Greetings...

Greetings...
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Just a Pinch

Sunday, May 30, 2021

Pizza Dough Pretzels and Pretzel Dogs

 I love short cut recipes and this one for using Pizza Dough to make pretzels is awesome.   Of course I love soft pretzels so I would think it was great.  However, others who have tried the Pretzels and Pretzel Dogs have liked them too.

You can make  your own dough of course but I either purchase mine from the store or ask the local pizzeria to sell some. 




I leave the dough in the fridge until I am ready to make them.   Then I divide it equally and then start my shapes. 




Some with coarse salt others with Everything bagel seasoning.



Then the magic begins, a 30 second bath in the baking soda water sauna. On to the tray and into the oven to get golden brown and delicious. 





Although I only made savory ones, don't forget you can also make sweet cinnamon and sugar ones. 

You can get the recipe here.



Click on the recipe to open photo.  Right click on photo to save to you desired place on your computer.


Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Honey Baklava and Its Many Uses

I was introduced to Baklava shortly after meeting my husband.  At many family gatherings his Aunt would bring Lebanese dishes and Baklava was one of them.  She brought large trays to family picnics, baby showers, bridal showers, weddings and other events.  I never asked for the recipe because like everyone else it looks complicated.   

Years later I was discussing some of our family favorite Lebanese dishes with a friend and coworker.  She offered to teach me the secrets of Baklava. Swearing that it wasn't all that complicated. We set up a date and time.  She came to my house with the ingredients and we made an evening of hands on Baklava making.   I was astounded at how easy it was to turn so few ingredients into such a delicious complicated treat adored by many.

Here is years later and have learned a few tricks and swaps to use when making or using Baklava. 

Save some Baklava to make Parfaits by making layers of Soft serve Vanilla Ice Cream, Baklava and Whipped Cream.   Or a mixture of Rice Pudding, Baklava and Whipped Cream.  Or a mixture of  Baklava, Rice Pudding, Vanilla Ice Cream and Whipped Cream.  


Mix Baklava crumbles into soft serve and let harden in the freezer for a treat of Baklava Hard Ice Cream.  


Make an ice cream sundae of your choice and top with Crumbled Baklava. 

Top your cheesecake with crumbled Baklava.  


I have also used Baklava crumbles in my shortbread cookies.   Mix them into the dough, form a log using saran wrap.   Freeze for 15 minutes and then slice and bake. 


Here's the recipe......



Click on each photo above to open recipe.  Once photo is open right click to save recipe to place of your liking.  



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From the bottom of my heart.............. 

















  


Saturday, May 15, 2021

Fresh Strawberry Pie

Strawberry season will soon be here in upstate New York.   Nothing better than a fresh strawberry pie.   I can fortunately bake through two seasons of fresh strawberries with my daughter living in South Carolina.
Their season runs through April and May and then of course I can come home and ours will start in June.  

We love fresh fruits in our house.  We often eat them for dessert after dinner or for a snack.   I have to admit summer fruits are my all time favorites.  We have many opportunities to go pick your own in several places within a 50 mile range of our home.   We start with strawberries and then move on to raspberries, black raspberries, blueberries and black berries.  

A fresh strawberry pie is a favorite in our home.   Big sweet juicy berries coated with a thin layer of glaze made from cornstarch and Jell-o and piled high in your favorite crust.



There are several flavorful crusts that work well with fresh strawberries.   I have made and tried all butter crust, half butter half Crisco crust, store bought, graham cracker, short bread and a crushed pretzel crust.  

There are also several types of glazes you can do as well.   You can purchase a glaze where you add water, heat and stir,  you can make the above Jell-o version or you can get a jar of seedless strawberry jam add a little water and heat on the stove, let cool and coat your berries.  

Here is my recipe with the Jell-o version of glaze.   Feel free to swap  out and try different crust recipes.   


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From the bottom of my heart..............