The base recipe for this loaf is is my absolute favorite for quick breads. And bananas (plus choco chips most times) is my absolute favorite type of quick bread. Easy, super healthy, and completely delicious. Enjoying this bread with coffee in the morning before I face the world is the only thing that makes me a civilized human being some days. This recipe is essentially the same as my pumpkin bread, just swapping pumpkin for bananas and mixing up the spices a bit. I also used oat flour this time, which makes it even more breakfast-y. This bread literally gets me out of bed in the morning I look forward…
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Chocolate Gingerbread Cake (sweetened with dates!)
Gingerbread has got to be one of my favorite flavor profiles. Warm, sweet spices like clove, cinnamon, ginger, and anise win me over every time. They’re like a cozy blanket and mug of something toasty. Gingerbread spices also remind me of a trip I took to Stockholm a couple of years ago during Christmas-time. I already had a proclivity towards Swedish culture before going, but after … let’s just say I seriously considered switching careers. In addition to everything else I love about Sweden (hello quiet streets! We were definitely the loud Americans), you can hardly walk two feet without bumping into some cozy little bakery wafting cinnamon and cardamom…
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Whole-Wheat Pumpkin Bread (sweetened with dates!)
Guys. No but, guys. This is real. This pumpkin bread is ridiculously good. Seriously. It has that delightfully fluffy texture you’d expect from a bakery or coffee shop pumpkin bread, but unlike something you’d find at most bakeries, this one is SO GOOD FOR YOU. This bread is made from locally milled whole-wheat flour, which I highly recommend. You could also try oat flour or rye flour–my other favorites. I haven’t tried them with this recipe yet though. The dates in this bread not only provide a beautiful caramel flavor, but also good-for-you vitamins, minerals and fiber. I’m also a fan of warm spices, so this bread is packed with…
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Chocolate Squash Muffins
When I’ve had a tough week and need to unwind, or even when my week was fine, but I need some self-care time (as we millennials call it)–more times than not, I turn to muffins. (That was a completely organic and unintentional, rhyming poem and I refuse to change it.) Muffins are so easy, you almost have to TRY to not have a muffin turn out. As a result, they are the perfect vehicle for kitchen creativity. I’ve been toying more with veggies and beans in my muffins, so expect more of this ilk to come. I’m all about feeling healthy while relying on a muffin for emotional support. Enjoy.…
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Sweet Potato Rye Waffles
I’ve always loved rye. For some reason, growing up it seems like we always had a loaf of rye bread and yellow mustard in the house which counted as a snack. Probably strange, but true. When I visited Sweden a couple of years ago, rye was on the menu often. I recall getting back in town and buying a bag of whole-grain rye flour immediately to play around with. Now I use it often in my baking. It makes for surprisingly tender breads and muffins, or in today’s case, wholesome and toasty waffles. My inspiration for this scrummy breakfast was the maple syrup I picked up at the Farmer’s Market…
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Strawbanana Muffs
I am a modern career woman who spends late nights at work and too much $$ on takeout and wine. I also bake like a 1950’s housewife and bring something homemade to most occasions I’m invited to. Confusing I know. These strawberry-banana muffs were a last minute contribution to a laid-back summer Sunday deck hangout. I had a bunch of brown bananas (duh) but knew chocolate would melt. The strawberries in my fridge were begging for their moment to shine. I gave them their moment. Tender and juicy from the fruit, with a crisp crust from the coconut oil. These were delicious and a big hit. Strawbanana Muffs Yield: 12 muffins…
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Strawberry-Basil Jam
Some people have Christmas, others favor Halloween, then there’s those that await First Contact Day … myself? I’m partial to the first day of strawberry season. And it’s here! Like tomatoes, there is nothing quite like a summer strawberry. Choosing local also makes a big difference. I picked up mine from Eckert’s Farm and was surprised by how different they are from regular grocery store strawberries. I found them to be smaller, juicier, and more flavorful. I would describe these particular strawberries as sweet, floral, and fragrant. Now, the responsible thing to do would be to can my jam and store for colder months, when hibernation and SAD kicks in and…
