Sunday, August 29, 2010

Buttery Sourdough Dinner Rolls


We had dinner at our new neighbor's house last week and he is a bread man. He bakes two loaves of bread every week to be used for their sandwiches and then makes additional rolls, sweet breads and additional breads as needed. I was impressed. For dinner that night he made these rolls and they were divine.... Honestly, I know I have been throwing around the term "the best" liberally, but these were the best rolls I have ever eaten. Mr. E. and I were lucky enough to enjoy them with dinner tonight as our generous neighbor shared his cookbook with me as well as a jar of his valuable sourdough starter. For more information about sourdough starters check out this website http://www.io.com/~sjohn/sour.htm One of the main differences between a lot of starters I have seen and mine is that mine was made with milk. Enjoy!

2 packages dry active yeast
½ cup warm water (about 110 degrees)
4 cups all purpose flour
¼ sugar
1 teaspoon salt
10 T butter, melted and cooled
1 egg
1 cup sourdough starter, at room temp
½ cup warm milk (about 110 degrees)

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour, the sugar and salt. Then add yeast mixture, 6 T of the melted butter, the egg, starter and milk.

Beat with a heavy-duty mixer for about 5 minutes until well blended and smooth. Gradually beat in the remaining 2 cups of flour. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 45 minutes).

Pour 2 T of the remaining melted butter into a 9 13 inch baking pan, tilting pan to coat bottom. Stir dough down and drop into pan by large spoonfuls, making about 15 rolls. Cover and let rise in a warm place until light and puffy (about 30 minutes).

Drizzle the remaining 2 T melted butter over the rolls. Bake in a preheated 425 oven 400 for a glass pan for 15-20 minutes or until browned. Turn out onto a plate and serve hot. Pull rolls apart to separate.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Happy Birthday Mr. E!




It's Peach... What else would it be?

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Herring Pate




We have been trying to eat more fish lately in addition to our weekly salmon dinner (now that Baby O is here!) and one of my more recent creations can either be served as an appetizer or as a main dish for a casual meal. Yes, I know that smoked herring does not sound appetizing at all but it is oh so good for you.

Ingredients:

7.5 can smoked herring
3 oz. lite cream cheese
1/2 lemon, squeezed
a few dashes of hot sauce
1 T of tomato paste (buy the tube of TP... it is much more economical than the cans)

Mix in a foot processor until it reaches a smooth consistency, about 30 seconds. Serve on toasted baguette rounds. We had a meal using leftover ingredients last night so I served this with roasted sweet potatoes and a salad.