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Summer Vegetable Rolls with Sweet and Sour Sauce
July 18, 2021

Summer Vegetable Rolls with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Summer Vegetable Rolls with Sweet and Sour Sauce are one of our favorite summer appetizers. I love this dish for several reasons. First of all, I love that this is a meatless recipe. We just came back from a vacation, where we didn’t eat nearly …

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by Sharon
Chicken Gyros with Pickled Onions
July 9, 2021

Chicken Gyros with Pickled Onions

Chicken Gyros with Pickled Onions are one of our favorite summer meals. I love these sandwiches for several reasons. First of all, I often make these gyros ahead of time and serve them cold. In fact, the Pickled Onions and the Cucumber Yogurt Spread taste …

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by Sharon
Fruity Babka French Toast with Strawberry Syrup
July 5, 2021

Fruity Babka French Toast with Strawberry Syrup

Fruity Babka French Toast with Strawberry Syrup is one of our favorite summer breakfasts. I love this recipe for several reasons. First of all, this French Toast really showcases our beautiful summer fruit. Secondly, this recipe is great for using leftover bread. In fact, I had this babka stored in my freezer. And, lastly, this is an over-the-top delicious breakfast or brunch. Of course, this would make a great breakfast for dinner.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Nonstick Skillet- I use a nonstick skillet to fry my French Toast.
  • An Electric Mixer- Usually, I use my Kitchen Aid electric mixer to whip my cream. But, in my vacation house, I only had an Oster blender. So, that’s what I used and it worked great.

The Ingredients Needed for Fruity Babka French Toast with Strawberry Syrup

  • Strawberries- I always try and buy organic berries, when possible.
  • Cornstarch- This helps the strawberry sauce form.
  • Heavy Cream- I use this for the whipped cream.
  • Half and Half- You can use this or half and half or whole milk for dipping your toast.
  • Babka- I used my homemade Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Babka. The recipe is below.
  • Butter- You may not need all four tablespoons of the butter. You just need enough to keep your toast from sticking to the pan. It also adds great flavor.
  • Peaches and Blueberries- I always prefer organic, when possible.

How I Made my French Toast

  • First, I made the Strawberry Sauce. Of course, be sure and watch the sauce, so that it doesn’t burn. You can reheat it over low heat.
  • Next, I whipped my cream. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, or it will no longer be light and fluffy.
  • Then, I dipped and fried my babka. Again, be careful to not burn your toast.
  • Finally, I served the toast with the strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and fruit.

If you like French toast, you need to try this decadent Fruity Babka French Toast with Strawberry Sauce.

Fruity Babka French Toast with Strawberry Sauce
Fruity Babka French Toast with Strawberry Syrup
Fruity Babka French Toast

Fruity Babka French Toast with Strawberry Syrup

French toast made with babka bread and topped with whipped cream, strawberry syrup, peaches, blueberries, and strawberries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • electric mixer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp. powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 8 slices babka (sliced about a half inch thick)
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1 sliced peach
  • 1 cup blueberries

For the Strawberry Syrup:

  • 2 cups sliced strawberries
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tbsp. cornstarch

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Strawberry Sauce: Mix all the ingredients in a three quart saucepan. Bring them to a boil, and then simmer for 15 minutes or until the sauce is thickened. Cover to keep warm until serving.
  • Then, make the whipped cream: Place the cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl, and whip it with the whisk beater on high until it's fluffy. Chill until serving.
  • Next, heat a tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Beat together the eggs and milk in a bowl. Dip half the babka slices quickly, on both sides ,into the eggs. Fry them in the butter, on both sides, until they're golden brown. Add more butter, as needed, to fry the babka slices. Then, dip and fry the other slices.
  • Top the toast slices with some strawberry syrup, some whipped cream, and some peaches, blueberries, and strawberries.
Keyword breakfast
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Babka

Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Babka

A sweet yeast bread filled with strawberries, cinnamon, and pecans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine Eastern European
Servings 2 loaves

Equipment

  • 2 loaf pans

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2¼ tsp. active dry yeast
  • â…“ cup sugar
  • 8 tbsp. melted unsalted butter
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 4 cups bread flour

For the Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Filling:

  • 4 tbsp. softened unsalted butter
  • ½ cup strawberry jam
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp. water

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, heat the milk to 105 degrees. Remove it from the heat, and stir in the yeast. Let this sit for five minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl stir together the sugar, butter, eggs, yolk, vanilla, and salt.
  • Add the yeast and mix well.
  • Add the flour and stir until all is combined. Knead on a floured board for 8 minutes.
  • Put the dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat it with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and put it in a just warm oven for one hour.
  • Divide the dough ball in half and roll each into a 14×12 rectangle. Mix together the filling and spread some on each rectangle. Roll the rectangles into a log, using the long side. Seal the log, by pressing lightly on the dough.
  • Cut each log in half. Twist two logs together, pinching the ends closed. Repeat with the other two logs. Place each twist in a loaf pan, seam side up, that's been lined with parchment paper. Cover pans and let rise one hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush the loaves with the egg wash ( to make the egg wash just beat the egg with the water) and bake for about 35 minutes until golden brown and about 180 degrees inside. Let cool for ten minutes in the pan on a wire rack. Then, remove from the pan and continue cooling.
Keyword bread
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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by Sharon
Peachy Barbecue Chicken Wings
July 4, 2021

Peachy Barbecue Chicken Wings

Peachy Barbecue Chicken Wings are one of our favorite summer appetizers. I love these wings for several reasons. First, of all, I love that this recipe uses the juicy and delicious summer peaches. Secondly, I really like that these wings bake in the oven, and …

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by Sharon
Cheesy Tomato and Basil Dip with Crostini
July 3, 2021

Cheesy Tomato and Basil Dip with Crostini

Cheesy Tomato and Basil Dip with Crostini is a warm and gooey appetizer. I love this dip for several reasons. First of all, it only takes minutes to prepare. Secondly, it reheats very well. Thirdly, it uses ingredients I always have in the house. And, …

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by Sharon
Blueberry Lemon Baked Donuts with Lemon Glaze
July 1, 2021

Blueberry Lemon Baked Donuts with Lemon Glaze

Blueberry Lemon Baked Donuts with Lemon Glaze are one of our favorite summer donut recipes. I love these donuts for several reasons. First of all, I like that these donuts are full of fresh summer blueberries. Secondly, I love that these donuts use ingredients that I always have in the house. In fact, I made these in a vacation house, where I just had basic pantry ingredients. All I had to buy were the blueberries, the sprinkles, and one donut pan. Lastly, I like how quickly these donuts are mixed and baked. Seriously, these donuts are so fast that you could make them on a school day morning. And, your kids will be able to eat them before the school bus comes.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Donut Pan- You will need at least one donut pan with four inch cups. You could buy enough pans to hold all 16 donuts. Or, you could just buy one pan, and cook the donuts in batches. Yesterday I made these in a vacation house. I only wanted to buy one pan, so I just reused it for each batch.
  • Measuring Cups- Usually I weigh all my ingredients. But, again, all I had in the vacation house were measuring cups. So, I carefully spooned my ingredients into the cups and then leveled them off with a knife.

The Ingredients Needed for Blueberry Lemon Baked Donuts with Lemon Glaze

  • Blueberries- The star of this recipe are the fresh blueberries. It’s ok if some of them are a little soft.
  • Butter- Make sure your butter is nice and soft.
  • Sour Cream- Be sure and use full fat sour cream.
  • Heavy Cream-Use this to make the glaze nice and thick.
  • Food Coloring- This is totally optional.

How I Made my Donuts

  • First, I mixed up the batter. Be sure not to overmix the ingredients.
  • Next, I baked the donuts. I used a zip lock bag to put my batter into the cups.
  • Finally, I took the donuts out of the pan, cooled them, and dipped them in the glaze.

If you love donuts, you need to try these yummy Blueberry Lemon Baked Donuts with Lemon Glaze.

Blueberry Lemon Baked Donuts wit h
Blueberry Lemon Baked Donuts with Lemon Glaze
Blueberry Lemon Baked Donuts

Blueberry Lemon Baked Donuts with Lemon Glaze

Blueberry lemon cake donuts, baked in the oven. Topped with a lemon glaze and sprinkles.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Bread, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 donuts

Equipment

  • non-stick donut pan with four inch cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 8 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all purpose flour (240g)
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • zest of one lemon
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
  • â…“ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 drop blue food color
  • ½ cup sprinkles

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease enough four inch non stick donut pans to hold 16 donuts. Or, just use one pan and bake the donuts in batches.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter, and then beat in the eggs, one at a time.
  • Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda and then stir them gently into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined and then add in the sour cream, lemon zest, vanilla, and the blueberries.
  • Put the batter in a large zip lock bag, and cut off one corner. Squeeze a ring of batter into each donut cup.
  • Bake the donuts for about ten minutes, or until the donuts bounce back when touched. Remove the donuts right away, by running a knife around all the edges, and then inverting them on to a wire rack to cool.
  • For the Lemon Glaze: Mix together the sifted sugar, the lemon juice, and the heavy cream. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and top with the sprinkles.
Keyword bread, Dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
dessert
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by Sharon
Pimento Cheese Burgers Topped with Onion Rings
June 30, 2021

Pimento Cheese Burgers Topped with Onion Rings

Pimento Cheese Burgers Topped with Onion Rings are one of our favorite burgers. I start these burgers by mixing up the delicious pimento cheese. My pimento cheese is a mixture of extra sharp cheddar cheese, jarred pimentos, mayonnaise, garlic, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. …

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by Sharon
Mexican Street Corn Dip with Chips
June 25, 2021

Mexican Street Corn Dip with Chips

Mexican Street Corn Dip with Chips is one of our favorite summer appetizers. I love this appetizer for several reasons. First of all, it has all of the great flavor of Mexican Street Corn, with none of the mess and fuss. Secondly, this dip is …

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by Sharon
Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Babka
June 24, 2021

Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Babka

Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Babka is one of my favorite summer breads. I love this bread for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this bread without any fancy equipment. Recently, I made this in a vacation house, using just a bowl and some loaf pans. Secondly, I love how easy this bread is to make. With just a little stirring and kneading, it’s all done. Lastly, I love that this bread makes such great use of all the strawberries that are in season now.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Thermometer- I used a thermometer to make sure my milk was at the proper temperature to bloom my yeast.
  • Loaf Pans- You can use small or large loaf pans. I used one of each and both babkas were terrific.
  • Measuring Cups- I spooned the ingredients in my cups, and then leveled them off with a knife.

The Ingredients Needed for Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Babka

  • Milk- Be sure and use whole milk.
  • Yeast- Use active dry yeast. Don’t use quick rise yeast.
  • Butter- Make sure to use unsalted butter.
  • Jam- Use a jam, not a fruit spread.
  • Pecans- You could also use walnuts.
  • Flour- Be sure and use bread flour. I like King Arthur brand.

How I Made my Babka

  • First, I heated some milk and then bloomed my yeast in it. Use a thermometer to make sure your milk is at the right temperature.
  • Next, I kneaded together the dough. Make sure to knead it for the full eight minutes.
  • Then, I let the dough in a barely warm oven. I like to turn the oven on, just until I can feel any warmth. Then, I turn the oven off and let my dough rise in there.
  • Next, I rolled out the dough and spread the filling on.
  • Then, I twisted the dough logs and let it rise again.
  • Finally, I baked them to golden perfection.

If you’re a bread lover, you need to try this scrumptious Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Babka.

Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Babka
Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Babka
Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Babka

Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Babka

A sweet yeast bread filled with strawberries, cinnamon, and pecans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine Eastern European
Servings 2 loaves

Equipment

  • 2 loaf pans

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2¼ tsp. active dry yeast
  • â…“ cup sugar
  • 8 tbsp. melted unsalted butter
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 4 cups bread flour

For the Strawberry Cinnamon Pecan Filling:

  • 4 tbsp. softened unsalted butter
  • ½ cup strawberry jam
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp. water

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, heat the milk to 105 degrees. Remove it from the heat, and stir in the yeast. Let this sit for five minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl stir together the sugar, butter, eggs, yolk, vanilla, and salt.
  • Add the yeast and mix well.
  • Add the flour and stir until all is combined. Knead on a floured board for 8 minutes.
  • Put the dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat it with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and put it in a just warm oven for one hour.
  • Divide the dough ball in half and roll each into a 14×12 rectangle. Mix together the filling and spread some on each rectangle. Roll the rectangles into a log, using the long side. Seal the log, by pressing lightly on the dough.
  • Cut each log in half. Twist two logs together, pinching the ends closed. Repeat with the other two logs. Place each twist in a loaf pan, seam side up, that's been lined with parchment paper. Cover pans and let rise one hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush the loaves with the egg wash ( to make the egg wash just beat the egg with the water) and bake for about 35 minutes until golden brown and about 180 degrees inside. Let cool for ten minutes in the pan on a wire rack. Then, remove from the pan and continue cooling.
Keyword bread
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
breads
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by Sharon
Buffalo Chicken and Mozzarella Pizza
June 23, 2021

Buffalo Chicken and Mozzarella Pizza

Buffalo Chicken and Mozzarella Pizza is our new favorite pizza. I love this pizza for several reasons. First of all, I really like that this pizza dough can be made with just a bowl and a wooden spoon. That means, I was able to make …

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by Sharon