Category Archives: desserts

Blueberry Boy Bait

I love looking around antique fairs for cookbooks and recipes. I stumbled upon the 1954 Pillsbury Grand National Baking Contest recipe book and was drawn to the recipe with the amusing title Blueberry Boy Bait. A young teenager won the 2nd prize in the Grand National Junior Contest with this recipe she made her friends. There are many adaptions of this receipt from Nigella Lawson to Smitten Kitchen , sharing my favorite from Smitten Kitchen. With a name like Blueberry Boy Bait the cake is had to resist and so good you can understand why it is boy bait. too bad I didn’t find this recipe a long time ago!!

From by the bay, wishing you fond boy bait food memories!

Maryann

Blueberry Boy Bait
From Smitten Kitchen , which adapted it from the Cook’s Illustrated version, which was adapted from the original

Serves 12, generously

2 cups (250 grams) plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon table salt
16 tablespoons unsalted butter (2 sticks, 8 ounces or 225 grams), softened
3/4 cup (145 grams) packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup (235 ml) whole milk (though buttermilk, which was all I had on hand, worked just great)
1/2 cup (about 85 grams) blueberries, fresh or frozen (if frozen, do not defrost first as it tends to muddle in the batter)

Topping
1/2 cup (about 85 grams) blueberries, fresh or frozen (do not defrost)
1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the cake: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

Whisk two cups flour, baking powder, and salt together in medium bowl. With electric mixer, beat butter and sugars on medium-high speed until fluffy, about two minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until just incorporated and scraping down bowl. Reduce speed to medium and beat in one-third of flour mixture until incorporated; beat in half of milk. Beat in half of remaining flour mixture, then remaining milk, and finally remaining flour mixture. Toss blueberries with remaining one teaspoon flour. Using rubber spatula, gently fold in blueberries. Spread batter into prepared pan.

For the topping:
Scatter blueberries over top of batter. Stir sugar and cinnamon together in small bowl and sprinkle over batter. Bake until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan 20 minutes, then turn out and place on serving platter (topping side up). Serve warm or at room temperature. (Cake can be stored in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.)

Green Tea ( Matcha) Pound Cake

During my recent trip to Thailand , I came across desserts using powdered green tea or matcha. Matcha has been used over the years as a mood enhancer. It is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Using the powdered green tea as an ingredient to my pound cake lends a light green color to the batter. Once the pound cake is baked it lends slight acidic yet sweetness to the cake. The results using green tea in my pound cake result is a cake that is beautiful to look at and delicious to eat!

From by the bay, wishing you green tea food memories!

Maryann

Green Tea ( Matcha) Pound Cake

Ingredients cake
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
2 cups all-purpose flour plus more
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
5 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon matcha ( powdered green tea)
2 teaspoons vanilla

Ingredients Glaze

1 cup confectioner’s sugar
5 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon matcha ( powdered green tea)

Directions
Arrange a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 325°. Coat a 9x5x3″ loaf pan with nonstick spray. Dust pan with flour; tap out excess.Whisk 2 cups flour, salt, matcha and baking powder in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes. Add sugar; beat until well incorporated, 1–2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating to blend between additions. Add milk and vanilla; beat until well combined (mixture will look curdled) 2–3 minutes. Add dry ingredients; reduce speed to low and beat just until blended. Pour batter into prepared pan; smooth top.Bake cake, rotating halfway through, until a tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 1/2 hours. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely in pan. Run a sharp knife around sides to loosen; unmold cake. Cool. Combine ingredients for glaze in a bowl and mix until smooth. Drizzle on top of cake. Let glaze harden and serve. Store airtight at room temperature.

Buttermilk Pudding with Strawberry Rhubarb Compote

A sure way to welcome the bounty of spring is using the early rhubarb and strawberries in a delicious compote flavored with rich vanilla. This compote is the perfect topping for breakfast on top of pancakes, french toast or Greek yogurt or use the compote to complete desserts such as cake , ice cream or pudding. I find the best match to this compote is this old fashion buttermilk pudding. The buttermilk pudding is slightly tart, creamy, smooth and rich. It’s the perfect balance to the tart and sweet compote. You can also enjoy this pudding on its own or just topped with fresh berries.

From by the bay, wishing you creamy buttermilk food memories!

Maryann

Buttermilk Pudding with Strawberry Rhubarb Compote

Serves 4 to 6

Serve the buttermilk pudding and top with the Strawberry Rhubarb Compote. Recipes follow.

Buttermilk Pudding

Ingredients
1 1/4-ounce envelope unflavored gelatin

1 cup heavy cream

2/3 cup sugar

2 cups buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

canola oil for the ramekins
Directions
Combine the gelatin with 1/4 cup water in a small bowl or measuring cup and let stand for 3 minutes. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup of the cream and the sugar. Cook, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and whisk in the gelatin.
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, vanilla, and the remaining cream. Stir in the warm cream mixture.
Lightly oil six 6-ounce ramekins. Divide the mixture evenly among the ramekins. Refrigerate, covered, 3 hours or overnight. To serve, run a knife around the edge of each ramekin and invert onto plates.
Darienne Sutton
August 2007 in Real Simple

Strawberry Rhubarb Compote

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups juice and/or water
½ cup sugar
1/4 cup agave nectar
1-pounds rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 1/4 –inch wide pieces
1 pound (450 g) strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 teaspoon vanilla and optional 1 teaspoon framboise

Directions
In a large, nonreactive saucepan, heat the water, juice, ginger, sugar, and agave. When all the sugar is dissolved and the syrup is simmering, add the rhubarb and let the rhubarb cook in the simmering syrup until it’s just softened, which may take as little as 5 minutes, depending on the rhubarb. Add the strawberries and simmer another five minutes. Remove from heat and add the vanilla and the framboise, if using. Cool and refrigerate until ready to use. Serve warm or room temperature.

Best Lemon Desserts for Spring

Pick from these favorite desserts featuring the clean, tart taste of lemons!!

Enjoy from the by the bay!

Maryann

Lemon Bars
makes 9 bars or 18 small bites

Crust:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar, plus more for dusting bars
pinch salt
1 stick unsalted butter softened, plus more for greasing

Filling:
3 eggs
1 1/2 cup fine sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a non stick pan 8 by 8
Make the crust by combining flour, confectioner’s sugar, salt into a bowl. Add butter and mix with your hands to make pea size crumbs. Turn into the greased pan and press the dough down into the bottom of the pan covering it all. Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes. Take out and cool.
While crust is baking make filling by using an electric mixer to combine the eggs, sugar, zest, juice, flour and baking soda. Mix until smooth. Pour filling into baked crust and bake for 35 minutes until filling is set. Take out of the oven let cool and cut into 9 bars. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and serve.

Citrus Pistachio Pound Cake

Recipe published in Bon Appetit 2012 from The Tasting Room in Houston Texas

Ingredients

Nonstick vegetable oil spray

2 cups all-purpose flour plus more

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

2 cups sugar

5 large eggs

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest

1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest

1 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped, divided

Directions

Arrange a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 325°. Coat a 9x5x3″ loaf pan with nonstick spray. Dust pan with flour; tap out excess.Whisk 2 cups flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes. Add sugar; beat until well incorporated, 1–2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating to blend between additions. Add juices and zests; beat until well combined (mixture will look curdled), 2–3 minutes. Add dry ingredients; reduce speed to low and beat just until blended. Fold in 3/4 cup pistachios. Pour batter into prepared pan; smooth top. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup pistachios over.Bake cake, rotating halfway through, until a tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 1/2 hours. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely in pan. Run a sharp knife around sides to loosen; unmold cake. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Lemon Pound Cake

Ingredient

1/2 pound butter , at room temperature
3 cups cake flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups granulated sugar
5 egga, at room temperature
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
zest of one lemon

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Grease and flour one 10 inch tube pan. In the bowl of an electric mixer cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs yolks, lemon juice and zest scraping down the sides of the bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the whites until fluffy, continue beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold some of the flour mixture into the yolk mixture, then some of the whites, and continue alternating this way until you have a well-combined, smooth, fluffy batter. Pour the batter into the tube pan. Make sure to avoid air pockets. Place on baking sheet in the oven for 55 to 60 minutes, until a tester comes out clean. Remove and cool for 10 minutes then invert on rack to finish cooling. Once cool remove from pan and place on tray and serve.

Lemon Ice Box Pie
CONTRIBUTED BY DAVID GUAS
TOTAL TIME: 1 HR PLUS 7 HR COOLING AND FREEZING
SERVINGS: MAKES ONE 9-INCH PIE
MAKE-AHEAD
STAFF-FAVORITE
This silken frozen pie is adapted from Clancy’s, one of David Guas’s favorite New Orleans neighborhood restaurants. (Recipe adapted from DamGoodSweet.)

Ingredients

14 whole graham crackers, broken
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Two 14-ounce cans sweetened condensed milk
1 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice, plus 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
8 large egg yolks

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325°. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers with the sugar and salt until finely ground but not powdery. Add the butter and pulse until the crumbs are evenly moistened; transfer to a 9-inch springform pan and press into the bottom and two-thirds up the side. Set the pan on a rimmed baking sheet.
In a medium bowl, whisk the condensed milk with the lemon juice. In another bowl, using a handheld mixer, beat the lemon zest with the egg yolks until pale. Beat in the condensed milk mixture until smooth. Pour the filling into the crust.
Bake the pie for 25 minutes, until the center jiggles slightly and the edges are set. Transfer the pan to a rack; let cool for 1 hour. Loosely cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze the pie for at least 6 hours.
Wrap a warm, damp kitchen towel around the side of the springform pan to release the pie; remove the ring. Using a hot knife, slice the pie, transfer to plates and serve.

Lemon Posset
Serves 6

Ingredients

3 cups heavy cream
1 1/4 cups granulated fine sugar, plus 1 teaspoon
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest

Directions
In a medium sauce pan add the cream and 1 1/4 cups sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Continue to boil for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Pour into 6 ramekins. Refrigerate until set, at least 5 hours. To serve mix the lemon zest and sugar together to top each portion.

Ideas for serving Lemon Posset:
1. with fresh berries
2. with whipped cream
3. with cookies – such as shortbread or amaretti
4. with a berry sauce, such as blueberry or raspberry

Slightly Salted Brownie Cake

I love recipes that are easy to make, impressive to serve and delicious to eat. This recipe delivers 100% and more. You can make the simple batter a few hours in advance, put in a ramekin and keep in the refrigerator. Bake at the end of your meal and serve warm! Perfection.

From by the bay, wishing you warm brownie cake food memories!

Maryann

SLIGHTLY SALTED BROWNIE CAKE

Adapted from a recipe featured on Goop ” Date Night Dinners”

SERVES 2
2 ounces salted butter

2 ounces dark chocolate (60% cacao)

¼ cup sugar

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 ½ tablespoons flour

whipped cream, crème fraiche or ice cream, optional

1. Lightly grease two 6-ounce ramekins with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate together over medium low heat, whisking every so often to make sure the chocolate doesn’t burn. Once the mixture is melted and smooth, remove the pan from the stove and whisk in sugar and vanilla. Add the flour, whisk, then add the egg and whisk until everything is incorporated. Use a spatula to divide the batter evenly between the two ramekins. At this point you can cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

3. To cook, bake in a 375 degree oven for exactly 18 minutes. Serve plain, with freshly whipped cream, crème fraîche, or your favorite ice cream.

My Best Easter Recipes

Sharing my best Easter recipes to plan your holiday menu, you’ll find you will use these recipes again and again as I do.

From by the bay wishing you , a happy spring and holiday!

Maryann

Natural Egg Dye Recipes

Red Beets / Pink Eggs – Grate 4 tablespoons of red beets and add to a heat safe container. Add 1 teaspoon white vinegar and 1 cup boiling water. Let sit for 1 hour, strain and add eggs to dye.

Red Cabbage/ Blue Eggs – Add 3 tablespoons chopped red cabbage to a heat safe container. Add 1 teaspoon white vinegar and 1 cup boiling water. Let sit for 1 hour, strain and add eggs.

Annatto Seeds/ Reddish Golden Color – Add 2 tablespoons annatto seeds ( achiote seeds) to 1 cup of water, bring to a boil for about 5 to 7 minutes. Strain. Add eggs to the dye.

Red Cabbage and Turmeric Powder/ Green Color – Add 3 tablespoons chopped red cabbage and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder to a heat safe container. Add one cup of boiling water. Let sit for 1 hour, strain and add eggs. The result is a speckled color.

Turmeric Powder/ Deep Gold Color – Add 2 teaspoons ground turmeric powder to a heat safe container. Add 1 teaspoon white vinegar and one cup of boiling water. Once dye is cool add eggs . Rinse off any residual powder.

Paprika Powder/ Light Orange – Bring one cup of water and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to a boil, add 1 tablespoon paprika and continue to boil for 15 minutes. Place in a heat safe container, add eggs to dye while warm. Rinse off any residual powder.Here is the post to make red dyed eggs:https://blog.entertainingbythebay.com/2012/04/03/easter-eggs-with-natural-red-dye.aspx

Herb Crusted Leg of Lamb

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

1 leg of lamb approximately 9 pounds, bone in
1 teaspoon olive oil, plus 1/4 teaspoon
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 medium head garlic
1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/3 cup chardonnay
1 1/2 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
Directions

Let leg of lamb stand at room temperature for one hour. Preheat oven to 325 degree F. Rub lamb with 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 pepper. Place into a heavy roasting pan. Meantime, rub head of garlic with 1/4 teaspoon olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil and roast in the oven for about 1 hour until very soft. Let cool. Cut off the head of the garlic and squeeze cloves into a bowl. Use a fork to mash garlic into a paste. Add the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, parsley, thyme leaves and remaining salt and pepper. Mix well and place to the side. Place lamb into the oven and roast for approximately 1 1/4 hours. Rotate pan and roast another 30 minutes. Remove lamb and slather it with the roasted garlic and herb mixture and place back into the oven to roast another hour or until thermometer inserted at the thickest part reads 160 degrees for medium and 170 degrees for well done. Remove from oven and let rest for 20 minutes. Transfer lamb to cuttting board and cover with foil. Pour off fat from the roasting pan and place on medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and stir with wood spoon. Pour in chardonnay to deglaze pan, scraping up the brown bits, reduce liquid to 1/2 and then add the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add rosemary and salt and pepper to taste. Slice the lamb and serve with the gravy to the side.

Minty Spring Pea and Ramp Salad
Serves 4

Ingredients
1 bunch ramps
2 pounds fresh or frozen baby peas
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
fine sea salt and fresh ground black pepper

Directions
Trim roots from ramps; finely chop white bulbs. Slice green leaves into 1/4-inch strips. Blanche peas by adding into a pot of boiling water for 1 minute, strain and place into a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Once cooled, strain peas and place into a bowl. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add white part of ramps and cook 1 minute. Add ramp greens and saute until greens are slightly wilted about another minute. Remove from heat and add to peas. Stir in remaining olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. Add mint and toss. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

Lemon Pound Cake

Ingredient

1/2 pound butter , at room temperature
3 cups cake flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups granulated sugar
5 egga, at room temperature
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
zest of one lemon
Directions

Shamrock Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies

I love holidays! I’m not irish but my brother-in-law . On March 17th we all have a little bit of the irish in us. I like to make something to celebrate the holiday with the family and this shortbread recipe is perfect. The vibrant green makes you realize Spring is just a short few days away. These cookies are delicious plain but the chocolate and decorative green sugar makes the cookies more festive! Enjoy!!!

From by the bay , wishing you a very Happy and Green Saint Patrick’s Day.

Maryann

Shamrock Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies
Adapted from Betty Crocker
Makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on size of the cookie cutter

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened ( 2 sticks)
3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup chocolate ( semi- sweet or bittersweet or mixed)
6 to 8 drops of green food coloring, or more if you prefer a more vibrant green cookie

To decorate

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup chocolate ( semi-sweet or bittersweet or mixed)
decorative coarse sugar , green

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Use an electric mixer to beat together 1 cup butter, sugar and vanilla. On low speed slowly add the flour to combine. Add food coloring and mix well. If the dough is crumbly you use your hands to push together to combine. Roll dough 1/2 inch thick on lightly floured surface. Roll dough in one direction to keep the dough smooth. Use a floured shamrock cookie cutter. Place on non stick cookie sheets 1/2 inch apart. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until set and the bottoms are golden brown. Remove from oven and place onto wire rack to cool, about 30 minutes. To decorate , In a small microwavable bowl add the chocolate and remaining butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, remove from oven and stir briskly. Repeat process until chocolate is smooth and melted. Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate and place on wax paper, sprinkle with decorative sugar and let dry until chocolate is set.

Lemon Ice Box Pie

It’s been a long winter and I’m ready to say enough. This past weekend we sprung ahead an hour and I’m ready to spring ahead myself. It started in the house, putting away the last remnants of winter decor in the house . i started to bring in a little color, filled a bowl in the kitchen with lemons and thought about making something that tasted and looked like spring. I found this recipe on the Food & Wine website and made it this past weekend. It was silky, cool and creamy with burst of tartness from the lemon contrasted with sweetness from the milk and sugar. The color is of warm sunshine. Bring a little spring into your life with this delectable dessert!

From by the bay wishing you sunny and bright food memories!

Maryann

Ingredients

Ginger Pear Cake

On the weekends, it’s nice to complete a meal with something sweet. This is a really easy cake to make and the perfect finish to any meal. This recipe started as Mitzi’s plum cake a family favorite. The recipe was given to my grandmother over 50 years ago from her friend Mitzi and my whole family makes this recipe each end of summer using plums. I decided to use Mitzi’s recipe for the fall /winter using pears on their own or with cranberries with great results. This is the perfect quick cake. Enjoy!

From by the bay, wishing you yummy cake food memories!

Maryann

Ginger Pear Cake ( adapted from my Mitzi’s Plum Cake)

Ingredients
¼ pound unsalted butter softened plus 1 tablespoon
½ cup fine sugar, plus 1 teaspoon for topping the cake
1 egg
1 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 Bosc pear
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon ground ginger
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Peel, core and slice the pear. Place pear slices in bowl, cover with lemon juice, mix and set aside. Using electric mixer combine ¼ lb butter and sugar until fluffy, then add egg and combine. Next add the flour and baking powder and combine. This makes a soft dough. Take an 8” non stick cake pan line with parchment and butter and flour the pan. Press the dough into the pan covering the bottom of the cake pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly on the bottom of the pan. Press plums into dough with the cut side facing up in a concentric circle. Combine 1 teaspoon sugar with ½ teaspoon ginger, mix and sprinkle on top of the pears. Dot with extra butter. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, until cake tester is clean.
Variations: replace pears and ginger with plums and cinnamon.

Chocolate Bourbon Kiss

There are all kind of kisses , the universal symbol of love. Every kiss, they say, is the talk of the soul. These little bites of chocolate and bourbon are a perfect kiss for your Valentine !

From by the bay, wishing you little chocolate kiss food memories!

Maryann

Chocolate Bourbon Kiss
Makes approximately 30 cookies

Cookies
3 cups vanilla wafers
6 ounces chocolate chips
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 cup ground pecans
1/3 cup bourbon
coarse sanding sugar for rolling or granulated sugar

Directions

In a food processor, process wafers until finely ground. In a large pot over low heat melt chocolate chips stirring to help melt. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, syrup and bourbon until smooth. Add the ground wafers and pecans and mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls. Roll in sugar and let dry . Store in a airtight container for up to 1 week.

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Category Archives: desserts

Blueberry Boy Bait

Green Tea ( Matcha) Pound Cake

Buttermilk Pudding with Strawberry Rhubarb Compote

Best Lemon Desserts for Spring

Slightly Salted Brownie Cake

My Best Easter Recipes

Shamrock Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies

Lemon Ice Box Pie

Ginger Pear Cake