Country Apple Fritter Bread - HHH

   When I was little, my sister and I would spend the summers with my grandparents. One of the best things about that, among many, is that my grandmother would get us each an apple fritter on Saturdays from the grocery store. Now, I'm not talking about a Dunkin' Donuts wanna be fritter that's all of 3 inches across. This thing was as big as a small salad plate. When I came across the idea, and worked the kinks from the recipe, this is what I got... Grandma would have been proud. You can see me make it step by step here! 

Country Apple Fritter Bread

 Ingredients:

Bread :

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

2/3 cup white sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup milk

2 apples, peeled and chopped, then mixed with 2 Tbsp white sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon

Old-Fashioned Creme Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 - 3 Tbsp. milk or cream

Method:

1. Combine cinnamon and  brown sugar in a small bowl.

2. In a larger bowl or mixer, add the white sugar and butter, then whip until smooth.

3. Add eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla and milk, mixing after each introduction.

4.  Add flour and baking powder slowly, to the mix, and whip.Be sure to scrape the sides of your bowl!

5. In a greased bread mold, add 1/2 batter. Then add 1/2 brown sugar/cinnamon mixture, and then half the apples. Be sure to press them down to make sure they are evenly distributed. 

6. Repeat again with remaining batter, brown sugar, and apples. Again, press apples down. (it's ok if they poke out a little. Sprinkle a little extra brown sugar and cinnamon on top. 

7. Take a butter knife and swirl through the batter to get that donut effect. 

8. Smooth the top again, then put it in a 350 degree oven for about 50 - 60 minutes. Bread is done when it passes the toothpick test. 

9. For the glaze, combine the powdered sugar with one Tbsp of the milk/cream, then stir and add another Tbsp as needed. (The amount needed depends on humidity, so start with one and work up from there.)

10. Add the glaze to the still warm bread, it will make its own way into the bread as the heat liquifies it more. 

11. Once cool and the frosting hardens, enjoy!

Homemade Flour Gorditas

One of my guilty pleasures in life is Taco Bell. I know they aren't exactly "fantastic", but some of their creations just hit the spot on a frantic day of trying to do all your errands. These Gordita tortillas cost a fraction of the price, and are super easy to make at home.  I made 8 wraps for less than the cost of one gordita itself, and frankly, I think it tastes better! You can see me make them here!

Homemade Flour Gorditas

Ingredients:

• 3 - 3 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
• 1 1/4 Cups Boiling Water
• 1 1/4 tsp. Salt
• 2 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil
• 1 tsp. Instant Yeast

Directions:

• Add 2 cups flour to mixing bowel with the boiling water. Mix on medium until smooth. Let sit about 30 min. before adding yeast. Dough should have a thinner consistency, like brownie batter. 
• Add in remaining one cup flour, reserve 1/4 for if needed. Add yeast, salt, and oil. Mix until smooth and scrape side of the bowl halfway through.
• Add in last 1/4 cup of flour if dough is too thin and mix. 
• Remove to a bowl and let proof for 1 hour.
• On a floured surface, turn dough out and divide into 8th.
• Dough should be very yielding.
• Roll dough into a ball with floured hands until you have a smooth ball. Cover with plastic wrap for 30 min.
• Start a non-stick pan on medium high heat.
• On floured surface, roll dough out to approx. 1/4 inch thickness. 
• Place flattened dough directly on the pan. Dough will pillow like pita bread. Flip after you start seeing brown spots form on the under side. 
• Once both sides are cooked and browned, stack it, and go to the next. 

   Great with taco fillings, sour cream, and cheese!!