Thick & Chewy Better Than Box Brownies

from Lifemadesimplebakes

THICK & CHEWY BETTER THAN THE BOXED BROWNIES

 

PREP TIME

15 mins

COOK TIME

25 mins

TOTAL TIME

40 mins

 

Notes: My new favorite brownie! Easily doubles to fit in a 9x13

.INGREDIENTS

• ½ c. all-purpose flour*
• ¾ c. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1¼ c. sugar
• 1 stick + 3 tbsp. (11 tbsp.) unsalted butter
• 2 eggs, cold
• ⅛ tsp. baking soda
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch*
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• ½ c. chocolate chips, milk or semi-sweet
• ¼ c. semi-sweet baking bar*, chopped

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 8x8 inch pan with parchment or foil, set aside.
2. In a microwave safe bowl, add the butter and sugar. Heat in the microwave on HIGH for about 1 minute and 15 seconds. Remove, stir, and cool on the counter for 5 minutes, then stir in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer add the warm (but not hot) butter/sugar mixture. With mixing speed on low add one egg at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
4. In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. With mixing speed on low, gradually add dry ingredients. Mix until no flour pockets remain. Remove bowl from stand and fold in the chocolate chips and chunks.
5. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Place in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the brownies are set. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 30-45 minutes before cutting and serving.

*1/2 c. of cake flour can be substituted for the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.

Blueberry Cream Tart

Yummy. Almost like a no bake cheese cake but I think the nut crust is an improvement over a graham crust for that. Definitely want to try again with fresh blueberries this time. Peaches might be good as well.

Camie Christensen

Crust: Granny's no-roll nut crust
1 C flour
1/2 C butter/margarine, softened
1/4 C finely chopped walnuts
1/4 C powdered sugar

Mix all ingredients until soft and pliable. Press evenly against bottom and sides of pie pan. Prick bottom and sides with a fork. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely before filling.

Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 C sour cream
1/2 C powdered sugar

In mixer bowl, cream softened cream cheese, add sugar and sour cream and blend until smooth and fluffy. Pour onto cooled crust.

Berry Layer:
3 C fresh blueberries (tried frozen, okay, but fresh would be much better)
1 C sugar
1 C water

Put berries in a strainer over a pan. Simmer sugar and water in a small saucepan for 1 minute. Take off heat and pour over berries immediately. Toss berries slightly in strainer. Take syrup from the catch pan under the berries and pour over berries once more, with the saucepan as the catchpan. Drain berries completely and distribute over top of refrigerated filling. They will be sticky and will hold together. Refrigerate until served.

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

from Walters who got it from Our Best Bites

1/3 C Cream cheese
1/4 C green salsa
1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic minced
3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
5 green onions, chopped
2 C cooked, shredded chicken
1 C shredded pepper jack cheese
1 can black beans
1/2 red pepper, diced
Tortillas

Directions:
Heat cream cheese in microwave for 20-30 seconds until soft. Mix in green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and garlic. Stir to combine then add cilantro, green onions, chicken, cheese, black beans and red peppers. Fill tortillas with chicken mixture then roll and place in a greased baking pan. Once you have rolled all the taquitos, spray them with Pam or brush them with oil. Then bake at 425 for 20 minutes, or until crispy. Can garnish with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Homemade Pita Bread

from: Cooking.nytimes.com

much easier than I thought. These turned out well. Could easily make a day ahead. Not  sure if it is always worth the effort, but they were good.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 35 grams whole-wheat flour (1/4 cup), preferably freshly milled
• 310 grams unbleached all-purposed flour (2 1/2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil


1. Make sponge: Put 1 cup lukewarm water in a large mixing bowl. Add yeast and sugar. Stir to dissolve. Add the whole-wheat flour and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and whisk together. Put bowl in a warm (not hot) place, uncovered, until mixture is frothy and bubbling, about 15 minutes.
1. Add salt, olive oil and nearly all remaining all-purpose flour (reserve 1/2 cup). With a wooden spoon or a pair of chopsticks, stir until mixture forms a shaggy mass. Dust with a little reserved flour, then knead in bowl for 1 minute, incorporating any stray bits of dry dough.
1. Turn dough onto work surface. Knead lightly for 2 minutes, until smooth. Cover and let rest 10 minutes, then knead again for 2 minutes. Try not to add too much reserved flour; the dough should be soft and a bit moist. (At this point, dough may refrigerated in a large zippered plastic bag for several hours or overnight. Bring dough back to room temperature, knead into a ball and proceed with recipe.)
1. Clean the mixing bowl and put dough back in it. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with a towel. Put bowl in a warm (not hot) place. Leave until dough has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
1. Heat oven to 475 degrees. On bottom shelf of oven, place a heavy-duty baking sheet, large cast-iron pan or ceramic baking tile. Punch down dough and divide into 8 pieces of equal size. Form each piece into a little ball. Place dough balls on work surface, cover with a damp towel and leave for 10 minutes.
1. Remove 1 ball (keeping others covered) and press into a flat diskc with rolling pin. Roll to a 6-inch circle, then to an 8-inch diameter, about 1/8 inch thick, dusting with flour if necessary. (The dough will shrink a bit while baking.)
1. Carefully lift the dough circle and place quickly on hot baking sheet. After 2 minutes the dough should be nicely puffed. Turn over with tongs or spatula and bake 1 minute more. The pita should be pale, with only a few brown speckles. Transfer warm pita to a napkin-lined basket and cover so bread stays soft. Repeat with the rest of the dough balls.

Cornmeal Waffles & Chili

I love Navajo tacos and so somehow this reminded me of those. Not sure if they are alike, but I enjoyed this. Liked having the chewiness of the waffle with the toppings. In our house, anything topped with lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes tends to get enjoyed!

waffle recipe: Author: A Sweet Pea Chef

Waffles w/ Chili recipe: The Country Cook

Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS

• 1¾ cups all purpose flour
• 1¼ cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• 2 cups 2% milk (can be almond milk, whole milk, etc. if you'd prefer but I prefer 2% for this recipe)
• 3 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1½ tsp. vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the waffle maker.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (flour, cornmeal, baking powder, brown sugar, and kosher salt) and mix well.
3. In another medium mixing bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, eggs and vanilla (AKA the "wet ingredients").
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. There is no need to grease the waffle maker since there is already vegetable oil in the batter.
6. Pour ¾ cup - 1 cup (depending on the size of your waffle maker) into the center of the grid.
7. Cook the waffle according to your waffle maker directions. Bake until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Streusal Topped Zucchini Muffins

 

from: Sally's baking adddiction

 

Notes: Made these as muffins, and although they are a bit messy with the streusal topping, its worth it! They are yummy! I enjoyed them as muffins, haven't tried the bread yet. Doesn't need chocolate chips in topping as plenty in batter.

Yield: 1 loaf or 10 muffins (can be easily doubled)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

This award-winning zucchini bread gets an upgrade with buttery oat streusel, brown sugar, melty chocolate chips, and lots of sweet flavors like cinnamon and vanilla. No wonder it won first place!

Ingredients:

Brown Sugar Oat Streusel

• 2/3 cups (60g) old-fashioned or quick oats
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cold
• optional: 1 Tablespoon (10g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Zucchini Bread & Muffins

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil¹
• 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 large)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour (careful not to overmeasure)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• optional: 3/4 cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or use pecans or walnuts)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray a 9x5 (or 8x4) loaf pan with nonstick spray. If making muffins, preheat oven to 425F degrees and spray a 12-count pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Make the streusel first by combining the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour together in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold butter with two knives or a pasty cutter (preferred) - or you may use your hands. Mix until the streusel resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chocolate chips with a spoon. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, zucchini, and vanilla until evenly combined. In a large bowl, toss the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate chips together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula until combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Spread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake the bread for 20 minutes at 350F degrees. Remove from the oven and top with the streusel - press it down into the top. The reason you are adding it after 20 minutes is to prevent it from sinking to the bottom of the bread as it bakes. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I covered the bread loosely with aluminum foil after 35 total minutes to avoid the top from getting too brown. Allow bread to cool in the pan set on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before removing from the pan and serving.
5. If making muffins, fill 9-10 muffin cups all the way to the top. Press the streusel into the tops of each muffin. Bake for 5 minutes at 425F degrees and, keeping the muffins in the oven, lower the oven temperature to 350F degrees and continue to bake for an additional 13-14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving.
6. Store leftover bread or muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
7. Make ahead tip: Bread and muffins freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before serving.

Additional Notes:

Recipe source: Quinn family recipe
Instead of vegetable oil, you may use canola oil or melted coconut oil. I find the recipe tastes best with vegetable oil. Healthy bonus: I tried swapping half of the oil with applesauce and didn't notice much of a difference as far as taste and texture goes! However, to avoid a rubbery texture, I would not swap any more than half of the oil for applesauce

Pesto Marinated Grilled Chicken

Notes: Super fast and easy to throw together early and then throw on the grill later when ready. Was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked the pesto taste on it. Although the chicken still had lots of marinade on it when I threw it on the grill, it didn't feel overwhelming when eating it. Was given a thumbs up by the elders as well.

from Mels

Yield: Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup pesto (storebought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Directions

1. Place the chicken in a gallon-sized ziploc bag. Pour in the pesto, rice vinegar, salt and sugar. Seal the bag and shake it up until the marinade is combined and the chicken is well coated.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.
3. Preheat an outdoor grill. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through (or an instant read thermometer reaches 160 degrees). Tent the chicken with foil and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
4. Alternately, the chicken can be broiled or cooked on an indoor grill pan or skillet.

Thai Beef Satay (Cilantro Lime Marinade)

 

Notes: Loved this. Could really taste the lime and cilantro. No need for the peanut sauce. I made it, but we didn't use it as the meat was so good on its own and the sauce hid the meats flavors. Was quick. Bought beef already in fajita strips which worked great as I didn't have to slice but could just dump into the marinade. They were pretty thin.

from Mels

Yield: Serves about 4

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, chopped
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce or sririacha
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, sliced 1/4-inch thick against the grain
• Red peppers and fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a food processor or blender, puree the lime juice, cilantro, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce (or sririacha) and sesame oil.
2. Place the steak slices into a gallon-size ziploc bag or in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top of the meat. Refrigerate for at least an hour or up to 4 hours.
3. Thread the meat slices back and forth onto skewers (2-3 per skewer unless using shorter sticks).
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill the satay skewers for 2-3 minutes per side (longer, if needed, depending on thickness of the meat).
5. Garnish the satay with red peppers and cilantro, if desired, and serve with peanut dipping sauce.

Sweet and Spicey Pork and Pineapple Tacos

from Mels

Notes: This was simple, quick, and tasted great. A great summer, quick in the kitchen type meal. We had mangoes and cut them up and added them fresh when eating them, which was yummy! I think a little cabbage on top would be great too. Tried lettuce, which was good.

Yield: Serves 4

You have a few options for pineapple here. I've made this recipe using a 20 ounce can of pineapple chunks - draining the juice and reserving 1/4 cup for the recipe and using the pineapple in the tacos. I've also used fresh pineapple and opened one of those small 6-ounce cans of pineapple juice to use in the recipe (using 1/4 cup and reserving the rest to use in a future smoothie or something like that).

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (more to taste, if wanted)
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2-3 cups diced pineapple (see note above)
• 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Corn or flour tortillas for serving

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the pork pieces and add them to the hot skillet, browning on each side until golden (the pork doesn't need to cook all the way through in this step, just get a nice color on all the pieces).
2. Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder and cayenne and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the juice and pineapple and simmer the mixture until the pork is cooked through, 7-9 minutes.
3. Stir in the cilantro. Serve with corn or flour tortillas.

Amber's Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

from cousin Amber

Ingredients:

1/2 c. shortening

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 egg

1 c. canned pumpkin

2 1/2 c. flour

1 t. soda

1 t. baking powder

1 t. nutmeg

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. salt

1 t vanilla

6 oz. chocolate chips

Directions:

1. cream shortening + sugar

2. add egg + beat well

3. add pumpkin + vanilla

4. add dry ingredients

5. add chips!

bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes

Milch Reis (Rice Pudding)

from Mels

Notes: This tasted just like I remember it from Germany. My first Sunday in Germany all 3 sets of missionaries were invited to the ward mission leaders home for lunch. I remember just learning how to eat with my fork in my left hand. But in the area, Solingen/Wiesbaden, it is called Bergisches land. And one of their typical things is a Bergisches Kaffeetaffel. With that, coffee, or Karo and tea for LDS homes, was served. Waffles with rice pudding on top were a must. Then you could have cheeses, and meats, and other breads as well as some fruit. I loved it! 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Arborio rice (or sushi rice works well), rinsed
• 6 cups whole milk
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split and scraped or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, optional

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, milk, vanilla bean and seeds, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until rice is tender and liquid has absorbed, about 40-45 minutes.
2. Remove vanilla bean; stir in heavy cream. Rice pudding may be served warm, at room temperature or chilled (personally I prefer it slightly warmed).

Hauswaffeln (German style waffles)

from Wiesbaden FHV (R.S)

Notes: to be eaten with milk rice and possibly some fresh fruit on top

Zutaten:
250 g. Butter
175 g. Zucker
2 Paeckchen Vanille Zucker
6 Eier
1 Prise Salz
500 g. Weizenmehl
3 gestrichene Teeloeffel Backpulver
1/2 L Milch

Richtung:
Einen Ruehrteig herstellen
Das Fett darf nicht fluessig gemacht werden.
Der Teig soll dick fluessig vom Loeffel fallen.

Ingredients:
1 C butter
1 C sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
6 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
4 C flour
3 tsp baking powder
2 C milk

Directions:
Cream butter. (don't melt into liquid beforehand).
Add rest of ingredients except eggs to butter, mixing occasionally.
Beat eggs well in a separate bowl then add to rest of batter and mix.
The batter should be thick.

Easy Chicken Wontons

from rasamalaysia

Ingredients:

1/2 lb cooked chicken, finely cut up/shredded
1/4 lb shrimp, chopped into small pieces (optional, or add more chicken)
  3 stalk scallion, cut into rings
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt (easy on salt)
1 dash fish sauce, optional
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
3 dashes ground pepper
12 pieces wonton wrappers
Water, for sealing
Oil, for deep frying

Directions:
Combine chicken, shrimp, scallion, cornstarch together. In a separate small bowl combine salt, fish sauce, sesame oil, and pepper together and then mix in with chicken mixture.

Add chicken mixture to wonton wrapper, use water to seal ends, and wrap up. Deep fry in oil and let cool on paper towels and serve immediately.

Pomegranate, pear, pistachio salad

Notes: This was really good. I think this is just a great starter and you can add or take things away how you like. I liked how the feta cheese off set the fruit sweetness a bit. The girls loved the pistachios in a salad idea. I had to go way off script off on the salad dressing as I didn't have all the ingredients, so I'd like to try the real thing sometime. Mine was good, but it was the salad part that was really yummy.

 

Author: Jen@CarlsbadCravings.com

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• Pomegranate, Pear & Pistachio Salad
• 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 sweet apple (I like Fuji), chopped
• 1 pear, chopped
• 1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 red onion, chopped
•  1/3 cup roasted and salted pepitas (may sub. sunflower seeds)
• 1/3 cup roasted and salted pistachios
• 1/3 cup pomegranate arils
• 1/2 cup Feta cheese
• 
  Creamy Pomegranate Dressing
• 1 5.3 oz. Greek Yogurt with Cherry Pomegranate (I use Fage)*
• 1/4 cup Sweet Red Chili Sauce (found in Asian section)
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
•  1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Whisk together all of the Creamy Pomegranate Dressing ingredients in a medium bowl and chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the salad.
2. Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl. If serving entire salad immediately, drizzle with desired amount of dressing and toss to coat. If there might be leftovers, drizzle dressing on individual salad servings. Top with freshly ground salt and pepper.

Notes

*You may substitute 1/3 vanilla Greek yogurt (won't be pink or have as much pomegranate taste but still delicoius) or substitute 1/3 cup strawberry yogurt which is a little sweeter than the Cherry-Pomegranate yogurt but still delicious

Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake

Notes: Cooked it in an angel food cake pan and worked great. I didn't have any sour cream and so used whole milk with lemon in it and was great. Loved how moist the cake stayed even 5 days later. Rich, definitely rich. but yummy and easy. Definitely moister the 2nd day, would try to make a day before planning on serving.

from Our Best Bites

Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
Recipe by Our Best Bites
Ingredients
cocoa powder for dusting pan
1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines)
1 small box instant chocolate pudding
4 eggs
1 cup full fat sour cream
1 cup oil
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
1 cup dark chocolate chips, roughly chopped
Glaze
3.5 ounces dark chocolate chips (1/2 cup)
½ tablespoon butter
½ cup cream
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
 Additional ingredients
Crushed candy canes (2-3)
For serving: whipped cream or ice cream *for extra peppermint-y goodness, add a little peppermint extract to your sweetened  whipped cream while whipping.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter a budnt pan (make sure to get the inside center as well) and then dust with cocoa powder, covering all sides and then shaking out excess.
Place cake mix and dry pudding mix in the bowl of a stand mixer.  In a small mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, oil, milk, vanilla, and peppermint until smooth.  With mixer running, add liquid ingredients to cake mix and beat until combined.  Scrape down sides of bowl and then beat for 2 minutes on medium high speed.  Add chocolate chips and stir until combined.  Pour batter into budnt pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, until a skewer comes out with moist crumbs attached.
Glaze: While cake is baking, place chocolate chips and butter in a bowl.  Heat cream until hot and bubbly and then pour over chocolate.   Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then add peppermint and whisk until smooth.  Set aside.
When cake is done, let cool until just warm (15-20 minutes)  Invert onto a paper towel on a metal rack.  Let cool completely and place on serving platter. To glaze cake, either use a brush to lightly brush over surface, or spoon and drizzle chocolate over.  You may have extra.  If too thick, heat for a few seconds to loosen, if still warm and too runny, let cool longer or place in fridge to speed up process.  After cake is glazed (and you may want to wait for the glaze to set just a bit), sprinkle with crushed candy canes.  Slice into servings and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Quick Cheese Bread

from Mels

Notes: This was simple to throw together. I used mild cheddar as that is what I had on hand, I think sharp would taste best, but next time I might throw in some parmesan into the dough if I have to use mild again. I agree that the texture improves as it cools. Great initially, but better if left to cool. I think it would be great as a sandwich with scrambled eggs and bacon in the middle. Tried doing it with bacon and apple and mustard, or bacon and tomato as a panini, also yummy.Have to let it cool a little to firm up a bit again though.

Prin

Note: If the toothpick comes out with what looks like uncooked batter after testing the bread for doneness, try again in a different spot since the toothpick may have hit a pocket of cheese the first time. You definitely don’t want to overbake the bread or it will be dry. According to the original recipe, the texture of the bread improves as it cools, so if you can, resist the urge to slice the bread while it is still very hot. I can attest that this leftover cheese bread makes excellent toast. Use a toaster oven or baking sheet in a 425-degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes (a conventional toaster can be messy because the pockets of cheese will melt and burn).

INGREDIENTS

• 3 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded on large holes of box grater (about 1 cup)
• 3 cups (15 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 4-5 ounces sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk (2% milk may be substituted but don’t use skim milk)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup sour cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position in the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 5 by 9-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese evenly in bottom of pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper to combine. Using a rubber spatula, mix in cheddar cheese cubes, breaking up clumps, until cheese is coated with flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and sour cream. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined (the batter will be heavy and thick). Do not overmix. Scrape batter into prepared loaf pan; spread to sides of pan and level surface with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan evenly over surface.
3. Bake until deep golden brown and toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack 5 minutes; invert loaf from pan and continue to cool until warm, about 45 minutes. Cut into slices and serve.