Haven’t been baking as much since Easter, and had company so what I was baking was more old-standbys. It’s remarkably hard to do recipe testing, writing and photography with a houseful of guests. That said, I’m back. With so many crab apple and cherry trees in blossom, I got to thinking … well, about crab apples and cherries, so I made these Cherry Almond Oatmeal Crumble Bars. A little tart, a little sweet, a little nutty and overall delicious.
Happy Easter! Just popping in to say Hi, and happy days for those who celebrate and to show off my Osterkranz, which is a sweet, challah-like bread that is perfect for Easter Brunch and coffee time. Hefezopf/kranz (braid/wreath) always remind me of my Oma and Opa…. and he would have been proud at how this one turned out. A little sweet, a little vanilla-y and surprisingly light. This one is sourdough, but if you search on the CSPS site, there is a yeast-based version as well.
Here we are on Easter weekend, and as most years, I bake some Hot Cross Buns, most years with a new twist. This year, I went with a sourdough, no surprise, with a touch of lemon as my spice and golden raisins. I know, I know, raisins are controversial, so substitute whatever dried fruit that you like — I am also a big fan of tart cherries and/or diced dried apricots. The sourdough came out well though, very similar to my brioche-style danishes. Great with breakfast or tea…. or really, do you need an excuse to have a hot cross bun?
Here’s a delicious little spring tart (hence the name, Crostata Primavera), with all sorts of early in the season bounty: asparagus, peas and baby arugula/rocket. It’s very green, which is the intent as it is Easter Week and this is something for “Green Thursday (Gründonnerstag)”, which is how some people in Germany refer to Holy Thursday. Was very easy to make, required very little prep time and was ready in under an hour. Can be eaten hot or at room temperature, for brunch or lunch. Might have to put this one on the regular spring rotation.
Beginning to find my Spring / Easter-ish baking inspiration, just in time, I might add. Here is something happy: Spring M&M Cream Cheese Sugar Drops. They are mostly just drop cookies (a la Toll House Chocolate Chip), but they have a bit of cream cheese in them, which makes them just have s bit of tang. And of course, I overloaded the batch with two who bags of M&Ms (not one to do things by half measure). Colorful and festive and brings out the child in me. Something to add to your Easter Egg hunt, or to stash for yourself?