Daring Bakers-October 2008

Let me add another pizza dough recipe to our repertoire, only this time, I think it's fitting that we toss it! It is, after all, our Daring Baker's debut! (more on that below). Our challenge this month was to "toss pizza like a real pizziaolo".....and post pictures. I have to confess, while I'm not crazy about those pics (look at the top of the middle picture for the dough in action, actually capturing it was a little tricky), the tossing was more fun than I'd anticipated! And much easier than I imagined. This dough was so soft and elastic it expanded in the air as easily as a balloon does when you blow into it! Tasty and amazing! You can find the recipe here. I chose to keep my toppings basic: one pepperoni and one hawaiian style, both turned out delicious! My one disappointment was that the tossing made the dough a bit uneven in thickness, but I'm sure with a little practice that glitch could be ironed right out! Maybe next time we'll practice with friends ;)





So ladies, we're now official members of the Daring Bakers. I stumbled on this fabulous group of several hundred food fanatics while reading this blog, got more curious when they made eclairs from scratch a while ago, and decided to join on behalf of all of us! Originally, i planned to post the monthly challenge recipe at the beginning of each month; then we could each try it and post our comments when and if we wanted to. However, the blog rules outlaw any posting of the recipe previous to the reveal date. On to "Plan B": How about I let you know what the challenge is each month via email. Everyone interested in that month's selection will set a date, pick a kitchen, test the recipe, chow down and then do a team post. Whattaya say?

Pumpkin spice cookies

It seems like all I ever post on here are short-cut recipes, no brainers or minimal ingredient foods. Well, just to stay true to the my 'quickie' stick-a-fork-in-it identity, I've found another speedy one. Two ingredients, that's it! One of my favorite discoveries in cooking has been the joys of cake mix. The possibilities are endless!

1 box spice cake mix
1 can pumpkin puree

Mix the two ingredients together in a bowl. Spoon the mixture into little heaps on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. I made a little cream cheese icing to go over the top. So low in fat too, no eggs or oil! Kristen, these remind me of your yummy cookies.

Popovers

So I made these last week and have been meaning to post. Most of you probably have no idea what these are as they are very British/Canadian. They are also known as yorkshire pudding. I grew up with these puffy, bread like things. They are soooooooo good with a roast beef dinner, filled with beef gravy.
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Put all ingredients into a blender, blend until smooth. Put in fridge until ready to use (for some reason they turn out better if the batter is cold). Heat oven to 400. Spray a muffin tin with pam or wipe well with oil. Pour batter evenly among all 12 cups and bake for 30 min. or until golden brown. Do not open oven while baking, they will flop!