Roasted Pepper Feta Scones

Roasted Pepper Feta Scones

Roasted Pepper Feta Scones

When I worked in a small bakery, my first responsibility of the day was to fill the pastry case with hot, freshly baked scones. In the darkness of the morning hours, scones were simple enough for my tired mind to understand. Flour, butter, and baking powder—the essentials—were assembled at my right hand. The hum of the mixer accompanied by my practiced motion of tossing in the ingredients became the melody to the break of day.

Once in the case, there was only a brief moment of respite before moving onto the next task.

Roasted Pepper Feta Scones Roasted Pepper Feta Scones

Though the scones were simple enough of a task to my weary mind, I quickly grew tired of them. I resented the spicy peach scones for taking so much longer to assemble. The raspberry white chocolate tested my patience when the raspberries often gave the dough too much moisture (and the scones would bake up as flat as a pancake). The blueberry became a disappointment whenever the bright blueberry color would bleed throughout the batter instead of staying intact.

These scones became my labor of love. I worked hard to produce consistent scones, despite each varieties' quirks. On those mornings when I wasn't ready to face a fight with raspberry white chocolate scones (again), I started inventing my own flavors, with the ingredients hiding around the bakery. Apple cinnamon, white chocolate mocha cappuccino, and chocolate mint became hits among the regulars. These scones were the one item at the bakery I could truly call my own.

Roasted Pepper Feta Scones

Nevertheless, when my time at the bakery came to a close, I was in no hurry to whip up another batch of scones any time soon. After making thousands of scones by hand (and nibbling on too many stale scones destined for the trash), I think I've had my fair share for the next few months (or, to be honest, years).

However, since I rarely made savory scones at the bakery, they still intrigue me. Just about anything could end up in a savory scone—how was anyone supposed to choose? After a little creative thinking (and a craving for roasted bell peppers), these Roasted Pepper Feta Scones were born. Finally a scone that isn't just for breakfast!

Roasted Pepper Feta Scones

Roasted Pepper Feta Scones are buttery, light, and flavorful. Featuring roasted peppers, feta cheese, and green onion, these three flavors come together to make a scone that is as welcome at lunch time as breakfast. You may roast the bell peppers yourself or, for convenience, pick up a jar of roasted peppers at the local market. These tips for making mile-high, flaky biscuits also apply to making scones: check them out!

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Baked Corn Tortilla Chips

Baked Corn Tortilla Chips

Baked Corn Tortilla Chips

I grew up eating baked corn tortilla chips. My mother made them purposely whenever she served up chicken tortilla soup. She seasoned them with a dash of salt and served them crisp and hot, fresh from the oven. We used them to scoop up the soup, rarely needing to pick up our spoons. The first time she made them I was in awe. Though I eat tortilla chips all the time, I never made the connection between the chips in the bag and an actual tortilla sitting on a baking sheet.

You could say it was a revelation of sorts.

Baked Corn Tortilla Chips

While this may be a new idea to some of you, for others it is a reminder that you can and should make your own corn chips. They can be made sweet with a dash of cinnamon and sugar or savory with spices and herbs. I made three different types of chips when I set out to bake them yesterday. The first were made with a light sprinkling of salt and a dash of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The second group I sprinkled with a few dried Italian herbs. The third group of corn chips was seasoned with dash of seasoning salt (Lawry's brand). Though these are just a few ideas, I imagine that freshly cracked pepper would go perfectly on just about everything.

Be careful when seasoning the chips, however. A little salt goes a long way.

Baked Corn Tortilla Chips

While I enjoy them with a bowl of chicken tortilla soup, they certainly wouldn't go amiss with a bowl of hot and hearty chili. These tortilla chips are also lovely dipped into a dish of homemade salsa or a warm pot of spicy queso.

You may be having a Super Bowl party, looking forward to the big game to cheer on your favorite team. Or you may be in my shoes, excited for chips, chili, and sitting down to the best commercials of the year. Whatever end of the spectrum you fall, I hope you enjoy your evening and definitely eat your fair share of salsa.

How would you personalize your corn chips?

Baked Corn Tortilla Chips

These Baked Corn Tortilla Chips are crunchy, fresh, and come straight from your oven. They are easy to make—simply cut a corn tortilla into strips or pie wedges, lightly spray with cooking oil and season however you please. After spending a few minutes in the oven, they come out crisp, hot, and ready to eat. Not only are these chips healthy because they are baked, but they are equally at home near a bowl of dip or a bowl of soup.

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Beer Bread

Beer Bread

Beer Bread

Beer has a time and place. Sporting events and hot summer nights. Wild concerts and Super Bowl parties. A refreshing side to a slice of pizza or a platter of fries. Whether you enjoy it pale or dark, bitter or balanced, light or filling enough to be a meal, there is a beer for everyone and every occasion. Sometimes the trickiest part is finding the right one for you. In my third year since reaching the legal drinking age, I'm not quite sure I've found my one and only just yet.

That said, I've always been more of a wine kind of gal.

Beer Bread Beer Bread

Beer bread, opposed to a mug of frothy ale, is something I can get behind. It's no secret that I love bread in each and every form. Beer bread is no exception. If left to my own devices (with no concept of willpower or prying, concerned eyes), I could very well eat the entire loaf by myself.

After years of baking beer bread from box mixes, it wasn't until I set out on my own that I realized how absolutely easy it is to make without a mix. In fact, it takes only a minute longer to whisk together the base ingredients. A whole minute. Sometimes I'm amazed by the ease bread can come together.

Beer Bread

For those of you are hesitant about making yeast breads, this is for you. Beer bread is technically a "yeast" bread but, since yeast comes only from the beer, you don't have to worry about proofing or anything else that comes with that process. Of course, you don't have to share that minor detail with those you are trying to impress.

The special ingredient in this particular recipe is the butter. Though the butter can be optional (especially if you are watching your waistline), I wholeheartedly recommend you brush it heavily on the bread before baking. It really gives the bread a thick, buttery crust that is absolutely wonderful.

In fact, I'm pretty sure it's my favorite part.

Beer Bread Beer Bread

Beer Bread is buttery, chewy, and tastes like your favorite beer. The yeast in the beer interacts with the sugar to help the bread to rise (and the baking powder gives the bread an additional boost to keep it from becoming dense). Be wise, however, in choosing the beer you use. A beer with fruit tones will lend a sweeter, fruity bread. Likewise, a dark ale will lend a robust flavor to the final product. I recommend you use a beer you know and love (I've also heard rumor that cheap, regular beer often tastes better than anything else, but I haven't given this theory a true test). Beer bread is excellent when sliced and spread with butter, cubed and sprinkled on top a thick, hearty chili, or dipped into a spinach or cheese dip. Give it a try—the recipe couldn't be easier!

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