Tag: garlic

Blue Ribbon Fresh Herb Olive Nut Bread

Fresh Herb Olive Nut Bread: If you want a flavorful bread that wows people and is easy to make, bake this blue ribbon winning bread.

From fresh garlic, shallots, and chives, to basil, dill weed, and oregano, this bread incorporates them all, and more. You can change up the herbs based on your favorites and what’s on hand. That makes this dough so versatile. Love dill? Use more of it. Or switch to rosemary if that’s what you’re craving.

Last year we had the opportunity to test, tweak and photograph a big batch of bread recipes for a client. This blue ribbon-winning Fresh Herb Olive Nut Bread was a stand out. In fact, we are still drooling over its flavors.

Slather it with some great butter on it and it’s a double wow! I brought the bread to a wine and cheese party and it was an absolute hit! The only bummer was no leftovers to have as toast in the morning.

Recipe credit goes to Susan Erickson, who won her blue ribbon at the Seattle-Tacoma area Washington State Fair, aka the Puyallup Fair (2016). She won best bread in a themed recipe contest supported by Fleischmann’s Yeast.

Blue Ribbon Winner Tips

When she won, Susan shared that for most of her baking years, she was been known for her desserts. She only baked her first breads in 2014. Once she had the basics down though, she was hooked! Those basics were knowing when the yeast was working (thumbs up if you see the foam) and handling the dough (flour helps and not over-kneading). Winning first place at the state fair was a big feather in her cap and a cherished experience. Like many so many blue ribbon foodies, this built on her life-long passion for all things delicious.

Susan shared this great baking tip: she buys only one 5 pound bag of flour at a time. “This way, I always have only the freshest flour on hand,” she noted, and added that it makes a subtle but big difference.

Try this blue ribbon fresh herb olive nut bread and you will have a winner on the table too!

Wanting More?

Stay tuned for some fabulous focaccia breads….coming soon!

Got a sweet tooth? Try this Pumpkin Pull-Apart Monkey Bread

 

Spicy Chicken Hand Pies

These Spicy Chicken Hand Pies are portable and packed with fantastic flavors. The savory chicken filling is seasoned with curry powder, allspice, jalapenos, onions, and garlic. Recipe credit goes to Pamela Woodberry, who says the savory pies are Jamaican-style, made with a recipe handed down from her mother.  The aromas alone will make your mouth water. They did ours. Pamela won top honors at the 2013 State Fair of Texas with this culinary creation. It was a family-themed contest supported by the Bisquick baking brand.

Pamela Woodberry

We loved how Pam paired the spicy chicken hand pie with the sweetness of a fruit chutney dipping sauce. A beloved chutney of ours is Stonewall Kitchen’s mango chutney. Serve it with your favorite.

Spicy Chicken Hand Pies – Preparation Tips

Here are a few preparation tips for those of you making these spicy chicken hand pies:

  • If you don’t have Bisquick on hand, make you’re own with just four ingredients: flour, vegetable shortening, baking soda, and salt.
  • You can double or triple the homemade Bisquick mix to use for other recipes like these bruschetta-themed biscuits.
  • Got extra homemade mix? Refrigerate it. Put a date on it and use it within 3 months.
  • In a rush? Using a rotisserie chicken for the filling is a great time saver. Simply remove the skin and bones, then dice or shred the chicken.
  • If you’re hot for heat i.e. a big fan of spiciness, feel free to up the cayenne, curry powder, and jalapenos to fit your taste and tolerance.
  • You can freeze any leftover pies. Cover in plastic wrap. Place in a freezer bag, removing any extra air, and freeze.
  • To serve leftover pies, thaw in fridge, remove plastic wrap, and place on parchment lined baking sheet. Warm them in pre-heated 300 degree oven until  heated all the way through, about 10 minutes. Shortcut version of this is to thaw and heat in microwave. However, the crust is much tastier with the oven method.

Jamaican Style Chicken Hand Pies

Definitely give this recipe a try. You will wow your friends and family with them!

-Crystal & Cyndi