Homemade Cinnamon Bread

Here is the bread I made. I made this bread eight times now. I have gotten a lot of practice. I followed the Pioneer Woman's recipe for Homemade Cinnamon Bread. I have never made bread using a mixer, with a paddle and mixer. 

A long time ago I had made dough by hand with a regular mixer, then kneaded the dough by hand. 

I feel bad because I messed up on the most important part - when I mixed in the yeast with the milk and the butter the mixer wasn't between 120-130 F. When I made the dough before, the yeast, was either almost there, not quite, or almost dead, although I had one loaf that I was johnny on the spot without a thermometer. This loaf I was much smarter because I pulled out a thermometer a tested the temperature of the milk and butter before adding the yeast because it was so important. 

You know, this bread is twice as good as Pepperidge Farm's Homemade Cinnamon Bread, as well as twice as big, and I am sure less then half the price. I can feel proud because I put hours of labor and made it by hand. 

My Boyfriend was thrilled and the next day we had French toast. 

And it was something to do on a cold and snowy day.

Snow in Clinton, Ct. #clintonct via caseygoduti

Cassandra

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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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Holiday Baking: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Simply Delicious!

Starting new traditions can be fun. I love oatmeal cookies, and my boyfriend loves chocolate chip. So what do we have Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies for Christmas. You could say it's magic. Give the people what they want.  There is also plenty to share with friends and family and for holiday parties.

This recipe is a Nestle Toll House recipe.


Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies
Yields:48 cookies (4 dozen) - it yields at least 5 dozen
Prep:15 mins
Cooking:10 mins
Cooling:1 min

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) - I used less
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs _ I used extra large eggs
2 tablespoons milk - I used almond milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups quick or old-fashioned oats
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup coarsely chopped nuts (optional) - I left these out
PREHEAT oven to 375° F.
COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat brown sugar, butter and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in eggs, milk and vanilla extract. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats, morsels and nuts; mix well. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 9 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies or 12 to 13 minutes for crispy cookies. Cool on baking sheets for 1 minute; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

The cookies fresh out of the oven.
You can tell I live in a little apartment. The kitchen is the size of a galley on a boat. The pantry was made out of a coat closet. How else do you make a small kitchen bigger?

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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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