A pie may be the first dessert that comes to mind when you think of cooling temperatures, and diminishing days, but there are many other treats to be had when winter comes around. At Xtrema Pure Ceramic Cookware, we are always on the lookout for new treats to make in the kitchen. We rounded up some of the best-kept secrets of the fall season, so you can impress your family members and friends with every delicious helping.
Berry Cream Muffins
Winter is a wonderful time of year to celebrate those last few tastes and traces of the fruits that were harvested during the summer. These sinfully delicious muffins are sure to make your dessert table the centerpiece of any gathering. You will need four cups of flour, two cups of sugar, one-and-a-quarter teaspoons of baking powder, one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of salt, three cups of fresh or frozen raspberries and blueberries, and four large, lightly beaten eggs, two cups of sour cream, one cup of canola oil, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the berries and toss gently. Combine the eggs, sour cream, oil, and vanilla. Mix well and stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minute. Cool for five minutes before transferring the pans to a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cinnamon Fruit Biscuits
If you are looking for something that's easy and quick to make just before the relatives roll in, these sweet treats provide a wonderful solution. You will need one-half cup of sugar, one-half teaspoon of ground cinnamon, one tube of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, one-quarter cup of melted butter, and 10 teaspoons of strawberry preserves. In a small ceramic mixing bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Dip the top and sides of the biscuits in butter and then the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet. With the end of a wooden spoon handle, make a deep indentation in the center of each biscuit and fill with one teaspoon of strawberry preserves. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Pecan Raisin Bread
What could be better than that classic raisin bread flavor? This delectable loaf of bread smells terrific and tastes even better with a dose of pecans. You will need one cup and two tablespoons of water, eight teaspoons of butter, one egg, six tablespoons of sugar, a one-quarter cup of non-fact dry milk powder, one teaspoon of salt, four cups of bread flour, one tablespoons of active dry years, one cup finely chopped pecans, and one cup of raisins. In your ceramic mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt, oil, and three cups of flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in remaining flour, one-half cup at a time, to form a soft dough. Add the pecans and raisins. Turn onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until the dough doubles in size. Punch the dough down and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a loaf. Place in two greased ceramic baking dishes. Cover and let the dough rise again. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Pumpkin spice is a cultural phenomenon that never fails to make its annual debut, but these big, soft spice cookies with sweet frosting can make an extra-special treat to help you stay warm during this cooler weather, and extend the taste of fall just a little bit longer. You will need one package of yellow cake mix, one-half cup of quick-cooking oats, two teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, one can of pumpkin, one large egg, and two tablespoons of canola oil. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the cake mix, oats, and pie spice. In one of your ceramic mixing bowls, beat the pumpkin, egg, and oil. Stir the mixture into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Drop two tablespoons onto baking sheets coating with cooking spray. Flatten with the back of a spoon. Bake until the edges are golden brown (approximately 18 to 20 minutes). Transfer to wire racks for cooling. For the frosting, you will need three cups of confectioners' sugar, one teaspoon of grated orange zest, and three tablespoons of orange juice. Combine the ingredients in a bowl and spread the mixture over the cooled cookies.
Sparkling Cider Pound Cake
Although we are trying to highlight the many treats you have to look forward to other than apple pie, no collection of winter treats would be complete without an apple delicacy. You will need a three-quarter cup of softened butter, one-and-a-half cups of sugar, three large eggs, one-and-a-half cups of flour, one-quarter teaspoon of baking powder, one-quarter teaspoon of salt, and one-half cup of sparkling apple cider. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of a greased ceramic baking dish with greased parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after every addition. In another mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with cider. Transfer to the baking dish and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Cool the cake for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For the glaze, you will need a three-quarter cup of confectioners' sugar and three teaspoons of sparkling apple cider. In a small mixing bowl, mix the glaze ingredients until smooth and spoon the mixture over the cake.
Amongst berries, cinnamon, pecans, pumpkin spice, and sparkling cider, there are plenty of flavors to enjoy and inspire throughout this festive season. You can also make preparation and clean up a breeze by using our ceramic baking dishes and mixing bowls for all your favorite winter baked treats. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
