If you missed these delightful treats during Hanukah this past week, the great thing about Rugelach is that they are popular all throughout the year and especially for the holidays! Rolled out delicate dough filled with a variety of ingredients, Rugelach has grown in popularity from a Jewish specialty to an American favorite. It seems as though every country has its own version and name for Rugelach and there are hundreds of recipe variations for this bite-sized goody. For the dough, sour cream or cream cheese is added to the flour which makes for flavorful dough that’s extremely easy to work with. These one or two bite morsels are generally filled with ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, walnuts, raisins, chocolate, or preserves with a little cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top. Again, there are a number of ways to roll and cut Rugelach, but the classic shapes are crescents or slightly flattened squares. I know that Rugelach was baked up en masse for the Hanukkah celebration which ended yesterday, but there are plenty of chances in the days ahead to make, bake and deliver these delicious and delicate gifts from the kitchen for the holidays ahead!
all-purpose flour
Churro Muffins
Double Chocolate Raspberry Dream Pie
It happens once a year, and it’s a real slice of life. National Pie Day puts the spotlight on home bakers across America and their award winning originals. National Pie Day has come and gone, but the American Pie Council sent me the recipe for the First Place Winner in the Classic Chocolate Category. To say that it got thumbs up in my test kitchen this week is an understatement. The Double Chocolate Raspberry Dream Pie was a runaway favorite. The original recipe gives the ingredients for a homemade pie crust, but I used store bought deep dish pie shells to save time. (*Note: I had plenty of filling ingredients for two 8-inch pies.) Fresh raspberries are coming on the market right now and if you’re a chocolate lover, this fruit and chocolate combination is rich, luscious, smooth and creamy. You’ll dive into this dreamy pie!
S’mores Bars
Many things will be different this Memorial Day as we celebrate the official launch of summer while honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. But some things will always remain the same, namely our obsession with the perfect campout treat—S’Mores! This year, if you’re opting to stay home instead of heading for the campgrounds, I’ve got the perfect solution for your “campfireless” sweet tooth. It’s a delicious recipe for S’mores Bars that can be devoured right out of the oven! To be perfectly honest, I love these even more than the originals. They aren’t as messy and they’re a cinch to make! S’Mores Bars have all of the same ingredients, just assembled a little differently. These bars start with a graham cracker crust which you can make with either store bought graham cracker crumbs, or with ground up graham crackers. (My suggestion is to grind your own crumbs. Much tastier!) Once you bake your cookie base, you’ll add the chocolate bars, then the Marshmallow Fluff and top with more cookie crumbs! You can use melted marshmallows for the filling, but the marshmallow cream is a lot easier to spread. Then, all that’s left is to bake them up and then cut them into beautiful yummy bars! This Memorial Day weekend, make this fun treat that’s easier to eat… without the fire!
Watch my How To Video for S’Mores Bars here!
S’mores Bars
Lemon Pudding Cake
It’s one of those miracle desserts that goes into the oven as a cake batter and comes out baked with two distinct layers. The bottom layer becomes a luscious, lemony pudding and the top becomes a light and delicate cake! How does that happen? I’m assuming it has something to do with the amount of liquid this recipe has. Since liquids like milk and whipping cream are heavy, they settle down into the bottom of the dish, which creates the pudding. But I’m no scientist, just a lemon dessert addict and think a lot of you are too! One of the most popular lemon desserts are Lemon Bars (or Lemon Squares.) Well, this Lemon Pudding Cake will give them a run for their money! I employed a technique that allows the zest of three large lemons to steep in a simmering milk and heavy cream mixture. After it sits for about 15 minutes, you strain the lemon zest and what you have left is delicious milk with lemon essence! Then, the juice from the lemons is what gives it the punch! A little topping of whipped cream and you have a fabulous dessert served in individual ramekins that have baked in a water bath. I love this recipe and I hope you will too!
Watch my How To Video for Lemon Pudding Cake here!
