Soft Pretzels

It was time to try something new, and since I was stuck being homebound all day while the workmen were putting our basement into (sort of) order, I thought I'd bake.  Madison helped me decide to try the soft pretzels.  I had tried a different version some years ago with whole wheat flour and a soda dip.  This one was much simpler, and the family agreed it was tasty.  Butter and salt may have had something to do with it. 

I found the recipe here.  This blogger wanted them to be vegan, but I used real butter.  I suppose I could switch to margerine if I was making these for a vegan, but since I very seldom cook for vegans, real butter is the way to go. 

I shaped them into sort of pretzel shapes.  Yes, I am aware they look like turds in the photo.  I should have twisted them more, dough sprang back after I shaped them.  Oh well, they were still delicious. 

Fluffy and chewy, and I sprinkled on lots of salt. 

Scones

I make scones from time to time, and my family always devours them.  On the occasions that I have made these for company or others, they have always been met with praise.  These are one of my go-to crowd pleasers.

I got the recipe from my favourite cookbook

It has a basic recipe for the plain scones, which is quite delicious on its own.  Then additions can be made to make them sweet or savoury.  Mark Bittman says that scones are ultra rich biscuits made with cream - you could make them with milk, but there what would be the point in that?

Here is how to make them:
Cream Scones

2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp sugar (if you are making these into sweet scones, use 2 tbsp sugar)
5 tbsp butter
2 eggs (plus one for egg wash)
3/4 cups heavy cream.  I use whipping cream

Combine dry ingredients, cut in the butter.
Beat the eggs into the cream and add to dry mixture.
Knead 10 times.  Pat flat and cut into shape, or use a round cutter or drinking glass to cut into 10-14 rounds.
Brush the tops with one egg mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional.  I never do this)
.

Bake at 450 for 7-9 minutes.  Test the inside by poking with a skewer or toothpick and make sure it comes out clean. 

Variations: 
Savoury - you could add just about anything savoury into this batter before baking.  I have tried herbs and bacon, but our absolute favourite is sharp cheddar cheese.  I add about 1 cup of grated cheese to the eggs and cream as I beat them together.  These cheesy biscuits are perfect to go along with soup.

Sweet - you could add just about anything sweet into the batter too.  Fruit, raisins, nuts, spices, whatever.  Recently I made these into a dessert by adding a half cup of coconut and a tsp of coconut extract (along with a little extra sugar).  Then I served them with sweetened creme fraiche and homemade saskatoon syrup.

Also I have made miniature scones with lemon and poppy seeds that my son thinks are "Hobbit seed cakes". 

#100happydays 91-104

Thursday, July 31

Caylie chose to visit the kangaroo farm for her birthday treat.  Everyone loved it so much!  We got to hold baby joeys and they were adorable!

Friday, August 1
Kai drew me this picture and presented it as a gift.

Saturday, Aug 2
Made super delish dessert with saskatoon berry syrup and creme fraish.

Sunday, Aug 3
Ran with some buddies and had a great time.

Monday, Aug 4
Went out for ice cream with the kiddos.

Tuesday, Aug 5
Fun on the ferry to Vancouver Island.

Wednesday, Aug 6
Reunited with the cousins!  Kai had a blast with his little cuz, Rhys

Thursday, Aug 7
More fun with cousins.  Bumber boat battle and mini golf.

Friday, Aug 8
Let the record show that I insisted on taking a family photo this evening and it turned out nice.

Saturday, Aug 9
Little family hike to the beach

Sunday, Aug 10
Tried a pinterest hairstyle on Caylie and she loved it.

Monday, Aug 11
Madison has been so scowly lately.  Probably it's being 12 that gets her down.  So it's always a minor victory when I catch her having fun and smiling.  Love her!

Tuesday, Aug 13
Kai made a sword out of sand and was proud of himself.

Thursday, Aug 14
Happy Anniversary, Kent!  15 happy years together and we still have lots to look forward to!  I love when I get to see him being happy and silly.