Cornbread

I've tried a lot of different cornbread recipes over the years, but this one is my favorite. I've been using this particular recipe for 4 years now - and except on the 1 occasion I forgot to add the sugar, its always great.

My Cornbread



Ingredients
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1/4 cup butter, allow to become very soft but not entirely melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 425F.

In mixing bowl combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the milk, eggs and butter, beat for 1 minute until all is well combined. Pour into a greased 9 inch square baking pan. Bake at 425F for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and tests done in the center with a toothpick. Cut into 9 squares.

My Pumpkin Bread

Played around with lots of different pumpkin bread recipes over the years and after experimenting and playing around with different ingredients, I come up with this one which I've been using the last several years.

My Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup of applesauce (you can use a 1/2 cup of canola oil, but the applesauce is much healthier)
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup water

Directions
Preheat oven to 350F. Sift together the flour, salt, sugar and baking soda.

Mix the pumpkin, applesauce, eggs, water and spices together. Combine with the remaining ingredients, mix to combine, but don't over mix.

Pour into a well buttered 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes or until a thin skewer stick inserted into the center comes out clean. Carefully turn the loaf out onto a cooling rack, allow to cool completely.

Garlic Cheese Biscuits aka Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits - my version

About 10 years ago I came across a copy-cat recipe for Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits. I didn't pay attention to the directions so well, and ended up mixing everything together, even though the butter, garlic and dried parsley were supposed to be brushed on top. The results of my error were delicious, and I've been making them this way ever since. Despite having corn bread and Pillsbury biscuits present at every Thanksgiving Dinner, these Garlic Cheese Biscuits are a must every year as well!

Garlic Cheese Biscuits


Ingredients
2 cups baking mix (bisquick mix or any brand of complete pancake mix works well)
2/3 cup milk
1/2cup shredded cheddar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley

Directions
Preheat oven to 450F. Combine all ingredients and mix until well combined. Drop by large spoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes. Makes anywhere from 9-12 depending on how large you decide to make them.

Butter Dips

I only made these once, they are really good but I just got lazy about doing the extra work

Butter Dips
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/3 cup butter, melted
Toppings: sesame seeds, garlic, onion or celery salt

Directions:
In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt & cheese; add milk. Stir slowly with fork. When dough clings together turn onto a well floured surface; knead gently 10 times. Roll dough into 12 inch x 8 inch rectangle.
Cut dough in half lengthwise with sharp knife, then into 16 strips. Place butter in a 13 inch x 9 inch baking pan. Dip both sides of strips in melted butter. Place two rows in pan. Sprinkle with toppings of your choice. Bake at 450F for 12-15 minutes. Serve immediately. Yield: 32 breadsticks.