Pecan Squares-New Recipe to Try

Pecan Squares

• FOR THE CRUST
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup Confectioners’ sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
• FOR THE FILLING
• 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 TBSP bourbon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Generous pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 3 cups coarsely chopped pecans

Combine crust ingredients in the food processor and pulse until it looks like coarse sand with clumps of butter. Press into a square baking dish (lined with parchment) and bake at 350 degrees X 17 minutes. it should be set but not browned. Now prepare the filling.

In a pot over medium heat, add butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Let sugars melt, then let boil for about 3 minutes, then add bourbon and heavy cream. Add pecans, then pour over the crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes

Based on https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/pecan-shortbread-squares.html

Kid-approved Fluffier Pancakes

It was hard to admit that the pancake recipe I’d been using for over 10 years is not the greatest. The kids did not really like the buttermilk in particular. I needed to find a fluffier version. This recipe was a hit. Even the little one ate more than I expected!

• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup oil or combo of oil and melted butter

I like to add everything but the flour together first. This assures that the salt and leaveners are evenly distributed. Whik together, gently breaking ups the clumps of flour. The key is to break up some of the larger clumps so that there aren’t any dry spots. Also, resting the batter for a bit help with producing a more better consistency. Heat the skillet to 275 degrees and butter the surface for added flavor. If adding fruit, let the first side set about halfway.

Zucchini Bread

• 2 grated zucchini (12-16 ounces)
• 2 (230 grams) cups flour
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp cardamom or 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 3/4 cup oil
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) brown sugar
• 1/2 (50 grams) white sugar
• 2 eggs

Combine flour and zucchini. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk oil and sugars. Add eggs, vanilla, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg. Add dry ingredients and stir gently to mix well. Pour batter into greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for ~55 minutes, until cooked through.