easy to mess up, so be sure to avoid these 8 common stuffing mistakes: 1. You make it on Thanksgiving Day Don’t wait until Thanksgiving day to start your stuffing. Your bread base — whether it’s a bread loaf, cornbread, bagels or even waffles — needs to be dry and stale, so let it sit out for at least a day or two before you begin. If your bread is still moist, your stuffing will be soggy. 2. You try to save calories If you’re looking to keep your Thanksgiving meal within a certain calorie count, perhaps you could cut…

Easy Cheddar Biscuits

Having homemade biscuits with your dinner doesn’t have to meal a whole afternoon in the kitchen. These Easy Cheddar Biscuits can be thrown together and baked in as little as 20 minutes. Serve them warm with a little garlic parsley butter on top, and you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Easy Cheddar Biscuits These biscuits are as at home with weeknight chili as they are with Thanksgiving dinner. It’s always a good time for cheesy biscuits.  Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 3 tsp baking powder 1 tbsp sugar 1 tsp salt 3/4 tsp cream of tartar 1 stick cold butter, cubed +  3 tbsp melted butter (for brushing on top)  1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 clove garlic, finely minced ~1 cup milk 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp salt 2 tsp dried parsley Directions Preheat oven to 450ºF. In a large bowl, add flour, baking powder, sugar,…

Cheesecake-filled pumpkin bread

If you love fall baked goods but aren’t a fan of super sweets, this cream cheese filled pumpkin bread recipe will satisfy your seasonal cravings. You’ll love this bread-like snack and its slightly sweet center. It’s dense, decadent and the perfect fall treat to make for breakfast, dessert or just about anytime. Also try this Classic Pumpkin Roll recipe. cheesecake-filled pumpkin bread Ingredients Bread 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 1/2 cup canola oil 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1-1/2 cups flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1/4 tsp ground ginger Filling 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1/3 cup sugar 2 tbsp flour 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla extract What else you’ll need: 9×5 inch loaf pan electric mixer nonstick cooking spray cooling rack toothpick Directions Preheat oven to…

Best bruschetta pasta salad

If you had to describe summer in one bite, it would probably be something cool and refreshing. It would definitely be loaded with the flavors of juicy, local tomatoes and fresh, fragrant basil. It would be easy to make and light to eat. It would be this bruschetta pasta salad. You can choose any pasta you have in your pantry, but I if you’re going shopping, pick up some orecchiette. The shape is perfect for cradling small cherry tomatoes. If you use a pasta with more nooks and crannies, you may have to add more dressing to coat. If you’re a backyard gardener, or if you’ve inherited a crop of heirlooms or other full-sized tomatoes, use those! Yum! Don’t buy special cherry tomatoes just for this. Just chop up whatever you have — maybe even a mix! — and toss with the pasta and other ingredients. It’s a great way…

7 Foods astronauts aren’t allowed to eat in space

Astronauts have to eat while they’re in space, but that doesn’t mean they always enjoy the rules required for consumption in zero G. A healthy and balanced diet is a necessity for astronauts staying for long periods at the International Space Station, but unfortunately, many of their favorite foods might not be allowed to make the journey with them. According to NASA, anything that requires refrigeration won’t make it onto any mission. But what else gets left back on Earth? Here are 7 foods that astronauts aren’t allowed to have: 1. Bread Even when you’re on your best behavior, biting into that sandwich is still going to create some crumbs. Breads, crackers, and cookies don’t do well in space because all of those loose crumbs can float around and get stuck in sensitive equipment. In astronauts want bread when after they launch out of orbit, they’re limited to tortillas. Although, the…

You can thank inventor, Joseph Lee for that crispy casserole topping

What do homemade meatballs and crab cakes, crispy-topped casseroles, and crunchy fried shrimp all have in common? They all benefitted from one man’s interest in creating a perfect breadcrumb. Joseph Lee (born in 1849), an African-American son of slaves, was a pioneer in the automation of bread and bread crumb making, overcoming the poor odds he was dealt as a young boy. Held in bondage in the South for much of his youth, Lee eventually became a servant in Beaufort, South Carolina, then served for 11 years as a steward in the U.S. Coast Survey, where he picked up an affinity for bread making. By the early 1880’s the self-taught chef and baker owned two successful restaurants in the Boston area. By the late 1890s, Lee owned and managed the Woodland Park Hotel in Newton, MA, and opened a catering business called the Lee Catering Company, serving wealthy Boston clientele. He also operated the…

What’s the difference between an English muffin and a crumpet?

When it comes to breakfast breads, most of us are carb-loving connoisseurs. Toasts like wheat, rye, and sourdough are just the beginning. Scones, muffins — both blueberry and bran, biscuits and bagels make their way into our morning meal more commonly than we’d care to admit.  And of course you know the English muffin. It’s the sturdy, humble base to your oozing Eggs Benedict and the spongy exterior of your McDonald’s McMuffin. English muffins, and all of these other common carbs, are sold in the bakery and bread aisles of just about any grocery store nationwide. So that leaves the crumpet.  What the heck is it? You’ve probably joked about tea and crumpets in your best stuffy-English accent before, but did you really know what you were talking about? Have you actually ever seen one in the States? English muffins and crumpets are two entirely different creatures, but they have…