Foodiection – Food Madeness

Ingredient: Unsalted Butter

  • Croissant

    Croissant

    Croissants are iconic French pastries known for their flaky layers and buttery flavor. Making croissants from scratch may seem daunting, but with patience and attention to detail, you can create delicious homemade croissants that rival those from a bakery.

    Here’s the recipe for the Delicious Homemade Croissant;

     

    Directions:

    • In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut cold butter into small cubes and add to the flour mixture. 
    • Use a pastry cutter or fingertips to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
    • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. 
    • Add the yeast mixture and cold milk to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
    • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. 
    • Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
    • Roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter, then roll it out again and fold it into thirds. 
    • Repeat this process twice, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
    • Roll out the dough one last time into a rectangle and cut into triangles. 
    • Roll each triangle tightly from the base to the tip to form croissants.
    • Place croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.
    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and let the croissants rise for 30 minutes. 
    • Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
    • Enjoy warm, fresh croissants with your favorite jam or as is!
  • Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are thick and chewy with oats and chocolate chips. The secret ingredient for great Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies is Brown Butter which is easy to make. It takes about 10 minutes on the stove over medium heat and is worth it. The butter foams up, brown bits will start to form at the bottom, and it starts to off a nutty aroma. 

    For Oats don’t use steel-cut or instant oats. If you do add a cup of shredded coconut to the mix, the cookies will be chewier. You can skip the coconut if you don’t like the taste. You can add dried cranberries, raisins, roasted almonds, or walnuts for taste buds.

    Here’s the recipe for Great Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies;

     

    Directions

    • Preheat the oven to 175° C.
    • Grease 2 cookie sheets or place parchment paper.

    For Brown Butter: 

    • Place butter in a medium-sized stainless steel saucepan or another pan with a light, reflective interior. Otherwise, you won’t be able to see the butter browning. 
    • Heat on medium. Melt the butter and whisk. 
    • Continue to cook the butter. As it cooks, the butter will foam up, and then the foam will subside.
    •  Whisk frequently to check underneath the bubbly surface. At some point, browned bits will form in the pan and the butter will begin to smell nutty. 
    • Do carefully watch, it’s easy for the butter to go from brown to burnt. 
    • When the brown bits begin to form, remove the pan from heat. 
    • Pour the melted butter with browned bits into a glass bowl. 
    • Allow to cool a bit, and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
    • In a bowl, whisk the flour, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon together.
    • Place the brown butter (along with the brown bits) in a large bowl.
    • Add brown and white sugar.
    • Beat on medium-high speed until smooth.
    • Add eggs and vanilla extract. Beat for 3 more minutes on medium speed until smooth and light.
    • Using a wooden spoon, stir the flour mixture into the batter.
    • Stir in 2 tbsp of water. (If needed)
    • Add oats, chocolate chips, almonds, and coconut into the mixture and fold.
    • Spoon out heaping tbsp of cookie dough and lay them on lined cookie sheets.
    • Make sure you have about 2″ of space between each cookie. 
    • Bake them at 175°C  for 10 minutes or until they become brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
    • If you want some crispier you can bake them for another 12-14 minutes.
    • Let them cool for 2-3 minutes, then transfer on a cooling rack.
    • Serve with tea or coffee, or store in an airtight jar for 3-5 days.
  • Apple Crumble

    Apple Crumble

    Apple Crumble is a comforting and delicious dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy crumble topping. It’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to special gatherings. This recipe adds a twist with a hint of nutmeg for added warmth and flavor.

    Here’s the Delicious and Crunchy recipe for Apple Crumble;

     

    Directions

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Grease a baking dish.
    • In a large bowl toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated. 
    • Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish.
    • In another bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt for the crumble topping. 
    • Add the cubed butter and use your fingers to rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
    • Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
    • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. 
    • For serving it can be topped with a scoop of ice cream to enhance the taste.
    • Enjoy your warm and comforting Apple Crumble!
  • Butterscotch Cookies

    Butterscotch Cookies

    Butterscotch cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of butter, brown sugar, and butterscotch chips. This crispy, crunchy cookie is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your cookie craving. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion, from afternoon snacks to dessert tables.

    Here’s the recipe for Crispy and Crunchy yet Delicious Butterscotch Cookies;

     

    Directions:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
    • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. 
    • Stir in the vanilla extract.
    • In a separate bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and whisk together.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough is well combined.
    • Fold the dough in the butterscotch chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
    • Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Chewy Pretzels

    Chewy Pretzels

    Try out the delightful chewiness of homemade pretzels with this easy and unique recipe. These pretzels boast a soft interior and a slightly crisp exterior. Perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite dips. You can enjoy fresh out of the oven or reheated for later.

    Enjoy these chewy pretzels warm or at room temperature, and savor the irresistible texture and flavor they bring!

    Here’s the recipe for the Delicious Chewy Pretzels;

     

    Directions

    • In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. 
    • Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
    • In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and melted butter. 
    • Kneading until a smooth dough forms.
    • Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
    • Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. 
    • Roll each piece into a rope and shape it into a pretzel.
    • In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add baking soda. 
    • Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then transfer to the baking sheet.
    • Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
    • Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving.
  • Banana Cookies

    Banana Cookies

    The Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that generates the natural sweetness of ripe bananas in our mouth. These banana Cookies are soft, cake-like, or like muffin tops. They’re perfect for using up overripe bananas. They are seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, Mace or vanilla extract, walnuts or pecans, and chocolate chips. 

    Here’s the recipe for delicious banana Cookies;

     

    Direction

    • Preheat the oven to 180° C.
    • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
    • Add an egg and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
    • In a separate bowl, mix the mashed bananas and baking soda. Let sit for 2 minutes.
    • Mix the banana mixture with the butter mixture.
    • In a bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and cinnamon together.
    • Add flour mixture into the banana mixture and mix until just combined.
    • Fold crushed walnuts, chocolate chips, or pecans into the batter.
    • Drop in dollops onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until nicely golden brown.
    • Let cool on the wire rack.
    • Enjoy with tea or coffee.
  • Apple Pie

    Apple Pie

    Apple Pie is a timeless classic in American baking, beloved for its comforting flavors and flaky crust. A warm slice of this flaky, buttery-crust, sweet, and aromatic Apple pie topped on with a scoop of ice cream is a perfect end to a feast, from a casual lunch to an elegant dinner.

    This homemade apple pie is sure to delight with its tender, apple filling encased in a flaky crust—a perfect dessert for any occasion.

    Here’s a unique recipe to create a delicious homemade apple pie;

     

    Directions:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and granulated sugar for the crust. 
    • Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • In another mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and vanilla extract for the filling. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch pie dish. 
    • Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
    • Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
    • Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
    • Cut slits or create decorative vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
    • Brush the top crust with a beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
    • Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
    • Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
    • Serve with a topping of a scoop of ice cream.
  • Blondie Ice Cream Cake

    Blondie Ice Cream Cake

    This luscious and creamy Blondie Ice Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the heavenly flavors of rich soft chewy and delicious blondies with creamy vanilla ice cream. This invitingly delectable Blondie Ice Cream Cake makes a perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings and will be a show-topping treat during a feast or celebration.  

    Here’s the recipe for this super indulgent rich and heavenly Blondie Ice Cream Cake;

     

    Directions

    • Grease the baking pan with butter and set aside.
    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
    • In a bowl, sift and whisk together all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt)
    • Beat butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
    • Add eggs to the sugar mixture (one at a time)
    • Add flour mixture gradually.
    • Stir until well combined. (do not overmix)
    • Fold in chocolate chips.
    • Bake in a preheated oven for about 30-40 min.
    • Insert a toothpick to check if the cake is done.
    • Let cool completely and then lift it out.
    • Cut half of the cake into a round, and the remaining half into 3/4-inch cubes.
    • Place the round cake in the bottom of the springform pan.
    • Mix 1½ of the cake cubes into softened ice cream. (reserve remaining cubes)
    • Spread ice cream over the cake.
    • Wrap with plastic and freeze until firm. (at least 6 hrs or overnight)

     

    For Sauce:

     

    • In a saucepan, add sugar and 3 tbsp water.
    • Let the sugar dissolve on low heat. 
    • Cook sugar syrup until golden. (abt. 6-8 mins)
    • Remove from heat.
    • Whisk in butter, salt, and cream.
    • Add chocolate while stirring.
    • Mix until well combined.
    • Transfer into a heatproof bowl.
    • Refrigerate for about 30-40 min or until the mixture is cool and has a consistency of thick hot fudge.
    • Remove the cake from the freezer.
    • Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to loosen the cake from the sides of the pan.
    • Transfer the cake to a serving plate.
    • Pour cooled sauce over the cake.
    • Freeze it again for at least 1 hour.
    • Garnish with remaining cake cubes, chocolate shavings, roasted nuts, or chocolate chips.
    • Serve chilled.
    • Enjoy!
  • Buttermilk Biscuits

    Buttermilk Biscuits

    Homemade Buttermilk biscuits are a warm comfort that boasts a heavenly fluffy texture and a rich, buttery flavor that leaves you craving more. These simple-to-make and utterly delicious, buttermilk biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a scrumptious side to your favorite meals.

    Here’s the recipe for these super indulgent and satisfying homemade buttermilk biscuits;

     

    Direction

     

    • Preheat the oven to 450°F or 232°C.
    • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Set aside
    • In a bowl, combine all dry ingredients. (Flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt)
    • Cut butter into flour mixture with the help of a pastry cutter OR use a food processor.
    • Mix butter in dry ingredients until the mixture resembles crumbs. (for about 5 min)
    • Pour cold buttermilk into the mixture.
    • Stir until combined. (Don’t overwork your dough)
    • Turn the dough onto a floured surface.
    • Pat together into a rectangle.
    • Fold the rectangle in thirds.
    • Turn the dough a half turn, gather any crumbs, and flatten it back into a rectangle.
    • Repeat folding and pressing dough at least three times.
    • Roll dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick. 
    • Cut out 12 biscuits using a 2½-inch round biscuit cutter. 

    (Note: Don’t twist your cutter. Just cut the dough straight down and pull the cutter right back out.)

    • Arrange the biscuits on the baking sheet touching each other.
    • Brush the top of each biscuit with buttermilk.
    • Bake at 450°F or 232°C for about 15-17 mins or until lightly golden.
    • Remove from the oven.
    • Brush with melted butter.
    • Let cool for a few minutes.
    • Serve with jam, gravy, Nutella, or sauce.
    • Enjoy!
  • Skillet Cookie Cake

    Skillet Cookie Cake

    Indulge your sweet tooth with this delightful and easy-to-make Skillet Cookie Cake. Bursting with gooey chocolate chips, this soft and chewy treat is the perfect dessert for any occasion. This easy-to-make one-skillet dessert is just heavenly.

    Here’s the recipe for this delightful chocolate Skillet Cookie Cake;

     

    Directions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
    • Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
    • In a large bowl, combine butter and both sugars.
    • Add egg and vanilla to the sugar mixture and combine.
    • Now add flour, baking soda, and salt and stir.
    • Add chocolate chips and bounties and fold.
    • Transfer to a skillet; smooth top.
    • Bake until the cookie is golden brown. (18-20 min)
    • Let cool for 5 min.
    • Serve hot with tea, coffee, or ice cream, and enjoy.