pumpkin cinnamon rolls

A twist on the original: + pumpkin, - sugar, and 0 icing. To compensate the Halloween candy madness. Here in French (the recipe I followed - no icing) and here in English (slightly different, with icing).

healthier banana bread

Healthier. Not healthy. Because it's still a dessert, isn't it? But this banana bread is partially made of whole wheat flour, olive oil, yogurt, and dark brown sugar which make it .... healthier, right? 

cocoa/hazelnut/banana muffins

It's pouring. I need chocolate. 

pecan nut rolls

Remember the Tassajara cinnamon rolls posted on table.etc nearly 2 years ago? So good, huh? If you liked them, you will love these pecan nut rolls too. All you have to do is this:

1. use the same recipe as the cinnamon rolls, but add some nuts to the filling; 

2. opt for a slightly different shape,  by putting the rolls in 2 buttered/sugared pans 8 inches square, instead of lining them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Et voila', le tour est joue'!

espresso banana muffins

Moist, so moist! Irresistible for breakfast with a cappuccino.

orange whole wheat hotcakes

Last Sunday I din't  have any milk or buttermilk for cooking my usual Sunday breakfast pancakes (here or here). So I've tried these "orange whole wheat hotcakes" adapted from the Tassajara Bread Book. Even though they look like pancakes, "hotcakes" are different: they are more dense, crunchy, and fragrant.  Husband+daughters approved!

lemon poppy seeds muffins

It's here in California that I discovered the combination of lemon + poppy seeds in baked goods. And I loved it. Right away. And still do. A lot. Hmmmmm. So good. Yummy. Irresistible. Heaven. 

Cougnou (Belgian Christmas Pastry)

Imagine my deception at my first Californian Xmas when I realized I wouldn't get my typical Belgian "cougnou"*. Unthinkable! So I started looking for a recipe to bake my own. I found one on Marmiton (in French) and another one here (still in French). My final recipe is a mix of those two. Every year in December I bake these pastries for my family... but also for our friends. Everybody loves them, especially the kids.  I enjoy sharing my pastries and my traditions with them.

* It tastes a little like a French "brioche", but less buttery. 

Buttermilk Mini Scones

For those of you who have taken the habit to make the american pancakes (here), and don't know what else to bake with leftover buttermilk, here is a good recipe. It's also fast and easy. What more do you want?

Homemade Yogurt (without a yogurt maker)

It has been a while since I have wanted to make my own yogurt. At first I looked at the various kinds of yogurt makers. I wasn't sure... It was not a good sign. Then I've learned that you can make it without a yogurt maker. Again I wasn't sure... Finally a friend of mine made it. Without a yogurt maker, I mean. She made me taste it: it was damn good. And here I am  making my own yogurt too. I can't believe it!

Whole Wheat Muffins

While I was preparing these muffins, I was doubtful. The batter was so dark (whole wheat flour+molasses) that I was wondering if they would turn out good ...The answer to my anguish came from my daughter Adele: she ate 2 muffins right from the oven and asked for a 3rd. 

Breakfast Bread

The recipe of this breakfast bread is the same as the recipe of the cinnamon's rolls' dough. No filling here, no powdered sugar glaze either, and a different shape. After the dough has risen once, punch it down and let it rise again. Then divide into as many pieces as you would like to braid, roll out each piece into a strand, and braid. Place the dough on a greased cookie sheet and let it rise for 20 to 30 minutes until doubled. Brush with egg wash (1 egg+ 2tbs water or milk). Bake at 350F for 40 minutes or until golden brown. (The Tassajara Bread Book, p. 59)

Cinnamon Rolls

When I arrived in the US, I could smell cinnamon everywhere. Back then, I was not particularly a big fan... Same thing - even worse - for Alberto and the girls. Four years later, I've found myself baking cinnamon rolls! For me, cinnamon rolls are often too greasy and sweet. So I've reduced the quantities of butter and sugar.  Eighteen cinnamon rolls disappeared in less than 24 hours: apparently I am not the only one in the family who has changed opinion about cinnamon....

Whole Wheat Pancakes

As delicious and fluffy as the "regular" ones... (really!). Also healthier. And easier to make for those of you who live in Europe (no need for buttermilk).

Cranberry-Pecan Scones

Another american classic that we crave for. So addicting! 

Banana Bread

An american classic again: the banana bread. A friend of mine - who is american - gave me the recipe about 2 years ago. I made it so many times since then. Always successful. The recipe is adapted from the magazine Bon Appetit. You can find it here. 

Honey Toasted Muesli

The girls were never happy with the granola I bought whatever kind it was. This time I made it by myself and they didn't complain. There are tons of recipes on the net. Just choose the one that best suits your taste. I chose this one (with rolled oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, sesame seeds, and honey).

Pancakes

An american classic that has now become a classic on our week end breakfast table as well. The only difference: we scaled down their sizes.  Here is the recipe (in French). And here +/- the same recipe  with whole wheat flour  (in English).