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Molasses Raisin Bran Muffins

I am definitely that mom that worries about my kids getting enough fiber in their diet, how about you? Or for that matter, making sure we all get enough fiber, am I right?

Enter these delightful Molasses Raisin Bran Muffins that not only pack a TON of fiber in each bite but are sweet and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

The Goodness of Bran

I'm a fan of too many yummy, yet sugary cereals I'll be the first to admit. But I always have a box of plain old Bran Flakes lurking around my pantry. They are such a wonderful component to making muffins, like these or even using as breadcrumbs or sprinkling onto yogurt. Some amazing benefits to bran flakes include:

  • 6 grams of fiber for every cup
  • High in folic acid
  • promotes healthy digestive health
  • helps to keep heart healthy
  • source of whole grains

Kid Friendly

I'm not sure how many kids are going to eat a big old bowl of Bran Flakes, but I know plenty of kids that will eat a muffin any time. These muffins are slightly sweet mostly by molasses and honey and super moist and fluffy from the coconut oil, milk and mushy bran cereal. When baked, you can't even tell these were made with a whole grain cereal. Brushing the warm muffins with honey after they come out of the oven takes these to a whole other level. The hint of sweetness and shine really make these stand out.

Ingredients

A quick roundup of ingredients include:

  • flour
  • baking soda
  • cinnamon
  • salt
  • ground flax seeds (additional fiber)
  • raisins
  • molasses
  • eggs
  • coconut oil
  • brown sugar
  • bran flakes
  • honey

One of my favorite parts of this recipe is the use of only a bowl and a spatula, no mixer required! These are the types of recipes I'll whip up the night before and have them ready the next morning. It truly saves time and I can ensure my kiddos are eating something that will fill them up and pack some nutrition.

Check out the full recipe below! As always, I love seeing your creations. Please leave a review or share your dish with me on social media. You can find me on Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. For more delicious recipes to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter!

xoxo,
Cosette

Other recipes you may like:

Pear Skillet Cake
Olive Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies
Print Recipe
 Molasses Bran Muffins
Molasses Raisin Bran Muffins
Course Baked Good, Breakfast
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
muffins
Ingredients
Course Baked Good, Breakfast
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
muffins
Ingredients
Molasses Raisin Bran Muffins
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray muffin tins with non-stick spray, set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine your wet ingredients (except for coconut oil) + brown sugar, whisk to combine.
  3. Add your bran flake cereal to the wet ingredients and allow to sit for 5 minutes to soften.
  4. Slowly mix your dry ingredients into your wet ingredients and mix until just combined using a spatula. Your batter will be a bit runny (it's okay, it should be). Finally add your coconut oil and raisins.
  5. Fill your sprayed muffin tins full, leaving just a small space to the rim of the top. Be sure to scoop up raisins in each scoop. The muffins will rise but won't spill over, they will pillow up.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cake tester comes out clean.
  7. Remove from oven and while still hot, brush tops with honey.
  8. Remove from muffin tins, allow to cool on cooling rack and enjoy!
Recipe Notes

If you are using canola or vegetable oil in place of coconut oil, it is ok to combine with wet ingredients.

Recipe adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/47146/molasses-bran-muffins/

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Grapefruit Poppy Bread

grapefruit, citrus, bread, cake, winter
Grapefruit Poppy Loaf with grapefruit glaze.

When a large group of bloggers decide to virtually get together for a party, you SHOW UP! The lovely wonderful ladies of Square Meal Round Table and What Annie's Eating put together this lovely tribute to the mighty GRAPEFRUIT.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit Poppy Loaves

Tis' the season for all things citrus from incredible blood oranges, meyer lemons and of course grapefruit. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy this seasonal citrus, at its peak. It's funny, I was never a huge grapefruit fan until my later years, of course, I definitely enjoy it with some sugar but I do enjoy it greatly now. My kids have also become HUGE grapefruit eaters, so I can't complain! Although, my poor husband has made a name for himself as the "Best Grapefruit Cutter" so I leave the cutting to him, I'll take them and bake!

Grapefruit Bread

With grapefruit in peak season, I thought a grapefruit poppy loaf would be a nice twist to a traditional lemon poppy seed bread. I had these little mini loaf ceramic dishes I had been dying to use so 6 little loaves came about. Perfect for snacking, gifting or even freezing for a morning you just don't want to bake.

These loaves are filled with grapefruit zest, juice and of course topped with a delicious grapefruit glaze that gives it that extra dose of sweetness and glamour. You can certainly skip the glaze and pour a touch of grapefruit juice on top instead.

I love cakes that take a few minutes to make but pack a ton of flavor and are sure to impress! You can find this recipe and a TON more grapefruit inspiration by checking out the Instagram hashtag: #greatfruitgrapefruit . I also have links to some amazing recipes below to check out.

As always, I love seeing your creations! If you make these adorable loaves, give me a tag on Instagram or Facebook or leave a comment below. Be sure to pin for later!
xoxo,
Cosette

Grapefruit Poppy Loaf
PIN for later!
Grapefruit Poppy Loaf
Ready for the oven!
Grapefruit Poppy Loaf
Perfectly golden out of the oven.
Grapefruit Poppy Loaf
The grapefruit glaze really ties the whole bread together.
Grapefruit Poppy Loaf
That drip.
Grapefruit Poppy Loaf
Perfect for a party or brunch.


More Grapefruit Inspiration

Print Recipe
 Grapefruit Poppy Loaves
Makes 6 mini loaves, check recipe notes for alternate baking vessels.
grapefruit, citrus, bread, cake, winter
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Loaves
Grapefruit Glaze
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Loaves
Grapefruit Glaze
grapefruit, citrus, bread, cake, winter
Instructions
Loaves
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease and flour 6 mini loaf pans (mine were 3.5" x 5.5" and about 2" high).**see notes below for baking in standard loaf pan or bundt
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, add your: eggs, sugar, vanilla, zest from 2 grapefruit and bourbon.
  3. Mix on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until fluffy.
  4. Add in your dry ingredients until just combined.
  5. Finally add your oil, yogurt and grapefruit juice and allow to mix for 2-3 minutes until batter is fully combined.
  6. Pour into prepared mini loaf pans, batter can be filled to almost the top, leave about ¼". Place your mini loaves on a sheet pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Tops should be golden in color. Remove from oven, let cool then remove from ceramic loaf pans. Prepare glaze and top when loaves are cool. Enjoy!
Grapefruit Glaze
  1. Combine your powdered sugar and grapefruit juice until a thick but pourable glaze forms.
Recipe Notes

**If you don't have mini loaf pans, this bakes great in a bundt pan. Coat your bundt pan well, I really love using Baker's Joy! Bake bundt for 55-60 minutes

**You can also prepare 2 standard size loaf pans (9.5" x 2") and bake those for about 45 minutes

**You can obviously omit the glaze, you may want to drizzle about a tablespoon of fresh grapefruit juice on top when they come out of the oven if you choose to omit the glaze. 

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Chicken and Rice Soup

chicken, soup, lemon, rice, comfort, winter
Comforting chicken, rice and lemon make this a perfect winter dish.

For the longest time I can remember, soup has always been the essence of comfort food. Food to warm you up on a cold winter day or that special dish when you are sick. This Chicken and Rice soup with lemon is the soup you need this winter.

Avgolemono

I was inspired by the Greek soup, Avgolemono. My friend Bella from the blog, Ful-Filled, recently shared her recipe for this classic Greek soup that is a base of chicken, rice, lemon and eggs. My oldest daughter has an egg allergy, which means Avgolemono wouldn't work for her. I wanted to create a similar style soup that would satisfy the same warmth as traditional Avgolemono without the eggs.

Simple Ingredients

chicken, soup, lemon, rice, comfort, winter
Warm chicken and rice soup for cold winter days.

Traditional Avgolemono uses eggs to create its signature creamy, silky texture. I decided to replace the egg component with a light roux (flour and butter mixture) to create a bit of creaminess without being a cream based soup. Adding fresh lemon juice is a must but adding some sumac spice gave the soup its bright flavor. The sumac bush is native to the Middle East, it produces deep red berries which are dried and ground into a coarse powder used in many Middle Eastern dishes. Sumac has a lemony flavor, but is more balanced and less tart than lemon juice which is a nice addition in the soup.

The simpleness of this dish is appealing but the flavors of the soup are so deep and comforting. A handful of simple ingredients turn into a dish that is more than perfect for a weeknight meal or a leisurely weekend brunch. Taking the extra time to make a homemade chicken stock is well worth it, especially when the broth is the main star of the show.

.I think the beauty of developing recipes is taking inspiration from around the world and incorporating it into your own personal style. A traditional Greek soup inspired my own version with a Lebanese twist and flair. I hope this soup finds its way to your heart and home.

As always, I love seeing your creations. Tag me on Instagram or Facebook with your dish!

xoxo,
Cosette

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chicken, soup, lemon, rice, comfort, winter
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Print Recipe
 Chicken and Rice Soup
This soup is hearty enough for a full meal. Serves 8 people.
chicken, soup, lemon, rice, comfort, winter
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Lebanese
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken Stock
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Lebanese
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken Stock
chicken, soup, lemon, rice, comfort, winter
Instructions
Chicken and Rice Soup
  1. Prepare your rice by adding to a bowl, fill the bowl with water. Drain the water, fill again, continue doing this until the water is clear. Could be 3-4 times. Set aside.
  2. In a heavy bottomed large stock pot, add 2 tablespoons of butter and set to medium heat. Add in your chopped onions and cook for 3-5 minutes until they become translucent.
  3. If you are using chopped garlic instead of toum, add your garlic now (if you are using toum, wait).
  4. Add in 2 more tablespoons of butter and your 4 tablespoons of flour. Mix and stir until the flour is absorbed and cooked off. You can add in some of your stock to create a bit of a slurry while cooking this mixture.
  5. Add your chicken stock (see below for making your own), and rice. Let the mixture come to a boil on high heat then reduce to medium-low and cook for about 20 minutes until rice is tender. Stir occasionally to make sure rice doesn't stick, I leave my wooden spoon in the pot.
  6. Add in your chicken, toum if using and lemon once rice is tender. Season with salt and sumac. Sumac is a Middle Eastern spice that has a lemony flavor, if you don't have it, you can certainly add additional lemon to taste.
  7. Remove from heat, enjoy! Add additional lemon to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and pink peppercorns.
Chicken Stock
  1. Place a whole chicken in a large pot with cold water to cover completely.
  2. Add a cinnamon stick, bay leaf and lemon.
  3. Let the mixture come to a boil on high heat then reduce to a simmer and let go for 2-3 hours to get the best flavor.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, skim the fat off the top periodically.
  5. Once your stock is done, remove the chicken, pull the meat off the bones. Pour your stock through a fine mesh strainer to get any bits out. Store your stock in the fridge or freezer safe container for 3 months.
Recipe Notes

**If you are using homemade chicken stock, feel free to sub up to 4 cups of liquid with water. Homemade chicken stock is a lot more concentrated than store bought.

 

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Charcuterie Board

An abundant board.

The ultimate party showstopper, the Charcuterie Board! I have hosted many parties in my 39 years of life. In the past few years, my dinner party skills have definitely improved. But all in all, you put out some type of cheeseboard and your dinner guests will be beyond thrilled.

But the question I always seem to get is, how do you make your board look like that? So I thought I'd put together a small tutorial for you to make the ultimate cheese board. This board is geared for a small snacking platter or a meal for two, you can always add more to a larger board to be fit for a party.

The Board

Choosing your board for the mood of your event. Add in ramekins for your pickles and olives.

First and foremost, choose your board. You want to make sure it is a food safe board, it will usually say on the bottom or if it is a cutting board, you are definitely safe. I have found boards at Homegoods, Target, Marshalls and all over really. Here are a few on Amazon that would work perfectly for this style board:
Olive Wood Cheese Board
Provencale Paddle Board
Acadia Cheese Board
If you're looking for a showstopping piece, something that will last a lifetime and really wow your guests, check out a local company Roe & Bella, they make stunning boards from salvaged wood. For this smaller sized board, I used one that is about 17" x 9" of surface area.

The Essentials

All the components of your board.

Creating a board is truly fun and creative. Each time you make a board you can include new and different components to wow your guests. I've included some of the basic principles and ideas of what to include:


  • Cheeses: variety of textures and flavors
  • Protein: assorted salamis or smoked salmon
  • Pickled items: olives, pickles
  • Dried fruit: dates, figs, apricots, oranges
  • Fresh fruit: strawberries, raspberries, grapes
  • Nuts: almonds, hazelnuts
  • Fresh veggies: cherry tomatoes, cucumbers
  • Crackers: variety of sizes, flavors and textures
  • Sweet: chocolate, honey, jam
  • Garnishes: fresh herbs, edible flowers

Cheeses

Start by setting up your cheeses.

After I find my perfect board, I like to place any ramekins down that will hold juicy items (olives, pickles, etc). Then onto placing my cheeses. I try to space them out along the board, fanning some, crumbling some and making them look pretty. When it comes to choosing cheese for a board, I love using a variety of flavors and textures. For this particular board I choose:

  • Manchego: sheep's milk, firm and buttery texture
  • Chèvre : goat's milk, creamy, tart and tangy
  • Unexpected Cheddar: cow's milk, aged cheddar with a subtle change to a Parmesan flavor (found at Trader Joe's)

It's always great to have a soft cheese spread like the Chèvre, I chose a plain one and added rosemary and pink peppercorns. I popped it into a heart-shaped silicone mold to create that cute accent on the board, perfect for Valentine's Day. I've also added a small bowl of pink peppercorns to the board, they are oddly kind of sweet and soft. They can be eaten as it and a nice little addition to make everything pop on the board.

The Manchego is such a classic cheese, it is made of sheep's milk, super buttery and perfect for slicing. And finally, the Unexpected Cheddar, this cheese is exclusively sold at Trader Joe's and almost has a cult following. It's an aged cheddar but has a completely different texture and notes of a Parmesan cheese. It crumbles well which is a nice variation on the board. Another cheese alternative could be a Stilton or a Blue cheese.

Meats

Fill in with meats.

Traditionally, cured meats are common for a charcuterie board. I try to use a variety of salamis including: prosciutto, peppered salami and salami secchi (hard salami). If you have folks that don't eat pork products, you can always substitute with smoked salmon or chicken/turkey products.

At this time I begin nestling salami next to the cheeses and across the board. The thin salami can be folded and tucked in like little flowers or fanned out, prosciutto nestled in little piles or rolled in cigar like sticks. Find your space and add your meats.

The Fillers

Finally, fill in all the spaces with your additional items.

After your anchor meats, cheeses and ramekins are placed, the rest is about filling in the nooks and crannies. I start with some dried fruit, then crackers, then fruit and veggies, chocolate then finally nuts and herbs tucked around the edges to make it really pop.

You can decide how much of everything you want to add in depending on your taste and what you're in the mood for. The biggest thing is making sure you fill in every little area. The beauty comes from the abundance.

Preparation

What I love to do if I'm short on time is prep everything for my board the night before. Slice the cheese, the meats, the veggies. Pull out the accoutrements and begin assembling the board. Snap a picture then put everything away in containers. The day of your event, pull up your picture and begin assembling with all your pieces. Such a time saver and gives you time to visualize what you want without feeling rushed.

If you're looking for an alternative for your gluten free, vegan guests, consider a Mediterranean Mezze platter. Add dips such as hummus and baba ganoush with veggies for an alternative fit for all your guests.

I hope this little tutorial gives you the confidence to create your own perfect board. I would LOVE to see your creations, tag me on Instagram or Facebook if you try to make your own special board.

xoxo,
Cosette

charcuterie board, cheese board, cheese, salami, appetizer, snack
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Print Recipe
 Charcuterie Board
charcuterie board, cheese board, cheese, salami, appetizer, snack
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings
Ingredients
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings
Ingredients
charcuterie board, cheese board, cheese, salami, appetizer, snack
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Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

vegan, lemon, poppy, cookies

A stack of these will definitely cure the winter blues.

 

February. I don't know about you but by this time of year I'm ready for sunshine and rainbows again. Nothing cheers me up more than a bag of citrus. Oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, blood oranges and of course lemons are in abundance right now. I truly think they are intended for our long winter months just to brighten our day. What better way to use them than in cookie form?

I also think that by this time in winter, we've consumed a few extra pounds munching on snacks and drinking wine, that summer bod is a long, long way away. So why not snack on another cookie? Am I right? With 3 kids and a husband, cookies disappear pretty fast around here. My oldest daughter has an egg allergy and cookies are one of the toughest desserts for her to have. I am always looking for new ways to create eggless cookies for her to enjoy.

Lemon Poppy Cookies

vegan, lemon, poppy, cookies

You won't be able to keep these for long!

I bring you these Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies, and just by chance they also happen to be vegan so it's a win for everyone (except those of you who are gluten free, sorry). Bright lemon flavor, bits of poppy seeds and the glaze, ohhhhhhh the glaze is what makes these perfect! A soft and chewy cookie with the ever so slight crisp edges. I love a good chocolate chip cookie but really these are wayyyyyy more my style. Oh, and did I mention...one bowl and NO MIXER! Okay, I got you hooked now!!! If you are anywhere in the Pacific Northwest this weekend, I'm pretty sure these will be a necessity. 

As always, I love seeing your creations. Please be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook, I love to share your recreations in my stories. And don't forget to Pin for later!

xoxo,
Cosette

vegan, lemon, poppy, cookies

Soft, chewy and perfect!

 

 


Print Recipe


Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Makes 24 cookies

vegan, lemon, poppy, cookies

Course Dessert
Cuisine Dessert
Keyword cookies

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Passive Time 1 hour

Servings


Ingredients
Cookie

Lemon Glaze

Course Dessert
Cuisine Dessert
Keyword cookies

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Passive Time 1 hour

Servings


Ingredients
Cookie

Lemon Glaze

vegan, lemon, poppy, cookies


Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, poppy seeds and sugar. Whisk to combine.

  2. Make a well in the center of your flour mixture and add your oil, water, lemon juice, vanilla and zest.

  3. Mix well and stir until a cohesive dough forms. If dough is still a bit crumbly, add a drop or two of water as needed.

  4. Place mixture in the fridge for an hour, or longer The refrigeration helps the cookies not to spread while baking.

  5. Preheat oven to 375F degrees. Prepare 2 baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.

  6. Once your dough has chilled and your oven is preheated, using a cookie scoop, scoop your dough and slightly flatten each cookie.

  7. Fill each cookie sheet with 12 cookies, leaving about 1.5" between each cookie as they will spread. Keep your second sheet in the fridge while you bake your first one.

  8. Bake for 10 minutes, remove and let cool before adding glaze. Add your 2nd sheet and repeat.

  9. Prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice together until a thick glaze forms.

  10. Glaze cookies once completely cool. Store in an airtight container for a week. Enjoy!


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Onion Tart

tart, pie, onions, breakfast, brunch, taste, butter

Beautiful tart with simple onions as the main ingredient.

Simple. Elegant.

Sometimes I struggle to find just the right dish for a brunch or appetizer for a party. How many hummus platters can I truly make? You know? This time of year I really, really start to miss summer, especially summer produce. Fresh plucked tomatoes from my garden are by far the BEST, taking a bite and tasting pure summer.

I got thinking about tomato tart, one of my favorite things to do with those fresh summer tomatoes, like this one I have on the blog. I wanted to create a riff on that classic but something warm and comforting for these cold winter days. Onion tart! Classic enough to make all year long but especially good when you're craving comfort food.

This onion tart would be delightful for brunch or cut up into small pieces and used as an appetizer dish. Who says your Superbowl party can't have these fancy appetizers?

tart, pie, onions, breakfast, brunch, taste, butter

A few sprigs of fresh time and sprinkle of pure flake sea salt really elevate the dish.

 

Balanced flavor.

The balance of a buttery crust, cheese, labneh and sweet onions really gives this tart soooooo much depth of flavor. A bit of sweetness from the onions, salty sharpness from the cheese, tanginess from the labneh and pure heaven from the buttery crust. If you don't have labneh, you can easily substitute with thick Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese, both would be a good substitute.

I love making my own pie dough, it's simple ingredients but you can certainly use prepared pie dough. I would definitely work in the cheese and thyme in the dough to give it that extra something special.

tart, pie, onions, breakfast, brunch, taste, butter

Perfect for a brunch gathering.

I truly hope you try this delicious and simple recipe. As always, I love seeing your creations, tag me on Instagram or Facebook!! Don’t forget to Pin the recipe!
Xoxo,
Cosette

tart, pie, onions, breakfast, brunch, taste, butter

This onion tart is a crowd pleaser!

 

 

  

Print Recipe
 Onion Tart
Impress your guests with this simple but elegant dish. Perfect for brunch or appetizer. Makes (1) 9x12 tart
onion, tart, brunch, appetizer, super bowl, pie, butter
Course Appetizer
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Passive Time 1 hour
Servings
squares
Ingredients
Pie Crust
Tart Filling
Course Appetizer
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Passive Time 1 hour
Servings
squares
Ingredients
Pie Crust
Tart Filling
onion, tart, brunch, appetizer, super bowl, pie, butter
Instructions
Pie Crust
  1. I strongly encourage you to make your own pie dough but if you are unable to, please refer to notes below.
  2. In the bowl of a food processor, add in your flour, sugar, salt and pulse for a few seconds to combine.
  3. Next, add in your cubed butter one slice at a time. Pulse, release then add another.
  4. Add in your cheese and thyme.
  5. Next add in one tablespoon of water at a time until a crumbly but cohesive dough forms. Usually 6-7 tablespoons.
  6. On a sheet of wax or parchment paper, dump your dough mixture out. Press using the sides of the paper to create a disc. The dough should come together, wrap and place in fridge for at least an hour but can be made ahead and pulled out the next day.
Tart Assembly
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Remove your dough from the fridge and on a floured surface begin rolling out into about a 9x12 rectangle (rustic is fine).
  3. In a quarter sheet pan (you can use a half sheet pan if you don't have a 9x12, just section to one side of the pan). Spray or butter and then place a piece of parchment paper.
  4. Lay your pie dough on the parchment, you can press the edges up slightly to create a small raised crust.
  5. Mix together your labneh, toum and salt. Spread an even thin layer on the crust. Next, sprinkle your Parmesan cheese.
  6. Slice your onions about ¼" thick, I actually like cutting them with the skin on then peel off for each ring. Finally, place your sliced onion rings on top to cover most of the tart. I like to use a variety of different sizes.
  7. Dot your onions with some small pieces of butter and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown. You can broil the top for a few seconds at the end for a little more char on your onions if you'd like.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle with flake sea salt and additional thyme. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Notes

*Store bought pie crust can be used, I'd encourage adding the cheese and fresh herbs to get that ultra flaky/crispy crust

*Basic pie dough recipe from Marie Saba: http://cocinamarie.com/how-to-make-an-all-butter-pie-crust/

*Toum recipe: https://cosetteskitchen.com/recipe/toum

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Mujadara

Lentils are so simple, clean and hearty. A wonderful source of iron.
I love that a tiny lentil can transform into something so magical.

When I was growing up I distinctly remember one of my brother's friends loving a dish my mom made. A dish that frankly doesn't look the most appetizing, it's brown, smooth and pretty simple. He used to call it, Lentil Pudding. Truly, that is exactly what Mujadara is, a savory lentil porridge or pudding. Pronounced moo-juh-d uh,
this lentil dish can be found on many Lebanese tables.

Peasant Food

Lebanese cuisine isn't fussy, stuffy or lavish. Many dishes aren't particularly technical to make. Overall, most of the meals are what we could call, peasant meals. Meals that cost merely pennies to make but fulfilling enough for a large family and to stretch your budget.

My family wasn't rich growing up, my mom used to stretch our food budget to make the most of it, yet we never were deprived of type of food. Everything she made for us was comforting and nourishing and included a variety of meats, grains and vegetables.

I appreciate now what I grew up with, the comforting meals, the simpleness of it all. I can't remember if I particularly liked Mujadara as a kid but the fact that my kids adore it is enough for me to make it again and again and relive my childhood.


Mujadara with cabbage slaw

Family Tradition

Most of the Mujadara you've seen will include the whole lentil, large grains of rice mixed in and the sacred caramelized onions on top. This version is a bit different, one extra step of taking our cherished lentils and actually extracting everything out of each bean then gently cook the filling with a little bit of rice. The result is a smooth, porridge-like dish. Enjoyed with pita bread and a salad with garlic and lemon dressing it is simple enough for Meatless Monday or to serve to guests.

The Process

I think the hardest part of this recipe is making sure you own a food mill, yup, a food mill! I know it's another gadget but I promise you it is well worth it to make Mujadara and not to mention the BEST mashed potatoes EVER! You can also use it to seed fruit, make jams and more. So it's worth it, I've linked it above for you, I prefer the plastic body over the metal.

This is what the lentils, water and onions look like after cooked down.

From there, it's all about boiling some beans and rice, pretty simple. Great to make in the morning and have ready for dinner or even over the weekend. It's actually best served room temperature which makes it awesome to make ahead!

You'll simmer the lentils until they are soft and tender, next, using your food mill pour the lentils and water mixture through and begin to work through the small-holed disk. The lentil water mixture will come through the bottom (be sure to have a pot underneath). After all your lentils have been extracted, bring your pot of lentil "broth" back to the stove. Add in your rice and cook gently until the rice softens and the mixture thickens slightly. That's it! Salt to taste and pour into your dishes, dinner is served.

Simply pour the lentil mixture in the top of the food mill and begin swirling and swirling until you are left with the lentil skins.
You can see the lentil skins in the top and down below the lentil puree.

I truly hope you try this delicious and simple meal. As always, I love seeing your creations, tag me on Instagram or Facebook!! Don’t forget to Pin the recipe!

XOXO,
Cosette

Pin for later!
Print Recipe
 Mujadara
A simple lentil porridge dish that will surely satisfy. Gluten-free and vegan, it's a wonderful meal to serve.
lebanese, Mujadara, lentils, vegan, gluten free, dinner
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Lebanese
Keyword dinner
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Lebanese
Keyword dinner
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings
servings
Ingredients
lebanese, Mujadara, lentils, vegan, gluten free, dinner
Instructions
  1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, add your oil and saute your chopped onions on medium heat.
  2. Once onions become translucent, add in your dried lentils and add enough water to cover the lentils by about 2-3 inches.
  3. Place pot back on stove and let lentils come to a gentle boil, lower heat to medium-low and continue cooking until lentils are tender. Usually about 30-45 minutes. If you need, you can always add more water to the pot if your lentils need more cooking time or begin to lose their water before they are tender enough.
  4. Once your lentils are soft and tender, remove the pot from the stove and prepare your food mill.
  5. Use the disk with the smaller holes on your food mill and place the mill on top of another pot ( I usually work at the sink for this).
  6. Next, pour your water/lentil mixture in the food mill a cup or two at a time. Mill the lentils until the bean are extracted and you're left with the skin. Add in more of the mixture (on top of the skins) and continue until the pot is done.
  7. Place the lentil "soup" back on the stove and add in your rice, set to medium-low and keep a wooden spoon in the pot. Be sure to stir often so your rice and lentils don't stick to the bottom.
  8. Continue stirring often and watching your mixture as it begins to slightly thicken. You'll want to cook until the rice is tender, usually 20-30 minutes. I check by taking one grain of rice out and testing. Once your rice is tender, salt to taste, usually 1.5 teaspoon of kosher salt or so.
  9. Pour your Mujadara into shallow bowls, I like to do some smaller individual-sized ones and one or two larger ones. Leave on your counter to cool and enjoy when they are room temperature.
  10. We like to serve with cabbage slaw, mix cabbage and raw beet slices with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and salt to create a simple dressed. The tangy flavor is delicious with the dish and cabbage and beets stay nice and crisp, perfect compliment to the dish.
Recipe Notes

*This dish is vegan and gluten-free

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Tahini Breakfast Cookies

cookie, healthy, tahini, breakfast, lebanese
Delicious, healthy and A COOKIE!!!!

Cookies aren't just for December!

Oh yeah, I am totally bringing the "C" word in January! I know, I know, we're all on a health kick, eating veggies, lean protein and and nothing else. But word to the wise, breakfast cookies are GOOD and good for you.

I am the first to admit that I struggle with food, eating too much, too little or just not the right things. This year I turn 40, a huge milestone but also a little reality check for myself, a time to make sure I am fit and healthy for myself and my family.

Mornings are a flurry of lunches being made, gathering homework, sometimes even a morning piano practice before heading out the door. By the time I'm back from school drop off it's 9:00am and I've been up for about 3 hours with nothing more than coffee. This year I'm treating myself better, and I have cookies to prove it!

I set off to create a cookie filled with wholesome grains, nuts and fruit, something that would be tasty yet filling with little to no sugar. Of course, delicious enough for kids to gobble up. With a few unique ingredients these cookies have such depth of flavor and umph you're sure to go back for more.

cookie, healthy, tahini, breakfast, lebanese
The sesame seeds are definitely extra, but add a nice little touch.

Lebanese Flair

Wholesome doesn't have to be boring, I sought out some interesting flours to create a wholegrain cookie. Buckwheat flour intrigued and spelt flour is always a winner. I wasn't sure if they cookies would become dense with these heavy hitters but the results were the exact opposite, soft and moist. Tahini and olive oil provide the much needed delicious and healthy fats. While brown sugar and honey give them the sweetness they need. Keeping with that Lebanese flair, I added all spice, apricots and walnuts, all very common in Lebanese cuisine and pastries.

I hope you enjoy making these and boost your mornings with something healthy, delicious and satisfying. As always, I love seeing your creations, tag me on Instagram or Facebook!! Don't forget to Pin the recipe!

xoxo,
Cosette

cookie, healthy, tahini, breakfast, lebanese
Print Recipe
 Breakfast Cookies
Adapted from: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/218671/whole-grain-breakfast-cookies/
cookie, healthy, tahini, breakfast
Course Baked Good, Breakfast
Keyword breakfast, cookies, lebanese, snack
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings
cookies
Ingredients
Course Baked Good, Breakfast
Keyword breakfast, cookies, lebanese, snack
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings
cookies
Ingredients
cookie, healthy, tahini, breakfast
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In the bowl of a food processor, grind your cup of walnuts until it forms a powder/flour. Remove and add into a bowl with your oats, flours, baking soda, salt and all spice.
  3. In the bowl of the food processor add in your wet ingredients: olive oil, tahini, honey, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla. Pulse a few times to combine.
  4. Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients as well as your walnuts and apricot pieces.
  5. Mix together until a cohesive dough forms. The dough will be very thick.
  6. Using a cookie scoop, scoop out dough portions and place on parchment or silpat lined cookie sheets. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  7. Bake each tray for 8 minutes, after 8 minutes, press cookies down gently with a wooden spoon to flatten slightly and bake for another 2 minutes.
  8. Remove, let cool and then place on rack. Store in sealed container or fridge. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes

**You could substitute flours if you choose, I have not done so yet but I would imagine traditional all-purpose would yield similar results. 

**Feel free to change out your add-ins if walnuts and apricots aren't your style.

**You could use almond flour or other nut flour in place of walnut flour (chose walnut due to an almond flour allergy in the family)

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Ma'amoul Cookies

Cookies of my Childhood

When I think of home and my childhood, the scent of rose and orange blossom water linger in my mind. Those are the most distinct flavors and smells of most Middle Eastern desserts. 

I can remember watching my mom in the kitchen before all holidays and special events making special treats, one in particular, ma'amoul. Ma'amoul cookies are little pockets of goodness filled with walnuts or dates, of course scented with the aromas of orange blossom and rose waters. Delicate pastry is wrapped and baked into a perfect cookie to enjoy with morning coffee or on a cookie platter.

Labor of Love

Ma'amoul are definitely a labor of love, each individual cookie shaped and pressed with care, baked to perfection. The wooden molds are truly what make this dessert elegant and special with unique patterns and designs. You'll find that this cookie doesn't contain any traditional flour, but instead a mixture of semolina and farina flours. This delicate balance of flours give the cookies a tender but yet crisp bite and something truly unique.

Pressing the dough into the molds

A few taps on your surface to release the cookie out of the mold. 
Walnut filled cookies receive a dusting of powdered sugar after coming out of the oven.

This past week, my own children watched me prepare the ma'amoul dough, prepare the filling and make each special cookie. It was a moment where I realized that the reason I do this, the reason I cook and bake is for them. Ma'amoul was part of my childhood, something that stuck in my mind as a fond memory, food does that to us. I want my own children to have those same memories, the smells and tastes of their childhood to look back on. 

Whatever the reason you decide to bake today, I hope it's a good one. Whether it's a rainy day, a time to bond with kids or just to make a special treat for yourself. 

As always, I love seeing your creations. Please leave a review or share your dish with me on social media which lets me know what is working for you! You can find me on Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. For more delicious recipes to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter!

xoxo,
Cosette

Print Recipe
 Ma'amoul Cookies
Delicious cookies filled with a walnut or date filling.
maamoul, cookies, lebanese
Course Dessert
Cuisine Lebanese
Keyword cookies, lebanese
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
cookies
Ingredients
Pastry Dough
Date Filling
Walnut Filling
Course Dessert
Cuisine Lebanese
Keyword cookies, lebanese
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
cookies
Ingredients
Pastry Dough
Date Filling
Walnut Filling
maamoul, cookies, lebanese
Instructions
Pastry Dough
  1. In a large bowl, combine the semolina, farina, mahlab and nutmeg together.
  2. In a small pot, melt your butter and add to flour mixture when butter is cooled. Cover.
  3. Let this mixture sit for 2-3 hours. After that time, add in your rose water, mix and cover again. Allow mixture to sit overnight.
  4. After mixture has sat overnight, remove about ½ cup of your mixture, set aside.
  5. Next, add in your orange blossom water, warm water and powdered sugar. Mix until a dough forms that sticks together when pressed between fingers. If dough is too dry, add a touch of water.
Date Filling
  1. In a small bowl, add your baking dates and softened butter. Mix to combine. Set aside.
Walnut Filling
  1. In the bowl of a food processor, add your walnuts, sugar, orange and rose waters and combine until nuts are fine and mixture forms together.
  2. Remove from food processor bowl to a standard bowl.
  3. Add in your ½ cup of reserved pastry dough mixture and mix together. Set aside.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Begin by taking about a teaspoon sized piece of dough and begin to flatten. Fill the center with either your date or walnut mixture and seal all around to create a ball.
  3. In your wooden mold, place the filled dough ball and press firmly to allow the impression to mark the dough.
  4. Bang the wooden mold to release the formed cookie. Place on baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes on upper ⅓ rack of oven.
  5. Cookies will be done when bottoms are slightly red.
  6. After coming out of the oven, dust the WALNUT cookies with powdered sugar (date cookies leave plain)
  7. Let cool and enjoy!
Recipe Notes

** Using a scale to measure ingredients is most accurate for this recipe. ** If the dough gets to too soft to work with, you can refrigerate for a bit to firm up. **If you can't find Mahlab spice, you can substitute additional nutmeg or cardamom, or omit completely.  **Wooden molds can be found here or at any Middle Eastern grocery store.   

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Fattoush Salad

Fattoush Salad

I love salad, I truly do but when you pair salad with bread, it's a combination that can't be beat! We grew up eating this delicious salad, Fattoush. Spiced with sumac spice, crunchy bread and crunchy fresh vegetables it's almost a meal on it's own. 

Fattoush has many variations throughout the Middle East, this version is one my family makes. One rule though, you get to eat it with your HANDS! Yes, those crunchy pita bread bits make it hard to fork, so dig in and use those clean fingertips to pickup every delicious bite of toasted pita, lettuce, radish, cucumbers and peppers. 

To Prepare

While it's best to eat the salad as soon as you mix the bread in, I have a few tricks for you to prepare ahead and have ready to go when you want to enjoy.

The first step is creating your dressing at the bottom of your bowl, once that is ready, layer your veggies starting with your lettuce then add everything else on top and finally top with your crunchy pita bread pieces. When you are ready to eat, mix to ensure each bite is coated with the delicious lemony sumac. The bits of red sumac really make this salad so beautiful and special. Feel free to sub in any veggies you like or opt any out you don't enjoy. It truly is versatile and perfect for a crowd! 

Check out this simple recipe and add it to your next dinner! As always, I love seeing your creations, tag me on Instagram or Facebook!! Don’t forget to Pin the recipe!

XOXO,
Cosette

Fattoush Salad
Print Recipe
 Fattoush Salad
Fattoush salad
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Lebanese
Keyword salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Lebanese
Keyword salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Fattoush salad
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, using a mortar, smash your garlic until finely minced.
  2. Add in your sumac, oil, salt and lemon juice, whisk.
  3. Add in your chopped romaine lettuce, begin layering your other chopped veggies.
  4. Finally add in your toasted pita bread. Place thin pieces of pita in your oven to broil until golden brown, remove and break into small pieces. Add to top of salad.
  5. Once ready to eat, mix to incorporate dressing. Enjoy!
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Orange Cranberry Scones

scones, cranberries, thanksgiving, fall, orange, baking

A drizzle of orange glaze and sprinkle of hazelnuts to top them off and give them that extra something.

 

Oh Thanksgiving, the time of year where we go completely INSANE for one day of binge eating. Us Americans really do it right! But in all seriousness, it's basically the Superbowl for foodies, am I right? Days and weeks of preparation for the perfect desserts, sides and appetizers. Gathering all your closest friends and family to celebrate nothing other than FRIENDSHIP. It really is the quintessential holiday. 

 

Thanksgiving Morning

Like most holidays, tradition comes into play heavily! Beware, anything you start in 2018, be ready to continue for the next 10 years (especially those with kids). We introduced our kids to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade a few years ago. It was one of their first experiences watching live TV, including all those brainwashing commercials. I happened to make some Cranberry Orange Scones for something to nosh on before our 10 course meal later that night. Fast forward a few year later, guess what my kids do every Thanksgiving? Yup, watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and nosh on Cranberry Orange Scones. Who am I to mess with tradition? 

Cranberry Orange Scones

Tender, flaky and cranberry orange goodness! Perfect for your holiday table.

 

Scones

These simple scones come together rather easily and quickly, but the best part is you can prepare them days even a few weeks ahead of time. Making them ahead and popping them into the freezer will make you a STAR Thanksgiving morning. It's also one less thing to worry about preparing. Fresh cranberries are the star of this scone, with fragrant hints of orange and flaky layers they're sure to be a hit! 

One bowl, a few tools and you're ready to create magic in the kitchen. Once mixing your dry ingredients together, work the few tablespoons of butter together between your fingers or with a pastry cutter. Pour in your heavy cream (aka liquid gold) and mix together gently until a shaggy dough forms. Dump onto a clean surface and work your dough gently into a rectangle, fold over a few times gathering all the loose dough bits to incorporate. Once a solid dough forms, cut in half then shape each half into a round about 1.5" thick. Cut into 6 pieces for each circle for smaller scones. Place on your prepared baking sheet (parchment or silicone lined) and pop into the freezer or bake immediately. After baking, allow to cool and drizzle the delicious orange glaze on top for a perfect morning treat. 

Whatever your Holiday traditions, wishing you the best and most festive! As always, I love seeing your creations! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured in my stories! 

xoxo
Cosette

scones, cranberries, thanksgiving, fall, orange, baking

Fresh cranberries are naturally tart, a little sugar and butter help create something delicious.

 

scones, cranberries, thanksgiving, fall, orange, baking

Combine the butter into your dry ingredients until little pebbles form.

 

scones, cranberries, thanksgiving, fall, orange, baking

Heavy cream makes these scones ANYTHING but dry!

 

scones, cranberries, thanksgiving, fall, orange, baking

Use your hands to form 2 circles then cut into triangles.

 

scones, cranberries, thanksgiving, fall, orange, baking

The height on these scones make them sooooo tender and flaky!

 

For more cranberry inspiration, check out these amazing blogs and the Instagram hashtag #yesyoucranberry

What Annie’s Eating Cranberry Gin Fizz

Square Meal Round Table’s Cranberry Orange Streusel Pie

Easy and Delish -- Avocado Cranberry Hummus Dip

The Cooking of Joy’s Cranberry Curd Tart

Jessie Sheehan Bakes - Cranberry Buckle

Ciao Chow Bambina - Cranberry Pecan Cracker Spread

Baking The Goods - Cranberry Apple Brown Butter Crumble Pie

Katiebird Bakes - Cranberry Sauce Breakfast Rolls

Crumb Top Baking’s Cranberry Orange Overnight Oatmeal Muffins

The Baking Fairy - Vegan Cranberry Apple Bundt Cake

You Can Live Rich On Less - Cranberry Cherry Tarts

Sift & Simmer - White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Bappy Girl - https://bappygirlyum.blogspot.com/

Ronnie Fein - Baked Goat Cheese with Honey Sauce and Cranberries:  http://www.ronniefein.com/blog/on-hanukkah-lets-not-forget-that-a-woman-played-a?rq=Cranberries

Lemon Thyme and Ginger https://lemonthymeandginger.com/baked-french-toast-apple-cranberry-compote

Cranberry Agua Fresca with Mint and Lime: http://www.holajalapeno.com/2016/11/cranberry-agua-fresca.html

Cranberry Pie with Dried Figs and Cashews: http://www.ronniefein.com/blog/honey-cashew-pie

Susannah Chen’s Cranberry Pico de Gallo

Katherine in Brooklyn: Cranberry Cinnamon Buns

Pie Girl Bakes: Dark Chocolate Chunk Cranberry Cookies

Clean Plate Club: Glazed Cream Puffs with Cranberry Buttercream

Tiny Kitchen Capers: http://www.tinykitchencapers.com/white-chocolate-cranberry-oatmeal-cookies/

Le Petit Eats: Dark Chocolate Tart with Cinnamon Sugared Cranberry

Prickly Fresh’s: Cranberry Crostini with Prosciutto & Port Salut

Zestful Kitchen: Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Curd

Simple and Sweet Food: Fresh Ricotta and Spiced Cranberry Crostini

Frosting and Fettuccine  http://frostingandfettuccine.com/cranberry-cheesecake-bars/

 


Print Recipe


Orange Cranberry Scones

scones, cranberries, thanksgiving, fall, orange, baking

Course Baked Good
Cuisine American
Keyword breakfast

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes

Servings
scones


Ingredients
Scones

Orange Glaze

Course Baked Good
Cuisine American
Keyword breakfast

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes

Servings
scones


Ingredients
Scones

Orange Glaze

scones, cranberries, thanksgiving, fall, orange, baking


Instructions
  1. Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper and set aside.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter and work into small crumbles with pastry cutter or fingertips. Add in cranberries, zest and gently toss together.

  3. In a liquid measuring cup mix together vanilla extract and 1 ⅓ cups cream. Drizzle the cream mixture into the flour mixture, tossing gently until a cohesive dough forms. Add 2-3 more tablespoons of cream if necessary to create a moist, cohesive, but not sticky dough.

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