Soft-Baked Pretzels

When I think of bread, I often (and unfortunately) forget the Soft-Baked Pretzel. On another culinary adventure, I made a batch of bread dough, altered it some, and tested a few options. Lessons learned? If you fry it, no need to 'bathe' it. The fry was favorable to balls of dough, but less so in the formed pretzel attempt. If you bake it, 'bathe' it. To achieve the brown layer, an alkaline bath is integral in yielding something pretzel-like in appearance and taste. No bath results in salted bread: great for breadsticks, but a pretzel fail. As one could hope for, these savory-skewed Soft-Baked Pretzels paired deliciously with old-fashioned or stoneground mustard. Enjoy!

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Pudding Cake with Blueberry Compote

What exactly IS pudding cake? I have seen it scrolled along the face of cake boxes, taunting me with the image of a rather yellow and 'moist' cake. From what I understand: pudding is folded into the mixture to moisten its outcome with the subtlest of texture differences. I can do this. Rather, I WILL do this. I put together my version of a Pudding Cake, using the moisture from the pudding to the cake's advantage, and topped it off with a layer of Blueberry Compote I made as it baked. The cake remained incredibly moist out of the oven (success!) and I served it warm with a bit of chilled pudding alongside. Enjoy!

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Shortbread, The Butter Biscuit

When I was a child living abroad, there was a distinct buttery flavor that became synonymous with tea time. This Shortbread treat became such a staple that even as an adult I desire its buttery taste with tea, coffee, or any other warm beverage. The ingredients are simple. The recipe is easy. The little butter biscuits smell incredible in and out of the oven. With a much-loved flavor leaning in its favor, the tasty morsels offer little reason to not give a go.

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Pumpkin Curry, Chicken

Thought the reign of pumpkin was over? Well it may be, but if you're anything like me, your pantry will retain some of the season's prime ingredients. This Pumpkin Curry with Chicken is an ensemble I started throwing together with little attention after a long day: I started it up, set a timer, and walked away. By the time I came back this protein-laden dish was a simmering golden-orange work of art, just begging for a side of naan or brown rice to soak up the flavors. Enjoy!

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Stuffed Meatballs, Giant

Well it's the new year - a time where you may want to simplify what goes into the body - and this could be a great higher protein snack before planning the next cheat meal. It's a simple concept and more of a shortcut than a recipe, but a Giant-sized Stuffed Meatball is certainly a meal in itself or a great addition to one (stuffed meatball hoagie, open-faced stuffed meatball sandwich, or classic spaghetti with stuffed meatballs?!). However it is served up, this is an easy recipe to put together before the day is started and pop in the oven after the day is done!

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