A Herb-Infused Twist on Traditional Baking: Delicious Recipes Guaranteed to Satisfy
If you're looking for a way to spice up your baking routine, why not try using herbs? Herbs can add a delicious and unique flavor to your baked goods. In this blog post, we will share some of our favorite herb-infused recipes with you. We'll also provide tips on how to use herbs in your baking. So what are you waiting for? Start baking!
Herbed Yeast Bread
Herbed yeast bread is a great way to add flavor to your baking. Herbed yeast bread is a delicious and easy-to-make bread that is perfect for any occasion. The herbs in this recipe add a subtle flavor that pairs well with any meal. Since the herbs are blended into the dough, giving the bread a subtle yet distinct flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add other herbs to the dough. Try using basil or sage for a different twist. This bread can be made in advance and stored in the freezer for up to two months.
To make herbed yeast bread, you will need:
-Active dry yeast
-Warm water
-All-purpose flour
-Salt
-Olive oil
-Herbs of your choice (I used thyme, rosemary, and oregano and Herbie to strip those herbs right off their stems!)
In a small bowl, combine the yeast and warm water. Let sit for about five minutes, until the yeast has dissolved. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and olive oil. Add the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
Add the herbs of your choice and knead the dough for about ten minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about an hour. Once it has doubled in size, shape it into a loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet. Let rise for another 30 minutes before baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes.
Enjoy your fresh herbed yeast bread with butter, honey, or your favorite spreads! It also makes excellent toast. store any leftovers in a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to four days. Freeze any remaining slices for up to two months.
Herb-Infused Cookies
If you're looking for something sweet, try these herb-infused cookies. The recipe calls for lavender, but feel free to experiment with other herbs. We've found that mint and lemon work well too. These cookies are perfect for a summer garden party or an afternoon tea. Here's a quick and simple recipe for how to make them:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl, mix together ½ cup of softened butter, ¼ cup of sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and one egg until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until everything is well combined.
Now it's time to add your herbs! Start with about ½ teaspoon of dried herbs (I like using a combination of rosemary, thyme, and oregano) and add them to the dough. If you want a stronger herb flavor, you can add up to a teaspoon. Mix everything together until the herbs are evenly distributed.
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between the cookies, as they will spread while baking. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
A few quick tips:
-If you want an extra crispy cookie, add an additional ¼ teaspoon of baking powder to the recipe.
-For a softer and more chewy cookie, try using brown sugar in place of white sugar.
-Not a fan of herbs? You can leave them out entirely or substitute in your favorite spices ( cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.) for a different flavor profile.
Whatever you do, make sure to enjoy these delicious cookies with a big glass of cold milk!
Herb Infused Cake
This cake is infused with the flavors of rosemary and orange zest. The cake itself is a moist and tender olive oil cake, flavored with fresh rosemary and oranges. The frosting is a rich and creamy mascarpone cheese frosting, also flavored with fresh orange zest. This cake is perfect for any special occasion!
Herb Infused Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
Cake:
-¾ cup (180 ml) olive oil
-½ teaspoon pure orange extract
-zest of two oranges, divided
-½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
-¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
-¼ cup (50 grams) light brown sugar, packed
-½ teaspoon baking powder
-½ teaspoon baking soda
-½ teaspoon salt
-½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
-⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
Frosting:
-16 ounces (450 grams) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature* heavy cream may be substituted for a lighter frosting -⅔ cup (160 ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
-⅓ cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
-zest of one orange
Directions:
To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease and flour two nine-inch round baking pans. In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat together the eggs, sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy. Slowly add in the olive oil and continue mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake. Allow cooling completely on a wire rack before frosting.
To make the frosting: In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat together the mascarpone cheese, cream, sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy. Spread evenly over cooled cake layers and enjoy!
While traditional baking will always have a place in our hearts, there's something special about herb-infused recipes. They're unexpected, delicious, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So next time you're in the mood for something sweet (or savory), don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite herbs. You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy the results!
P.S. Don't forget to share your creations with us on social media using #TFTWoodlove! We can't wait to see what you come up with! Happy baking!