Category Archives: Baking

Anna Olson smiles while icing a cupcake with her Anna Olson Kitchen Disposable Icing Bags

Anna Olson’s Top 10 Baking Tools for the Holidays

November 27, 2020 Anna Olson Leave a comment

Holiday baking season is here and having the right tools on hand will help lead you to success. These are my top gadgets to make this holiday season less stressful. Remember, “stressed” spelled backwards is “desserts!”

1. Offset spatula

This tool becomes an extension of your hand as you use it to lift cookies off of hot trays, loosen cakes delicately from their pans and frost cakes with precision and panache. The spatula I use in Bake is my own. I’ve had it for about 10 years and I’d be lost without it!

Food Network Canada Editor Pick: Anna Olson Kitchen Long Offset Spatula, HBC, $10.

2. Silicone spatula

I prefer the curved spatulas for effective folding and stirring and for getting every last bit of batter out of a bowl. Silicone is heatproof so it can be used to stir pastry creams and sauces on the stove.

Food Network Canada Editor Pick: Allwin Housewares Silicone Spatula 3-Piece Set, Amazon, $12.

3. Oven thermometer

This may sound trivial but a thermometer placed inside your oven is a valuable and inexpensive tool that can save you frustration and prevent spoiled baked treats. You’d be amazed how many ovens don’t sit at the correct temperature the entire time your goods bake. Just because your oven “dings” or displays the temperature doesn’t necessarily mean it is accurate. If you discover your oven temperature is far out of range by 10 °C or more, a repair person can recalibrate it.

Food Network Canada Editor Pick: Pecula Oven Thermometre, Amazon, $12.

4. Disposable piping bags

Gone are the days of fabric piping bags that never quite come clean or that only fit your largest piping tip. Most cake supply and even craft shops will carry disposable piping bags in an assortment of sizes. They can be reused if you wish and are fully recyclable. You can even buy really small ones, which are perfect if you’re hosting a cookie decorating party.

Food Network Canada Editor Pick: Anna Olson Kitchen 100-Pack Disposable Icing Bags, HBC, $18.

5. Ice cream scoops

I rely on an assortment of sizes, not just for scooping ice cream. They are great for portioning perfectly consistent cookies and dropping muffin or cupcake batter into tins with less mess.

Food Network Canada Editor Pick: Chee Mong Ice Cream Scooper Set, Amazon, $29.

6. Candy thermometer

The world of confectionery and chocolate work requires a precision that only a candy thermometer can offer. The difference between the thread stage and the soft ball stage of boiling sugar is only a few degrees and a candy thermometer takes the guesswork out of it. There are traditional models and also digital probe thermometers – both work equally well. If you have an induction cooktop I recommend the traditional model because the magnetic energy of the induction can interfere with the digital reads.

Food Network Canada Editor Pick: Taylor Classic Candy Thermometer, Amazon, $17.

7. Fine rasp

Savoury kitchens use this fine grater for garlic and Parmesan but I value it for finely grated citrus zest, mincing ginger without any fibres, grating nutmeg and for chocolate. Now there are models with larger grates, so you get chocolate curls, not just shavings.

Food Network Canada Editor Pick: Starfrit Zester/Grater with Protective Cover, Amazon, $10.

8. Bar citrus juicer

Lemon, lime and orange juice figure prominently in desserts and I always use freshly squeezed juice. A bar juicer is and fast and convenient way to extract the most juice and it’s easy to clean.

Food Network Canada Editor Pick: Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer, Amazon, $33.

9. Measuring tape

This may seem trivial but a fabric measuring tape is immensely handy in a baker’s kitchen. I can verify how thick my dough is as I roll it and I can measure the circumference of a piece of fondant before I lift it to cover a cake. Plus, I can ensure that my squares are all cut to the same size.

Food Network Canada Editor Pick: Edtape Measuring Tape, Amazon, $6.

10. Cake wheel

If you are getting serious about baking this will be a tool you’ll want to invest in. A cake wheel spins on its base, making seamless frosting simple and detailed piping less. Professional cast-iron cake wheels can be pricey but there are other more affordable options. You can even purchase a lazy Susan that can function as a cake wheel.

Food Network Canada Editor Pick: Anna Olson Kitchen Glass Top Cake Turntable, HBC, $44.

For more festive recipes from Anna Olson, try her Triple Gingerbread Bundt Cake and Hot Chocolate Nanaimo Bars.

All products featured on Food Network Canada are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy through links in this article, we earn an affiliate commission.

Homemade marshmallows with hot chocolate

Baking

Cozy up With a Cup of Hot Chocolate Topped With Homemade Peppermint Vanilla Marshmallows

November 27, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

These Baking Therapy homemade peppermint vanilla marshmallows are soft, fluffy and they melt into the perfectly gooey topping on your hot cup of cocoa. Try different flavours like coconut or almond and make a big batch to gift over the holidays. Once you try homemade marshmallows, there’s no going back to store-bought!

Peppermint Vanilla Marshmallows With Hot Chocolate

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rest Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Servings: 16 marshmallows

Ingredients:

Marshmallows
¾ cup cool water, divided
6 tsp gelatin
2 cups granulated sugar
⅔ cup light corn syrup
½ tsp salt
½ tsp peppermint extract
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
¾ cup icing sugar

Hot Chocolate
2 cups coconut milk
2 cups almond milk
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Directions:

1. Line a 9×9 square pan with parchment paper and grease generously with neutral oil or spray. Set aside.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, add ½ cup water, sprinkle over gelatin and let sit for 5 minutes.

3. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring to a boil sugar, corn syrup, ¼ cup water and salt. Once the mixture starts to boil, let bubble for 1 minute. Remove from stove and transfer to a bowl with a spout.

4. With the mixer on medium-low, slowly stream in the hot sugar liquid. Once the liquid is in, turn the mixer to high and whisk for 10 minutes until the mixture is nice and fluffy. Whisk in the peppermint and vanilla extract.

5. Transfer the marshmallows to the square pan, making sure to brush any tools you use with oil to avoid sticking. Smooth out the top using an offset spatula. Finally top the marshmallows with another sheet of greased parchment paper and let set for at least 2 hours at room temperature.

6. Remove the marshmallows from the pan. Brush a sharp knife with oil and slice the marshmallows into 16 squares, making sure to brush the knife with oil after every cut. Dust the marshmallows generously with icing sugar, making sure to cover every surface.

7. For the hot chocolate, in a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, whisk together coconut milk, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla and salt. Once the mixture is hot, add the chopped chocolate and whisk until melted. Continue to heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.

Like Sabrina’s peppermint vanilla marshmallows recipe? Try her gingerbread doughnuts or her chocolate eggnog sandwich cookies.

Baking

These Gingerbread Doughnuts With a Cinnamon Glaze Can Be Made in Under 30 Minutes

November 20, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

I love nothing more than a quick, easy dessert you can whip together in under 30 minutes. And these Baking Therapy gingerbread doughnuts are just the ticket. They will be sure to get you in the festive spirit, as they have all the flavours and spices of a classic gingerbread cookie — but in doughnut form! All you need are a few essential tools you probably already have in your kitchen and these doughnut pans. Topped with a cinnamon glaze for a hint of sweetness, because let’s be real: who doesn’t love a glazed doughnut?

Gingerbread Doughnuts With a Cinnamon Glaze

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 8 to 10 minutes
Total Time: 23 to 25 minutes
Servings: 16 doughnuts

Ingredients:

Doughnuts
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
⅛ tsp ground cloves
⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup grapeseed oil or any neutral oil
½ cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 Tbsp molasses

Cinnamon Glaze
1 ¼ cups icing sugar
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp vanilla extract
5-6 Tbsp heavy cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 2 doughnut pans with oil or butter. Set aside. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and salt. Whisk in the brown sugar until evenly distributed.

2. In a measuring cup, measure out the grapeseed oil and buttermilk. Whisk in the egg, vanilla extract and and molasses.

Related: Party-Worthy Doughnut Recipes

3. Create a well in the centre of the dry mix and pour in the wet ingredients. With a spatula, stir the ingredients together until just combined, don’t over-mix. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or simply spoon the mixture into the doughnut pan until just below the fill line.

4. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes until a toothpick, when inserted, comes out clean. While the doughnuts are still hot, invert the pan and gently tap on the counter to remove the doughnuts. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

5. For the cinnamon glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together the icing sugar, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla extract. Begin with 4 Tbsp of heavy cream, whisking until well combined. Add 1 Tbsp at a time until the mixture has reached your desired consistency for dipping.

6. Dip the doughnuts, one at a time, into the glaze until the tops are fully coated. Add holiday sprinkles if you’re feeling festive!

Like Sabrina’s doughnut recipe? Try her chocolate eggnog sandwich cookies, sticky toffee pudding and pumpkin pie squares with candied pecans.

All products featured on Food Network Canada are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy through links in this article, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Baking

These Cardamom Teff Apple Muffins Will Be Your New Go-To Breakfast Recipe

November 15, 2020 Eden Hagos Leave a comment

These cardamom-spiced teff muffins make for a delicious fall breakfast or midday snack. Baking with teff flour, a nutrient-rich, gluten-free Ethiopian grain can be tricky as gluten-free grains can be drying. However, the addition of fresh apples and applesauce make for a delicious and moist muffin. Teff should be combined with other flours when baking — and for this recipe, I’ve added oat and all-purpose flour. The oat teff crumble on top adds a tasty crunch and touch of sweetness. The addition of cardamom, cinnamon and pecans pair perfectly with teff’s nutty flavour. Serve this up with sliced apples and a spicy Ethiopian chai tea for a delicious start to your day.

Cardamom Teff Apple Muffins

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20 to 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients:

Muffins
1 cup flour
½ cup teff flour (teff grains are incredibly small and can easily be mistaken for teff flour when shopping — be sure to buy teff flour and not the whole grains for this recipe)
½ cup oat flour
½ tsp salt
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp cardamom
½ tsp cinnamon
2 large eggs
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup milk
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp applesauce
1 Granny Smith apple diced

Crumble
¼ cup butter softened
¼ cup pecans
¼ cup oats
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup flour
2 Tbsp teff flour
Dash of cinnamon
Dash of cardamom

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, teff flour, oat flour, salt, baking powder, cardamom and cinnamon.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, milk, oil, vanilla and applesauce.

3. Dice the apple into small pieces and set aside.

4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients without over mixing. Then fold in the apple pieces.

5. In a separate bowl, combine the ingredients for the crumble topping with your hands until you achieve several small clumps.

6. Fill a muffin tin with muffin liners or grease the muffin tin. Fill with batter and top each with crumble topping. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Love Eden’s muffins? Try your hand at her hearty teff breakfast bowl or comforting sweet potato blondies.

Glass of milk next to pile of chocolate eggnog sandwich cookies

Baking

These Chocolate Eggnog Sandwich Cookies Will Surely Get You in the Holiday Spirit

November 13, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

I can’t help but get excited when I start to see the store aisles fully stocked with sweet eggnog, as it signals the most magical time of year! And what better way to get in the holiday spirit than whipping up a batch of these Baking Therapy chocolate eggnog sandwich cookies? They’re chocolatey, soft and filled with a creamy eggnog frosting. Put on your favourite holiday playlist and get baking.

Chocolate Eggnog Sandwich Cookies

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 8 to 10 minutes
Total Time: 33 to 35 minutes
Servings: 15 cookies

Ingredients:

Chocolate Cookies
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cocoa powder
¼ tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ sticks butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk

Eggnog Filling
1 ½ sticks butter, room temperature
2 cups icing sugar
3 Tbsp eggnog
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and brown sugar for about 1 minute. Add the egg and egg yolk, one at a time, and beat together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

3. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, scrape down the bowl again and mix for another 10 seconds. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, scoop balls on the lined cookie sheet. Round out the cookie balls by rolling them between the palms of your hands. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill.

4. Place the cookies 2 inches apart and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cookies have spread and tops begin to crack. Let cool on sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. While the cookies are cooling, whip up the frosting: in the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whisk the butter until airy, about 2 minutes. On low speed, gradually add the icing sugar. Add the eggnog, nutmeg and vanilla extract and whisk on high for 1 minute until light and fluffy.

6. Transfer filling to a piping bag with a star or round tip. Pipe the filling on the bottoms of half the cookies, place another cookie on top to create sandwiches.

Like Sabrina’s chocolate eggnog sandwich cookies? Try her sticky toffee pudding and pumpkin pie squares with candied pecans.

Triple Gingerbread Bundt Cake on dark blue cake platter drizzled with brown butter glaze

Baking

Anna Olson’s Triple Gingerbread Bundt Cake Will Give You All the Holiday Feels

November 10, 2020 Food Network Canada Editors Leave a comment

Gingerbread comes in more forms than just cookies! With a triple dose of ginger, this bundt cake recipe from Anna Olson will fill your house with a sweet and warming scent that screams holiday-time. Enjoy the recipe from Anna’s newest cookbook, Baking Day With Anna Olson.

Buy Baking Day with Anna Olson, Amazon, $31

Triple Gingerbread Bundt Cake With Brown Butter Glaze

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Yields: 16 to 20 (Makes one 10 cup/2.5 L Bundt cake)

This decadent cake is meant to feed a crowd, and it is perfect for autumn baking when you want to fill the house with the smell of wonderful spices. The “triple” in the title refers to fresh, ground and candied ginger, which means the ginger flavour is woven throughout the cake.

Ingredients:

Cake
1 ½ cups (300 g) packed dark brown sugar
1 cup (250 ml) buttermilk
½ cup (130 g) fancy molasses
4 large eggs
2 Tbsp (12 g) finely grated fresh ginger
2 ½ cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp (6 g) ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp fine salt
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted (still warm is OK)
¼ cup (40 g) chopped candied ginger

Brown Butter Glaze
6 Tbsp (90 g) unsalted butter
1 cup (130 g) icing sugar
2 Tbsp (30 ml) 1% or 2% milk

Directions:

1. For the cake, preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 10-cup (2.5 L) Bundt pan and dust it with flour, tapping out any excess.

2. In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar, buttermilk, molasses, eggs and fresh ginger until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and salt. Add the dry ingredients all at once to the batter and whisk until smooth. Whisk in the melted butter and then the candied ginger. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for about 75 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean.

3. Cool the cake in its pan on a cooling rack for about 20 minutes and then turn it out onto the rack to cool completely before glazing.

4. For the glaze, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it froths and then subsides and the liquid turns a golden brown, about 4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and strain the butter through a fine-mesh sieve. Let it cool for 5 minutes and then whisk in the icing sugar and milk until smooth. Pour over the cake, letting the glaze slowly drip down.

5. Let the glaze set for an hour before serving or for 3 hours before covering to serve later. The cake will keep, well wrapped, at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For more of Anna Olson’s delicious dessert recipes, check out her ultimate holiday desserts or Anna Olson’s best-ever cake recipes.

Baking

Whip up Those Popular Coffee Shop Cranberry Bliss Bars in Less Than 1 Hour

November 6, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

You know those popular coffee shop cranberry bliss bars that come out every holiday season? Buttery shortbread dotted with dried cranberries, topped with a sweet cream cheese icing — and sometimes are just a little too sweet? Well, these Baking Therapy cranberry bars are inspired by those, but even better! This soft and buttery pistachio shortbread is topped with fresh, tart, in-season cranberries that are bursting with flavour. Finished with a sweet and addictive white chocolate, cream cheese icing. Need I say more?

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 to 55 minutes
Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients:

Shortbread
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup icing sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup crushed pistachios
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp lemon zest

Filling
2 cups fresh cranberries
½ cup granulated sugar
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract

Icing
⅓ cup (60g) white chocolate, chopped
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
¾ cup icing sugar
3 Tbsp milk

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line and grease 9×9 square pan. Set aside.

2. First, whip up the shortbread. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, pistachios, cornstarch, baking powder, salt and lemon zest. Beat on low until just combined, texture will be crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of mixture for the crumble, press remaining dough firmly into bottom of pan.

3. Now for the filling: in a medium bowl, toss together cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla extract. Evenly distribute the cranberries onto the cookie layer. Top with the reserved cookie dough and pack down firmly.

4. Bake in oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.

5. For the icing: place the chopped white chocolate or chips in a small bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals until melted, stirring often. Set aside to cool slightly.

6. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, cream together the butter and cream cheese. Gradually add in the icing sugar and whisk on high to combine. Add the melted white chocolate and milk and whisk on high for another 30 seconds. Transfer to a piping bag and drizzle over top.

Like Sabrina’s cranberry bliss bars? Try her sticky toffee pudding and pumpkin pie squares with candied pecans.

Baking

This Apple Cider Coffee Cake is the Sweet, Warm and Comforting Recipe You Need

October 30, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

Apple cider is the perfect fall drink: it’s sweet, warm and comforting — and it’s extra delicious when baked into a coffee cake. This Baking Therapy apple cider cake consists of layers of tender cake made with fresh pressed apple cider and layered with a sweet, cinnamon crumble. This apple cake recipe is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or better yet — warm mulled apple cider!

Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Bake Time: 40 to 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8 to 10

Ingredients:

Crumb Topping
½ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
6 Tbsp butter, room temperature

Apple Cider Cake
2 cups apple cider
5 Tbsp butter, room temperature
¼ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ cup Greek yogurt

Apple Cider Glaze
1 ½ cups icing sugar
4 Tbsp apple cider
½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line and butter a 9-inch round springform pan.

2. In a heavy bottom saucepan on medium-high heat, reduce 2 cups of apple cider to half, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

3. In the mean time, prepare the crumb topping, work together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and butter until it clumps together like wet sand. Set aside.

4. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whisk together the cake ingredients: butter, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar and eggs for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.

5. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in a small bowl. Stir together the reduced apple cider, as well as the Greek yogurt. With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding small amounts of the flour mixture and apple cider mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.

6. Transfer half the batter to the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle on half the crumb topping. Top with the remaining cake batter and finish with the rest of the crumb topping. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let cool completely on wire rack.

7. Prepare the glaze by whisking together the icing sugar, apple cider and vanilla extract. Drizzle on cooled cake and enjoy.

Like Sabrina’s apple cider coffee cake? Try her sticky toffee pudding and pumpkin pie squares with candied pecans.

Baking

This Spooky S’mores Bars Recipe is the Perfect Halloween Treat

October 23, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

Whether you’re hosting a small get together or looking for a sweet activity to make with the kids, these Baking Therapy spooky s’mores bars are the perfect Halloween treat. They are sure to satisfy any sugar craving with the delicious layers of graham cracker cookie, crunchy meringue, rich chocolate and cute, but scary marshmallow ghosts. Have a boo-tiful and safe Halloween!

Spooky S’mores Bars

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Bake Time: 26-28 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 8 minutes
Servings: 12-16 bars

Ingredients:

Marshmallow Meringue
2 egg whites
½ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp cream of tartar
½ tsp vanilla extract

S’mores Bars
1 ½ sticks brown butter
1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tsp baking powder
¾ tsp salt
¾ cup brown sugar
1 egg
½ cup milk chocolate chips
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsp cocoa powder

Directions:

1. For the marshmallow meringue: in the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the egg whites and sugar and place over a double boiler. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot to the touch, about 5-8 minutes.

2. Remove from heat, mix in the cream of tartar and vanilla. Place in stand mixer with the whisk attachment and whisk on high for 8-10 minutes until the mixture is light, glossy and the bottom of the bowl has cooled to room temperature. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×9 square pan.

4. In a heavy bottom saucepan, melt the brown butter on medium-high. Cook the butter, swirling occasionally until it turns golden brown and nutty, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the brown butter to a glass bowl and set aside to cool slightly.

5. Whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

6. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, cream together the brown butter and brown sugar. Add the egg and whisk on medium-high for 5-10 minutes until light and airy. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Transfer half the dough to the pan and with your fingers press the dough firmly into the bottom.

7. Spread on half the marshmallow meringue, sprinkle with milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips. To the remaining dough, add cocoa powder and toss to mix. Layer the dough on top of the chocolate chips and pack it lightly into the pan.

8. Bake for 26-28 minutes. Remove and let cool completely before removing from the pan.

9. Transfer the remaining marshmallow meringue to a piping bag with a round tip. Once the cookie bar has cooled, pipe on the ghosts. Pipe a ball shape for the head and pull out for the body, tapering off the end as you gradually decrease pressure. Melt a few chocolate chips and using a toothpick, draw on the eyes.

10. With a blow torch, lightly toast the meringue for a smoky campfire taste.

Like Sabrina’s spooky s’mores bars? Check out her ginger molasses cookies, sticky toffee pudding and pumpkin pie squares with candied pecans.

Baking

Anna Olson Remixes a Classic With Her Hot Chocolate Nanaimo Bar Recipe

October 16, 2020 Food Network Canada Editors Leave a comment

As the weather turns crisp and we’re spending more time at home, baking becomes one of our favourite pastimes. Not only can the act be soothing itself, but it’s rewarding to create delicious treats to share with loved ones (we firmly believe that baking is a love language). And what better to cozy up with than Canadian treasure Anna Olson’s new cookbook, Baking Day with Anna Olson?

Pre-order Baking Day with Anna Olson, Amazon, $31

To celebrate the October 27th release of Anna’s new cookbook, we’re sharing a sneak peek at one of her delectable new dessert recipes. Classic Nanaimo bars are remixed with the cozy addition of hot chocolate and marshmallows for a truly delightful treat.

Hot Chocolate Nanaimo Bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yields: 18 Nanaimo bars

A twist on a classic can be a beautiful thing, and adding hot chocolate mix to a Nanaimo bar recipe really works. Nestled between the traditional chocolate coconut base and the melted chocolate topping is a layer of hot chocolate–spiked custard icing. When the bars are topped with mini marshmallows, the hot chocolate twist is complete.

Ingredients:

Bars
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cut in pieces
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (30 g) cocoa powder
½ tsp salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 ½ cups (195 g) graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (100 g) sweetened flaked coconut or toasted sliced almonds

Filling
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups (195 g) sifted icing sugar, divided
⅓ cup (40 g) powdered hot chocolate mix
2 Tbsp (12 g) vanilla custard powder
Pinch fine salt
3 Tbsp (45 ml) 1% or 2% milk

Topping
4 oz (120 g) semisweet couverture/baking chocolate, chopped
2 Tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter
1 ½ cups (75 g) mini marshmallows
Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Directions:

1. Lightly grease a 9-inch (23 cm) square pan and line it with parchment paper so that it comes up the sides.

2. For the crust, place the butter, sugar, cocoa powder and salt in a metal bowl and set over a pot of gently simmering water, whisking until the butter has melted. Add the lightly beaten egg and whisk until the mixture thickens to the consistency of pudding, about 1 minute. Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the graham cracker crumbs and coconut (or almonds). Scrape the crust mixture into the pan and spread to level it. Chill the pan while preparing the filling.

See More: Anna Olson’s Best Chocolate Recipes

3. For the filling, beat the butter with 1 cup (130 g) icing sugar until smooth. Stir the hot chocolate mix, custard powder and salt with the milk (it will make a thick paste) and stir into the butter mixture until smooth. Beat in the remaining ½ cup (65 g) icing sugar. Do not overbeat — the filling should be smooth, but not fluffy. Spread evenly over the crust (no need to refrigerate).

4. For the topping, melt the chocolate and butter in a metal bowl placed over a pot of barely simmering water, stirring gently with a spatula until melted. Cool the chocolate slightly and then pour over the filling, spreading to cover it. Sprinkle the marshmallows on top of the chocolate in an even layer (it will not fully hide the chocolate) and, if you like, finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.

5. Chill the pan for about 2 hours before slicing into bars. Nanaimo bars will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

For more of Anna Olson’s delicious dessert recipes, check out her ultimate holiday desserts or Anna Olson’s best-ever cake recipes.

Baking

These Healthy Apple Oatmeal Cookies Are the Perfect Breakfast Sweet Treat

October 16, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

If you’re anything like me and have a weakness for cookies, the thought of a healthier option is exciting, but it can also make you wonder: Will they taste good? Will my friends like them? Will they actually taste like cookies? Enter these Baking Therapy healthy apple oatmeal cookies. They’re soft, chewy and loaded with goodies like cranberries, coconut and chocolate. Sweetened with date sugar and maple syrup, they also boast a hint of caramel flavour. Trust me: they’re the perfect healthy breakfast treat!

Healthy Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 15-20 minutes
Bake Time: 15-17 minutes
Total Time: 40-47 minutes
Servings: 16 cookies

Ingredients:

½ cup date sugar
½ cup maple syrup, room temperature
½ cup coconut oil, softened
½ cup unsweetened apple butter
2 eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups spelt flour (or whole wheat)
1 tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ cups large flake oats
1 cup (about 1 medium apple) finely diced apples
½ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
¼ cup shredded coconut

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the date sugar, maple syrup, coconut oil and apple butter. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract.

3. In another bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Add to the stand mixer and mix until just combined. Fold in the oats, apples, cranberries, chocolate and coconut.

4. Scoop the cookie dough into 2-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the cookie sheets. Freeze for 15-20 minutes, slightly flatten each cookie before placing them into the oven. Bake for 15-17 minutes until golden on the edges. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Like Sabrina’s baking? Check out her ginger molasses cookies, sticky toffee pudding and pumpkin pie squares with candied pecans.

Hasselback apple with scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzling of toffee sauce

Baking

You’ve Got to Try These Delicious Hasselback Apples Topped With Coconut-Oat Streusel

October 9, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

Apples are such a versatile fruit with so many variations and endless ways to prepare them. These Baking Therapy Hasselback apples feature sweet honey crisp apples (my fave!) that are sliced open like a fan and topped with a delicious coconut-oat streusel. Serve with a drizzle of toffee sauce and a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream. Perfect for any get together this fall season. Bet you’ve never had apples like this before!

Hasselback Apples With Coconut-Oat Streusel

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 32 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

Apples
3 Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples
2 Tbsp butter, melted
2 Tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon

Topping
3 Tbsp butter, room temperature
3 Tbsp brown sugar
¼ cup oats
2 Tbsp flour
2 Tbsp shredded coconut
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Peel the apples, cut in half lengthwise and with a melon baller, scoop out the core. Place the apples core side down and cut thin vertical slices all the way around, making sure not to cut all the way through.

3. Mix together the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon and brush on the tops of the apples. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes until softened.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the streusel topping. In a bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, oats, flour, coconut, cinnamon, vanilla extract and salt. With a fork, work the mixture together until it forms a crumble.

5. Remove the apples from the oven. If there is a lot of liquid in the pan, strain and top the apple with streusel, making sure to get it between the apple slices. Bake at 425°F uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the streusel is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Enjoy with a drizzle of toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream.

Like Sabrina’s baking? Check out her ginger molasses cookies, sticky toffee pudding and pumpkin pie squares with candied pecans.

Baking

These Pumpkin Pie Squares With Candied Pecans is the Fall Dessert You’ve Been Craving

October 2, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

It’s fall! Which means, it’s time to celebrate with a pumpkin dessert. Pumpkin bars, cookies and loaves are among my favourite, but you can’t forget the most important of all — pumpkin pie. These Baking Therapy pumpkin pie bars have a rich and smooth filling blended with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger and clove, as well as a gingery cookie crust. Serve with fresh whipped cream and spiced candied pecans for a little crunch. Once you try these babies, I promise you’ll be hooked!

Pumpkin Pie Squares With Spiced Candied Pecans

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 12 to 16 squares

Ingredients:

Crust
1 cup gingersnap cookie crumbs
1 ⅓ cup (9 full sheets) graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup brown sugar
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
7 Tbsp butter, melted

Filling
⅔ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1 can (300 ml) sweetened condensed milk
3 ⅓ cup (796 ml can) pumpkin puree
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt

Pecans
½ egg white
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups whole pecans

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line and grease a 9-inch square pan.

2. Start making the crust. Pulse the gingersnap cookies and graham crackers into a fine crumb in a food processor or use a resealable plastic bag and crush with rolling pin. Add to a bowl with brown sugar, cinnamon and melted butter. Mix together until it resembles wet sand. Transfer to pan, press mixture down and bake for 10 minutes.

3. While the crust is baking, whip up the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs and egg yolks. Add the condensed milk, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla and salt. Whisk until fully combined.

4. Pour the filling over the crust and bake in the oven for 20 minutes, then lower the oven to 325°F and bake for another 30 minutes. The centre should be firm and the sides will start to pull away from the pan. Let cool completely in pan.

5. Whisk together egg white, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and vanilla. Toss in the pecans. Bake at 300°F for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

6. Slice into 12 or 16 squares and serve with fresh whipped cream and candied pecans for crunch.

Like Sabrina’s baking? Check out her ginger molasses cookies and the best ever sticky toffee pudding.

Baking

The Best Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe = The Fall Dessert You Need (Trust Us)

September 25, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

The best sticky toffee pudding I’ve ever had was in London, England, which makes perfect sense given its origin. A soft and spongy cake made with sweet dates and soaked in a rich toffee sauce? Count me in! I make this dessert for my family every year at Thanksgiving and around the holidays, but truthfully, this dessert‘s good all year round.

The Best Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 28 to 30 minutes
Total Time: 58 to 60 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

Cake
1 cup dates, pitted and packed
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup boiling water
⅔ cup dark brown sugar
1 large egg
3 Tbsp fancy molasses
4 Tbsp butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt

Sauce
½ cup butter
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup dark brown sugar
2 Tbsp fancy molasses
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Roughly chop the dates to ensure there are no pits, add to a small bowl with baking soda and boiling water. Let side for 10 minutes then puree both water and softened dates until smooth.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and line the bottoms of 6 ramekins with parchment paper. Place on a cookie sheet and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, egg, molasses, melted butter and vanilla. Add the date puree. Mix in the flour, baking powder and salt until just combined.

4. Scoop the batter into the prepared ramekins until ⅔ full. Bake in the oven for 28-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

5. Now prepare the sauce: in a heavy bottom saucepan, whisk together the butter, cream, brown sugar and molasses on medium-high heat. Let the mixture come to a boil and let bubble for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

6. Once the cakes come out of the oven, while they’re still warm, run a knife around the perimeter of the ramekin to loosen. Invert the ramekin, placing the cake upside-down and remove the parchment paper. Slowly drizzle a couple spoonful’s of the warm toffee sauce on top. The cake will slowly absorb the sauce. To serve, drizzle extra toffee sauce on the plate, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

Like Sabrina’s baking? Check out her no-bake key lime pie icebox cake, dessert wontons and easy peach plum cobbler.

Baking

These Ginger Molasses Cookies Will Warm You up on a Chilly Fall Day

September 18, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

One of the first recipes I turn to when the weather starts to shift are these soft and chewy ginger molasses cookies. They have warming spices like ginger, cinnamon and cloves, are dotted with spicy candied ginger and rolled in raw sugar for a bit of crunch. My secret to the rich golden colour? Blackstrap molasses! It’s bold and robust in flavour — everything I want in a ginger molasses cookie. But feel free to swap in regular molasses if your taste buds aren’t quite ready for it.

Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12 to 13 minutes
Total Time: 17 to 18 minutes
Servings: 16 cookies

Ingredients:

¾ cup butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 Tbsp water
¼ cup blackstrap molasses
2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup (about 10 wheels) diced ginger candies
½ cup turbinado or raw sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper, set aside.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg, water and blackstrap molasses. Scraping down the sides as needed.

3. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt. On low, add the flour mixture to the stand mixer and mix until just combined. Fold in the diced candied ginger.

4. Pour the turbinado sugar in a shallow dish. Scoop the cookie dough into 1 ½ inch balls and roll in the turbinado sugar until completely coated.

5. Place 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet to allow the cookies to spread. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes until the tops have slightly cracked. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Like Sabrina’s baking? Check out her no-bake key lime pie icebox cake, dessert wontons and easy peach plum cobbler.

Baking

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Home With These Soft Pretzels, Done Two Ways!

September 11, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

These soft pretzels remind me of going to the carnival (or Oktoberfest celebrations!), but since we can’t go in person this year, I’m bringing the party home with my jalapeno smoked-cheddar stuffed pretzels. Yes, you read that right! These pretzels are soft, golden brown and stuffed with a creamy filling. Alternatively, you can skip the filling (but why would you?!) and toss them in a sweet cinnamon sugar mix. Serve with salsa, cheese sauce or even butter — or try them with my favourite decadent cream cheese icing recipe.

Soft Pretzels

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: 55 minutes
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients:

Pretzel Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp instant yeast
1 cup warm water
¼ cup ( ½ stick ) butter, melted

Jalapeno Cheddar Filling
¼ cup cream cheese
½ cup smoked cheddar, grated
⅓ cup jalapenos, diced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp granulated garlic

Cinnamon Sugar Topping
½ cup granulated sugar
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

Other
¼ cup baking soda, for boiling
¼ cup melted butter, for brushing
Coarse salt, for topping

Directions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, water and melted butter. Knead for 7-10 minutes on medium-low speed until the dough is soft and smooth. Place on the counter, cover with the mixing bowl and let rest for 45 minutes until the dough doubles in size.

2. Meanwhile, make the jalapeno cheddar filling. Mix together the cream cheese, smoked cheddar, jalapenos, salt and garlic. Set aside.

3. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Boil 8 cups of water on the stovetop.

4. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each piece into a smooth ball. Starting with one piece — keeping the rest covered so they don’t dry out — roll the dough into a log about 12 inches long. Flatten to about 2 inches wide. Add about 2 Tbsp of the jalapeno cheddar filling in the centre lengthwise. Pinch the dough together to close the seams, making sure to push out any air. Gently roll the dough with your hands until it’s about 24 inches long.

5. To shape the pretzels, take the left side and cross over the right, cross over the right again and flip the ends up and pinch to seal.

6. Add the baking soda to the boiling water. Boil the pretzels 2 at a time for 30 seconds, remove with a spider strainer and place on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the filled pretzels lightly with coarse salt and let rest for 10 minutes until the pretzels dry out.

7. Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and brush liberally with the melted butter. Enjoy warm. If you’ve opted to skip the filling and go the cinnamon sugar route, now brush the pretzels with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar mix to coat.

Like Sabrina’s soft pretzels? Check out her no-bake key lime pie icebox cake, dessert wontons and easy peach plum cobbler.

Baking

These Quick and Tasty Guava Tarts Will Be Your New Favourite Dessert

September 4, 2020 Eden Hagos Leave a comment

If you’re looking for the perfect treat to enjoy these last few weeks of summer — this is it. These guava tarts are my remix of a traditional Cuban guava dessert, pastelitos guayaba y queso. The pastries are super simple, flaky and so delicious. I used puff pastry to save time, but feel free to step it up and make your own puff pastry from scratch. I topped these treats with some fun island-inspired icing and added citrus to the cream cheese filling. I loved the results — hope you do too!

Quick Guava Tarts

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 to 12

Ingredients:

2 eggs
250 grams cream cheese (1 block)
1 ½ Tbsp sugar
½ tsp vanilla
1 Tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp lemon juice
1 package of puff pastry (400 grams)
200 grams guava paste (½ of standard 400 grams block)
1 Tbsp water
3 Tbsp icing sugar
1 Tbsp mango nectar (or juice)
½ tsp hibiscus powder

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Separate one egg yolk from egg white and set aside. In a large bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, one egg yolk, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.

3. Unroll thawed puff pastry. Each sheet is usually split into 3 sections; cut in half to create 6 sections. If you’d like to make the tarts smaller, cut the puff pastry into two sections to make 12 tarts.

4. Cut guava paste into thin slices and place on each puff pastry. Add a large spoonful of cream cheese filling on top of each piece of guava.

5. Beat 1 egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the pastry edges with egg wash and top with remaining puff pastry. Press down on edges to seal, then use knife to cut a few slits on top of each pastry.

6. Put tray in the freezer or fridge to chill for 15 minutes.

7. Then brush the top of pastries with egg wash and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool.

8. If you want to top with icing: mix icing sugar with mango nectar until you achieve the consistency you desire. Lightly drizzle on top of cooled pastries. Then mix hibiscus powder into remaining icing and drizzle the mango hibiscus icing for a pop of colour and flavour. Enjoy!

Like Eden’s guava tarts? Try her sweet potato blondies or easy Ethiopian mushroom tibs recipe.

Baking

The Ultimate Dessert Mashup: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Meets Chinese Fried Wontons

August 28, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

Wontons are not just for dumplings: they make delicious, crispy fried desserts too. These caramel apple cheesecake dessert wontons are my cheat version when you just don’t feel like baking an entire cheesecake. They’re filled with a rich caramel, tart Granny Smith apples and yummy cream cheese filling. Bet you can’t have just one!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Fried Wontons

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Servings: 30 pieces

Ingredients:

Caramel Apple Filling
1 cup granulated sugar
6 Tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
Pinch salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups (about 1-2) Granny Smith apples, diced

Cream Cheese Filling
4 oz cream cheese, softened
3 Tbsp icing sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract

Other
1 package of store-bought wontons
1 egg, for sealing
Vegetable oil, for frying

Topping
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. First, you’ll make the caramel sauce. In a heavy bottom sauce pan on medium heat, add the sugar. Heat the sugar, stirring constantly until it begins to dissolve. The sugar will begin to clump together, continue to stir and cook on medium until it’s completely liquid. Carefully stir in the butter, one Tbsp at a time until completely melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, the mixture will begin to bubble, continue to stir until the cream is well incorporated. Remove from stove, add the vanilla extract, salt, diced apples and cool completely. Refrigerate until you need to use.

2. In a small bowl, mix together everything for the cream cheese filling until smooth: cream cheese, icing sugar, cinnamon and vanilla.

3. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

4. Take a wonton wrapper, add about 1 tsp of the cold caramel apple filling in the centre and about ½ tsp of the cream cheese filling. Dip your index finger in the egg wash (one beaten egg) and run it along the outer edges of the wrapper, fold it over and press to seal.

5. Place the filled wontons in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before frying.

6. In a deep saucepan, heat the vegetable oil to 360°F. In a bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. Fry the wontons 3-4 at a time for about 2 minutes until lightly golden brown. Place on a paper towel to drain any extra oil and toss in the cinnamon sugar while still hot. Enjoy warm with a drizzle of the remaining caramel sauce.

Love Sabrina’s baking? Check out her no-bake key lime pie icebox cake, cheesecake pastry pockets and easy peach plum cobbler.

Baking

You’ll Devour This Peach Plum Cobbler as Quickly as It Takes to Make It

August 21, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

As the end of summer nears and the weather begins to cool, all I want are warm, comforting desserts. This simple cobbler combines both juicy peaches and sweet and sour plums, topped with a buttery and crisp topping. The best part: this late-summer dessert only takes just over an hour to whip together. PS — don’t forget the ice cream!

Peach Plum Cobbler

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45 – 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8

Ingredients:

Base
4 cups sliced peaches, skin on
4 cups sliced plums, skin on
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
¾ tsp cinnamon
Pinch salt
1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Topping
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup + 1 Tbsp granulated sugar, divided
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the peaches and plums and place in a large bowl. Toss with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt and vanilla extract. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the topping ingredients: flour, ¼ cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, rub the butter into the flour until about pea-sized. Create a well in the centre, pour in the heavy cream and with a fork, work the dough until it comes together, it will be slightly wet.

3. Transfer the peach plum mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish. Put the topping dough all over top. Sprinkle the top with remaining 1 Tbsp granulated sugar.

4. Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and the topping is golden brown in colour. Enjoy with a big scoop of ice cream!

Love Sabrina’s baking? Check out her no-bake key lime pie icebox cake, cheesecake pastry pockets and white chocolate funfetti cookies.

Baking

These Chinese Coconut Buns Come Together With Ingredients You Already Have on Hand

August 13, 2020 Sabrina Stavenjord Leave a comment

Coconut buns are a Chinese bakery classic for a reason. They’re buttery, soft and fluffy — and loaded with a delicious coconut filling. These Chinese sweet buns are easy to make, come together with just a few pantry ingredients and are every bit as delicious as they look. Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert or an afternoon treat!

Chinese Coconut Buns

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rest Time: 2 hours
Bake Time: 15-17 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Servings: 10 buns

Ingredients:

Buns
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp instant yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
3 Tbsp whole milk powder
½ tsp salt
1 large egg
200ml warm water
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

Filling
1 ¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut
3 tsp cornstarch
3 tsp whole milk powder
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
Pinch salt
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Egg Wash
1 egg
1 Tbsp milk

Directions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the hook attachment, add the flour, yeast, sugar, milk powder, salt, egg and warm water. Work the mixture on medium for about 5 minutes until the dough comes together. Turn the mixer to medium-low, add the softened butter one Tbsp at a time, until the butter is fully incorporated. Knead for another 5-8 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic.

2. Form the dough into a smooth round ball, cover with a damp tea towel and let proof for 1 hour.

3. For the coconut filling, mix together the shredded coconut, cornstarch, milk powder, sugar, salt, melted butter, egg yolk and vanilla. Set aside.

4. Divide the dough into 10 equal portions (about 85 grams each) and roll into a smooth ball. Cover and rest for 15 minutes.

5. Grab one ball (keep the rest of the dough covered to prevent drying out) and roll out the ball into a 4-inch oval with a rolling pin. Place about 1 Tbsp of the coconut filling in the centre, grab the ends and pinch them together to close the seams.

6. Place the seam side down, and roll out to form a long oval. With a knife, score the surface with 4-5 long strokes, twist the ends in opposite directions and pinch the ends together. Alternatively, once the dough is filled with coconut, pinch to close the seams and roll it into a round ball.

7. Place on parchment-lined cookie sheets and cover with a damp towel. Let proof for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

8. Preheat oven to 325°F. Whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Brush the tops of buns with the egg wash.

9. Bake for 15-17 minutes until lightly golden brown, rotating the trays half way. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Love Sabrina’s baking? Check out her no-bake key lime pie icebox cake, cheesecake pastry pockets or white chocolate funfetti cookies.

1. Offset spatula

2. Silicone spatula

3. Oven thermometer

4. Disposable piping bags

5. Ice cream scoops

6. Candy thermometer

7. Fine rasp

8. Bar citrus juicer

9. Measuring tape

10. Cake wheel

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Gingerbread Doughnuts With a Cinnamon Glaze

Cardamom Teff Apple Muffins

Chocolate Eggnog Sandwich Cookies

Triple Gingerbread Bundt Cake With Brown Butter Glaze

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Spooky S’mores Bars

Hot Chocolate Nanaimo Bars

Healthy Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Hasselback Apples With Coconut-Oat Streusel

Pumpkin Pie Squares With Spiced Candied Pecans

The Best Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

Soft Pretzels

Quick Guava Tarts

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Fried Wontons

Peach Plum Cobbler

Chinese Coconut Buns

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