The Best Homemade Biscuits - So, So Simple

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv5SQazlG1AnRYjxalfmZsyb0bx2MoDfOhyrenNrvk8AVezjdsijlBMor2CDWZ7YsLSAT2_fysGo4YoHEwWP7A-E5n4uxA7U-pNEc_FZOSm5htE6gZUz-Ylfj41oGFPgHVRrg9YgbNSld/s1600/IMG_5525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv5SQazlG1AnRYjxalfmZsyb0bx2MoDfOhyrenNrvk8AVezjdsijlBMor2CDWZ7YsLSAT2_fysGo4YoHEwWP7A-E5n4uxA7U-pNEc_FZOSm5htE6gZUz-Ylfj41oGFPgHVRrg9YgbNSld/s640/IMG_5525.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Homemade Biscuits : Another tribute to the simple things... and another excuse to put my new <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/baking-pantry-in-cabinet.html" target="_blank">Baking Pantry</a> to use.<br /><br />Real biscuits are so good.  The way the crumble, are buttery and flaky, and dense but light at the same time.  So, so good.  Think they're too indulgent to make for yourself?  Consider replacing the side of potatoes, or rice you were planning to serve for dinner with a biscuit - a worthy swap!  I love to fix these when we're having something really healthy like sliced seared flank steak with grilled vegetables.  What can I say, I need <i>something</i> indulgent at every meal.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsmF_qFzZ6CNfjZGiJoX0pTbw0tjkjrFC7TLrtdd-yrson7JCPdoCat2NIaEhlTmaXDqZ-2wrDPtFIYLzR8-y8J2USI96eGQzw1IevrPoxmTp31MuJ-d_o-8G3z8uAmQ_JI1GGhLELphn/s1600/IMG_5525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsmF_qFzZ6CNfjZGiJoX0pTbw0tjkjrFC7TLrtdd-yrson7JCPdoCat2NIaEhlTmaXDqZ-2wrDPtFIYLzR8-y8J2USI96eGQzw1IevrPoxmTp31MuJ-d_o-8G3z8uAmQ_JI1GGhLELphn/s640/IMG_5525.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Homemade Buttermilk</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Biscuits </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for the board and cutting)<br />1 tablespoon baking powder<br />1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt<br />12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced<br />1/2 cup cold buttermilk, shaken<br />1 cold extra-large egg</div><div class="instruction">Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.</div><br />Place 2 cups of flour, the baking powder, and salt in the bowl of a mixer with the paddle attachment.  Add butter and mix on low until it is a rough mixture.  In a small measuring cup, combine the buttermilk and egg and beat lightly with a fork.   Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and mix only until moistened.  <br /><br />Dump out onto a well-floured board and knead lightly about 6 times to shape into a 2-3 inch high disk.  Using a round cutter, cut biscuits.  If you don't have a round biscuit cutter, you can use the rim of a glass or small bowl... or whatever else you can find!  Place biscuits on a baking sheet lined with a Silpat liner.  Bake for 18-20 minutes, just until they begin to brown on top slightly.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHozkV-VrlSXW4gHLYVyY-38z2zJexKtaPK-zwPv484AnacCyLlFDY_raI4e2vEZ3LNZJk-a2fpM0_Wq3xSCnXSNC4gM52jnEEOnQbIE5BbwoUrhLgv7HQir9jUU9VClwXUGIqEKW1mNcl/s1600/IMG_5509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHozkV-VrlSXW4gHLYVyY-38z2zJexKtaPK-zwPv484AnacCyLlFDY_raI4e2vEZ3LNZJk-a2fpM0_Wq3xSCnXSNC4gM52jnEEOnQbIE5BbwoUrhLgv7HQir9jUU9VClwXUGIqEKW1mNcl/s640/IMG_5509.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Next time you're headed to someone's house for dinner, give them as a gift with some homemade blackberry jam - that is a lot easier to make that you might think.  Such a treat!<br /><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coming soon... homemade blackberry jam recipe! </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpReCSmQGhXh82tgsyv6aGWlPZmtKcKLE0e29_QAUctpUz56bgWhFZqOmHsLhPXwmDqn0ZuqeuyIUVl2UOR2mNVxog9KYYXgbUZN0Rf139_WhKvmGw813v9PZ1XPPpaDCZOvX32cIJJST7/s1600/baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpReCSmQGhXh82tgsyv6aGWlPZmtKcKLE0e29_QAUctpUz56bgWhFZqOmHsLhPXwmDqn0ZuqeuyIUVl2UOR2mNVxog9KYYXgbUZN0Rf139_WhKvmGw813v9PZ1XPPpaDCZOvX32cIJJST7/s400/baking.jpg" width="266" /></a>For more baking inspiration - see my mini <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/baking-pantry-in-cabinet.html" target="_blank">Baking Pantry Upgrade</a>... it will make you want to head to The Container Store!</div>

The Best Homemade Biscuits - So, So Simple

Homemade Biscuits : Another tribute to the simple things... and another excuse to put my new Baking Pantry to use. Real biscuits are so goo...

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Vanilla Bean Scones

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSnklr9gK2Tv3jDTrYG86y2-_KULRaf9x8DTJqSLsQ2sz4kpY3pI-Cjr1ufiASBsy7EhqJpTyPTU3dwQxGcHg37MP1ZKeW0lKHYZpiw6S6AsNxcL7mLiCU5dP4t9eMstidWioDiQ7hzoD/s1600/IMG_6128.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSnklr9gK2Tv3jDTrYG86y2-_KULRaf9x8DTJqSLsQ2sz4kpY3pI-Cjr1ufiASBsy7EhqJpTyPTU3dwQxGcHg37MP1ZKeW0lKHYZpiw6S6AsNxcL7mLiCU5dP4t9eMstidWioDiQ7hzoD/s640/IMG_6128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSVbcNDp8QC155PH4NJ7N4Ir5Xd5_bcQ4YtcyV_1EIwaKI6SNPPGh0bS5AzRJ866EAs6wXMoCSLsA9LXXS279l_Bvu86eE5A6fmjeUU18p-B3to8APPDePxm7S7r8yJe1ILY5rIgp6Zw6/s1600/IMG_6092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSVbcNDp8QC155PH4NJ7N4Ir5Xd5_bcQ4YtcyV_1EIwaKI6SNPPGh0bS5AzRJ866EAs6wXMoCSLsA9LXXS279l_Bvu86eE5A6fmjeUU18p-B3to8APPDePxm7S7r8yJe1ILY5rIgp6Zw6/s400/IMG_6092.jpg" width="266" /></a>Good Morning, Vanilla Bean.  Good Morning, Vanilla Sugar.<br /><br />Another Saturday morning, another craving for scones... and I didn't want to go to the store.  As I'm stirring in a scoop of vanilla sugar into my coffee, inspiration struck:  <br /><br />Vanilla Bean Scones<br /><br />But would they be too boring?  Too plain without the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/03/cranberry-scones-with-orange-glaze.html" target="_blank">tart cranberries and sweet orange glaze</a>?  Would just the vanilla bean be enough?<br /><br />Silly girl.  Did I forget that the simplicity of the vanilla bean is exactly what the vanilla bean is all about?  Apparently I had.  But only briefly.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KyWtuLJ2ku44EiB-l_7nxyGTzq783G5Wl5FpaC9bLMiJ01LBk8axCnVTlSWHIAohdjK8eRzJMNgYpf8vnndOdIQS557EWNaxDl26hz72Ar_NWJakkXYmG_bHmZi4qg7DghpzqpmJxAJ2/s1600/vanilla-bean-scones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KyWtuLJ2ku44EiB-l_7nxyGTzq783G5Wl5FpaC9bLMiJ01LBk8axCnVTlSWHIAohdjK8eRzJMNgYpf8vnndOdIQS557EWNaxDl26hz72Ar_NWJakkXYmG_bHmZi4qg7DghpzqpmJxAJ2/s1600/vanilla-bean-scones.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-OCb3Onu39-w%2FT7qD9_Yf79I%2FAAAAAAAAKT8%2FLwBhRRnhcNY%2Fs1600%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.jpg&description=Easy%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Scones%20with%20a%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Glaze%20%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRDl5Zztn6mhlbZcCuYqLcs9VlFUnSfCZipNRAb879Oxw0133ankGtVxzl-0m5bgHxS1LYVSGRIMJkUHpAhNMjpw3HY-2JPsf3daAVTsJT2FRH8iE5m3n43JfSNEZW7a0ve_MnGmR1e3x/s1600/IMG_6093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRDl5Zztn6mhlbZcCuYqLcs9VlFUnSfCZipNRAb879Oxw0133ankGtVxzl-0m5bgHxS1LYVSGRIMJkUHpAhNMjpw3HY-2JPsf3daAVTsJT2FRH8iE5m3n43JfSNEZW7a0ve_MnGmR1e3x/s400/IMG_6093.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Vanilla Bean Scones</span><br /><i>simple</i><br /><br />2 cups plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />1/4 cup <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/vanilla-sugar-baking-pantry-essential.html" target="_blank">vanilla sugar</a><br />1 tablespoon baking powder<br />1/2 teaspoon sea salt<br />12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced<br />2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten<br />1/2 cup cold heavy cream<br />1 tablespoon of <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/vanilla-bean-paste-this-will-change.html" target="_blank">vanilla bean paste</a><br /><br />1 tablespoon of <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/vanilla-bean-paste-this-will-change.html" target="_blank">vanilla bean paste</a>1/2 cup confectioners' sugar<br />2 tablespoons of cream or milk<br /><br />In a mixer, combine flour, vanilla sugar, baking powder and salt using the paddle attachment.  Cut the cold butter into 1/2 inch pieces.  Add the butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low until the butter is mixed in and is the size of peas.  In a separate bowl, mix together eggs, whipping cream and vanilla bean paste with a fork.  Turn the mixer on low and slowly add the cream and egg mixture.  Turn off the mixer once added.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZsDsy0EKZJPNOLN5JO6_oU4jPeF3DRiR2kgdHE5fK6Fm2bTr7qfd8OPM8C807RqvwEaBLMa8ISlnntwZ0AdbZrCHkpg-U6f2A6Bq7qqVmui6KslbviBZR04S7EdX1QlUHaWUrICxCk_b/s1600/IMG_6101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZsDsy0EKZJPNOLN5JO6_oU4jPeF3DRiR2kgdHE5fK6Fm2bTr7qfd8OPM8C807RqvwEaBLMa8ISlnntwZ0AdbZrCHkpg-U6f2A6Bq7qqVmui6KslbviBZR04S7EdX1QlUHaWUrICxCk_b/s640/IMG_6101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Put some flour on the counter.  Turn the dough out onto the floured surface.  Add some flour onto the top of the dough, then pat it out into a disk - about 8-9 inches in diameter.  Cut the disk into 6 pieces like a pie.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7-nTmMpam9Q_YwYEAUmqvefFKH7Do0PcgbiJ7-B65-pC7riZubqPByAATA6BJBmUX6D24zTsMlBs-fOOdiouaGe_NpkHIB9ey1xuOf4lPQtI1nuwD9cKIM1LF783Xw18kzdKwdHqlg_X/s1600/IMG_6098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7-nTmMpam9Q_YwYEAUmqvefFKH7Do0PcgbiJ7-B65-pC7riZubqPByAATA6BJBmUX6D24zTsMlBs-fOOdiouaGe_NpkHIB9ey1xuOf4lPQtI1nuwD9cKIM1LF783Xw18kzdKwdHqlg_X/s640/IMG_6098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Smile at your daughter...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIxk-QxAjWPZEfIVCc98zA1dlkJZguh6yalkBslHfHDy7VSaYKJGeS0oXBf9IYHqtoP_RXbjcqEZwm4PFagf-pqEKfCv-PG88451M_34dvmBvFIb_speGBhWaLVpCVCJi3yBC9ISlIjVF/s1600/IMG_6102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIxk-QxAjWPZEfIVCc98zA1dlkJZguh6yalkBslHfHDy7VSaYKJGeS0oXBf9IYHqtoP_RXbjcqEZwm4PFagf-pqEKfCv-PG88451M_34dvmBvFIb_speGBhWaLVpCVCJi3yBC9ISlIjVF/s640/IMG_6102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Separate the pieces and put them on a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15-17 minutes.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTi6dfWQd_W1YZm08sh5mXqR5ma9cS_h4Gt5djyQt6hgykceveVrlJuJJZurdBzP-TpEoadvKdoeXp2xOMi_MNPVJtUzO6hAxrxOAOq8LEdbZCR9ilu89Ank7XyKcWfi6zsK2Xw6O2DQx/s1600/IMG_6114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTi6dfWQd_W1YZm08sh5mXqR5ma9cS_h4Gt5djyQt6hgykceveVrlJuJJZurdBzP-TpEoadvKdoeXp2xOMi_MNPVJtUzO6hAxrxOAOq8LEdbZCR9ilu89Ank7XyKcWfi6zsK2Xw6O2DQx/s640/IMG_6114.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To make the glaze, stir together cream, 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste and powdered sugar. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWr542XSaeOZ4noE7iGJUEpk_StTULrokfyngBDrEqlPfujOk7aJxAM9-RCjdoVtYD1qAxiH8d2iWcKisZwGykvaqx2GbQ_99tA2DmnCQCIUSB50xX3tVv-fQqLY_6gF7ZK9hBOcAO00g/s1600/IMG_6120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWr542XSaeOZ4noE7iGJUEpk_StTULrokfyngBDrEqlPfujOk7aJxAM9-RCjdoVtYD1qAxiH8d2iWcKisZwGykvaqx2GbQ_99tA2DmnCQCIUSB50xX3tVv-fQqLY_6gF7ZK9hBOcAO00g/s640/IMG_6120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Ice them with spoonfuls of the glaze while they're still hot.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpHZswzqQ4jAZFhGUudtQNgm6B3VYQoYDhAoom3Tvma_Knu0UCK5-oLvFcnW2NN7xc_HZIu4svJK_6C3fxTE1e6uYIxXColEfK5IgVAJCXhv1mn6gLIauef_-OC4v42uNMddCstzdNjcU/s1600/IMG_6134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpHZswzqQ4jAZFhGUudtQNgm6B3VYQoYDhAoom3Tvma_Knu0UCK5-oLvFcnW2NN7xc_HZIu4svJK_6C3fxTE1e6uYIxXColEfK5IgVAJCXhv1mn6gLIauef_-OC4v42uNMddCstzdNjcU/s640/IMG_6134.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-OCb3Onu39-w%2FT7qD9_Yf79I%2FAAAAAAAAKT8%2FLwBhRRnhcNY%2Fs1600%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.jpg&description=Easy%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Scones%20with%20a%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Glaze%20%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrYSx-QepAJIywFtWf3JnS06PeijTjCicroTUDpir3BZyPT5dWTKnzPVe-gRot7Rp3BCK9KohDn5pvhxJPMbTKRmunbYVicgNlMHN7fKwM9Rqxgqktzspsi1bhGMryTMtagT6oePi0NWu/s1600/IMG_6136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrYSx-QepAJIywFtWf3JnS06PeijTjCicroTUDpir3BZyPT5dWTKnzPVe-gRot7Rp3BCK9KohDn5pvhxJPMbTKRmunbYVicgNlMHN7fKwM9Rqxgqktzspsi1bhGMryTMtagT6oePi0NWu/s640/IMG_6136.jpg" width="426" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yyWRp6l4H81ij_LCaQKJtClkRbVSNBKifPHrwivsnJjDXK14ibTsiEfc7_H1sgBKY2bk8L3NXdXfw-HuvQlVEv5GdILHCqWN3Nof7qPddSZ9tRBClqBXLzdbZDq3pb_a1W41B2SmeMuP/s1600/IMG_5341_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yyWRp6l4H81ij_LCaQKJtClkRbVSNBKifPHrwivsnJjDXK14ibTsiEfc7_H1sgBKY2bk8L3NXdXfw-HuvQlVEv5GdILHCqWN3Nof7qPddSZ9tRBClqBXLzdbZDq3pb_a1W41B2SmeMuP/s400/IMG_5341_3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-OCb3Onu39-w%2FT7qD9_Yf79I%2FAAAAAAAAKT8%2FLwBhRRnhcNY%2Fs1600%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.jpg&description=Easy%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Scones%20with%20a%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Glaze%20%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a> <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Click here for instructions for making your own <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/vanilla-sugar-baking-pantry-essential.html" target="_blank">Vanilla Sugar</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3lVfGK3gfe3XIgcMpE_-mZbNv5oWqLznEtWMmYbwm4N5MmCQYS8KEQ7uqHYyag-PzoTG15afgRCZu7kylgnHiVvmlBMd9z0UjqW_oh6Y1B6LwQRijWjaR3eIpzmPj5cns8ITddjLFlYl/s1600/baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3lVfGK3gfe3XIgcMpE_-mZbNv5oWqLznEtWMmYbwm4N5MmCQYS8KEQ7uqHYyag-PzoTG15afgRCZu7kylgnHiVvmlBMd9z0UjqW_oh6Y1B6LwQRijWjaR3eIpzmPj5cns8ITddjLFlYl/s400/baking.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">For more baking inspiration - see my mini <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/baking-pantry-in-cabinet.html" target="_blank">Baking Pantry Upgrade</a>... it will make you want to head to The Container Store!</div></div><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Vanilla Bean Scones

Good Morning, Vanilla Bean.  Good Morning, Vanilla Sugar. Another Saturday morning, another craving for scones... and I didn't want to g...

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Vanilla Sugar - Baking Pantry Essential

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaV9DwoMXZCny-BZatD7uPcHjl9VBC5UWZnDgqoTiFNr3b5rop-pxEDlDy3U6ra8m_H5NrANO2ALr7IDeojckFmyiavCEA0rQqQFbFI9sGUr1Ugf0g2qsVAaeSyxRzP9jHTvU4xhVid6j/s1600/IMG_5341_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaV9DwoMXZCny-BZatD7uPcHjl9VBC5UWZnDgqoTiFNr3b5rop-pxEDlDy3U6ra8m_H5NrANO2ALr7IDeojckFmyiavCEA0rQqQFbFI9sGUr1Ugf0g2qsVAaeSyxRzP9jHTvU4xhVid6j/s640/IMG_5341_3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />As I've <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/04/everyday-living-well-everyday-mr-darcy.html" target="_blank">mentioned</a>, I have a tradition of getting up early every morning <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/04/everyday-living-well-everyday-mr-darcy.html" target="_blank">to take our dog, Mr. Darcy, on a walk</a> for a little "Me & Mr." time before Mike leaves for work... funny, I always wanted to be that 'type' of person that got up early for a morning walk- little did I know that I all I had to be to become an early riser was to have a baby! <br /><br />I love this time of day when the air is a little chilly and crisp.  Before we head out the door, I prepare a thermos of coffee to take along.  A scoop of this vanilla sugar makes my day (...or coffee, at least).   As I sip that hot coffee with a subtle hint of real vanilla, it seems like the flowers smile as we walk by and the birds sing a little sweeter.  It is a great way to start the day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuN2XYaLHZt9Y1uAIVOygv8M4EMpzZHvSS5xZxMmkFvaQYSlozQWL-1MveS_7X0OcV5DzoSt6_lQphwBq6409xP25seaVsFdY7xuXrmoW1P61GP_TmB0FIranKMZ_vy5CxPoH6oNYD69Ff/s1600/IMG_5240_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuN2XYaLHZt9Y1uAIVOygv8M4EMpzZHvSS5xZxMmkFvaQYSlozQWL-1MveS_7X0OcV5DzoSt6_lQphwBq6409xP25seaVsFdY7xuXrmoW1P61GP_TmB0FIranKMZ_vy5CxPoH6oNYD69Ff/s640/IMG_5240_2.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />My favorite projects are simple tasks with minimal effort that have huge rewards.  We all remember the saying from when we were young, “A little effort can go a long way.”  Never has it been more true than with Vanilla Sugar and <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/vanilla-syrup-vanilla-bean-simple-syrup.html" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Syrup</a>.  The best example of this is putting a vanilla bean that has been scraped of its bean in a jar of sugar.  Simple.  From then on, when you use that special sugar (that took you seconds to put together) in your baking or your morning coffee, it will be extra special.  <br /><br /><br /><br />With only a couple vanilla beans and some sugar, you can create vanilla sugar that will bring the authentic vanilla bean aromatic to cookies, scones or creamy custards.  Use it in place of regular sugar in recipes that call for both sugar and vanilla extract.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzL8ZYAvXOveCbO29F9JvvIXv_Ic3H6TnWW6V7K3xUSMeIAQvx9yLQgTzyXP4xTGbFEs4RFIakjtlRHSYKczgP1IjO7DLmk_6vfIXWJmxLHndAyiTMZBMzJP4zD9-5A-_TZsgUtBRUtLPB/s1600/IMG_5241.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGVt3AKGhZH0bsQOqsytF_ABob53nvTvIE1q5Ih1C_6o_M_wylX_mj26D2HqdUBs0sd9uFz1W-TkpskMtrf0TKykB37p0UL0pISMkHQvZHwKaqvZRbwvr7LYvh9XQwBMzDqNx1eGvPSm5/s1600/IMG_5241_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGVt3AKGhZH0bsQOqsytF_ABob53nvTvIE1q5Ih1C_6o_M_wylX_mj26D2HqdUBs0sd9uFz1W-TkpskMtrf0TKykB37p0UL0pISMkHQvZHwKaqvZRbwvr7LYvh9XQwBMzDqNx1eGvPSm5/s640/IMG_5241_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />List of Ingredients:<br />    <br />    1 vanilla beans<br />    5 cups of sugar<br />    1 medium airtight canister<br />    <br />Directions:<br /><br />For the Vanilla Sugar, begin by scraping the seeds from one vanilla bean.  To do this, slice the vanilla bean in half, length wise.  Using your knife, run the blade down the center of half of the bean, scraping out the dark brown seeds from the pod.  Set the vanilla bean pod aside. Add the seeds to a food processor along with 2 cups of sugar.  Process the seeds and the sugar until you can see the small seeds evenly distributed.  Add the processed seeds and sugar to a medium canister.  Add 3 more cups of sugar and the scraped vanilla bean pods to the canister.  Place the airtight lid on, then shake the canister to mix the vanilla sugar with the regular sugar until well mixed.  <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For the Vanilla Syrup directions, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/vanilla-syrup-vanilla-bean-simple-syrup.html" target="_blank">click here!</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_itxcIf1qSbqt8dgoXDaFstqRQJZAdFNpwxrKKvQL8LL_bmBlnoDUv0ypbadlKs2J5kzMqjVdxgP1nFhiQ6ySMv_BnV18OniZMuyNvjtq2gNAEHgntn7lyJNQatSRjFLYntpeF5aMdv1/s1600/baking.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_itxcIf1qSbqt8dgoXDaFstqRQJZAdFNpwxrKKvQL8LL_bmBlnoDUv0ypbadlKs2J5kzMqjVdxgP1nFhiQ6ySMv_BnV18OniZMuyNvjtq2gNAEHgntn7lyJNQatSRjFLYntpeF5aMdv1/s640/baking.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>For more baking pantry inspiration - see my mini <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/baking-pantry-in-cabinet.html" target="_blank">Baking Pantry Upgrade</a>... it will make you want to head to The Container Store!

Vanilla Sugar - Baking Pantry Essential

As I've mentioned , I have a tradition of getting up early every morning to take our dog, Mr. Darcy, on a walk for a little "Me ...

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Baking Pantry in a Cabinet

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnBSyouHxKGszdVWxio92G87WBoPfs0L-G0fDG-neGrUNWU4BAVA7MmEMe1VG3g4fNKo7rjQa-vcE5YeRBHHYKrlH4Te3KBaAswEHoZJ_8aFFWgUvm-tA8dLeibkdDbOp-LY08m_9kBqh/s1600/baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnBSyouHxKGszdVWxio92G87WBoPfs0L-G0fDG-neGrUNWU4BAVA7MmEMe1VG3g4fNKo7rjQa-vcE5YeRBHHYKrlH4Te3KBaAswEHoZJ_8aFFWgUvm-tA8dLeibkdDbOp-LY08m_9kBqh/s1600/baking.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fbaking-pantry-in-cabinet.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ISlXAi9ZTIc%2FT6v2HXwBv2I%2FAAAAAAAAKDU%2F9RpUGilunC8%2Fs1600%2Fbaking.jpg&description=Kitchen%20Cabinet%20Organization%20%0AKitchen%20Pantry%20Organization%20with%20Labels%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fbaking-pantry-in-cabinet.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><br />When I’m in the kitchen, I want it to feel like a relaxing and pleasurable experience- like I have all of the time in the world, which is hardly ever the case.  For me, when I open the cabinet of this baking station in my kitchen, it feels like walking into the most cozy room in my house.  Everything is well-stocked, beautifully displayed and I am at ease as I begin creating something that I know my family is going to love.   I love coming down to the kitchen on Saturday morning with bare feet to have a hot cup of coffee and stir together a quick batch of <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/03/cranberry-scones-with-orange-glaze.html" target="_blank">scones</a> (of course... I'm clearly obsessed!) before the day starts.<br /><br />Most kitchens are organized by the type of item versus by use, meaning all of the dry goods like spices, flour, sugar, oils, seasoning and vinegars are stored together- usually someplace near the stove.  While it makes great sense to keep the spices and seasonings handy while you’re whipping up dinner, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that, it makes less sense to keep baking powder and powdered sugar in the same spot.<br /><br />Having this station in my kitchen simplifies my baking processes and allows me to be more creative.  It makes me feel like I have a clean slate to begin creating whatever it is I can dream up.  When I have everything at my finger tips in a well organized and attractive station, whipping up a batch of muffins in the morning or a late night dozen of cupcakes will become a breeze- and a pleasure.<br /><br />List of Supplies :<br />    <br />    Shelves<br />    Paint<br />    Brushes & Rollers<br />    Spice Containers<br />    Small, Medium & Large Canisters<br />    Bottles<br />    <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">Printed Labels</a><br />    Hooks<br />    <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ys2m7pSzc52FeId-pOege2DFD0Mk-W7TkfKRBB0NlsQ6TD9gnMu-RmqRURrqIwdJ8JUM-b5E76FTJ97Y9KMPfpqw8mrgSCZJcJtVvId7Y2w3KyZIev2fQ9V_baJFLmlIQBxEf8EWhp2W/s1600/IMG_5199_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ys2m7pSzc52FeId-pOege2DFD0Mk-W7TkfKRBB0NlsQ6TD9gnMu-RmqRURrqIwdJ8JUM-b5E76FTJ97Y9KMPfpqw8mrgSCZJcJtVvId7Y2w3KyZIev2fQ9V_baJFLmlIQBxEf8EWhp2W/s640/IMG_5199_2.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Shelf Risers<br />So you no longer have to shuffle things around when you’re searching for the coconut extract, give your shelves multiple levels by using a riser in the back of your cabinet.  In my kitchen, shallow shelves made from pieces of moldings are painted and turned upside-down.  <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOz2RmCEkxU7BxhmfVZjOijDzH-tPp9fS6y2eR1XueP2nBoMmhvuMy_DIMFmqywss5hx6lZO26y9VK5Qy1TKg7y3Wa1uhWyWvhwrhmsV29Q059zO9-w6uoYZAn9wwwoq1S8EsDYvH_TtqH/s1600/baking_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOz2RmCEkxU7BxhmfVZjOijDzH-tPp9fS6y2eR1XueP2nBoMmhvuMy_DIMFmqywss5hx6lZO26y9VK5Qy1TKg7y3Wa1uhWyWvhwrhmsV29Q059zO9-w6uoYZAn9wwwoq1S8EsDYvH_TtqH/s640/baking_2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />A Place for Everything...<br />Arrange your dedicated baking area so that everything has a spot in the cabinet.  It may seem daunting to assign an individual spot for all of your baking essentials... and keep it there, but knowing exactly where to find everything will make your time in the kitchen efficient and more enjoyable.  Place like items together- spices, extracts and flavorings on the bottom; baking powder, baking soda and salt in the middle; and pastry bags and tips up top.  Don’t forget about untapped storage areas like the inside of the cabinet doors.  Here, hooks hold mixer attachments and measuring spoons.<br /><br />Clean Containers<br />Consider putting all of your essentials in your own containers.  It will make your space more visually appealing and less cluttered.  Clear glass containers allow you to easily see what’s inside and to see how much of that item you have.<br /><br />Labels<br />I love to label everything - I like the way it looks and I like that it is sort of 'branded' for my kitchen.  Visit my <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">new store</a> to see my collection of <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">custom printed labels</a>.<br /><br />For more of my <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">favorite packaging and organizational essentials</a>, visit <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">my store</a>. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fbaking-pantry-in-cabinet.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ISlXAi9ZTIc%2FT6v2HXwBv2I%2FAAAAAAAAKDU%2F9RpUGilunC8%2Fs1600%2Fbaking.jpg&description=Kitchen%20Cabinet%20Organization%20%0AKitchen%20Pantry%20Organization%20with%20Labels%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fbaking-pantry-in-cabinet.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yyWRp6l4H81ij_LCaQKJtClkRbVSNBKifPHrwivsnJjDXK14ibTsiEfc7_H1sgBKY2bk8L3NXdXfw-HuvQlVEv5GdILHCqWN3Nof7qPddSZ9tRBClqBXLzdbZDq3pb_a1W41B2SmeMuP/s1600/IMG_5341_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yyWRp6l4H81ij_LCaQKJtClkRbVSNBKifPHrwivsnJjDXK14ibTsiEfc7_H1sgBKY2bk8L3NXdXfw-HuvQlVEv5GdILHCqWN3Nof7qPddSZ9tRBClqBXLzdbZDq3pb_a1W41B2SmeMuP/s1600/IMG_5341_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yyWRp6l4H81ij_LCaQKJtClkRbVSNBKifPHrwivsnJjDXK14ibTsiEfc7_H1sgBKY2bk8L3NXdXfw-HuvQlVEv5GdILHCqWN3Nof7qPddSZ9tRBClqBXLzdbZDq3pb_a1W41B2SmeMuP/s320/IMG_5341_3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/vanilla-sugar-baking-pantry-essential.html" target="_blank">Vanilla Sugar & Homemade Vanilla Bean Syrup</a> : My Pantry Essentials - get the recipes <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/vanilla-sugar-baking-pantry-essential.html" target="_blank">here</a>! <script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Baking Pantry in a Cabinet

When I’m in the kitchen, I want it to feel like a relaxing and pleasurable experience- like I have all of the time in the world, which is ha...

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Banana Nut Bread with Whipped Honey Butter

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GURo4t_U3BYz2EAupAmqZ7FUx2oea_auaqvUEG0mpeVJg0SxGnxF2mmdTp4rr7Yj0AXvPre0c4FiM_jhaB5vGScYRcZICqX0SEPE7LUmI_cYqu8XFTBO3Igk1tl76K-j4aYww00DPZij/s1600/IMG_5868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GURo4t_U3BYz2EAupAmqZ7FUx2oea_auaqvUEG0mpeVJg0SxGnxF2mmdTp4rr7Yj0AXvPre0c4FiM_jhaB5vGScYRcZICqX0SEPE7LUmI_cYqu8XFTBO3Igk1tl76K-j4aYww00DPZij/s640/IMG_5868.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'm not a huge walnut fan... except when they are coated in caramelized goodness or in banana bread.  I am a firm believer in not limiting yourself to the norm- so, I once made this bread with peanuts.  On Mike's morning drive to work he called me (having left the house with a slice to have on the way to work...) : <br /><br />Mike, 'are there peanuts in this?'<br />Me, 'Yes.'<br />Mike, 'In banana bread?  Peanuts in banana bread?'<br />Me, 'Yes.  I don't like walnuts, I didn't have any pecans, so I used peanuts.'<br />Mike, 'um... ok.  it's good.  i guess.  just strange to have peanuts in banana bread.  right?' <br /><br />Here's the recipe with 'nuts' as an ingredient... go ahead, use whatever kind you want!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Banana Nut Bread </span><br />with <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-hostess-gift-banana-bread-and.html" target="_blank">whipped honey butter</a><br /><br />4 overripe bananas<br />1 cup sugar<br />3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted<br />2 large eggs<br />1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />2 cups flour<br />1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1/2 cup nuts, finely chopped<br /><br />Peel the bananas.  Mash them roughly with a fork - leaving some chunky pieces for texture.  Place half of them in a KitchenAid fitted with the whisk attachment.  Set aside the other half of the bananas.<br /><br />Add sugar to the KitchenAid, whip them together for 3 minutes until a frothy mixture forms.  Add butter, eggs and vanilla.  Mix together until combined.  Add flour, soda, salt, remaining bananas and 1/3 cup of nuts.  Stir until just combined.  Do not over mix.<br /><br />Pour into a greased and floured (or sprayed) loaf pan.  Sprinkle the remaining nuts on top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes to 1 hour. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYOwdB-VDU4h98RAQquVlTW6k9vq0-RoXmJ4BQQMzCnE1lQXr191CCrz0JNU9UMAgD5Zm6zo4AIBAao2rKxxy8wzDGuvH3xldRDHwwR2jXMzhyqtBaNs-UsBB9EB-PVVteuaypdauXF4a/s1600/IMG_5860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYOwdB-VDU4h98RAQquVlTW6k9vq0-RoXmJ4BQQMzCnE1lQXr191CCrz0JNU9UMAgD5Zm6zo4AIBAao2rKxxy8wzDGuvH3xldRDHwwR2jXMzhyqtBaNs-UsBB9EB-PVVteuaypdauXF4a/s640/IMG_5860.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Wrap the bread in parchment paper, add a little Whipped Honey Butter and you have a great gift!  Here are the step-by-step directions for creating the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-hostess-gift-banana-bread-and.html" target="_blank">Breakfast Basket Gift</a>. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jjqJVLwZ-Rm7chclFpHW8wWqGl1-tX0u8bASkU_GutF7dzP82sRP6GPF1JuiNHOIRFbYqKOO-kdFHnurwc_IzM7YYBI2L9qntSKqzWKCksupZhvahbCwiWmQBb-8ETGvRafW1X-Mmqlj/s1600/IMG_6723.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jjqJVLwZ-Rm7chclFpHW8wWqGl1-tX0u8bASkU_GutF7dzP82sRP6GPF1JuiNHOIRFbYqKOO-kdFHnurwc_IzM7YYBI2L9qntSKqzWKCksupZhvahbCwiWmQBb-8ETGvRafW1X-Mmqlj/s320/IMG_6723.JPG" width="320" /></a> Or... try the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/banana-nut-muffins-homemade-banana-nut.html" target="_blank">muffin version</a>!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPtIOn4cL9yHBsP5FNevMam8G3kHI68u1PdPX8oWG7LE4KpDjeTWVXFQK6_UWySJocfHEKTYv0s2QoYxkYvWgJkwTBQj0a_g0HtW3mFqwnvMHtWGugLZuE9mYsI8rem8861FFZ5602EKB/s1600/baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPtIOn4cL9yHBsP5FNevMam8G3kHI68u1PdPX8oWG7LE4KpDjeTWVXFQK6_UWySJocfHEKTYv0s2QoYxkYvWgJkwTBQj0a_g0HtW3mFqwnvMHtWGugLZuE9mYsI8rem8861FFZ5602EKB/s400/baking.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>For more baking inspiration - see my mini <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/baking-pantry-in-cabinet.html" target="_blank">Baking Pantry Upgrade</a>... it will make you want to head to The Container Store!

Banana Nut Bread with Whipped Honey Butter

I'm not a huge walnut fan... except when they are coated in caramelized goodness or in banana bread.  I am a firm believer in not limiti...

Read more »