Focaccia

 During the first days of quarantine, I was obsessively watching bake-along videos on Instagram. One of the Instagram accounts that I have diligently watched is Bread Ahead. They are a London Bakery and are famous for their doughnuts. I visited the bakery a few years ago and had one of those delicious doughnuts. I learned how to make them in a Zoom class recently too! The owner Matthew demonstrates how to make many of the items they sell in their shop on his Instagram account. I saved all the videos and have made quite a few of the recipes. One of the recipes I tried and fell in love with was the Focaccia. I have a great big rosemary plant in my garden and it's fun to snip some off for this bread. The recipe is special because it's a no-knead version. Instead of kneading, you fold the dough. Matthew shows his special folding technique on Instagram. I tried to describe it in words in the recipe, but I recommend watching him. Here is the link to Bread Ahead's original recipe and video on Instagram. The main change I made is that I use instant yeast instead of fresh yeast (you can't really find fresh here in the grocery store) and because I changed it to dry, the initial rise time is a little longer. I have also converted the recipe to standard American measurements.

Focaccia

adapted from Bread Ahead Bakery

4 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp dry instant yeast

2 1/4 cups warm water

2 tsps salt

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

Rosemary, washed and stems removed

Sea Salt

1. Measure out water into a medium sized bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for a couple minutes to hydrate, then stir together. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, add salt and flour. Stir together. Make a well in the center and add water and yeast mixture. Stir to combine scraping down the sides of the bowl. Mix well until dough comes together.

3. Pour 2 TBSPs of olive oil around the edge of the dough where it meets the sides of the bowl. Scrape sides down so the the oil gets under the dough.

4. Prepare an area to dump out and fold dough with a little bit of olive oil so it doesn't stick. Dump dough into the surface. Maneuver dough into a square with your fingers (about 10 inches across). This is where we fold (FOLD #1). Watch this fold in action in the video link above at about 15:30 in. Grab one end of the dough and fold it across about 2/3 of the way over. Then grab the other end (straight across from the first end you grabbed) and pull it up and over toward the other side. Now you have a skinny rectangle. Take the skinny end and repeat the same fold (2/3 of the way over, then take the last side and and pull it over. Carefully flip the dough over and slide it back into the bowl. Cover and leave at room temperature for 1 hour.

6. After 1 hour, carefully slide the dough onto your prepared folding surface and repeat the above folding process (FOLD #2). Slide back into bowl. Cover and leave a room temp to rise for 30 minutes.

7. After the 30 minutes is up, repeat folding process (FOLD #3). Cover and leave on counter for another 20-30 minutes as you prepare for the next steps.

8. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle a little flour or corn meal on the baking sheet. Slide dough onto baking sheet. Pull the sides a little to stretch out.

9. Drizzle about 1 TBSP of olive oil on top. Poke holes into the dough with your fingertips stretching dough out a little as you poke the holes. Stick small pieces of rosemary on top. Drizzle with another 1 TBSP of olive oil.

10. If you have a spray bottle, spray the top of the dough lightly with water (this will help to form a crust) and sprinkle with sea salt.

11. Bake for 17 minutes or until top is lightly browned.

Makes one loaf

For 2 smaller round loaves: In step 8, line two 8-inch round pans with parchment paper instead of using a baking sheet. Cut dough in half and slide one half of the dough into each pan. Follow other directions as stated. Drizzle 1/2 TBSP of oil on each loaf, and decorate with rosemary (add cherry tomato slices for Christmas design). Bake as directed above for 15-17min, checking at 15 min.

Smaller Christmas Loaves

For 2 round loaves: In step 8, line two 8-inch round pans with parchment paper instead of using a baking sheet. Cut dough in half and slide one half of dough into each pan.

Sweet Zucchini Relish

I plant zucchini every year, and this year I planted 3 different varieties. Even after making lots of chocolate zucchini cake, zucchini bread, fried zucchini, cheesy zucchini rice, and zucchini casserole, I have extra. I decided to try zucchini relish and I'm so glad that I did. We have used it on hot dogs, in tuna salad, and even in meatloaf. Here's the recipe. :)

Sweet Zucchini Relish
adapted from manmadediy.com 
12 cups zucchini, shredded
4 cups white onions, shredded
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 carrot, shredded
5 TBSP pickling salt
5 cups of sugar
2 1/2 cups vinegar
1 TBSP dry mustard
1 TBSP corn starch
3/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp celery seed
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 TBSP red pepper flakes, optional
10-8 oz jars with screw bands and lids

1. Mix the veggies and pickling salt in a large bowl. Let sit at least 12 hours (or overnight). Drain the veggies in a colander; wash under cold water, then drain again thoroughly. Set aside.
2. In a large pot add sugar, vinegar, mustard, corn starch, turmeric, celery seed, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Add veggies to sauce and cook over low/medium heat for 25-30 minutes.
3. While relish is cooking, heat water in water bath canner or large pot to boiling. Place lids with rubber seal in a small bowl and add 1 cup of boiling water. Add empty jars and screw bands to the pot and boil for 10 minutes to sterilize. Remove jars and screw bands from pot and dry them with towel. When relish is ready, ladel it into the clean jars. Leave 1/4 - 1/2" of space at the top. Wipe jar rims and threads with a clean damp cloth. Cover with lid and screw bands on tightly. Place the filled jars into the canner. Water should cover jars by 1-2 inches. Bring to boil and process for 10 minutes. Carefully remove each jar and set aside for 12-24 hours to cool. Check tops of jars to make sure they have sealed by pressing middle of lids with finger. If lids do not spring back they have sealed properly. If they do spring back, refrigerate the jars. Makes about 10-8oz jars.

Banana Cream Pie

I know I need to post a recipe to my blog when I keep going back to a website to look it up and make it. I've made this a few times now and we love it. I especially like how easy it is to make the custard filling. I've made some adjustments to the original recipe. I use my own graham cracker crust and I make my whipping cream as explained below. It's one of our favorite pies and it will be one of your too!

Banana Cream Pie

adapted from chef-in-training.com
1 9 inch graham cracker crust (this is the recipe I like)
¾ cup sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
2 cups half and half
4 egg yolks
3 TBSPs butter
1½ tsps vanilla extract
2 large bananas, sliced
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla

1. In medium sauce pan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add half and half and egg yolks and whisk until well combined. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick. Boil 1 minute and remove from heat. Stir in butter, and vanilla.
2. Pour ½ of the filling into the crust. Top with sliced bananas to cover the filling. Pour the rest of the filling over the bananas. Cover with saran wrap directly on the filling itself to avoiding a sticky film on top. Chill for at least 3 hours. Top with another layer of sliced bananas.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, beat whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla at high speed until stiff peaks form. Spread whipping cream over the top of the bananas and then garnish with a few more slices of bananas. Serve.

Fried Zucchini

If you are growing zucchini in your garden, then I hope you are making this!! Even if don't have an abundance of zucchini, this is a fun fried side dish. I planted 3 varieties of zucchini in my garden this year and we tried them all fried. This is the way I like to bread and fry mine.

Fried Zucchini

2 medium zucchini about 1 ½ lbs
2-3 cups of canola oil (you want it to be about 2 or 3 inches deep in your pan)
3/4 cup flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups Italian bread crumbs

1. Heat oil in pan or deep fryer to 350 degrees.
2. While oil is heating up, wash zucchini and slice into ½ inch slices.
3. In a shallow dish like a pie pan, add flour. Set aside.
4. In a separate shallow dish, whisk eggs. Add milk and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
5. Combine Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs in another shallow dish. Set aside.
6. Dredge zucchini in flour, dip in eggs, then cover in bread crumbs. Make sure to really cover the zucchini slice each time. Pack the bread crumbs on a little if you need to. Repeat with remaining slices.
7. Fry zucchini a few at a time cooking 2-3 minutes per side. Remove to paper towel lined plate.

Gray and Cocozelle Zucchini

No Bake Granola Bars

This is such a great recipe and changing things ups to make all flavors of granola bars is so fun! I've tried it with a few different kinds cereal. I especially like crushed Crispix. The PB and J version is pf course yummy. There are some ideas for add ins below, but really this is like a choose your own adventure recipe. You could even make a healthy option with some flax meal or wheat germ. Keep the add ins to 1 cup or less, but other than that go crazy. 

No Bake Granola Bars

adapted from biggerbolderbaking.com
1 1/2 cups oats, quick or rolled
1 cup rice crispy cereal or any other cereal crushed up a little bit
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Add in suggestions:
Raisin Nut Granola Bar
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/3 cup chopped raisins
1/3 cup chopped nuts (toasted nuts are also great)

Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bar (see note at bottom)
1/3 cup peanut butter (stirred in with sugar mixture)
1/3 cup chopped peanuts
6 TBSPs your favorite jam

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (stirred in with sugar mixture)
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Monster Granola Bars
1/3 cup peanut butter (stirred in with sugar mixture)
1/3 cup mini m&ms
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

1. In a large bowl, mix together the oats and cereal.
2. In a medium microwavable bowl add in butter, honey and brown sugar. Microwave this mixture for 2 minutes. It will bubble up so make sure your bowl is big enough so it doesn’t overflow. You can also do this step in a saucepan if you don’t have a microwave.
3. Add the vanilla and salt to the sugar mixture and stir. This will bubble a little bit. (If you are adding peanut butter or cocoa powder this is where you put it in. Stir the PB or cocoa into the sugar mixture) 4. Pour the sugar mixture over the oats and cereal, and thoroughly stir using a rubber spatula. Mix the ingredients together until the oats and cereal are completely coated.
5. Add in your desired mix-in. If you are adding chocolate chips or m&ms and don't want them to melt, wait a few minutes before stirring them in.
6. Press the bars very firmly into a parchment lined 9″x 9” pan. If you like your bars thicker, you can use a smaller pan. If you do not press firmly enough, the bars will fall apart when you eat them. You can also sprinkle on some of your add ins on top like mini chocolate chips or m&ms and press those down so they stick to the top.
7. Place them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes then cut to size.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge or on the counter. If you keep them in the fridge they will be a little hard and chewy. At room temp they will be soft.

PB and J Note: It's best to layer these bars. I have stirred the jam in and they are a little too soft this way. So press half the mixture into the bottom of your pan, then spread on your jam, and press the other half on top.

Cheese Popovers

I've been doing a lot of live bake alongs while at home with ZERO plans. I LOVE IT! I watch two on Instagram almost everyday, Christina Tosi at 1pm central, creator/owner of Milkbar in NYC and Masterchef judge, and Bread Ahead at 8am central, an awesome bakery in London. I actually have to set my alarm to wake up for Bread Ahead, heehee. I put my earbuds in, watch, and take notes all from the comfort of my bed. It's great. Christina Tosi is posting all her recipes on her website, so I'm sharing her popover recipe. I made these yesterday and they were awesome! So easy and kinda fun to watch in the oven. I sprinkled a Colby jack cheese mix on the top of mine, but you can do any type of cheese you like. We ate them with Easter dinner leftovers. They are kinda like an eggy German pancake texture.

Cheese Popovers

adapted from Christina Tosi
3 large eggs
2 large egg whites
1 3⁄4 cups whole milk
1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsps sugar
2 tsps kosher salt
1⁄4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups any kind of cheese you have, shredded

1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan. Measure all of the ingredients except the cheese into the pitcher of a blender. Blend on medium-low until smooth and well combined. The batter will be thin.
2. Pour 1⁄3 cup batter into each cup. Each cup should be about 3/4 full. Scatter 2 TBSPs of shredded cheese evenly over the center of each of the filled cups.
3. Put the popovers in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until tripled in size, hollow in the center, and a healthy golden brown on the outside. DO NOT open the oven while baking.
4. Pop out of the pan and dig in immediately. Popovers are best warm out of the oven, or the same day at the very latest.

Potato Casserole

I have graduated from my old potato casserole. This new recipe is a little faster with frozen potatoes, and more gooey because you mix all the good stuff in with the potatoes. It's my new favorite. Perfect with your Easter or Christmas ham.

Potato Casserole

Potatoes
1/4 cup melted butter
1 10.5oz can cream of chicken soup
2 cups sour cream
1 tsp salt
2 tsps dried minced onion
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 30 package of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
Topping
4 cups cornflakes
5 TBSPs melted butter
2 TBSPs grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, add 1/4 cup melted butter, soup, sour cream, salt, onion and stir to combine. Add cheese and stir. Add thawed potatoes and mix them in until everything is well combined.
3. Pour potato mixture into a 9x13 inch pan.
4. Crush cornflakes into crumbs in a ziplock bag. You should get about 2-2.5 cups crushed. In a small bowl, mix the 5 TBSPs melted butter, crushed cornflakes, and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle on top of the potatoes.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly.