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2 Ingredient English Muffins

by In Breakfast, Recipes Tagged , , , Leave a comment

Have a craving for english muffins, none on hand, and no yeast on hand? If you have greek yogurt and self rising flour (or flour, baking powder, and salt) on hand and 30 minutes, this quarentine english muffin hack is for you.

2 ingredients in this english muffin hack – self rising flour and greek yogurt. PS. you can also make bagels with the same ingredients.

 

Separate your mixed and kneaded dough into 4 rolls.

 

Flatten dough rolls into 3-inch discs.

 

Take pictures of your sunbathing kitty while you wait for the oven.

 

ENJOY!

 

 

 

Serves 4

2 Ingredient English Muffins

Yields 4 english muffins

5 minPrep Time

22 minCook Time

27 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet by either sprinkling with cornmeal,lining with silpat, or parchment paper.
  2. Measure out 1 cup of self rising flour or the dry ingredients from the ingredients list above to make your own self rising flour. Mix together the greek yogurt and dry ingredients until it just comes together into a ball of dough. It may help to use your hands. Gently knead your dough until it has a uniform and smooth appearance. The dough will feel more like playdough in comparison to yeast doughs.
  3. Separate the dough into four sections and roll each section into a ball. Press each roll into about a 3 inch disc. If using cornmeal on your pan, sprinkle a little now on each side of the the dough discs.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then turn each and bake another 12 minutes - just until they are browning and there is a bit of "knock" when you tap on the top.

Notes

To make bagels: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix and knead your ingredients the same as above. Separate the dough into 4 sections and roll each out into a dough snake. Bring the two ends of the dough snake together to make an "O" or bagel shape. Sprinkle with your favorite bagel topping. Bake for 17-20 minutes - just until browning and cooked through.

Storage and reheating: Store in an airtight container. Reheat in oven at 350 degrees F for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories

118 cal

Carbs

25 g

Protein

3 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
7.8.1.2
89
http://mamasparrow.com/2020/04/28/2-ingredient-english-muffins/

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Big Batch of Granola

by In Breakfast, Recipes Tagged , , , , 2 Comments

With the current events, now seems a perfect time to continue posting easy, from scratch, staple recipes. This big batch of granola can keep several weeks on your pantry shelf or a few months in your freezer if stored in an airtight container.

There are few smells as cozy as the smell of oats and honey. The beauty of this basic recipe is the ability to customize it to your liking. If you do choose to add nuts to the granola, they would be added at the same time as the seeds mixed in this recipe. Dried fruit options should be added during the last 5 minutes of baking. It should be cooked only briefly at the end to prevent completely drying out – just dry enough to not cause the granola to moisten when stored.

Hope that you and yours are staying safe and well.

 

Big Batch of Granola

Yields 7 cups or 28 servings

5 minPrep Time

30 minCook Time

35 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 6 cups old fashioned rolled oats
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup coconut oil, melted
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup of raw seeds (I usually use ½ cup of sunflower seeds, ⅜ cup pumpkin seeds, ⅛ cup flax seed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray jelly roll style baking sheet or cake pan (something with sides) with cooking oil.
  2. Mix together oats and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix together coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl.
  3. Stir the liquid mixture into the oat mixture until fully incorporated. Then mix the raw seeds into the oat mixture.
  4. Bake the granola for 30 minutes, until golden brown; stir about every 10 minutes to keep the granola from turning into one giant clump. If you would prefer granola clusters, be less thorough in the stirring.
  5. Allow the granola to cool and place in a storage container of your choosing. You may store the granola in an airtight container for a month or so. Ours doesn’t last much longer than a week. If you do need to keep your granola for longer periods, place in a freezer friendly, tightly sealed container for up to 3-6 months.

Nutrition

Calories

3998 cal

Fat

194 g

Carbs

477 g

Protein

104 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
7.8.1.2
88
http://mamasparrow.com/2020/03/25/big-batch-of-granola/

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Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Sweet Potato

by In Recipes Tagged , , , , Leave a comment

A New England city of cobblestone streets – rich in worn brick buildings and unsettled souls. I went to sleep hoping against hopes that I would not encounter the rumored local haunt. About 3 in the morning I was awakened with an eerie feeling I was not alone. There about a foot away from me, a bearded figure in an older period suit began to walk towards the head of the bed, flashing a light back and forth across his path as he approached. The outlets on the nightstand crackled and fizzled. A panicked chill racked my body as every hair stood on end. I thought, “great Scot, this ghost is no tale; he is here.” I closed my eyes in a mix of resolve and disbelief, hoping to ease the fright.

That’s when the bolted hotel room door opened. My eyes flew back open. In walked the front desk clerk on night audit, with a folder in hand. He waved it at me saying, “this one has your name on it and it is due.” I knew the insinuation was more than just the bill. I fled the room, down 9 flights of stairs and tore through the cobblestone streets. The roads were as scrambled as my mind, like tangled shoelace. I couldn’t shake his pursuit.

Suddenly, I opened my eyes in the dark of the hotel room and heard the slip of the receipt being slid under the door of my locked room. The clock read 3:20 AM.

Moving on from story time hour, I know brussel sprout season is wrapping up here, but you must know about this recipe! I’ve fallen in love with roasted brussel sprouts. I hope this recipe does the same for you.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Sweet Potato
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound sweet potato (roughly 1 large potato), diced into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 pound brussel sprouts, trimmed and large ones halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced; or ½ tsp granulated garlic
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp garlic salt
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • Dash of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Place the prepared sweet potato, brussel sprouts and garlic in a large mixing bowl. Cover the veggies in olive oil and add in the rest of the seasonings. Toss till the veggies are coated in oil and seasonings.
  3. Spread the veggies evenly in the baking sheet. Bake 30-40 minutes until veggies brown a bit and the potatoes are fork tender. Serve them warm.

Nutrition

Calories

1166 cal

Fat

75 g

Carbs

107 g

Protein

30 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
7.8.1.2
85
http://mamasparrow.com/2019/04/26/roasted-brussel-sprouts-and-sweet-potato/

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Baked Donuts

by In Breakfast, Recipes Tagged , , Leave a comment

Do you remember the first time you gazed into a bakery case of sweet treats and made your selection? My oldest son had his first trip to a safe bakery at the age of five. Having a life threatening allergy to tree nuts, baked goods are not something we can just pick up anywhere. His eyes were wide staring with excitement and disbelief as he carefully considered which donut to pick. He still talks about the place in Minnesota where he could get donuts and ice cream right from the store. If you have the chance to stop in at Yoyo Donuts in Minnetonka, Minnesota, you certainly should. If this kind of a trip is not in the cards for you, just fire up your oven, you can make donuts right at home.

Who says you can’t have great donuts without leaving the house? These baked donuts prove the fact that you can enjoy fresh baked donuts right in your own home – so long as you’ve stock your cabinets with the ingredients.

This is a no fuss, quick and easy donut recipe. It has become one of our regular Saturday treats to make these together as a family.

 

 

Baked Donuts

Yields 6 donuts

Tender baked donuts with a hint of cardamom and vanilla. Top these with your favorite donut toppings to dress them up or down for the occassion.

15 minPrep Time

9 minCook Time

24 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour (or ⅓ wheat & ⅔ all purpose flour)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup of yogurt
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp cardamom
  • ⅛ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 Tb butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Spray a donut baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
  3. Mix dry ingredients (flour through salt) in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, beat the egg, mix in the brown sugar, milk, yogurt, spices and vanilla extract. Add and stir in the butter.
  5. Place all the wet ingredients into the dry mix and mix just until it’s incorporated. Put the mix into a large ziploc bag and cut of a corner to pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan.
  6. Bake in preheated oven for 9-11 minutes.
  7. Allow baked donuts to sit in pan for 2-5 minutes before removing the from the pan to a serving platter.
  8. Top the donuts with frosting or dip in butter and roll through a cinnamon sugar mix.
  9. Best served warm. Save leftovers in airtight container for a couple of days.
7.8.1.2
83
http://mamasparrow.com/2018/01/14/baked-donuts/

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Rhubarb Basil White Sauce Pizza

by In Main Dish, Recipes Tagged , , , Leave a comment

While growing up, I remember enjoying fresh produce from the garden. We often exchanged excess produce with the neighbors, who also kept a garden. Outside the garden, in the western part of the yard, there was a patch of hearty rhubarb that popped up every year. I love rhubarb, but for the life of me, I cannot recall any recipes we used it in. Though, I do remember a plethora of uses for the garden zucchini, sweet and savory.

Last summer I started entertaining the thought that rhubarb could be savory. Around the same time, I was trying out lower lactose “alfredo” sauce recipes. This recipe really came together as a result of those interests.

The rhubarb is sautéed with fresh green onions giving it a zippy it’s-summer-and-the-produce-is-rockin’ vibe. The alfredo sauce, basil and mozzarella cheese create a level of comfort. Finally, a bit of tang with crumbled goat cheese to top it all off.

In the time since I posted my last pizza recipe, I have changed my favorite crust recipe. This crust is a bit more tender while still being flavorful, even when adding in some wheat.

Hope you get a chance to give this recipe a try. Be sure to tag MamaSparrow on social media with pictures of your recipe results. Have a great holiday weekend!

Rhubarb Basil White Sauce Pizza

Serves 2 slices or 1/4 of a pizza round

Rhubarb Basil White Sauce Pizza

Yields Makes 2 Pizza 12-14 inches round

Sauteed rhubarb and fresh green onions over alfredo sauce and basil. Tangy goat cheese and mozzarella cheese top off this cozy, spring pizza.

42 minPrep Time

18 minCook Time

1 hrTotal Time

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Ingredients

    Crust
  • New Crust Recipe
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 pack active dry yeast (also ok to use instant, let sit 15-20 mins instead of the 30 - 1 hr)
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups flour, divided, I like a mix of wheat and all-purpose
  • Olive oil or melted butter (optional)
  • Garlic salt (optional)
  • Cornmeal dusted on baking pans
    • Toppings
  • 1 Tb olive oil
  • 2 cup rhubarb, chopped
  • 6 green onions, finely sliced
  • 16 oz of alfredo sauce*
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, sliced or crumbled
  • 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the water, yeast, 1 cup flour and sugar. Let sit covered 30 minutes to 1 hour if using active dry yeast. For instant yeast, let sit 15 - 20 minutes.
  2. Uncover the bowl and mix in the salt. Add 1 ½ cup cups of flour measuring in 2 Tbs. at a time. Mix. Sprinkle the last ½ cup of flour onto a lightly floured surface and shape the dough into 2 pizza rounds. Bunch the dough around the edges to form crust. Spread dough rounds with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt, if desired.
  3. Dust baking pans with cornmeal before placing dough on them.
  4. Preheat the oven to 425 degree F.
  5. While the oven warms, start cooking the toppings. Warm the olive oil in a saucepan over medium low heat. Toss in the green onions and warm a couple of minutes. Add the chopped rhubarb to the pan with the onions and warm for another couple of minutes. Pull the pan off the heat and set aside.
  6. Top the crust with the sauce. Evenly spread the onion rhubarb mix over the sauce. Spread the chopped basil for the next layer. Finish the pizzas topping with cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
  7. Eating Now
  8. If eating immediately, bake at 425 degrees F for 10 - 15 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is golden.
  9. Freezing for Later
  10. If freezing for later, set pizza on a cooling rack to allow crust to cool completely. Prepare the pizza for freezing by wrapping in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. Mark the wrapped pizza before placing it in the freezer.
  11. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place frozen pizza on baking sheet or foil. Bake 15-25 minutes, until crust browns and cheese is bubbly.

Notes

*I used a homemade cauliflower alfredo sauce. http://leelalicious.com/healthier-cauliflower-alfredo-sauce/ It is healthier and has less lactose. The recipe easily converts to a dairy free/vegan sauce.

Nutrition

Calories

1629 cal

Fat

41 g

Carbs

211 g

Protein

80 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
7.8.1.2
68
http://mamasparrow.com/2017/05/25/rhubarb-basil-white-sauce-pizza/

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Galets – Fry Bread

by In Dessert, Recipes Tagged , , , 2 Comments

I was in Missouri for the first time. It was by accident. We were returning from Iowa, driving back into Chicago. There must have been a patch of highway without network connection and the phone maps dropped. My husband and I were in deep conversation and did not notice until he saw the “Welcome to Missouri” road sign. We easily added two hours to that trip.

As we drove back the correct direction, I noticed a scenic area with a river running and rustic homes. I recall a sign for Lost River. I am hoping to look up more information about the place because it was beautiful.

This got me thinking more about perspective. Sometime our destination becomes so important to us that we ignore the meaning in the journey. Tomorrow night is my final presentation for my master’s degree. It is a fantastic destination, reaching this milestone. I would miss out on a lot if I did not recognize the journey that has gotten me here – especially the time spent staying at home with the boys while completing my studies. Time with the little boys is wild, lively, and demands a constant state of remaining in the present. Respecting all of this experience, I cannot find a way to separate the journey of studying, being present with my boys, and completing this degree. My time with the boys has been my lost river – my expected journey.

Back to the reason we were on the road to begin with, we had just visited my in-laws. My other mom is the one who gifted me the adorable bee themed honey pot from the pictures in this post.

The recipe I am sharing with you today is for fry bread. This is a treat that my great-grandmother would make for us, and later my mother. It is a quick bread recipe that finds it’s origins and broad use in Native American cooking. The dough is fried and then covered in sweet or savory toppings. As a child, I usually enjoyed these covered in melted butter and granulated sugar. Recently, I have made them for my family to cover with chili, tacos, or jam and honey. In these pictures, the bread is covered with vegan orange curd and drizzled with honey.

Below is the recipe. The base recipe for these is vegan and can be topped with a variety of vegan sweet and savory options, as well.

Galets – Fry Bread

Yields 8 pieces of bread

Fry bread with a slight crisp to the outside and tender inside. This quick bread is fantastically versatile. Top with your choice of sweet or savory - taco, chili, honey, jam, curd...it's up to you.

10 minPrep Time

10 minCook Time

20 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • 4 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar (for savory use) or 3 tsp sugar (for sweet use)
  • 1 ⅓ cup warm water
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Fill a skillet with enough oil for the bread to not touch the bottom of the pan. Turn oven to medium high heat.
  2. Mix dry ingredient. Make a well in the center and slowly add the water. You many not use all the water, just add enough to get a shaggy dough. Mix until well combined with a wooden spoon. Let the dough rest for 2 minutes.
  3. Separate the dough into 8 pieces onto a floured surface. Sprinkle flour over the dough and form to a thick circle. Don’t overwork the dough.
  4. Place the dough, one at a time into the pan setting them away from yourself so as to splash the oil. Cook 2 minutes on each side. If you have space, you could cook 2-3 at a time.
  5. Place cooked bread onto a rack to allow excess oil to drain.
  6. Add toppings while the dough is warm.

Notes

Topping Ideas

Sweet:

Butter and granulated sugar

Honey and jam (honey fig jam is awesome)

Maple syrup

Savory:

Taco

Chilli

Vegetable heavy hot dish

Nutrition

Calories

1532 cal

Fat

7 g

Carbs

311 g

Protein

49 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
7.8.1.2
78
http://mamasparrow.com/2017/02/28/galets-fry-bread/

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Vegan Orange Curd

by In Breakfast, Dessert, Recipes Tagged , , , Leave a comment

One of the fantastic things about living in the city is accessibility to rich cultural experiences. Yesterday, we had a family trip to the Chicago Cultural Center to attend the Chinese New Year Celebration. It was a beautiful display of dance, martial arts, and music.

No surprise, the boys were very taken with the dragon dance and martial arts dancing. There was much reenactment throughout the rest of the afternoon. I can now claim the skill of reading textbooks while chanting a drum rhythm.

Today, as we enjoyed a snack of vegan blood orange curd spread on fresh baked biscuits, we recounted our favorite parts of the performances yesterday. The tales were movement filled. The snack was well accented with the subtly sweet orange curd. This curd spread was silkier in mouth feel than the creaminess of an egg and butter version. It a delightful, lighter alternative to traditional curd.

This last round I used blood oranges and the color of the cream is so lovely. The process is rather simple. Slice and juice your citrus. Reduce the juice to heighten the flavor. Zest in an orange peel to get a hint of sweet, floral aspect. Then sweeten with your choice of sweetener. In a measuring cup, dissolve cornstarch in cold milk before adding to the juice. Warning: be vigilant while stirring because the cream will thicken very quickly. Once it does, it ready to remove from heat, cool, and store or use immediately.

Curd is a multi functional spread that is delicious on biscuits, cookies, crepes, cakes, and more. Even by the spoonful, no judging here.

Hope you have a chance to try this recipe soon. I’d love to see the results. Be sure to tag MamaSparrow on social media.

Enjoy!

Vegan Orange Curd

Yields 1 generous cup

Silky vegan orange curd. Flecked with the subtle floral sweetness of orange zest. Curd is a multi functional spread that is delicious on biscuits, cookies, crepes, cakes, and more.

10 minPrep Time

10 minCook Time

20 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (3-4 oranges; blood oranges produce a lovely color)
  • ¾ cup non-dairy milk
  • 3 Tbs. cornstarch
  • ½ cup sugar or ¼ cup honey for non-vegans
  • Zest of one orange

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, over medium-low heat, reduce the orange juice to about half the volume.
  2. While the juice is reducing, measure the milk in a liquid measuring cup. Whisk the cornstarch in the milk till it dissolves. Set aside.
  3. Once the juice is reduced, add in the sugar and zest. Stir just until the sugar dissolves. Add the milk mixture to the saucepan and use a spatula to mix. Keep on medium-low heat and mix constantly until the texture thickens quickly. If the mixture starts to bubble before thickening, reduce the heat slightly. Once it does thicken, it will be very sudden so stay with you pan. Once the mixture is thickened remove from heat and allow to cool enough to store in a jar or use immediately.
  4. Curd will store in the refrigerator for 1 week or freezer for 3 months. Some settling will occur, give the curd a stir to re-incorporate separating liquids.
7.8.1.2
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http://mamasparrow.com/2017/01/31/vegan-orange-curd/

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Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins

by In Dessert, Recipes Tagged , , Leave a comment

I’ve been a bit quiet on the internet front as I’ve been enjoying time with family over the holidays. It was nice to have a break from grad school classes and a chance to spend time with people who are dear to me.

One week during the holidays was particularly notable. I got a chance to meet both my new nephews born during that week. It was an incredible honor to be present at one of their births. There is nothing else in the world like the experience or witnessing of childbirth.

Overall the week we went to Minnesota was family filled as I got to visit with my parents, my sister and her family, and my brother visiting from out of the country military service. Since we’ve been back home, the boys have been making pretend road trips to see family. It’s been adorable, but also means all my reusable shopping bags are constantly filled with books and toys.

Speaking of family, this recipe is an adaptation of a family recipe I grew up with. These muffins are like a winter hope. Oranges get so tasty by Christmas. The tang of prime citrus is like rays of sun promising summer warmth. While nature bides her time in the quiet rest of winter, I’ll stay here wrapped up a blanket with fresh baked goodies and a hot cup of tea.

Consider the baking and enjoyment of these muffins part of your winter therapy. The aromatic of orange zest will melt your stress and help you feel energized. Additionally, the studs of chocolate chips throughout these tender wheat muffins will give you an extra mood boost.

 

 

Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins

Yields 12 muffins

Tender wheat muffins with zesty orange and tasty surprises of semi-sweet chocolate chips throughout. These muffins are reminiscent of winter-y days of childhood.

10 minPrep Time

20 minCook Time

30 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • ½ cup wheat flour
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ⅓ cup honey/maple syrup or ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup cooking oil
  • ¾ cup chocolate chips, semisweet
  • 1 ½ - 2 tsp. orange zest (peel from one orange)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a muffin tin with liners or silicone muffin cups.
  2. Mix everything together except the chocolate chips and orange zest. Fold in the chocolate and zest. Fill muffin cups to ⅔ full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories

129 cal

Fat

1 g

Carbs

26 g

Protein

4 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
7.8.1.2
75
http://mamasparrow.com/2017/01/19/orange-chocolate-chip-muffins/

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Vegan Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies

by In Recipes Tagged , , , , , , Leave a comment

Happy Winter Solstice! We are feeling the excitement in our home as Christmas is just a few days away. My preschooler checks the tree every morning to see if Santa has visited. The boys have been busy creating holiday gifts and being kitchen helpers. The youngest loves to taste everything from a mixing bowl; even the french bread dough is tasted with enthusiasm. He then declares, “Mmm, good Mama!” If only that same zest was for the finished meals on the table.

I enjoy making the cookies I had as a child every Christmas. Breaking from tradition, it was my goal to bring you all something that was vegan and more allergen friendly for your holiday cookie plates. This recipe is just that. Peanut butter blossom cookies were the inspiration for this recipe. Tender, crumbly shortbread cookies are the perfect vehicle for combining peanut butter and chocolate. Flecks of sea salt flakes add a little bit of sparkle and bring out the chocolate taste. They are easily nut free if you use sunflower seed butter and refined sugar free.

Here’s to hoping you have a chance to add this to your baking plans this season. Snap a picture of your recipe result and tag Mama Sparrow on social media so we can see it too.

Vegan Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Yields 12-15 Cookies

Tender, crumbly shortbread cookies filled with peanut butter and drizzled with chocolate. These tasty treats are vegan, easily nut free and refined sugar free.

10 minPrep Time

10 minCook Time

20 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

    Cookies
  • 1 ¼ cup flour
  • ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 3 Tbs. maple syrup
  • 1 ½ tsp. applesauce, unsweetened
    • Caramel Sauce
  • 3 Tbs. peanut butter
  • 2 Tbs. maple syrup
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 Tbs. non dairy milk
  • ¼ tsp. vanilla
    • Topping
  • 1 oz. chocolate chips or chocolate
  • Coarse sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Mix all cookie ingredients together in a medium bowl until dough forms. Form form into ¾ in. - 1 inch balls - approximately 12-15 cookies. (Chill the dough briefly in plastic wrap if it is too sticky to work with.) Place on a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet. Flatten the dough balls into slight discs and press thumb in the center to create a little crater. Bake cookies for 10 minutes until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and repress the centers with a spoon. Then allow the cookies to cool.
  2. In a small saucepan, mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, and salt. Slowly add the milk, stirring all the while. The mix should get a nice smooth caramel consistency that has a bit of drizzle to it. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside
  3. Melt the chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave. Place the melted chocolate into a piping bag or simply use a ziploc with the corner snipped off. Set aside
  4. To assemble to cookies, spoon about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter confection into each cookie’s thumbprint. Drizzle chocolate over the filled cookies and lightly sprinkle with coarse salt.
  5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Notes

Nut free option: Use Sun Butter. Really you could use any preferred nut or seed butter. I did try pumpkin seed butter and it was not quite as tasty.

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http://mamasparrow.com/2016/12/21/vegan-peanut-butter-thumbprint-cookies/

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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sugar Cookies

by In Cookies, Dessert, Recipes Tagged , Leave a comment

This is a recipe that has been handed down from my great grandmother. It is not Christmas in our family until these cookies are baking in the oven. My best memories of these cookies are their required presence the day our family decorated the Christmas tree. The Christmas album would be queued up, cups of hot chocolate prepared, and a plate of these cookies.

This tradition I have carried on with my own family. The copy of the recipe I have in my recipe box calls for margarine sticks. We use unsalted butter. Feel free to make which ever way you prefer. The results are much the same. The butter version requires re-chilling before going in the oven to maintain shape and reduce the spreading from the oven.

The recipe yield is entirely approximated. Much dough sampling and cookie sampling happens before I have the chance to determine how many cookies are made each time. Grab yourself a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy with these. Just try to save a few for Santa.

Hope you get a chance to make these soon. We would love to see the results. Share on social media and tag Mama Sparrow so we can see.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sugar Cookies

Yields 7-8 dozen

Melt in your mouth cookies

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup cooking oil
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cream of tartar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 4 ½ cups flour

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the first 5 ingredients together. Then add the baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and vanilla. Finally, mix in the flour 1 cup at a time.
  2. Chill in refrigerator and then roll into ball and roll in sugar and then press out with a fancy glass bottom. Refrigerate 5 minutes before baking so cookies keep their shape.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees F for 8-12 minutes.

Notes

Crisp sugar cookie with a slightly tender inside. Each bite melts in the mouth. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. Just be sure to save a few for Santa.

Nutrition

Calories

152 cal

Carbs

37 g

Protein

2 g
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7.8.1.2
73
http://mamasparrow.com/2016/12/15/melt-in-your-mouth-sugar-cookies/
Update: Recommend not rolling the dough in sugar before pressing. Tap the bottom of the glass you are pressing the cookies with in the sugar and lightly press down ensuring you’ve got some decorative sugar in place for full enjoyment.