Saturday, April 19, 2008

Cheddar Dill Scones



Ingredients:

4 cups plus 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour (plus extra for work surface)
2 tbsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
3/4 pound cold unsalted butter, diced
4 extra-large eggs, beaten lightly
1 cup cold heavy cream
1/2 pound extra-sharp cheddar, small-diced
1.5 tbsp dried dill
1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water or milk (for egg wash)
3 tbsp sesame seeds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine 4 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt in the bowl of electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is in pea-sized pieces. Mix the eggs and heavy cream together and then quickly add to flour mixture. Combine until just blended.

Toss together the cheddar, dill and 1 tablespoon of flour and add them to the dough. Mix until they are almost incorporated.

Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and kneed it for one minute, until the cheddar and dill are well distributed. Roll the dough 3/4 inch thick. Cut into 4-inch squares and then half diagonally to make triangles. Brush the tops with egg wash.

Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly on top of each scone. Bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 20-25 minutes, until the outside is crusty and the inside is fully backed.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Lemon Bars



Ingredients:

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
5/8 cup Meyer's Lemon Juice
4 eggs

Directions:

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Grease the 9x13 pan.

In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour and confectioner's sugar. Blend in melted butter. Press in the the bottom of the pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until slightly golden.

Combine sugar, baking powder and 1/4 cup of flour in a bowl until there are no lumps. Add eggs to sugar mixture until blended. Add lemon juice and stir well.

Pour over prepared crust and return to oven. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until bars are set. Allow to cool. Coat with sifted confectioner's sugar (optional).