cindy_admin | Simple By Cindy

Raspberry Almond Crumb Cake

Jan. 28
2021

Have you ever bought way too much at the grocery store? You go just for some milk and bread, and come back with Brussels sprouts, a salmon fillet, and a brand new type of fruit that you’ve never seen before? Yeah, me too. For some reason, I always bought two of everything just in case I made a mistake preparing a recipe. I still do this from time to time, although as my cooking skills improved, I try to curb my purchases to only what I need. Sometimes the store still gets the better of me. Oh well.

One thing I have learned is that more ingredients do not mean a better outcome. A lot of cooks out there think that adding all these spices to a dish will make them taste better. Don’t let yourself be fooled by this kind of thinking: quality always wins out over quantity.

Firstly, you should choose a recipe that lines up with your cooking skills. Read a couple recipes first, and settle upon one that is not too difficult. By looking at more than one recipe, you can also choose the one that suits your tastes the best. A lot of recipes out there on the internet may fall short of your expectations–oftentimes these recipes aren’t tested thoroughly, so they might be impossible to make, even under the best of days. Of course, if you follow a specific author or blogger who you know is reliable, then go right ahead and stay faithful to them.

Read the reviews of the recipes. People who have made and reviewed the recipe are usually pretty honest about the results, for better or for worse. They may even give new ideas or ingredients that worked for them. If you can find a recipe with an outpouring of positive reviews, then you should definitely go with that one.

Taking the time to try new recipes can be intimidating for a lot of us. If the outcome of a new recipe was disappointing, don’t worry too much. You can use the things you have learned and improve upon it the next time around. I cannot tell you how many times I have prepared two or three times and it still did not come out accurately–it’s just part of life. Most of the authors I work from are pretty reliable and I still can’t get it right. Before you start thinking it’s something you have done, know that these things happen, and stop raking yourself over the coals. Move forward with courage, because this is how you learn best. And hey, it may not even be your fault, the error may be caused by the author of the recipe, or even the weather!

If you are looking for something fun, easy, and reliable, then this is the dessert for you. The sour cream ensures a moist, fluffy finish. The combination of the vanilla and almond extract combines beautifully, giving it a nice savory flavor. The cinnamon adds a little tang and sweetness. It is then topped with almonds, which adds crunchy goodness, and the raspberries are a sweet finish to this delicious dessert. This is the perfect delicacy for breakfast, snack, dessert, or anytime of the day for a little pick-me-up.

This recipe is courtesy of Sally’s Baking Addiction and will serve 8 people who will definitely want a second slice of this beautiful little cake.

Ingredients for Raspberry Almond Crumb Cake:

1 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon almond extract

For the Topping:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 heaping cup frozen raspberries (do not thaw)
3/4 cup sliced almonds

Optional: confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch springform pan.

Make the Cake:

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.

Set aside.

In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar together on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.

Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.

Add the eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract.

Beat on medium-high speed until combined.

The mixture may look curdled; that’s ok.

Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed.

With the mixer on low speed, mix in the dry ingredients until smooth.

Do not overmix.

The batter will be thick.

Spread into prepared pan.

Set aside.

Make the Topping:

With a fork, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together.

Stir in the melted butter until crumbs form.

Dot raspberries all over the top of the cake batter.

Sprinkle crumbs on top.

Add almonds.

Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Baking times vary, so keep an eye on yours.

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

If you find the top of the cake is browning too quickly in the oven, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.

Remove the cake from the oven and set on a wire rack.

Allow to slightly cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Sally suggests serving with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar!

It’s that simple!

Rustic Onion Tart

Jan. 25
2021

After months of “winter,” the colder weather is finally here and for some, it is a very hard time of the year. The shorter days and the sharp cold can cause all of us to feel a little down. Of course, the isolation of the pandemic is making this even worse. I know for myself, I hate the shorter days because I just can’t seem to adjust my schedule.

We can do all our chores during the morning hours, but once 4:00 pm rolls around and the sun starts to set, we feel like the day has ended. It seems that as soon as I’ve gotten up in the morning, it is time to make dinner. It is not uncommon to feel fatigued, sad, and all around tired. We can find it hard to find the motivation to exercise, go for walks, or even go out at all, because of the cold.

You wake up and it is dark, and as you do your work or chores, find yourself working until dark as well. I think that January is a particularly difficult time, because the holidays have ended and we tend to isolate more and miss getting together with people as well. Our holidays this past year have been reduced to having just immediate family and we have missed seeing our extended family, which makes the post-holiday blues even worse.

There are some things we can do to make ourselves feel better. Try to minimize the time you spend watching the news. It will make you less stressed and anxious. Focus more on a movie or show that will give you a good laugh. Watch what you eat. According to Very Well Mind, foods high in Vitamin D such as fish oil, milk, orange juice, and yogurt can help to balance your mood.

Get your sleep schedule on the right track. Going to bed at the same time and getting up at the same time will stabilize both your mood and your schedule. Try, and I know this is hard, to do some kind of physical activity, such as yoga, weight training, or some kind of aerobic exercise during the day. Bundle up and take a walk. I know that when I go out for a run or walk, I am cold for a short period of time, but then I warm up and begin to actually enjoy being out. Break up your goals and do them in small increments. Eventually you will see that working up to your goal is much easier than you think.

Or, like me, you can cook. I find it very therapeutic to chop vegetables and follow a recipe through. I feel like I have accomplished something, although I really do hate the cleanup after a meal. But as I clean, I find that doing it in an orderly way can be quite cathartic.

Even better, you can make this delicious tart. Who does not love caramelized onions? This may take you a good bit of time to do, but it is so worth it. If you do not want to make the dough, find some store bought dough like I did, and it will still be wonderful. After you brown up the onions, it is then flavored with balsamic vinegar and thyme, giving this tart a nice savory and tangy flavor. The addition of the cheese adds gooey, cheesy goodness. This tart is worth every minute you put into it, and may just make your day that much better.

This recipe is courtesy of SimplyRecipes and will serve 4 people who will love to relax with this warm and savory winter tart.

Ingredients for Rustic Onion Tart:

1 recipe for butter sour cream pastry dough* or 1 packaged, flat pie crust
3 medium sized red and/or yellow onions (enough for 5 to 8 cups, sliced)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Salt
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped, or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 cup (not packed) roughly grated Gruyère Swiss cheese

For the Sour Cream Pastry Dough:

1 1/4 cup (160 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
5 ounces of butter (1 1/4 sticks), cubed
1/4 cup sour cream

If you are making the dough:

I admit I bought store made dough and it was still fantastic. If you want to make the dough from scratch, here are the directions:

If you are making a crust from scratch, prepare the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator while you are cooking the onions.

To prepare the dough, whisk the flour and salt together in a large bowl.

Cut the butter into the flour with your hands or with a pastry cutter, until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.

Add the sour cream and use a fork to incorporate it into the dough.

Gather the dough into a ball and shape it into a disk.

Wrap it with plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour.

Peel and slice the onions, lengthwise from stem to root.

Caramelize the onions:

Heat olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed sauté pan on medium heat.

Once the butter has melted, add the onions and sprinkle a little salt over them.

Cook, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes, until the onions have softened and are translucent.

Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for an additional 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are well browned.

Add balsamic vinegar and cook for 10 minutes more, until onions are completely caramelized. Remove from heat.

Roll out the dough:

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let stand for 5 minutes before rolling it out.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 13-inch diameter.

Transfer the crust dough to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Layer the cheese and onions onto the dough:

Place all but a couple tablespoons of the cheese in the center of the dough.

Spread to within 1 1/2 inches from the edges.

Add the caramelized onions, layering them on top of the cheese.

Sprinkle with thyme.

Fold the edges of the crust dough over so that a small circle of onion is still showing in the centre of the tart.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the tart.

Place in the oven on the middle rack.

Bake for 10 minutes at 450°F.

Reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.

Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

It’s that simple!

Pear Tarts with Honey and Cinnamon

Jan. 21
2021

During this pandemic, and especially during the lockdown, a lot of people decided to adopt or foster a dog. I think this is an amazing idea, because dogs really are a person’s best friend. I should know– I’ve had a few, and I would love nothing more than to tell you why you should get one too.

Dogs are one of the most common domestic animals in the world. This is because they are so sweet, expressive, and friendly. They are always there for you when you need them, and they will always take the love you give to them and return it back tenfold.

Dogs give you a reason to get outside and walk. They need this for their health and it will make you healthier as well. Walking a dog daily gets both your heart rates up and helps you de-stress. According to Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, walking your dog 20 minutes a day can help reduce your risk of heart disease. How convenient is that?

They are always happy. Dogs get excited when they see a treat, their favorite toy, or their favorite person. Their happiness is infectious and it is always good to have someone happy to see you when you get home (especially if you have teenage children, lol).

They make you laugh. Dogs can be downright hilarious. Whether they sleep in funny positions, roll off the couch, scarf down some people food, or insist they sit on your lap no matter what, you’re sure to get a belly laugh. It gives us pleasure to see them enjoying running after a ball or just dashing around your house for no reason.

They are very intelligent. Of all the pets out there, dogs can be some of the smartest. They have a very good understanding of things that other animals do not. This makes it easy for them to understand you and your feelings because of their keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing.

Some breeds make excellent watchdogs. They innately know when something bad is coming your way. Their barking will stop potential burglars and are very good at alerting you to something that is going on that is odd or suspicious. With proper training, a guard dog could be a huge asset to your family.

No matter what, you will have an incredible bond with your dog. These magical, euphoric feels that emerge that are not just in your imagination. Locking eyes with your furry friend and watching him gaze back at you so lovingly increases the release of oxytocin, which is our “feel good drug.”

If you rescued a dog, I would love to hear from you! How did you find your pet? What was their situation like before? Did you adopt a puppy or adult dog? What’s your favorite thing about them?

On to the recipe for today.

These tarts are so delicious. They have very few ingredients and are so easy to make. The honey and sugar really brings out the sweetness of the pears as they bake. They are housed in a light and fluffy pastry, which combines beautifully with the fruit. There is pure deliciousness in every bite, and although you didn’t have to work so hard to make them, they taste as if you have been baking all day. What a win! Though it sounds strange, don’t skimp on the salt in this recipe, it really brightens the entire taste of these yummy tarts.

Just a few notes, I used pears for these tarts, although there are several different fruits you can choose to use, including plums, apricots, and peaches. I also used more like 4 tablespoons of honey, because I really wanted the pears coated completely– so delicious!

This recipe is my own and will make six personal tarts for people who will enjoy this fancy looking dessert.

Ingredients for Pear Tarts with Honey:

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
1 pound pears (or any fruit of your choice) cut into ½” wedges
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons of ground nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoon honey
Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)

Preheat oven to 425°.

Cut pastry into six or eight 4” squares, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and prick all over with a fork.

Top with plums, leaving a ½” border.

Mix the cinnamon and nutmeg together in a bowl.

Sprinkle with sugar and honey; season with the cinnamon and nutmeg and a few grinds of pepper.

Bake tarts, rotating pan halfway through, until edges of pastry are puffed and golden brown, 25–30 minutes.

Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with salt just before serving.

You can also try sprinkling on a little goat cheese to boost the flavor too!

It’s that simple!

Mazel

Breaded Lemon Chicken

Jan. 18
2021

If you ask my husband, winter lasts forever. I keep telling him that winter lasts only three, maybe four months. For the most part, in the past years, there has not been much snow, and even though I do not like the cold weather, it reminds me that summer is on its way.

Getting through the winter months can be very difficult for some people. The shortened daylight hours and the cold can alter our mood significantly. The bright sun on a warm summer day only has positive effects on the way we feel. As winter forges ahead, we can use it to try to get in tune with our feelings. The holiday season is one reason to put aside the blues and, in spite of the cold, come together for a celebration. But for many of us, winter months look bleak. Here are some tips on how to feel more positive during the cold, winter months.

Exercise: Stop groaning. It really does help. If you are a runner, it is hard to run when the temperature drops significantly. Invest in good quality gear, or try classes for yoga, pilates, boxing, or indoor cycling. One of the upsides of having to quarantine is that many classes are online these days– there is no shortage of options for you.

Revamp your look: Buy some new sweaters, pants, and scarves. Better yet, how about a new hairstyle that is easy to manage? Try some new clothing styles and see if you like enough to put into your wardrobe repertoire. Buy yourself a new luxury item and put it to good use.

Moisturize: The cold can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it dry and itchy. Find a good moisturizer and use it regularly so your skin stays saturated and soft. Bonus: You’ll look radiant on those Zoom meetings.

Catch Up on Your Sleep: The long, dark hours of winter makes it easy to sleep, so you should take advantage and catch up on lost sleep. We all know how great we feel after a good night’s sleep.

Try some winter sports: For the athletes among us, the fun doesn’t have to stop when the warm weather does. Try skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or dog sledding. Ice skating, hiking, or just taking a walk around your neighborhood are also wonderful ways to get outside and get active.

Embrace the Danish Art of Hygge. Simply put, Hygge, (pronounced hoo-gah), means coziness, and creating a warm environment with people you love. You can practice the art of hygge by lighting some candles, wearing wooly socks, and cooking a nice meal. Other ways to practice hygge might include taking a long walk or hike during the winter when the sun is out and you can really benefit from it. Play board games with your friends, or read a book under a warm blanket with your kids. No matter how you choose to do it, adding hygge to your life can help you get more happiness out of your winter.

If you decide to cook a warm, comforting dinner, then this is the recipe for you. As you know, I am a huge lemon lover, so I just had to try this. The chicken is lightly breaded and sautéed with salt, butter, and lemon zest, giving it a silky coating with a little tang. The basil, thyme, and garlic are the savory here, along with the white wine, which gives this dish added flavor. The tomatoes are the star of this dish, with tiny bursts of goodness in every bite. You also get a little kick and heat from the crushed red pepper flakes. Top it off with some Parmesan cheese and this main dish is perfection, any time of the year.

This recipe is courtesy of Super Simple, by Tieghan Gerard and will serve 4 people seated for an intimate winter supper.

Ingredients for Breaded Lemon Chicken:

1-1/2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons salted butter
1/2 lemon, sliced
3 cups cherry tomatoes
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry white wine (such as pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc)
1 large handful fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

Rub chicken all over with 1 tablespoon olive oil and the lemon zest.

Season generously with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle flour evenly over the chicken, pressing it to adhere.

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.

When oil shimmers, add chicken and sear until golden, about 5 minutes per side.

Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

In same skillet, combine butter and lemon slices.

Sear the lemon until caramelized, about 30 seconds per side.

Remove lemon from skillet and set aside with chicken.

Increase heat under same skillet to high and add tomatoes, garlic, thyme and a pinch of salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.

Cook until tomatoes begin to burst, 4-6 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium low, stir in wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of skillet.

Return chicken to skillet, increase heat to medium and simmer until chicken is cooked through, 10-15 minutes.

Transfer chicken to serving platter and top with basil and lemon slices.

Spoon the sauce over top and scatter tomatoes all around.

It’s that simple!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Linzer Cookies

Jan. 14
2021

Do you ever get the urge to indulge in a perfect cookie and a tall glass of milk, or a cup of coffee or tea? I think we all do. For some, the taste is nostalgic. For others, it’s just plain delicious.

The portable size makes cookies perfect to bring anywhere you go. Have you ever brought home a piece of cake or some other dessert from a restaurant just to have it crushed and unappetizing? With a cookie, it is so easy to pack them in a baggie, and you are good to go. For your lunch, or your children’s lunches, cookies make a delicious, well portioned treat. If you make them just the right size, you’ll be satisfied by the whole thing too!

They are so versatile you can enjoy them for breakfast, a snack or dessert. One of the best things about them is that there are so many varieties and choices. There is the classic chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, the ever-popular sugar cookie, or newer gourmet macarons. They also come in all shapes and sizes, patterns and colors. You can always find ones that make you smile– and it’s sure to be delicious. There are cookies that have logos, happy faces, holiday themes, or customized with your name. They are relatively easy to make. All you need is ingredients you probably have in your pantry such as sugar, flour, butter and eggs. You can make them fat-free, gluten-free or dairy-free. There is a cookie for everyone.

While you’re at it, you can easily make an extra batch and bring them a friend. It will make their day, especially with the current situation. Give one to someone and you may make a new friend.

Even raw cookie dough is a special treat for some of us. It may remind us of helping our Mother or Grandmother make them. I know my own son is right behind me when I make cookies, eating the raw dough and licking the spoon clean. It is a comfort food that also satisfies our craving before the real treat is baked. Indulging in the soft gooey dough is easy, and fills us with pure happiness.

There is no dessert that comes in more flavors, textures, sizes and shapes. People are getting more creative in creating the world’s favorite treat. But can you eat just one? I know I can’t. Although everyone’s definition of the perfect cookie is different, one thing we can always agree to love cookies.

That said, this one cookie I think will please everybody. Linzer cookies are a traditional Austrian pastry, where two shortcake cookies are filled with a filling of your choice– you’ve probably seen them beautifully arranged in cafes. These cookies are even more special with the addition of peanut butter, giving them added flavor and texture. The two kinds of sugar make this sweet, but not too sweet– it is truly a perfect combination. The two cookies are then made into a sandwich with strawberry filling, making them heavenly and each bite is luscious and satisfying. If you don’t like strawberry jam, you can use any flavor you’d like! They are so easy to make, there is no reason not to.

This recipe is courtesy of Bake from Scratch and will make 18 finished sandwich cookies for people who will love this little piece of heaven.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter-and-Jelly Linzer Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup strawberry jam

Preheat oven to 375°F with oven racks in the top third and bottom third of oven.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute.

Add egg yolk and vanilla, and beat on low speed just until incorporated.

Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder, and gradually add to butter mixture, beating on low speed just until incorporated. (I found the batter to be very crumbly)

Place dough on a well-floured surface, and roll to 1/4-inch thickness.

Cut dough with a 2 1/2-inch round cutter.

Gently reroll scraps once, and repeat process with round cutter.

Place half of the dough rounds on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

Using a 1-inch star-shaped cutter, cut out and remove dough star shapes from the center of the remaining half of dough rounds. (Reserve and bake dough star cutouts for later, if desired.)

Transfer dough rounds with star cutouts removed to lined baking sheets.

Bake cookies in preheated oven until cookies are set and beginning to brown, 12 to 13 minutes, switching pans top rack to bottom rack halfway through baking.

Transfer pans to wire racks, and cool cookies completely, about 30 minutes.

Sift powdered sugar over cookies with star cutouts.

Spread 1 1/2 teaspoons jam on 1 side of remaining cookies.

Place a star cutout cookie, powdered sugar side up, over each jam covered cookie, and gently press.

It’s that simple!