Homemade Raisin Bread

  

This homemade raisin bread recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy fresh-baked bread. It is made with simple ingredients, including flour, sugar, yeast, milk, eggs, butter, and raisins. This bread is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.

 

Ingredients

 

1 cup warm water (105-115°F)

1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 egg

1 teaspoon salt

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup raisins

Instructions

 

Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.

Stir in the melted butter, egg, and salt.

Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.  

Stir in the raisins.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.  

Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased and floured 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Cover and let rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.  

Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

 

For a sweeter bread, you can add more sugar to the dough.

You can also add other ingredients to the dough, such as nuts, spices, or chocolate chips.

To store the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or 1 week in the refrigerator.

Homemade Ricotta Cheese

  

Ricotta is a soft, creamy cheese that is made from whey. It is a popular ingredient in many Italian dishes, such as lasagna, ravioli, and cannoli. Ricotta can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack or appetizer.

 

Ingredients

 

4 cups whole milk

1/4 cup white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

 

Combine the milk and vinegar in a large pot.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Once the milk has simmered for 5 minutes, turn off the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Line a colander with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl.

Pour the milk mixture into the colander.

Let the mixture drain for 30 minutes.

Once the mixture has finished draining, discard the whey.

Add the salt to the ricotta and stir to combine.

Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips

 

For a richer ricotta, use whole milk instead of skim milk.

You can also add herbs, spices, or honey to your ricotta for flavor.

Ricotta can be used in a variety of dishes, such as lasagna, ravioli, and cannoli.

It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack or appetizer.

Gourmet Turkey Avocado Sandwich

 

2 slices of sourdough bread

 

4 oz roasted turkey

 

½ avocado, mashed

 

1 slice of Swiss cheese

 

2 tomato slices

 

1 handful of arugula

 

1 tbsp honey mustard

 

Butter (for toasting)

 

Instructions:

 

Spread butter on one side of each bread slice and toast in a pan until golden brown.

 

Spread honey mustard on one slice and mashed avocado on the other.

 

Layer turkey, cheese, tomatoes, and arugula.

 

Press together, slice, and enjoy!

Homemade BBQ Sauce

  

This homemade BBQ sauce is the perfect way to add flavor to your next grilled chicken, pork, or beef dish. It is made with ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and spices. This sauce is easy to make and can be customized to your own taste.

 

Ingredients

 

1 cup ketchup

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper  

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

 

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.

Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Tips

 

If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the saucepan.

You can also add other ingredients to your BBQ sauce, such as honey, molasses, or hot sauce.

This sauce is great for grilling, but it can also be used as a dipping sauce or marinade.