Thursday, December 6, 2007

What's in your oven?

So dear Readers, I come to you today not with delightful stories of black crusted bread that was supposed to have been golden brown, no not today. Today, I come to you to ask you - dear Reader, What is in your oven for the holiday season?

Do you have a traditional family favorite that you bake every year?

Is there a certain baked good that only you can create correctly?

Please join us in our exploration of the various items that you make for your family during the winter months. Write you favorite family culinary concoction that you are responsible for every year and if you have a memorable story we are always in for a good smile :) (If you have a recipe as well, maybe we can all try them out!)

7 comments:

Alex said...

I made mine tonight for dinner! Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie!
Heat oven to 375. Boil potatoes for mash (i usually leave skin on too) Meanwhile, saute 1 finely cut onion and 3 matchstick cut carrots add 1 tsp curry powder and saute in olive oil. After soft and slightly browned add half cup of peas and 1/3 cup ketchup and 2 tbsp worcestshire sauce and also add 1 package of frozen soy "meat." warm it up (no need to cook it like meat). By this time your potatoes will be ready -mash them up with some olive oil, pepper then add to the top of your "meat" mixture and place in oven for 15 min. i usually like to top it with extra sharp cheddar. This recipe usually takes me 30 min. and EVERYONE loves it.
Thanks for asking!

Tablebread said...

Wow that sounds great Alex! Although we at the table are dedicated carnivores :) we are always open to a vegetarian alternative. This is definitely a dish we would try!

Thanks again!

The Java Junkie said...

I am the keeper of (and probably the only family member who still makes) my grandmother's butterhorn rolls. These were a staple at my grandma's at Christmas - they are a lovely bread - soft and slightly sweet and very buttery. Grandma usually made a goose as well...that has since given way to a standing rib roast, but the holiday is just not right for me without those darned rolls!

Tablebread said...

Java Junkie - those butterhorn rolls sound super delicious!

Anyway we can talk you out of that recipe?!?

The Java Junkie said...

Butterhorn Rolls

1 c. milk, scalded
1 cup butter
1/2 cup warm water
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon white sugar
2 whole eggs
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons salt
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour + 1 tsp. baking powder sifted together
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup butter, melted

Add butter to hot scalded milk to melt. Set aside until room temp. Proof yeast in warm sugar water (1/2 tsp. sugar). Beat the eggs, remaining sugar and salt together in large bowl. Add add milk & butter mixture, combine well. Add yeast mixture and stir to combine. Stir in the flour/baking soda and stir until combined. Turn out on floured board and knead gently until dough is no longer shaggy. Refrigerate overnight.
Return dough to room temp and divide into quarters. Roll each quarter into a rectangle and spread the surface with softened butter. Cut each rectangle into triangles (think of the canned crescent rolls)- I use a pizza cutter for this. Roll into "butterhorns" from large end to small. Place rolls on a parchment lined baking sheet, cover with a towel and allow to rise for 3 to 4 hours, or until about double in size.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Bake butterhorns for 8 - 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven, and brush each roll with melted butter before serving.

These are best served warm, but my guilty pleasure is to make small sandwiches with them the next day using leftover rib roast or turkey.

Julie said...

Last year, I made biscotti for the first time and ended up making about a half dozen batches. In fact, I've got a batch in the oven right now (my third this week), which is why I'm struggling to keep my eyes open. I decided to make it after I saw it on my buddy Ken's food blog. It's easy and reliable, and easy to play with!

I often solo holidays because I just want the "me" time, and when I do, I cook me up some lamb and a decadent dessert. =)

Tablebread said...

Julie - We can definitely understand needing some "me" time during the busy holidays!

Java Junkie - Thank you for sharing your recipe! These sound amazing! Don't be surprised if you see this one on the table for the holidays :)