tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58861174827504496002024-03-13T08:10:44.450-07:00America's Little GermanyA tour of German cuisine and culture from a German-American.Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01465247718652591492noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886117482750449600.post-65591752170526888542009-02-19T14:24:00.000-08:002009-02-19T14:35:14.035-08:00Mushroom meatball subs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SZ3cdw-0rpI/AAAAAAAAAFg/DQE9Rk8FI3A/s1600-h/IMG_4762.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SZ3cdw-0rpI/AAAAAAAAAFg/DQE9Rk8FI3A/s400/IMG_4762.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304638340035030674" /></a>If I had to pick a favorite sandwich... meatball subs would definitely be up there on the list. I'm indecisive, though. Plus, it's almost embarrassing to have as a favorite considering how simple and common they are.<div><br /></div><div>These meatballs were excellent! I'm always looking for something to add to meatballs in place of onions, since I'm usually cooking for a picky eater. This time, I added some mushrooms since I had some leftover from a previous dinner. They turned out surprisingly well!</div><div><br /></div><div>Meatballs:</div><div>1 lb 85% ground beef</div><div>10 whole button mushrooms, chopped finely</div><div>2 cloves garlic</div><div>1/4th cup bread crumbs</div><div>1 egg</div><div>1.5 tsp salt</div><div>1 tsp pepper</div><div>1 tsp cayenne pepper</div><div>1 tablespoon fresh basil</div><div><br /></div><div>And:</div><div>tomato sauce of your choice</div><div>loaf of crusty bread</div><div>cheeses of your choice (I used provolone, mozzarella, and parmigiano)</div><div><br /></div><div>I mixed all of the ingredients and formed 1.5 inch meatballs and baked them at 375F for 20 minutes. I baked them on a broiler pan so some of the fat would drip off. After they came out of the oven, I simmered them in some canned marina sauce that I doctored up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Instead of buying sub rolls, I bought a large loaf of french bread and hollowed out the tops. This prevents the bread from splitting in half while trying to fill it with sauce and meatballs. (Which always seems to happen to me.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I lined the bottom half of each bread with provolone along the bottoms and sides, spooned in the meatballs, then added shredded mozzarella and parmigiano. I put them back in the oven for 10 minutes at 350F and they came out perfectly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Guten Appetit!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01465247718652591492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886117482750449600.post-69129114725695324042008-11-20T19:21:00.000-08:002008-11-20T19:43:57.920-08:00Chicken Tikka Masala<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SSYucJIeNAI/AAAAAAAAAFY/ohjDmEdn9n8/s1600-h/IMG_4654.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SSYucJIeNAI/AAAAAAAAAFY/ohjDmEdn9n8/s400/IMG_4654.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270951474906412034" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I found this recipe on </span><a href="http://www.rasamalaysia.com/2008/11/chicken-tikka-masala-recipe.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">RasaMalaysia.</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Honestly, I've never really had much experience with Indian food. The recipe looked like it could be made with things I had readily available. which never seems to be the case when I find an Indian recipe that looks interesting. I also live with a VERY picky eater that avoids spicy foods at all costs, so Indian food is always a bit of a challenge...</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I've made this recipe twice now. The first time I followed the recipe exactly, and the second time I made a few changes. Either way, it's delicious!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here is the recipe as found on the RasaMalaysia site. My changes are in red.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana;font-size:14px;"><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ingredients </span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><em style="font-style: italic; "></em></span></span><em style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></em></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Marinating the Chicken</span></span></u></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3-4 boneless chicken breasts, skins removed and cut into bite-sized pieces <br />250g thick natural yogurt <br />1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced <br />2 teaspoons ground cumin</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />2 teaspoon chili powder</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper <br />Salt</span></span></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Skewers, If using wooden skewers completely submerge them in water for approx. 30 minutes. This will hinder them from catching fire while grilling.</span></span></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tomato Gravy</span></span></u></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">250g canned cocktail tomatoes </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(I used two fresh medium-sized tomatoes, which I put into my food processor)<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">250g heavy cream <br />2 garlic cloves, minced </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(I also added a medium red onion)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />2 red chilies, finely chopped </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(I used a can of jalapenos)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />2 teaspoons ground cumin</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />2 teaspoons paprika powder <br />1 tablespoon ghee or clarified butter <br />Handful of coriander leaves/cilantro, chopped <br />Salt and pepper </span></span></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Method</span></span></strong></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mix all of the ingredients for the marination in a large bowl. Thoroughly mix until the chicken is nicely coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight.</span></span></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">On the next day, either prepare your charcoal grill or heat up the grill function of your oven to high. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">*I put all of the chicken on a parchment lined baking sheet. I baked the chicken at 375F for 25 minutes.</span></span></span></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, discarding the marinade. Grill the chicken evenly on all sides, until juices run clear - approx. 5-6 minutes.</span></span></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To prepare the gravy, heat a large skillet to medium and melt the ghee/clarified butter. Sauté the garlic and chopped chilies until fragrant. Sprinkle the ground cumin, paprika powder and a pinch of salt. Sauté for a further minute or two until the mixture turns into a paste-like texture.</span></span></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pour in the canned tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it and to release any bits stuck to the pan. Simmer uncovered for approx. 10-15 minutes on low heat until the sauces begins to thicken, then add the grilled chicken pieces and cream. Simmer for a further 10 minutes, thickening the sauce further and to heat the chicken and cream through. </span></span></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Serve sprinkled with fresh chopped coriander leaves and with steamed Basmati rice, fresh naans and pickles. </span></span></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Make sure to visit </span><a href="http://www.rasamalaysia.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">RasaMasala</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> for other great recipes.</span></span></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.75em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Guten Appetit!</span></span></p></span></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01465247718652591492noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886117482750449600.post-89090695592432205492008-11-19T16:39:00.000-08:002008-11-19T17:36:07.194-08:00Rigatoni with Sausage and Parmigiano<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SSSyjQHU-DI/AAAAAAAAAFA/tyY53aB2NeM/s1600-h/IMG_4653.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SSSyjQHU-DI/AAAAAAAAAFA/tyY53aB2NeM/s400/IMG_4653.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270533782621190194" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is one of the best pastas I've had in a while. It was very easily put together. I had everything on hand, except for the Italian sausage. It was very flavorful and I can't think of anything that the dish is missing.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ingredients:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 tablespoons olive oil</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 onion sliced (I diced)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 clove garlic, crushed (I minced)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">500 g (1 lb) Italian pork sausage, cut into chunks</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">60 g (2 oz) mushrooms, sliced</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 cup (124ml/4 fl oz) dry white wine</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">500 g (1 lb) rigatoni</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 cup (250ml/8 fl oz) cream</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 eggs</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated parmesan (I used Parmigiano Reggiano)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Directions:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the nion and garlic and stir over low heat until the onion is tender. Add the sausage and mushroom and cook until the sausage is cooked through. Stir in the wine and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2. While the sauce is cooking, cook the rigatoni in a large pan of rapidly boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and return to the pan.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3. In a large jug, whisk together the cream, eggs, half the parmesan, the parsley, and salt and pepper, to taste. Add to the rigatoni with the sausage mixture and toss. Serve sprinkled with the remaining parmesan.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Guten Appetit! Let me know how it works out for you!</span></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01465247718652591492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886117482750449600.post-58755082155849834822008-11-19T10:08:00.001-08:002008-11-19T10:20:34.595-08:00Geschnetzeltes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SSRY6zy7zEI/AAAAAAAAAE4/2hA2QBltGk8/s1600-h/geschnetzeltes.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SSRY6zy7zEI/AAAAAAAAAE4/2hA2QBltGk8/s400/geschnetzeltes.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270435231289822274" /></a><br />Geschnetzeltes is a dish that is extremely popular in Zurich, the place where it originated, but is also popular throughout southern Germany. Traditionally, it is just veal, mushrooms, white wine, cream, and lemon. This is a variation on the traditional recipe.<div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>1 lb boneless pork chops</div><div>1 cup heavy cream</div><div>1 cup white wine</div><div>1 cup beef broth</div><div>2 cups sliced mushrooms</div><div>3 tablespoons ground paprika</div><div>1 large onion (chopped)</div><div>3 cloves garlic (chopped)</div><div>1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil</div><div>salt and pepper to taste</div><div><br /></div><div>Directions:</div><div>Slice the pork chops into thin strips and sauté in a pan with olive oil. Once the pork is done, remove it and set it aside in a bowl. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and mushrooms and sauté them until soft. </div><div><br /></div><div>Add the broth and the wine. Simmer the sauce until it has reduced halfway. (10-15 minutes)</div><div><br /></div><div>Add the pork back to the pan. Add the heavy cream and 3 tablespoons of paprika. Heat for 5 minutes until warm. Serve over pasta of your choice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Guten Appetit!</div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01465247718652591492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886117482750449600.post-48686950815802798992008-11-17T06:34:00.000-08:002008-11-17T06:48:00.820-08:00The Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SSGB3kTCA1I/AAAAAAAAAEg/QohF3CPFr4o/s1600-h/brightestcookies.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SSGB3kTCA1I/AAAAAAAAAEg/QohF3CPFr4o/s400/brightestcookies.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269635830636479314" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I'm a huge fan of chocolate chip cookies, and I think I've finally found the very best recipe I have EVER made. This recipe was originally from America's Test Kitchen and was adapted by Katie over at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a href="http://goodthingscatered.blogspot.com/2007/08/best-chocolate-chip-cookies.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Good Things Catered.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I adapted it a little more in order to make it a bit more festive for the holidays.</span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ingredients:</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 cups plus 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour<br />1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />12 Tbsp (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted & cooled until warm<br />1 c brown sugar, packed<br />1/2 c granulated sugar<br />1 large egg plus 1 yolk<br />2 tsp vanilla extract<br />1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (I added holiday M&M's)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Directions:<br />-Adjust oven racks to upper & lower -middle positions & heat oven to 325. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.<br />-Whisk dry ingredients together; set aside.<br />-With electric mixer, or by hand, mix butter and sugars until thoroughly combined. <br />-Beat in egg, yolk, and vanilla until combined. <br />-Add dry ingredients and beat at a low speed just until combined. Stir in chips. (Or M&Ms!)<br />-Roll scant 1/2 cup dough into ball. Holding dough ball in fingertips of both hands, pull into 2 equal halves. Rotate halves 90 degrees and, with jagged surfaces facing up, place formed dough onto cookie sheet, leaving ample room between each ball.<br />-Bake, reversing position of cookie sheets halfway through baking, until cookies are light golden brown and outer edges start to harden yet centers are still soft & puffy (about 17 minutes in my oven). *<br />-Cool cookies on sheets until able to lift without breaking and place on wire rack to cool.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">** I was actually lazy and just put two cookie sheets on top of each other. They both turned out fine. When I made smaller cookies, they took about 12 minutes, larger cookies took about 16. Make sure you take the cookies out when they still look a little undercooked in the center to make sure that they stay soft!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Guten Appetit!</span></span></div></div></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01465247718652591492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886117482750449600.post-24285592998649743562008-10-29T06:40:00.001-07:002008-10-29T06:50:39.234-07:00Daring Bakers October Challenge - Pizza<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SQhn9cbyIcI/AAAAAAAAAEI/M3Kux95pM4c/s1600-h/IMG_4622.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SQhn9cbyIcI/AAAAAAAAAEI/M3Kux95pM4c/s400/IMG_4622.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262570469884830146" /></a>This month's challenge was pizza, which was fun. This crust is very simple to make and I think the fact that it slowly rises in the refrigerator makes it very flavorful. Next time, I'll try to season the crust with some garlic and basil, because it still seemed a touch bland to me.<div><br /></div><div>I topped one pizza with a cheese blend of mozzarella and parmigiano reggiano, the other with the same cheese mixture, assorted peppers, and San Marzano tomatoes. The sauce was a blend of San Marzano tomatoes, basil, garlic, and ricotta. It was my favorite part of the pizza.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Here's the recipe as it was posted by Rosa: ("GF" indicates the directions for gluten-free bakers)</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana;font-size:13px;">Original recipe taken from “The Bread Baker’s Apprentice” by Peter Reinhart.<br /><br />Makes 6 pizza crusts (about 9-12 inches/23-30 cm in diameter).</span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana;font-size:13px;"><strong>Ingredients</strong>: <br />4 1/2 Cups (20 1/4 ounces/607.5 g) Unbleached high-gluten (%14) bread flour or all purpose flour, chilled - <strong>FOR GF</strong>: 4 ½ cups GF Flour Blend with xanthan gum or 1 cup brown rice flour, 1 cup corn flour, 1 cup oat flour, 1 ½ cup arrowroot, potato or tapioca starch + 2 tsp xanthan or guar gum<br />1 3/4 Tsp Salt<br />1 Tsp Instant yeast - <strong>FOR GF</strong> use 2 tsp<br />1/4 Cup (2 ounces/60g) Olive oil or vegetable oil (both optional, but it’s better with)<br />1 3/4 Cups (14 ounces/420g or 420ml) Water, ice cold (40° F/4.5° C)<br />1 Tb sugar - FOR GF use agave syrup<br />Semolina/durum flour or cornmeal for dusting<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">DAY ONE</span><br /><br /><strong>Method</strong>: <br />1. Mix together the flour, salt and instant yeast in a big bowl (or in the bowl of your stand mixer).<br /><br />2. Add the oil, sugar and cold water and mix well (with the help of a large wooden spoon or with the paddle attachment, on low speed) in order to form a sticky ball of dough. On a clean surface, knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and the ingredients are homogeneously distributed. If it is too wet, add a little flour (not too much, though) and if it is too dry add 1 or 2 teaspoons extra water.<br /><br />NOTE: <em>If you are using an electric mixer, switch to the dough hook and mix on medium speed for the same amount of time.The dough should clear the sides of the bowl but stick to the bottom of the bowl. If the dough is too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour, so that it clears the sides. If, on the contrary, it clears the bottom of the bowl, dribble in a teaspoon or two of cold water.<br />The finished dough should be springy, elastic, and sticky, not just tacky, and register 50°-55° F/10°-13° C.</em><br /><br />Or<br /><br />2. <strong>FOR GF</strong>: Add the oil, sugar or agave syrup and cold water, then mix well (with the help of a large wooden spoon or with the paddle attachment, on low speed) in order to form a sticky ball of dough.<br /><br />3. Flour a work surface or counter. Line a jelly pan with baking paper/parchment. Lightly oil the paper.<br /><br />4. With the help of a metal or plastic dough scraper, cut the dough into 6 equal pieces (or larger if you want to make larger pizzas).<br /><br />NOTE: <em>To avoid the dough from sticking to the scraper, dip the scraper into water between cuts.</em><br /><br />5. Sprinkle some flour over the dough. Make sure your hands are dry and then flour them. Gently round each piece into a ball.<br /><br />NOTE: <em>If the dough sticks to your hands, then dip your hands into the flour again.</em><br /><br />6. Transfer the dough balls to the lined jelly pan and mist them generously with spray oil. Slip the pan into plastic bag or enclose in plastic food wrap.<br /><br />7. Put the pan into the refrigerator and let the dough rest overnight or for up to thee days.<br /><br />NOTE: <em>You can store the dough balls in a zippered freezer bag if you want to save some of the dough for any future baking. In that case, pour some oil(a few tablespooons only) in a medium bowl and dip each dough ball into the oil, so that it is completely covered in oil. Then put each ball into a separate bag. Store the bags in the freezer for no longer than 3 months. The day before you plan to make pizza, remember to transfer the dough balls from the freezer to the refrigerator.</em><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">DAY TWO</span><br /><br />8. On the day you plan to eat pizza, exactly 2 hours before you make it, remove the desired number of dough balls from the refrigerator. Dust the counter with flour and spray lightly with oil. Place the dough balls on a floured surface and sprinkle them with flour. Dust your hands with flour and delicately press the dough into disks about 1/2 inch/1.3 cm thick and 5 inches/12.7 cm in diameter. Sprinkle with flour and mist with oil. Loosely cover the dough rounds with plastic wrap and then allow to rest for 2 hours.<br /><br />Or<br /><br />8. <strong>FOR GF</strong>: On the day you plan to eat pizza, exactly 2 hours before you make it, remove the number of desired dough balls from the refrigerator. Place on a sheet of parchment paper and sprinkle with a gluten free flour. Delicately press the dough into disks about ½ inch/1.3 cm thick and 5 inches/12.7 cm in diameter. Sprinkle the dough with flour, mist it again with spray oil. Lightly cover the dough round with a sheet of parchment paper and allow to rest for 2 hours.<br /><br />9. At least 45 minutes before making the pizza, place a baking stone on the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven as hot as possible (500° F/260° C). <br /><br />NOTE: <em>If you do not have a baking stone, then use the back of a jelly pan. Do not preheat the pan.</em><br /><br />10. Generously sprinkle the back of a jelly pan with semolina/durum flour or cornmeal. Flour your hands (palms, backs and knuckles). Take 1 piece of dough by lifting it with a pastry scraper. Lay the dough across your fists in a very delicate way and carefully stretch it by bouncing it in a circular motion on your hands, and by giving it a little stretch with each bounce. Once the dough has expanded outward, move to a full toss.<br /><br />Or<br /><br />10. <strong>FOR GF</strong>: Press the dough into the shape you want (about 9-12 inches/23-30 cm in diameter - for a 6 ounces/180g piece of dough).<br /><br />NOTE: <em>Make only one pizza at a time.<br />During the tossing process, if the dough tends to stick to your hands, lay it down on the floured counter and reflour your hands, then continue the tossing and shaping. <br />In case you would be having trouble tossing the dough or if the dough never wants to expand and always springs back, let it rest for approximately 5-20 minutes in order for the gluten to relax fully,then try again.<br />You can also resort to using a rolling pin, although it isn’t as effective as the toss method.</em><br /><br />11. When the dough has the shape you want (about 9-12 inches/23-30 cm in diameter - for a 6 ounces/180g piece of dough), place it on the back of the jelly pan, making sure there is enough semolina/durum flour or cornmeal to allow it to slide and not stick to the pan.<br /><br />Or<br /><br />11. <strong>FOR GF</strong>: Lightly top it with sweet or savory toppings of your choice.<br /><br />12. Lightly top it with sweet or savory toppings of your choice.<br /><br />Or<br /><br />12. <strong>FOR GF</strong>: Place the garnished pizza on the parchment paper onto the stone in the oven or bake directly on the jelly pan. Close the door and bake for about 5-8 minutes.<br /><br />NOTE: <em>Remember that the best pizzas are topped not too generously. No more than 3 or 4 toppings (including sauce and cheese) are sufficient.</em><br /><br />13. Slide the garnished pizza onto the stone in the oven or bake directly on the jelly pan. Close the door and bake for abour 5-8 minutes.<br /><br />Or<br /><br />13. <strong>FOR GF</strong>: Follow the notes for this step.<br /><br />NOTE: <em>After 2 minutes baking, take a peek. For an even baking, rotate 180°.<br /><br />If the top gets done before the bottom, you will need to move the stone or jelly pane to a lower shelf before the next round. On the contrary, if the bottom crisps before the cheese caramelizes, then you will need to raise the stone or jelly.</em><br /><br />14. Take the pizza out of the oven and transfer it to a cutting board or your plate. In order to allow the cheese to set a little, wait 3-5 minutes before slicing or serving. <br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:13px;">Give it a try!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:13px;">Guten Appetit!</span></div></div></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01465247718652591492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886117482750449600.post-15185370033686634932008-10-20T06:21:00.001-07:002008-10-20T06:48:00.153-07:00Pretzel Dogs and Mall Pretzels<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SPyGbrDM0XI/AAAAAAAAAEA/a6E9-AXlL-E/s1600-h/IMG_4619.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SPyGbrDM0XI/AAAAAAAAAEA/a6E9-AXlL-E/s400/IMG_4619.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259226274832634226" border="0" /></a>These pretzels are absolutely amazing. I've spent a lot of time trying recipes that are similar to the pretzels you can find in the stands at the mall. These are it! They're very soft and chewy and just about anything can be done to the dough. It's perfect whether you want your pretzel sweet or savory.<br /><br />We treated them with just the standard butter/salt topping, but we also made some pretzel dogs!<br /><br />The recipe comes from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mall-Pretzels/Detail.aspx">AllRecipes</a>, and it's no wonder it has so many wonderful ratings. The recipe is perfect!<br /><br />Ingredients:<br /></span><ul style="font-family:georgia;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;"> 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"> 2 tablespoons brown sugar</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"> 1 1/8 teaspoons salt</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"> 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"> 3 cups all-purpose flour</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"> 1 cup bread flour</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"> 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"> 2 tablespoons baking soda</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"> 2 tablespoons butter, melted</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"> 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt</span></li></ul><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Directions:<br /><br />In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar and salt in 1 1/2 cups warm water. Stir in flour, and knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover, and let rise for one hour.<br /><br />Combine 2 cups warm water and baking soda in an 8 inch square pan.<br /><br />After dough has risen, cut into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a 3 foot rope, pencil thin or thinner. Twist into a pretzel shape, and dip into the baking soda solution. Place on parchment covered cookie sheets, and let rise 15 to 20 minutes.<br /><br /></span><span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Bake at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with coarse salt, garlic salt or cinnamon sugar.<br /><br />Notes for Pretzel Dogs: One 3-foot rope worked for two pretzel dogs, and then the recipe was followed as normal. We didn't cook the hot dogs before then, and they required the same baking time as the regular pretzels.<br /><br />Guten Appetit!</span><br /></span>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01465247718652591492noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886117482750449600.post-1475028442538251962008-10-09T06:04:00.000-07:002008-10-09T06:18:46.097-07:00Flammkuchen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SO4EqIaD9eI/AAAAAAAAAD4/fUGISrVwch0/s1600-h/IMG_4574.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SO4EqIaD9eI/AAAAAAAAAD4/fUGISrVwch0/s400/IMG_4574.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255142937045759458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A Flammkuchen is Germany's answer to a pizza. It's a traditional dish in southwest Germany. The traditional toppings are just the cheese dairy mixture (below), onions, and bacon. However, feel free to be creative on this dish. There are restaurants in Germany that focus solely on the Flammkuchen and its varieties. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Differing from a traditional pizza, the Flammkuchen's crust is extremely thin and crisp when it is finished.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ingredients:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 1/4 cups (or more) all purpose flour<br />1 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit)<br />1 teaspoon active dry yeast<br />1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt<br />3/4 cup creme fraiche<br />1/3 cup large-curd cottage cheese<br />1/3 cup sour cream<br />2 small white onions, very thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)<br />12 ounces 1/4-inch-thick bacon slices <br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Combine the flour, water, yeast, and sea salt into a bowl. Mix well and let it rise until doubled in size. (This normally takes 1-1.5 hours, but I put mine into an oven preheated at 200 degrees, which I turn off as soon as I put the dough inside.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Combine the creme fraiche, cottage cheese, and sour cream in a bowl and mix well. When the dough is ready and spread out, apply a thick coating of the mixture. Top with the bacon and onions, and bake for 10-15 minutes at 550 degrees F.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Guten Appetit!</span></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01465247718652591492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886117482750449600.post-26254817156905661562008-10-03T09:35:00.001-07:002008-10-09T16:15:21.269-07:00Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SObXZwJ7DzI/AAAAAAAAADg/Wmwrb5Z9fPw/s1600-h/pumpkincookies.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SObXZwJ7DzI/AAAAAAAAADg/Wmwrb5Z9fPw/s400/pumpkincookies.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253122852797484850" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I'm always excited about the fall because it means that apple cider will be showing up at every grocery store, and it also means that pumpkin-related snacks will be showing up at stores. Pumpkin pies, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cookies... I love them all. But I love THESE cookies especially.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">These cookies are absolutely AMAZING. They're soft and bordering cake-like, but still very much a cookie. I stumbled upon this recipe by chance while scanning the </span><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/george-duran/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">FoodNetwork</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> site for fall-themed baked goods. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ingredients:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 cup white sugar</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 cup light brown sugar</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 large eggs</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 cup canned pumpkin puree *</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3 cups all-purpose flour **</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 teaspoons baking soda</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 teaspoon ground ginger</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/4 teaspoon ground cloves</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 cups milk chocolate chips ***</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Some changes I made:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">* I used canned pumpkin pie mix, since it already contains a lot of spices that I like. So... the cookies turned out more like pumpkin PIE cookies, which I like.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">** I usually always use bread flour in cookies to make them a little fluffier</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">*** I always use dark chocolate when possible, so I did.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Directions:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick spray or line them with parchment paper.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Using a mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Beat in the white and brown sugars, a little at a time, until the mixture is light and fluffy. BEat in the eggs 1 at a time, then mix in the vanilla and pumpkin puree. In a large bowl, whisk togeter the floer, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Slowly beat the flour mixture into the batter in thirds. Stir in the chips. Scoop the cookie dough by heaping teablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies are browned around the edges. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes. Take the cookies of with a spatula and cool them on wire racks.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Guten Appetit!</span></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01465247718652591492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886117482750449600.post-91788206843186636702008-09-27T06:49:00.000-07:002008-09-27T08:10:25.377-07:00Gefüllter Streuselkuchen - A German coffee cake with filling<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SN5IP2ImoaI/AAAAAAAAADI/crDZ8jB3AQ0/s1600-h/IMG_4572.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SN5IP2ImoaI/AAAAAAAAADI/crDZ8jB3AQ0/s400/IMG_4572.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250713652627415458" /></a>Streuselkuchen is a very popular type of cake all over Germany and Austria. There are many different variations, but the important part of a "streusel" is the crumbled topping. The verb "streuen" literally means "to strew/to disperse/to scatter", which refers to the topping which is usually a combination of flour, sugar, and butter.<div><br /></div><div>This is one of my favorite recipes, but feel free to add whatever you'd like to the center of the cake. Fruits and nuts are wonderful additions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>2 eggs</div><div>1 cup butter</div><div>2 cups white sugar</div><div>1 cup sour cream</div><div>1 tsp vanilla extract</div><div>2 cups bread flour (all purpose is fine)</div><div>1 1/2 tsp baking powder</div><div>1/8 teaspoon salt</div><div><br /></div><div>Filling and topping:</div><div>2/3 cup flour</div><div>1 cup brown sugar </div><div>4 tbsp melted butter</div><div>1 tbsp cinnamon</div><div><br /></div><div>Marzipan (optional)</div><div><br /></div><div>Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.</div><div>Cream together the butter and white sugar until very light. Beat in the eggs one at a time, and then add the vanilla and sour cream. Mix the baking powder, salt and flour together and slowly incorporate it into the mixture. </div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, pour half of the batter into a greased 9" spring-form pan. Mix together the ingredients for the topping in one bowl and spread half of it over the mixture. (I added some flat disks of marzipan on top of the crumbled layer and covered the entire cake.)</div><div><br /></div><div>After this, pour the remaining batter on top, the cover the cake with the rest of the streusel mixture.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bake the cake for approximately 1 hour. (Keep an eye on it for the last 15 minutes of baking. If it looks like the top is browning too much, take it out)</div><div><br /></div><div>Guten Appetit!</div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01465247718652591492noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886117482750449600.post-70235866824067116132008-09-24T08:24:00.000-07:002008-09-24T06:24:47.279-07:00Frikadellen mit Bratkartoffeln<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SNmJBGuFKMI/AAAAAAAAADA/guG2qV0QVFo/s1600-h/IMG_4563.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SNmJBGuFKMI/AAAAAAAAADA/guG2qV0QVFo/s400/IMG_4563.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249377492753787074" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Frikadellen are like the German equivalent of a hamburger... sans the bun. They are very flavorful and also easy to make. Today, I've paired them together with Bratkartoffeln which go with pretty much everything. Potatoes with bacon and onions.... sauteed in bacon grease and butter? What's not to like? Oh yeah... nothing.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Frikadellen:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 lb ground pork</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 lb ground beef</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 egg</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 cup breadcrumbs (fresh, if possible)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 a large yellow onion</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 tbs paprika</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 tbs oregano</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 tsp red cayenne pepper</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 tsp marjoram</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 tsp celery seeds</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3 tbs butter</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3 tbs extra virgin olive oil</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mix together all of the ingredients in a large bowl and form 6 flat patties. Heat the butter and oil in a small pan on medium-high. Fry the frikadellen 3 at a time, about 4 minutes per side. Serve with ketchup for the sauce of your choice.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bratkartoffeln:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3 large russet potatoes</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/3 pound bacon</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 large onion </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Boil the potatoes for 20 minutes, then set them in cold water to cool down.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Brown the bacon in a pan and set aside. Add the onions and sauté them in the bacon grease until they become translucent. Remove the onions and add the potatoes to the bacon grease. Cook them until they are browned, the return the bacon and onions to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes and serve.</span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SNmI5TsL72I/AAAAAAAAAC4/zyrru9k1XWY/s1600-h/IMG_4562.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SNmI5TsL72I/AAAAAAAAAC4/zyrru9k1XWY/s400/IMG_4562.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249377358796549986" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><br /></div></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01465247718652591492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886117482750449600.post-24464110382700702742008-09-22T08:41:00.000-07:002008-10-09T16:18:47.182-07:00Salzbrezeln - German Pretzels<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SNb6KzJXfDI/AAAAAAAAACQ/L0GnV1v0ynM/s1600-h/IMG_4552.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SNb6KzJXfDI/AAAAAAAAACQ/L0GnV1v0ynM/s400/IMG_4552.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248657479182023730" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A staple in all German festivals: the pretzel. They are portable, cheap, delicious, can be prepared a variety of ways, but most importantly... they are perfectly paired with a large stein of beer.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When pretzels aren't being enjoyed at festivals, they are also commonly served in place of a dinner roll and served with various types of German mustards. (German mustard recipes coming soon!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here's a modified version of the recipe that has been in my family for quite a few years:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ingredients:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-Dough-</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 tsp active-dry yeast</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 1/4 cup water (Continue adding water by the tablespoon if necessary)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 cups bread flour</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 tsp salt</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-Topping-</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 egg</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Coarse salt</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To start, mix the two teaspoons of yeast into a half cup of warm water. Stir until it dissolves. In the meantime, add the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. (I use my KitchenAid for this.) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When the yeast has dissolved, create a well in the flour mixture and pour in the yeast water. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">At this point, you'll want to create a "sponge". Mix in just enough of the flour to make the yeast mixture very thick. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes while covered. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Afterwards, it should look like this:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SNbwJNCpjuI/AAAAAAAAABo/dLsSZbG49oU/s320/IMG_4521.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248646456657153762" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After the sponge forms, mix in the rest of the flour and add the rest of the water (3/4th cup). Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes, or if you have a stand mixer, let it run for 10 minutes or so. Afterwards, set the dough in an oiled boil and let it rise until doubled in a warm place. This normally takes 1-2 hours, depending on how warm the room is. (I preheated an oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and turned it off after setting the dough inside. The dough doubled in size in about 30 minutes.)</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Before:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SNbygWBy5GI/AAAAAAAAAB4/j7EDCo4Lt_E/s320/IMG_4524.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248649053229737058" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SNbzBL-nCoI/AAAAAAAAACA/OsM13A9PoDc/s320/IMG_4527.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248649617467705986" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Press the air out of the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes. After this, remove the dough and divide it into 9 balls of dough. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. At this point, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SNbyHVZZh1I/AAAAAAAAABw/R-zb5vXXrns/s320/IMG_4533.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248648623563573074" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Once the dough has rested, roll out each ball into a 14"-16" line. If the dough is being difficult, roll it as much as you can and then move onto the next piece. By the time you get back to it, it should be much easier to manage. Once you have them rolled out to the desired length, fold in each end to the center. (Typical pretzel shape, people.) Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Let the pretzels rest and double in size. This should take about 45 minutes. When the pretzels are done rising, whisk the egg in a bowl and coat each of the pretzels with egg. You can dip them in or use a pastry brush. Afterwards, top the pretzels with coarse salt, sesame seeds, or the topping of your choice. I used coarse sea salt for this recipe.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bake the pretzels for 15-20 minutes. I like mine a little browner and baked them for a little over 20 minutes, but I also made a 15 minute batch, which ended up being a little softer and chewier.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6p5-vprsow8/SNb3XKKWABI/AAAAAAAAACI/dodQjdKcWWE/s320/IMG_4547.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248654392983683090" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Serve with spicy brown mustards, melted butter, cheese dip, or whatever you enjoy the most.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Guten Appetit!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bis zum nächsten Mal,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Marcie</span><br /></div></div>Marciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01465247718652591492noreply@blogger.com8