Category Archives: Baking

Hummingbird Cake

09 Monday Dec 2019

Posted by in Baking, Dessert, wrks4me - Recipes

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Humminbird Cake

Ingredientswrks4me_terry_tested-11

Cake

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 can crushed pineapple (NOT DRAINED) (8 ounces)
  • 2 cups chopped bananas (1 1/2 cups mashed) or 3 bananas
  • Shortening (for greasing pan)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted pecans)

Icing

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2-3/4 cup(s) flaked coconut (depending on your taste)
  • 1-2 package(s) of cream cheese (8 ounces ea., depending on your taste)
  • 1/2 cup of butter
  • 4 cups of icing sugar (16 ounces)
  • 1-2 teaspoons vanilla (depending on your taste)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Combine flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and cinnamon in a large bowl
  3. Add eggs and oil, stir until ingredients are moistened
  4. Stir in vanilla, pineapple, bananas and 1 cup of chopped toasted pecans (put pecans on a baking sheet and put under the broiler for a minute or two while stirring to ensure they don’t burn)
  5. Pour batter into 3 well-greased and floured 9-inch cake pans
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes our clean.
  7. Remove from pans after cooling for about 10 minutes and then cool cake completely before icing (about 1 hour)
  8. Cream butter in mixer and add vanilla and gradually add icing sugar. Stir in coconut.
  9. Spread 1 cups of cream cheese icing over first layer and top with second layer and top with another cup of icing, then top with last layer and frost the top and sides with remaining icing. Decorate top with pecan half’s and pecan pieces

Note: I know prefer to use two jello roll pans (these pans are smaller than a cookie sheet) lined with parchment paper instead of cake pans. I use an ice cream scoop to divide the batter between the pans. This makes 4 equal layers. Back around 15-20 minutes instead of 30 minutes as they are less thick. Once each layer is cooled enough I simply cut them in half including the parchment paper and stack them onto of each other til I’m ready to frost them. I then remove the parchment paper and ice each layer but not the sides. I then trim each side to make it nice and neat. To serve cut the cake down the middle and then serve 1-2 inch slices.

Original Recipe Link

 

Apples 101

21 Monday Oct 2019

Posted by in Baking, Dessert, Salads, Side Dishes, Snacks, wrks4me - Recipes

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apples 101

Good to know?

  • Apples are members of the rose family
  • Apple trees take about 4 to 5 years to produce fruit
  • Apple trees may be propagated by budding or grafting
  • Pour a little citric juice (ie. lemon, lime, grapefruit or apple juices) or even saltwater over peeled apples to prevent them from browning
  • Smaller apples keep longer than larger ones
  • Store baskets or bushels of apples covered with perforated plastic in the dark in a well-ventilated room 32-39 degrees F. (0-4 degrees C) to prevent shrivelling
  • It takes about six medium apples about 2lbs (900g) for a 9″ pie or 3 cups (700ml) of apple sauce

Uses for Common Apples

Eating Whole

 Salads Baking Sauce

Cider
Ambroisia

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Braeburn

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Cortland

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Empire

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Fiji

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Golden Delicious

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Granny Smith

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Honey Crisp

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Idared

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Jonathan

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Johnagold

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Mcintosh

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Northern Spy

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Pink Lady

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Red Delicious • •
Royal Gala • •
Spartan • •

2 Minute Keto Microwave Bread

27 Friday Sep 2019

Posted by in Baking, Breakfast, Gluten Free, Low Carb

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2 minute keto bread 2

Ingredientswrks4me_terry_tested-11

  • 1/2 cup (56 gm) Almond Flour
  • 1/2 Scoop (1 rounded tbsp or 15g) Unflavoured Whey Powder (if you don’t have Whey Powder use more Almond Flour) p.s. I have used Vanilla flavoured as well if you don’t have unflavoured. Can’t taste
  • 1/2 tsp (2-3gm) Erythritol (or your favourite sugar-free sweetener)
  • 1/2 tsp (2-3gm) Baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum
  • 70g Water (approx. 1/3 cup)
  • 1/8 tsp salt (optional)

Directions

2 minute keto bread

  1. Spray cooking oil into a 3 cup microwave-safe container
  2. In a separate bowl combine all ingredients until well mixed
  3. Put into the microwave container
  4. Put into the microwave and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes depending on the power of your microwave
  5. Remove when cooled and cut in half and then in half again to get 4 pieces

Terrific toasted2 minute keto bread 3

Enjoy

Original recipe

 

 

 

Soda Cracker Crust and Easy Lemon Pie

26 Friday Jul 2019

Posted by in Baking, Dessert

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Soda Cracker Pie

Ingredients:

For the crust:wrks4me_terry_tested-11

  • 1 1/2 sleeves of salted soda crackers (about 6 ounces or 60 crackers)
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • Optional: 1 Tablespoon of lemon zest

For the filling:

  • 2 (300 ml) cans of sweetened condensed milk
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 1/2 – 3/4 cups of lemon or lime juice or a mix of the two
  • 1 cup Fresh whipped cream, for garnish plus 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • Coarse sea salt (or Kosher salt), for garnish

Directions:

Option 1

For the crust:

  1. Put crackers into a plastic bag and crush them fine
  2. Put crushed cracker into a bowl and add cold butter and sugar
  3. Mix together til looking like coast meal
  4. Press into a pie shell up the sides and bottom
  5. Refrigerate for 15 minutes before baking in a preheated 350 degree F. oven
  6. Put into oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until crust is golden brown

For filling:

  • Put condensed milk, yolks, lemon and optional lemon zest into a bowl and whisk or beat till smooth
  • Bake for 14-16 minutes or until filling is set
  • Refrigerate until cold
  • Serve topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of kosher salt

For whipped cream:

  • Put whipped cream into a cold bowl along with sugar and whip till cream reached stiff peaks.

Option 2 (Easiest method – food processor)

For crust:

  • Put crackers, butter and sugar into food processor and pulse until well mixed
  • Press into a pie shell up the sides and bottom
  • Refrigerate for 15 minutes before baking in a preheated 350 degree F. oven
  • Put into oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until crust is golden brown

For filling:

  • Put condensed milk, yolks, lemon and optional lemon zest into food processor and pulse until smooth
  • Bake for 14-16 minutes or until filling is set
  • Refrigerate until cold
  • Serve topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of kosher salt

For whipped cream:

  • Put whipped cream into a cold bowl along with sugar and whip till cream reached stiff peaks.

Note: You can use this pie crust for other pie fillings as well, such as a coconut or banana cream pie. Chocolate or butterscotch pie, or if you prefer, a key lime pie instead of a lemon.

Enjoy

 

 

 

 

Truly Delicious Low Carb/Low Sugar Chocolate Chip Blondies

28 Thursday Feb 2019

Posted by in Baking, Low Carb, wrks4me - Recipes

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Sugar Free Blondies

Ingredientswrks4me_terry_tested-11

  • 4.5 ounces (130g) unsalted butter softened (You can use salted butter if that’s what you have)
  • 4.5 ounces (130g) natural peanut butter smooth (You can use regular smooth peanut butter if that’s what you have, just watch the sugar content)
  • 3 ounces (85g) Stevia/Erythritol Sweetener or Sugar substitute
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 ounce (28g) coconut flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 3.5 ounces (100g) Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven 180C/350F
  2. Put peanut butter and softened butter into a mixing bowl and beat on medium speed until smooth
  3. Add your sugar substitute and beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy
  4. Add eggs and vanilla and beat continue to beat until well combined
  5. Add coconut flour and baking powder and beat on until the ingredients are mixed
  6. Fold in with a spatula the chocolate chips
  7. Pour the mixture into an 8″x8″ lined square cake tin
  8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean
  9. Allow to cool before cutting into 16 pieces (note: the squares will drop a little as they cool)

Enjoy

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

09 Sunday Dec 2018

Posted by in Baking, Dessert, wrks4me - Recipes

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Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredientswrks4me_terry_tested-11

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (use only half if you use salted butter)
  • 4 ounces milk chocolate squares (chopped)
  • 4 ounces of chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup or (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

DirectionsDouble Chocolate Chip Cookies 2

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt (if using unsalted butter) into a bowl (put aside)
  3. Over medium melt butter and add chopped chocolate into a pan. Cook until all is melted
  4. Put melted chocolate mixture into a mixing bowl and add sugar, eggs, and vanilla; mix on medium speed until combined.
  5. Reduce speed to low and gradually mix in flour/cocoa mixture.
  6. After all is mixed fold in chocolate chips.
  7. With a cookie scoop (1 1/2 inch) scoop batter onto a lined baking sheet (I prefer a silicon pad)
  8. Bake approximately 15 minutes or until cookies are flat and surfaces begin to crack.
  9. Let cool on wire racks.

Options: Add your favourite chopped nuts (ie. Walnuts or Pecan) along with the Chocolate Chips

Enjoy

French Almond Cake

02 Sunday Sep 2018

Posted by in Baking, wrks4me - Recipes

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French Almond Cake - update

Ingredientswrks4me_terry_tested-11

For Cake Batter

  • 3/4 cup of plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
  • 1 1/2 cups of sugar
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup of almond flour
  • 1 1/2 cups of  all-purpose flour (preferably unbleached)
  • 3 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil

For Glaze

  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 3 tablespoons of orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3/4 cup of powdered sugar (icing sugar) (plus additional for decoration)
  • 1/2 cups sliced toasted almonds (store bought or make them yourself, recipe to follow)

Directions

To make toasted almonds

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Place parchment paper onto a cookie sheet. Spray parchment paper with vegetable oil
  3. Spread slivered almonds in a single layer and bake 10-15 minutes until almonds just begin to turn golden brown. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent burning. When toasted remove from sheet and keep aside for decoration

For Glaze

  1. Mix together orange zest, orange juice, powdered (icing) sugar, vanilla and almond extracts. Whisk and set aside

For Cake Batter

  1. Spray sides of a 9-inch round cake pan and line bottom with parchment paper
  2. Stir until well blended the yogurt, sugar and eggs.
  3. Add all-purpose and almond flours along with baking powder, salt and almond and vanilla extracts
  4. Add oil and mix for about 2 or 3 minutes
  5. Pour batter into pan and bake for 30-45 minutes. If top is getting too brown, cover with foil sprayed with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Bake until cake feels springy to the touch and toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not over bake. Cool cake on wire rack.
  6. While cake is still warm use a pastry brush to gently pat glaze all over the top and sides. Continue to patting on glaze til all used up, it will be soaked up by the cake.
  7. Sprinkle almonds over top of cake while glaze is still wet and pat gently.
  8. Cool cake completely and then sprinkle with powdered (icing) sugar and serve

Enjoy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keto Friendly Peanut Butter Cookies

17 Thursday May 2018

Posted by in Baking, Low Carb, wrks4me - Recipes

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Peanut Butter Cookies

 

Ingredientswrks4me_terry_tested-11

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup Trivia Baking Blend (this contains some sugar), I use Whole Earth Baking Blend which uses 50% sugar
    or use 1/3 cup of Trivia Sugar Substitute or your favourite Sugar Substitute.
    (if you prefer to use sugar, use 1 cup instead of 1/2 cup of sweetener)
  • 1 egg
  • (optional) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Mix together peanut butter, egg, sugar substitute and optional vanilla extract into a bowl
  2. Roll about a tablespoon each into balls and place on a baking sheet
  3. Use a fork dipped in water and lightly press the cookies down
  4. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees F.
  5. When baked, let them rest before eating as they will be soft
  6. I store them in the refrigerator

Enjoy

Old Fashioned Apple Pie

24 Sunday Dec 2017

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Old Fashioned Apple Pie

Ingredientswrks4me_terry_tested-11

  • 4-8 apples 20 oz (I use Gala)
  • 2 Tablepoons of lemon juice
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Crumble Topping

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Directions

  1. Peel and slice apples and add lemon juice to prevent browning
  2. Combine all dry ingredients and toss together with apples
  3. Put into a prepared unbaked pie shell
  4. Top with pie pastry and add slits to allow steam to escape or top with a Crumble Topping.
  5. Bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes then turn down to 350 degees F for 45 minutes. If the edges are getting too brown, place strips of foil around the edge while baking.

Directions for Crumble Toppings

Mix together all ingredients until they resemble course meal and sprinkle on top of pie mixture