Breads: The Italian Loaf

This time I decided I wanted to make an old world time of bread. Like the loaves people carry when they walk home from the European bakeries.  I found this recipe for Italian loaves in  Better Homes and Gardens Complete Step-By-Step Cook Book and I decided that was the recipe I was going to try.It was published in 1978. Slightly outdated since it is 2014, but baking hasn't changed that much. This was the result.

They were beautiful, so I definitely felt I was doing something right.
Here is the recipe directly from the book.

There is one change I made. I had a container of active dry yeast not packages. So 2 packages of active dry yeast is equal to 4 and 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. I discovered this thanks to a little research on the web.
With all the problems I had with yeast and temperature, I have discovered that you can usually tell if the yeast is work if the dough sticks to something but comes off cleanly (this is after all the flour has been added, even if it is slightly sticky, it will come off cleanly).
As you can see from the recipe there are a couple of ways you can fashion this recipe. I just followed the top of half of the recipe. It is nice and simple.

There is my beautiful loaf of bread. Cut open and ready to be munched on.

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Holiday Baking: Peppermint Snickerdoodles

Peppermint Snickerdoodles was an exciting new recipe for me to try. I have had snickerdoodles, and although wonderful cookies, I find the peppermint snickerdoodles quiet extraordinary. The candy cane gives the snickerdoodles spunk or wham.  You can't miss the taste of the peppermint candy cane.

English: A candy cane. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Perfect for a holiday gathering, perhaps one this weekend.
I followed Baking Bites recipe for Peppermint Snickerdoodles. It was very easy.

Food, family and friends are what makes the holidays special. Food is what brings them together. The next best thing to do is to share.
All ready for Christmas!

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Starbucks Hot Cocoa for Christmas

Recently I purchased Starbucks Hot Cocoa from the supermarket. I couldn't wait to try it.

Look at what it says on the side of the box about their vanilla brulee hot cocoa.

I make the Hot Cocoa  and the great thing, it is perfect with milk, Almond milk actually.

Here is the packet with the directions right on it, although I have to tell you, I made it backwards. I heated up the milk in the microwave and then added the Hot cocoa and stirred. It was still terrific.

I even added whipped cream and it was low fat.

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Mummies and Egyptian Chicken

Blondie made the song "Walk Like an Egyptian" a hit in the 1980s. I did not become interested in Egypt and Mummies until the movie "The Mummy" came out, with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. The Book of the Dead was very intriguing, and in fact still is. Though all that action, adventure, fun and intrigue the only thing we didn't see them do is eat. This is the perfect meal to eat while watching the Mummy Trilogy.

The Mummy (1999 film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Settle down to the movie with some Egyptian chicken fresh from the oven with some Tahini sauce and a side of potatoes and onions. 

Egyptian Roast Chicken with Potatoes and Onions

This recipe is based off a recipe at foodofegypt.com. 

Cut up into small pieces the same size

3  medium Idaho potatoes potatoes

1 white onion

Place in a 15 x 10 x 2 inch pan.

Preheat oven to 425 F

Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, fresh parsley, dried rosemary and hot pepper flakes.

Place 5 chicken breasts upon the mixture and the season with the same mixture.

Add 1 1/4 cups water to mixture at side as not to disturb the spices.

Place chicken in oven and cook for 45 minutes frequently or until done. 

Here is the chicken right out of the oven.

Now for the Tahini Sauce or Yogurt Cucumber Dip.

You need 2 cups Greek yogurt

1 garlic clove, grated

1 cucumber, peeled and grated

Mix all together.

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