Sweet and savory breads and quick breads are super popular, home baked goodies even more so. Breads are quite easy to make, you just need to have the time to let your flour and yeast work their magic together. Quick breads are lovely in a different sort of way; they are leavened with baking powder and have a more tender and crumbly crumb. We celebrate the festival of Divali next week so go aheadt and bake some glory into your kitchens this weekend.
CRANBERRY SCONES
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbs sugar
2 tsp baking powder
Pinch cinnamon
1/4 cup butter
1 egg
1/2 cup evaporated milk or cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup dried cranberries
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and cinnamon.
Rub butter into flour mixture until it resembles fine bread crumbs.
Beat egg with milk, add vanilla.
Pour into flour and gently mix, add cranberries.
Press into a 3/4 inches thick rectangle and cut into wedges, bake 400º F for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes eight to ten scones.
CHEESE BRAID
21/2 to 3 cups baker flour
1 tbs sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbs. instant yeast
1 cup grated cheese
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 egg, beaten
For the filling:
1/2 tbs butter
Prepare dough:
In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Add one cup cheese.
Warm milk to 115º to 120º F, add melted butter, and combine, add beaten egg
Add milk mixture to flour mixture and knead to a soft dough, add as much as the remaining flour as you can to make a soft but pliable dough. Cover and let rise until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.
Roll dough to an eight by 16 inch rectangle.
Divide dough into three portions equal sections, sprinkle with another cup of cheese.
Braid dough, tuck ends under.
Cover and let rise until double in volume, about 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400ºF.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until nicely browned.
Makes one braid
PIZZA BREADSTICKS
For the dough
2 cups bread flour
1 tbs instant yeast
1 tbs sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
3/4 cup milk or water, warmed to 115-120ºF
2 tbs olive oil
For the pizza twists:
1/2 cup Italian tomato sauce
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried Italian herbs like oregano
salt and pepper
Place the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, herbs and garlic into a mixing bowl.
Add milk and olive oil and knead to soft smooth dough, cover and let rise until doubled, 60 minutes.
Punch down dough, let rest for ten minutes.
Preheat oven to 400ºF
Roll out dough about 1/2 inch thick into a rectangle, spread tomato sauce thinly, sprinkle with herbs and cheese, salt and pepper.
Cut into eight-inch lengths.
Place onto a baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned.
Makes about 18