"No knead" Dutch Oven Bread... easy to make and really delicious!

Making bread can be intimidating, but this "no knead" bread is simple to make... and it is really delicious. The Dutch Oven is the key to the chewy crust and soft interior. No one will believe that this isn't an artisan loaf of bread from a fancy bakery. 

Cooking this bread in a Dutch Oven is really important. It allows the bread to cook in steam, which gives it the perfect texture. I got mine with points at my local grocery store. But Amazon has some great options with fantastic reviews.

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm (not hot) water
• 1 (8g) envelope of active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 4 cups flour (you can use bread flour... but I use all purpose and it works perfectly)
• 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions

1. In a medium size bowl, stir together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to soften and get foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour and salt together.
3. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture, and pour the yeast mixture into the well. Use a wooden spoon to stir until the dough starts to come together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. (If it's too sticky, you can add a bit of flour... and if it is too dry, you can add a bit of water.)
4. Grease a large bowl with olive oil, and place the dough in the bowl. Cover it, and leave it in a warm spot until it doubles in size... approx. 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
5. Lay out a piece of parchment paper, and dust it with flour. Dump the dough onto the floured parchment paper and form into a loose ball... by gently folding in the edges. Floured hands are helpful in creating the "rough" rustic loaf shape.
6. Transfer the dough back to the greased bowl, cover, and let rise for another 30-60 minutes.
7. While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 470 degrees F. When it's preheated, place the Dutch oven (with lid) in the oven for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the Dutch Oven from the oven, and transfer the risen dough into it. (Be careful because the Dutch Oven is going to be extremely hot!) 
9. Score the top of the loaf by cutting an "X" with a sharp knife... about 1/4 inch deep.
10. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
11. Reduce the heat to 450 degrees F, remove the lid, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to create a nicely browned crust.
12. Carefully transfer the bread to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for at least an hour before slicing. (Don't rush this step or you will end up with a gummy interior.)

*** I also like to rub a bit of butter on the top to make it look rich and glossy... but this is optional.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think. I'm pretty sure you'll love it!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

"Make ahead" French Toast Casserole

I love a "make ahead" casserole, and this French Toast casserole has become a staple in our home. It's great for special occasions, busy mornings, and casual brunches. Give it a try, and let me know what you think.

Ingredients:

• loaf of French bread
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp real vanilla
• 1/4 tsp salt

Crumble topping:

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup oats

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp all spice

1/2 cold butter (grated to make it easier to cut into the mixture)

Instructions:

1) Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with butter. Then, fill the pan with cut up cubes of bread.

2) Whisk 8 eggs together in a bowl. Add the milk, cream, sugars, vanilla and salt... and whisk together. 

3) Pour the egg mixture over the bread (evenly), cover, and refrigerate overnight.

4) To make the topping: Mix the flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg together with a fork. Add the grated butter, and use a pastry cutter to mix it into a crumbly consistency.

5) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then, sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole, and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour.

Serve "as is", or serve with fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Enjoy!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

To get a closer look, check out the YouTube short I made below.

Chewy and Moist Chocolate-Peanut Butter ZUCCHINI BROWNIES

In Fall, fresh zucchini is plentiful... and it's a perfect ingredient for baking. Today, I'm sharing my recipe for my favourite chocolate-peanut butter zucchini brownies. Give them a try, and let me know what you think.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup quality unsweetened cocoa
• 2 cups grated zucchini (including all the moisture)
• 2 tsp real vanilla extract
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh baking soda
• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
• 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup (mixed) peanut butter and chocolate chips for sprinkling on the top

Directions:

1) Grease a 9"x13" baking dish, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2) Using an electric mixer (on low), combine sugar, oil, and flour until it has a "wet sand" texture.

3) Continue mixing on low, and add cocoa, grated zucchini (which you don't need to pat dry), vanilla, salt, and baking soda. 

4) Once incorporated, add the peanut butter and chocolate chips. Pour batter in pan, and sprinkle with remaining peanut butter and chocolate chips. (The batter will be quite thick.)

5) Bake for approximately 30 minutes.

Enjoy!!!!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (You might also like this yummy FALL RECIPE)

Quick, easy and DELICIOUS Apple Crisp

If you like a quick, easy and delicious dessert, THIS recipe is for you. I absolutely love how simple it is to throw this apple crisp recipe together... and it makes your house smell AMAZING!!! Give it a try and let me know what you think.

You'll need:

• 9-10 cups of peeled, cored and sliced apples
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 Tbsp flour
• 1tsp cinnamon
• 3 Tbsp water
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup melted butter

I've included the instructions below, but you can also check out the video I made here:

***note - The video says 350 degrees C, but it should be 350 degrees F. 

Instructions:

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Then, peel, core, and slice apples. Place in the bottom of a greased baking dish.

2) Mix together 1 cup white sugar, 1 tbsp of flour, and 1 tsp cinnamon.

3) Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apples. Then pour on the water.

4) To make the topping: mix 1 cup oats, 1 cup flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp baking soda. Once combined, mix in 1/2 cup melted butter.

5) Spoon mixture over apples, and bake in oven until top is golden and apples are bubbling (40-45 minutes).

6) Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!!!!

Simple Quiche RECIPE that you can make in less than 5 minutes / It's budget-friendly too!

Who doesn't love a quick weeknight meal? This Quiche recipe is a staple in our house. It's delicious and super-easy to make. It's also budget-friendly. Check out the step-by-step instructions here.

Check out the short recipe video I made here.

I love that this recipe uses biscuit mix that I buy inexpensively at my local Dollarama. And it's delicious and sooooo easy to make! Give it a try and let me know what you think.

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Moist and Delicious BLUEBERRY LEMON LOAF

I'm usually a "chocolate" girl when it comes to dessert, but I'm also a sucker for the combination of blueberries and lemon. Recently, I made this loaf, and my husband said that it was the best thing I've ever baked. Pretty high praise! Give the recipe a try and let me know wheat you think.

Ingredients for loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp real vanilla
• zest of one lemon (approx. 2 tsp)
• juice from one lemon (approx. 2 Tbsp)
• 1/2 cup cream (you can use milk instead, but I like the richness of the cream)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (cleaned and mixed with 1 Tbsp flour)

Ingredients for lemon glaze:

• 2 Tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 - 3/4 cups powered sugar
• juice from one lemon (approx. 2 Tbsp)
• 1/2 teaspoon real vanilla

Directions:

1. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. (You can use butter to grease the pan, but the parchment paper makes it a lot easier to get it out of the pan in one piece.)
2. Whisk the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking powder) together.
3. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Once it is combined, start adding the cream and flour mixture -- alternating and adding a bit at a time. Don't overmix. You just want to incorporate all the ingredients.
4. Gently fold in the flour coated blueberries.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan, and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check readiness by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the loaf. It's done when it comes out clean.
6. Cool bread in the pan for about 30 minutes, and move to a wire cooling set on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. (The baking tray and parchment will catch the glaze that drips of the loaf and make clean up easier.)
7. Prepare glaze by whisking ingredients together. Add 1/2 cup powered sugar, and add more until desired consistency is achieved. 
8. Poor glaze over the loaf, allow to set, and enjoy!

This loaf is absolutely delicious! Give it a try and let me know what you think.

You may also be interested in trying this yummy cookie recipe:

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

EASY Easter Desserts that are DELICIOUS and Guaranteed to Impress!

If you like EASY holiday desserts, you are going to LOVE the quick and delicious recipes I'm sharing today. I have short cuts to share... and a step by step video. Take a peek, and let me know which Easter dessert is your favourite!

1) No-bake Easter cheesecakes (from a mix) - Find the step by step instructions here.

2) Mini egg brownies (from a mix) - If you like a good short-cut, you are going to love this quick and easy Easter dessert. Check out the easy "how to" here.

3) Soft and chewy mini egg cookies - To make a delicious Easter cookie, all you need to do is add mini eggs to your "go to" chocolate chip cookie recipe. You can find mine here.

4) No-bake chocolate/oatmeal/coconut Easter cookies - These are my FAVORITE Easter cookies. They are the perfect chocolate cookie... and they are easy to make. Find my recipe here.

For a closer look (and more instructions) check out the 5 minute video I made below.

What's your plan for Easter dessert? I hope you try out some of my favourites!

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

***Find more Easter ideas here.

EASY Valentine's Day Treats... featuring chocolate dipped goodies

Let's be honest... Valentine's Day is all about the chocolate. And homemade chocolate treats are guaranteed to impress family and friends. Today, I'm sharing EASY chocolate dipped goodies. You are going to be amazed at how simple the chocolate dipped heart-shaped strawberries are to make!

My favourite part of my Valentine's Day treat tray starts with heart-shaped strawberries. You halve the strawberries and cut a "V" from the top. (Check out the video below for step-by-step instructions.)

Insert a skewer, dip in melted chocolate, and place on wax paper to set.

Cute, right?!

You can also dip other things in chocolate. Try cookies, caramels, and cashews.

Then... when all the items have set... lay everything out on a tray. I added a bowl full of candies to the middle to add a bit of interest. Doesn't it look great? AND it tastes even better than it looks!

Check out this video for all the instructions / recipe video.

Thanks for checking out my latest easy and inexpensive Valentine's Day treat ideas! Let me know which one is your favourite. Happy Valentine's Day!!!

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

If you are looking for more Valentine's Day inspiration, check out more than 30 Valentine's Day ideas here.

 

The BEST Halloween Cookie Recipe... including a quick step-by-step video

This no-bake cookie recipe is a family favourite. I make it at Easter and add mini eggs, and at Christmas I make them and call them "reindeer poop". Today, I'm sharing my Halloween version. You are going to LOVE these simple and delicious Halloween cookies.

The recipe is at the end of this post, but you might want to check out this quick step-by-step video first.

To make these Halloween monster cookies:

1)  Mix together the following dry ingredients, and set aside:

• 3 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1/4 tsp salt

2)  Put the following ingredients in a saucepan, and bring to a boil:

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

3)  Remove from heat, and stir in dry ingredients.

4)  Before the mixture starts to dry out, drop the mixture from heaping teaspoons onto wax paper, and add candy eyes to each cookie.  Allow to cool completely.

They look adorable on a plain, white tray.

But I put mine on the tray I made in the video here.

You really should make this cookies. I guarantee you are going to think they are SPOOK-tacular. :-)

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also be interested in the ideas here...

3 "C" Cookies -- Crispy, Crunchy and Chewy

Sometimes you need a break from the traditional cookie recipes you bake all the time, and this recipe is just what you have been looking for. It's simple to throw together, it makes a bunch, they freeze beautifully, and they are delicious. The texture and buttery flavour of these cookies is EVERYTHING!

To make these cookies, you'll need:

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup oil

1 cup softened butter (not melted)

1 egg

1 tsp real vanilla

3 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cream of tartar

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup sweetened, shredded coconut

1 cup Rice Krispies

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2) Beat together: white sugar, brown sugar, oil, butter, egg, and vanilla together.

3) In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking soda, cream of tartar, oats, coconut and Rice Krispies.

4) Mix the two bowls of ingredients together.

5) Roll into ball, and flatten with a fork.

6) Bake until lightly brown in colour (approximately 10 minutes).

For a closer look at how I make these cookies, check out the short YouTube video here.

Seriously... sooooo yummy!

These cookies are fantastic for school lunches, and I love mine with a cup of coffee or tea. If you give them a try, let me know what you think. 

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also like the cookie recipes here.