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A Slice of Heaven (Part 2) - Beer Bread & Buns

For Part 2 in this  series   I decided to indulge into two other favorite bread recipes, that's is not just dynamic, but delicious and wholesome.  Beer bread and Buns.  In recent times it has been difficult to bake beer bread, and I don’t like to mention Covid 19 (hold my beer), but we were unable to purchase any alcohol as the government imposed an alcohol ban in our country.  This in turn inhibited me to bake or create anything that contained alcohol, especially our family favorite - beer bread.   Banned? The ban was lifted then imposed then lifted, then imposed again,  so when we had the chance to buy any beer (and there weren’t many - I am an Essential Worker), we had to jump to the opportunity. This meant that standing in a long queue with short frustrations was the new normal.   A slice of  Heaven Alas! I was able to get the ingredients for my recipe and then I created a slice of heaven.   That first slice was heaven, topped with melted golden butter delight.  A bliss to the

Wake up and Smell the Flours: Part 1 - Savory Layered Bread & Rosemary and Garlic Focaccia



Spring has finally arrived and the bees are out, flowers are in blue and the winter is coming to a close.  Allergy season is here, and we are ready for the outside and to enjoy the heat!  

Adapting is Key

Days are filled with multiple seasons and the world is constantly changing, and so are we.  Adapting is key.  Everyday is a adventure on the horizon, a new challenge ahead of us - something to look forward too.

Avalanche 

Flour is such an integral part of the baking world (and food).  Every time I use flour, I try to challenge myself - to be adventurous and try new things.  Flour reminds me of a white glacier, towering over everything and ready to Crumble at any moment.

Unexpected Guests 

Whether it's a cold rainy day or hot summer afternoon, baking breads are always a fun and great way to experiment with new recipes. I have a few ready to use recipes in my wheelhouse.  At any moment you might get an unexpected guest and need to whip up a quick snack. I am always inspired by what I have in the fridge.  

Smell the “Flours”

This time I have two recipes that are quick and easy to make. Savory Layered Bread and Delectable Focaccia Bread.  Time to Wake up and smell the “Flours”!

Savory Layered Bread




Cooking time: 7 minutes
Baking Time : 45 minutes 
Servings: 4 - 6
Difficulty: 3 1/2 out 5 
For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon!

Ingredients:
  • 1 pack Bread Dough (1 batch self made dough will also do)
  • 60g Tomato Paste
  • 150g Mushrooms (diced)
  • 1 red bell Pepper
  • 1 yellow Pepper
  • 60g minced Garlic
  • 250g streaky Bacon
  • 300g Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 2 tbs Mixed Herbs
  • 2 tbs Paprika Powder
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
Method:

  • Preheat the oven to 180'C
  • On a lightly dusted surface, roll the dough out to about 15mm thickness. 
  • Spread the tomato paste to cover the base. 
  • Dice the mushrooms and peppers. 
  • Then fry it on a medium heat until all the moisture has evaporated. 
  • Then sprinkle over the base. 
  • Spread the garlic evenly over the mushrooms and peppers. 
  • Sprinkle the herbs and paprika covering the base. 
  • Place the bacon in such a way to cover the dough evenly. 
  • Sprinkle the cheese over everything, covering the base properly. 
  • Carefully fold the edges of the dough to form a rolled “tube”. 
  • Place the bread in a greased oven dish and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown.  
  • Use a skewer to check if the bread is baked through. 
  • Slice and serve (as a main meal or side dish). 




Rosemary & Garlic Focaccia (with Feta and Picante Peppers)



Baking Time: 20 - 25 minutes 
Preparation Time: 1-2 hours
Servings: 4 - 6
Difficulty: 1 out 5
Vegetarian

Ingredients:
  • 500g all purpose Flour
  • 7g instant Yeast
  • 350 - 400ml luke warm Water
  • 2 tsp fine Salt
  • 1 tsp coarse Sea Salt
  • 5 tbs Olive Oil + extra
  • bunch of Rosemary Spriggs
  • 3 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 60 - 100g Feta Cheese
  • 60g picante Peppers
Method:

  • Preheat the oven to 200'C.
  • Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl.
  • Creating a wall in the flour, add the yeast and salt on opposite sides.
  • Quickly mix together, the initial separation will keep the salt from "killing" the yeast. 
  • Mix the water and 2 tbs oil together, then gradually mix with the dry ingredients until a dough forms (if the dough is too wet add a little bit of extra flour, or if the dough is to dry add a little bit of water).
  • On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5 - 10 minutes.
  • Place the dough in an oiled glass bowl and cover, then let the dough rise for 1 - 2 hours (depending on the temperature) or until doubled in size.
  • Once the dough has doubled in size, place it in a lightly oiled oven dish.
  • With your fingers, create dimples across the dough.
  • Sprinkle the remaining olive oil over the dough.
  • Spread the garlic evenly over the pockets.
  • Crush the feta and spread over the dough.
  • Add the picante peppers too.
  • Sprinkle the rosemary and sea salt evenly over the dough.
  • Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Serve as a side dish, or be fancy and add wine!


Enjoy, take care of the ones around you, and most of all Stay Safe!
Tin_Tin

Comments


  1. An exceptional flavor, what makes our morning and the beginning of each day unique and special!

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  2. This bread looks amazing. I loved the way that you shaped the bread

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  3. Perfect fall recipes indeed! I have never made focaccia and you make it sound incredibly easy. The shape is so fun!

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  4. These look amazing! I would love to make these tonight. I'll have to nip to the shop to get everything I need!

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    Replies
    1. That sounds really awesome. Once you’ve made it. Let me know how it tasted!

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  5. My other half is a big fan of baking bread and he’d be keen to read these recipes. This layered bread looks delicious as does the rosemary foccacia.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you ! The layered bread is awesome for bbq’s and braais. Just made it on a whim and it worked ! Enjoy

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  6. The joys of homemade bread. Nothing beats the aroma of fresh baking bread, nothing! I'm very fond of focaccia, but your layered bread looks amazing! Yum!

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    Replies
    1. Wow! Thank you for the kind words. I love focaccia too. And it’s really easy to make.

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  7. Oh yes please. I LOVE fresh bread in the house and this looks incredible.

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  8. Nothing beats the taste of fresh bread in the morning or even the smell. Makes the house feel homey 🏡

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  9. Wow, it's not even 5:30 am and that layered bread has me craving bread. It looks so good and I think I might try and make some soon. Yum!

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    Replies
    1. Please try it and let me know what you think! It’s really easy and lovely

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  10. The layered bread looks fantastic, it made me so hungry! The focaccia looks lovely as well, I can tell from the photos that is very soft. I love the combination of garlic and rosemary.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the compliment! We really appreciate it! Try it and let us know what you think.

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  11. I need this layered bread in my life! I am a sucker for bread and this just looks absolutely delicious!

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    Replies
    1. It really is delicious. And super easy to make! Go ahead and try it.

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  12. Focaccia bread is so delicious, I never really thought about making it myself so I guess here's my opportunity to give it a try.

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    Replies
    1. Don’t hesitate. Just do it ! And let us know what you think.

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  13. Love this recipe! I have to try making it :)

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  14. OMG this sounds absolutely DREAMY. I love focaccia!

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    Replies
    1. Focaccia is really tasty and really easy to make!

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  15. This looks crazy delicious! I absolutely love bread. I've baked it a little bit in the past, but I haven't gotten too into it. This seems doable! I can't wait to try it.

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    Replies
    1. This is really easy. The layered bread is actually easier than it looks.

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  16. I'm no chef and I don't like the kitchen, but this rosemary & garlic bread looks amazing and delicious! Plus, it's vegetarian! Yum😄

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    Replies
    1. It really is yummy. And the layered bread is also vegetarian if you leave out the bacon!

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  17. I hardly try anything new that comes my way just but would love to try this rosemary and garlic bread. This looks amazing and yummy

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    Replies
    1. Hey! Sometimes in life you need to challenge yourself and try nee things in order to grow and expand. This frightens me. But alas. I have to just close my eyes and make the metaphorical jump ! Thank you for the compliment.

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