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Bready or Not: Golden Syrup Brownies

Posted by on May 17, 2023 in Blog, Bready or Not, british, brownies, chocolate, fudge | Comments Off on Bready or Not: Golden Syrup Brownies

I’ve made a lot of brownies that I’ve shared here on Bready or Not, but these Golden Syrup Brownies are the fudgiest I’ve ever made.

Bready or Not: Golden Syrup Brownies

Seriously, they are good but they are dense and rich. I highly recommend cutting these things small, just as one does with fudge.

Bready or Not: Golden Syrup Brownies

Golden Syrup and coarse sugar are what set these brownies apart. I used Lyle’s Golden Syrup, the original version, imported from the UK. Sometimes you’ll see honey and light corn syrup mentioned as American substitutes; if you want to go that route, split them half and half, but it still won’t be the same as Lyle’s.

Bready or Not: Golden Syrup Brownies

As for the coarse sugar, the original recipe printed in Bake from Scratch called for unrefined light muscovado, but I used a mix of demerara and turbinado. Hence my general recommendation for coarse sugar.

This recipe will keep for weeks in the fridge, have you the fortitude!

Bready or Not: Golden Syrup Brownies

These super-fudgy brownies use golden syrup, which is a British ingredient. I recommend Lyle’s Original Golden Syrup, which can be found in the import section of many American grocery stores. Note that these brownies need to chill for hours or overnight before eating. Modified from Bake from Scratch Magazine Sept/Oct 2019.
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: British
Keyword: bars, brownies, chocolate, fudge
Author: Beth Cato

Equipment

  • 9×9 pan
  • aluminum foil
  • nonstick spray
  • fine mesh sieve

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups plus 2 teaspoons coarse sugar such as turbinado and demerara
  • 14 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 Tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons golden syrup
  • 1 1/4 cups dark chocolate chopped or in chips
  • 6 large eggs room temperature
  • 2/3 cups plus 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

  • Preheat oven at 325-degrees. Line a 9-inch square pan with foil and apply nonstick spray.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the coarse sugar, butter, and golden syrup over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, around 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and add the chocolate. Stir until everything is melted. Let cool for a bit.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Strain them through a fine mesh sieve into the batter. Stir everything to incorporate. Add flour, stirring until no white streaks remain. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Tap it on the counter a few times to knock bubbles free and level the batter.
  • Bake until brownies are set with the center still moist, about 45 minutes. It’s okay if they look slightly underdone. Let pan cool to room temperature. Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
  • Use foil to lift contents onto a cutting board. Use a large knife to cut brownies into small squares. If the brownies stick to the knife, wipe it clean after each pass and dip the blade in hot water before each cut. Store brownies in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer.

OM NOM NOM!

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    Bready or Not Original: Date Drop Cookies

    Posted by on May 10, 2023 in Blog, Bready or Not, cookies | Comments Off on Bready or Not Original: Date Drop Cookies

    If you’re in need of a old-fashioned homey cookie, these Date Drop Cookies may be just what you need.

    Bready or Not Original: Date Drop Cookies

    They won’t win any awards in the looks department, but you know what? They are GOOD. Quite similar to a soft, chewy oatmeal cookies, but with chopped dates instead of raisins.

    Bready or Not Original: Date Drop Cookies

    I used kitchen shears to chop up dates from a big container from Costco. If you use pre-cut dates, such as from a bin, those will be good in this recipe, albeit a not quite as soft.

    Bready or Not Original: Date Drop Cookies

    These should keep for at least a few days in a sealed container at room temperature.

    Bready or Not Original: Date Drop Cookies

    These are similar to a chewy oatmeal cookies, but with dates rather than raisins. They are incredibly pleasant and homey.
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Keyword: cookies, dates
    Servings: 55
    Author: Beth Cato

    Equipment

    • parchment paper
    • teaspoon or teaspoon scoop

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) softened
    • 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
    • 2 eggs room temperature
    • 1/4 cup milk or half & half
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup quick oats
    • 1 cup chopped dates
    • 3/4 cups chopped walnuts

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven at 350-degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Fold in the oats, dates, and walnuts.
    • Using a teaspoon or teaspoon scoop, place round dollops of dough spaced out on the baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until cookies are set. Transfer them to a rack to completely cool. Store in a sealed container at room temperature.

    OM NOM NOM!

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      Bready or Not: Apple Cream Cheese Brioche Tart

      Posted by on May 3, 2023 in apples, Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, cake, cheese galore, yeast bread | Comments Off on Bready or Not: Apple Cream Cheese Brioche Tart

      This Apple Cream Cheese Brioche Tart isn’t a beginner’s recipe, I’ll say that straight up. There are gobs of steps, multiple rise times, lots of dirty dishes. But the result? Wow.

      Bready or Not: Apple Cream Cheese Brioche Tart

      This is really a show-stopper kind of bread for a dessert, breakfast, or brunch. You have an enriched bread with a creamy, rich filling topped with spiced apples.

      Bready or Not: Apple Cream Cheese Brioche Tart

      We had to test the best ways to eat the leftovers, too. The tart is fantastic fresh. Because of the creamed cheese, it needs to be stored in the fridge–but it’s thick and cloggy if eaten cold.

      Bready or Not: Apple Cream Cheese Brioche Tart

      However, heating it in the toaster oven doesn’t work–the cream cheese will melt off! Like Goldilocks, we eventually found the “just right.” It was a quick zap in the microwave, maybe 15-20 seconds depending on your machine. Enough to take the chill off without making it hot.

      The things we bakers must do for science and the good of the people…

      Bready or Not: Apple Cream Cheese Brioche Tart

      There’s no denying that this is a complicated, time-consuming recipe, but the results are delicious and beautiful to behold. Modified from Red Star Yeast, and uses their Platinum Yeast.
      Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
      Keyword: apple, cheese, cream cheese, yeast bread
      Author: Beth Cato

      Equipment

      • rimmed baking sheet
      • 9-inch springform pan
      • parchment paper
      • stand mixer with paddle and dough hook
      • nonstick spray with flour
      • pastry brush
      • uneven spatula
      • instant read thermometer

      Ingredients

      Apples

      • 2 cups apples peeled then sliced to 1/4-inch, about 1 1/2 medium apples (Honeycrisp recommended)
      • 1 Tablespoon white sugar
      • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
      • 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice

      Dough

      • 2 cups all-purpose flour divided
      • 1 1/2 Tablespoons white sugar
      • 1 1/2 Tablespoons light brown sugar packed
      • 1 0.25oz package Platinum Yeast
      • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
      • 1/4 cup milk or half & half, warmed to 120-F to 130-F
      • 2 large eggs room temperature
      • 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
      • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened

      Filling

      • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened
      • 3 Tablespoons white sugar
      • 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar firmly packed
      • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
      • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
      • 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
      • 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
      • 1 large egg room temperature
      • 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

      Topping

      • 1 large egg for egg wash
      • 1 Tablespoon water for egg wash
      • Swedish pearl sugar for sprinkling

      Instructions

      • Preheat oven to 400-degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
      • Prepare the sliced apples by using a large bowl to stir them with sugar, lemon juice, and pie spice. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spread apple mixture in an even layer on prepared pan.
      • Bake the apples until they are fork-tender and have released significant moisture, 12 to 16 minutes. Rotate the pan and stir halfway through. The apples should reduce in size slightly but retain their shape. Let the apples cool while continuing with other stages. Also, turn off the oven, as it won’t be needed for a while.
      • Begin the dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 1/2 cup flour, white sugar, brown sugar, yeast, and salt at medium-low speed. Add the warm milk, eggs, and vanilla, beating everything on medium about 2 minutes until it’s combined. Scrape the bottom and sides of bowl a few times. Gradually add the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour.
      • Switch to the dough hook attachment. Beat at low speed until dough is smooth and elastic. It should start to pull away from sides of bowl. This will be around 6 to 9 minutes.
      • Add the softened butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. This will take 6 to 8 minutes total. Scrape the sides of bowl and dough hook as needed. If the dough looks slightly broken during this stage, that's okay–keeping beating it and it'll come back together.
      • Increase mixer speed to medium-low and beat until a smooth, elastic dough forms, about 6 minutes.
      • Turn out dough onto a clean surface and knead 4 to 5 times. Shape into a smooth round. Place dough in a large ungreased bowl. (At this stage, the dough could be covered and placed in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.) Cover it and place it in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
      • Cut a piece of parchment to fit in the base of a springform pan. Apply nonstick spray with flour in pan. Add cut paper. Spray again to coat paper and sides.
      • Punch down dough, then cover it and let it rest for about 10 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into an 11-inch circle. Use the bottom of the springform pan to poke a 9-inch circle in the middle of the dough. Fold and press outside edges inward to create a crimped edge. Lift the dough to place it in the prepared pan. Press dough to make sure it fills the bottom. Crimp and secure the edges again if needed. Cover and let rise again in a warm place for 25 minutes. Dough should be puffed and hold an indentation when it’s poked.
      • Preheat oven to 325-degrees.
      • Now make the filling. In the clean bowl of the stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, beat the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and pie spice at medium speed. Gradually add the cream cheese, beating until smooth. Add egg, beating until combined, then add the flour. Scrape the bowl to make sure everything is mixed.
      • Use your fingertips to dimple center of dough back down, leaving outside crust higher and puffed. Crimp and secure edges if necessary, and press out any air bubbles if you see them.
      • Spoon and spread cream cheese mixture in an even layer in center of dough. Arrange the sliced apples slightly overlapping in two concentric circles. (You may have leftover slices. Eat’em on their own!)
      • In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water. Brush outer edge of dough with egg wash. Sprinkle pearl sugar along the crust.
      • Bake for 20 minutes. Rotate pan. If the crust is browning, cover it with foil. Bake for another 25 to 28 minutes. When the tart is done, the crust will be golden brown. The filling should be set around outside edges and slightly jiggly in center. An instant-read thermometer inserted in center should register at least 175-degrees.
      • Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Using a small offset spatula, loosen edges of bread. Remove sides of springform pan. Let cool completely on pan base on a wire rack.
      • The tart can be enjoyed fresh after it cools. Leftovers should be stored in the fridge, but will be cloggy if eaten chilled. It’s best warmed with a short zap in the microwave, about 15-20 seconds; if it’s made too hot, the cream cheese melts! Leftovers can also be individually wrapped and frozen for later. Thaw in fridge.

      OM NOM NOM!

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        Are you a member of Amazon Prime? Then you can grab my book for FREE now!

        Posted by on May 1, 2023 in Blog, Thousand Recipes for Revenge | Comments Off on Are you a member of Amazon Prime? Then you can grab my book for FREE now!

        A Thousand Recipes for Revenge

        A Thousand Recipes for Revenge is officially out one month from today. I have something special to share, though. My book and its sequel are being published through 47North, one of Amazon’s publishing wings. If you are an Amazon Prime member in the US, you can grab the ebook of A Thousand Recipes for Revenge NOW for free, courtesy of Amazon First Reads. Not a prime member? You can get it for only $1.99! Deals are good for the month of May. (I believe that this deal also applies in some way to folks in the UK, Australia, and Canada, but I’m not sure how the numbers differ! Hey, let me know.)

        The full print book and audiobook will be available on June 1st–and the ebook will still be available on Amazon (and everywhere else, too) for a few bucks more.

        [Link is through the Amazon Affiliate program.]

        #SFWAPro

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        Bready or Not: Farmer’s Cheese Cookies

        Posted by on Apr 26, 2023 in Blog, Bready or Not, cheese galore, cookies | Comments Off on Bready or Not: Farmer’s Cheese Cookies

        These Farmer’s Cheese Cookies don’t taste cheesy as one would expect in a gooey, cheese-pull kind of way. Instead, the cheese here adds a touch of savory flavor and a lot of light, chewy texture.

        Bready or Not: Farmer's Cheese Cookies

        Cookies like this are traditional in Ukraine and Russia. I found a nice block of Ukrainian Tvorog Farmer’s Cheese at Lee Lee Grocery on 75th Ave in Phoenix; check your own local import markets for similar cheese.

        Bready or Not: Farmer's Cheese Cookies

        Expect a dry, crumbly texture in the cheese. Mine became somewhat powdery as I broke it down, which was fine. I was able to incorporate everything with an extra touch of water, which is a pretty common thing for me to do with roll-out cookies in Phoenix. It’s very dry here compared to most other places.

        Bready or Not: Farmer's Cheese Cookies

        The end result is a cookie that, quite honestly, tastes fancy–light, crisp, sugary, like something that one would find in a fine bakery. Most people wouldn’t guess there’s cheese in the dough, I bet, but they’ll know there’s something different about them. Something delicious.

        Bready or Not: Farmer's Cheese Cookies

        Bready or Not: Farmer’s Cheese Cookies

        These sweet, beautiful cookies originate in Ukraine and Russia. Look for farmer’s cheese in a local European import market. This recipe makes about 60 cookies.
        Course: Dessert, Snack
        Keyword: cheese, cookies
        Servings: 60
        Author: Beth Cato

        Equipment

        • grater or food processor
        • pastry blender
        • 3-inch round cutter or the top of a glass
        • parchment paper
        • saucer or bowl
        • Rolling Pin

        Ingredients

        • 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks, chilled
        • 8 oz farmer's cheese such as Ukrainian Tvorog cheese
        • 2 cups all-purpose flour
        • 2 egg yolks
        • 2-3 Tablespoons water
        • 1 1/2 cups white sugar

        Instructions

        • Grate the butter using a hand grater or a grater attachment on a food processor. In a large bowl, use a pastry blender to cut in the cheese, which will be crumbly. Add the flour, followed by the yolks and water. Knead the dough until it comes together in a cohesive mass.
        • Form the dough into a disc and encase it in plastic wrap to chill for anywhere from an hour to several days.
        • When it’s cookie time, preheat oven at 375-degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a small amount of water in a saucer or bowl. Measure the white sugar into a deep bowl.
        • Prepare a clean work surface with a dusting of flour. Break off some of the dough and roll it into a thin layer, like for a pie crust. Use the cutter to slice out 3-inch rounds; place the leftover and unused dough to chill in the fridge while cookies are shaped.
        • Dampen fingers in the prepared water. Brush wet fingers over one side of a dough round. Dip moist dough into the sugar to coat it. Fold in half with the sugared portion on the inside. Dampen fingers and stroke another folded side of the dough, and dip that in sugar. Fold a final time with the sugared section on the inside. Use wet fingers on outside of cookie and coat that in sugar, too. Gently press the pleats together to prevent them from unfolding during baking. Place formed cookie on sheet and repeat process with remaining rounds.
        • Bring together dough scraps, using a little water if needed, to roll out again. Use rest of dough to form cookies.
        • Bake in batches for 19 to 22 minutes, until puffed and set with a golden base. Store in a sealed container at room temperature.

        OM NOM NOM!

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          Bready or Not Original: Chicken and Rice Soup

          Posted by on Apr 19, 2023 in Blog, Bready or Not, chicken, healthier, main dish | Comments Off on Bready or Not Original: Chicken and Rice Soup

          Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate classic, home-cooking, feel-better-soon kind of meal. I’m stunned I haven’t featured it on Bready or Not before, but here it is now: my take on the old favorite.

          Bready or Not Original: Chicken and Rice Soup

          I’ve tweaked this over the years to get the balance of liquids and seasonings just right. I make this a couple times a year. It’s my stand-by if my husband is sick–it’s hearty, hot, sits well in the stomach, and the sheer amount made means the leftovers can last for days (which is nice if I come down sick next, too).

          Bready or Not Original: Chicken and Rice Soup

          Bready or Not Original: Chicken and Rice Soup

          This classic from-scratch recipe takes time to make, about an hour, but results in a flavorful broth especially welcome when someone is sick or needs to warm up. Use already-cooked chicken or turkey (this is a great way to use up holiday leftovers!). The leftovers keep well in the fridge or can be frozen, too.
          Course: Main Course, Soup
          Keyword: chicken, rice, soup and stew
          Author: Beth Cato

          Equipment

          • stock pot or other large pot with lid

          Ingredients

          • 1 cup baby carrots chopped
          • 2 Tablespoons dried celery flakes
          • 1 Tablespoon dried onion flakes
          • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
          • 64 oz reduced sodium chicken broth 2 boxes or 4 cans
          • 3 Tablespoons flour
          • 1/2 cup short grain white rice such as sushi rice
          • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
          • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 freshly-cut sprig
          • 2 bay leaves
          • 2 to 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey
          • 1 1/2 cups half & half

          Instructions

          • Place carrots, celery flakes, dried onion, and garlic powder in a large pot along with 1 can of chicken broth (if using a box of broth, just pour in about 1/2 of one; no need to be exact). Sauté on medium heat for 10 minutes, until carrots are tender. Sprinkle in flour and stir for another few minutes.
          • Add rest of broth along with the rice, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring pot to boil.
          • Reduce heat to medium-low and cover pot. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes. When the rice is tender, add the chicken or turkey. Cook for 10 minutes. Stir in half & half and cook for another 10 minutes.
          • Remove both bay leaves. Add salt and pepper to preference. Serve hot. Leftovers can keep in the fridge or days or can be frozen.

          OM NOM NOM!

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