Banana & Oreo Muffin | Made by Meaghan Moineau

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Meaghan Moineau

Banana & Oreo Muffin | Made by Meaghan Moineau

Title: Nostalgia Baked Fresh: Banana & Oreo Muffins
Description: Dive into the delightful fusion of flavors with our Banana & Oreo Muffin recipe! This scrumptious dessert combines the moist sweetness of bananas with the beloved crunch of Oreo cookies, creating a treat that’s sure to bring back fond memories. Perfect as a comforting dessert, this easy-to-follow recipe will transport you back to cozy family gatherings, all while tantalizing your taste buds. Discover the joy of baking and sharing a piece of nostalgia with your loved ones.

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Banana & Oreo Muffin Recipe

Difficulty: 3/10
Category: Dessert

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup butter, softened

- 3/4 cup sugar

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tsp baking powder

- 1/2 tsp baking soda

- 1 large egg

- 1/2 cup condensed milk

- 2 ripe bananas, mashed

- 1 tsp vanilla essence

- 1/2 tsp banana essence

- 10 Oreo cookies

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

Sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda together in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.

2. Crush the Oreos:

Remove the cream from the Oreo cookies. Place the cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric beater to cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes on medium speed.

4. Add Wet Ingredients:

Beat in the egg, ensuring the mixture is well combined with no egg traces. Add the mashed bananas, vanilla essence, and condensed milk. Give it a quick whisk to blend it all together.

5. Combine with Dry Ingredients:

Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Blend until the batter is smooth.

6. Incorporate Oreo Crumbs:

Gently fold the crushed Oreo crumbs into the batter until well combined.

7. Prepare for Baking:

Scoop the batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Top with extra banana slices and Oreo cookie pieces for added flair.

8. Bake:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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A Whiff of Nostalgia

Growing up, Sunday afternoons were always a time for family gatherings at Grandma's house. The aroma of freshly baked goods would greet us as we walked through the door, an invisible hug that promised warmth and love. Among the spread of treats, her Banana & Oreo Muffins stood out, not just for their heavenly taste but for the laughter and stories shared around the kitchen table as we savored each bite.

I remember the first time I helped her bake these muffins. My small hands were clumsy, scattering flour and sugar across the countertop, but Grandma's patient guidance turned it into an adventure rather than a chore. As we crushed the Oreos, she would tell tales of her own childhood, painting vivid pictures of a time long past. Those afternoons taught me the power of food to bring people together, to forge connections across generations.

Today, as I bake these muffins in my own kitchen, the memories come flooding back. Each step of the recipe is a breadcrumb trail leading back to those cherished moments. Every bite is a reminder of the joy and love that flavored my childhood, and I hope it can bring a taste of that nostalgia to your home too.

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Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Banana & Oreo Muffin recipe is a delightful way to create new memories while honoring the old. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Cranberry Orange Biscotti | Made by Meaghan Moineau

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Meaghan Moineau

Cranberry Orange Biscotti | Made by Meaghan Moineau

Title: "Cranberry Orange Biscotti: A Taste of Nostalgia and Citrus Delight"
Description: Dive into the delightful world of Cranberry Orange Biscotti, a perfect fusion of tart cranberries and zesty orange. This dessert not only serves as a delicious treat but also carries a nostalgic family memory, making it a cherished addition to any holiday gathering.

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There's something magical about the aroma of freshly baked biscotti wafting through the house, especially when the flavors of cranberry and orange meld together in perfect harmony. This Cranberry Orange Biscotti recipe is more than just a delightful dessert; it's a journey back to cherished family memories and festive gatherings.

A Nostalgic Journey

Growing up, my grandmother's kitchen was the heart of every holiday season. The warmth of the oven and the vibrant scents of citrus and spices created an inviting atmosphere that drew everyone in. Every year, as the first cold snap of winter hinted at the approaching holidays, my grandmother would pull out her well-worn recipe card for Cranberry Orange Biscotti.

I remember sitting at the kitchen table, watching her expertly mix the ingredients—unsalted butter, sugar, and the zest of fresh oranges—while recounting stories of her childhood. She'd tell us how her mother, my great-grandmother, would bake these very biscotti during the festive season, using them as a means to bring the family together over laughter, stories, and the occasional cup of hot cocoa.

As a child, I was fascinated by the process. The transformation of simple ingredients like flour, whole wheat pastry flour, and baking powder into golden, slightly cracked logs seemed like magic. When she added the dried cranberries and pecans, I could hardly wait for the first taste. The tartness of the cranberries paired with the citrusy sweetness of the orange glaze was a combination that danced on the palate.

The Recipe

*Ingredients:*

- 1 tablespoon baking powder

- 1 cup confectioners' sugar

- 1 cup dried cranberries

- 3 large eggs

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice

- 2 tablespoons orange zest

- 1 cup pecans, chopped

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup sugar

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

*Instructions:*

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning racks in the upper and lower thirds. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between each. Stir in orange zest and vanilla.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in cranberries and pecans.

4. Transfer dough to a floured surface, divide into three pieces, and shape into 12-inch logs. Place on baking sheets.

5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, switching sheet positions halfway through. Let rest for 10 minutes. Reduce oven to 300°F (150°C).

6. Slice logs diagonally into 3/4-inch pieces. Lay slices on their sides and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden.

7. For the glaze, mix confectioners' sugar with orange juice to desired consistency. Drizzle over warm biscotti.

Difficulty: 6/10
Classification: Dessert

This biscotti is not just a treat but a tradition, a way to connect with loved ones both past and present. As I bake these biscotti today, I'm reminded of those cherished moments in my grandmother's kitchen, the stories shared, and the love that went into each batch. Every bite is a taste of nostalgia, bringing family and friends together, just as it always has.

Apple-Cheesecake Tart with Salted Caramel Glaze | Made by Meaghan Moineau

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Meaghan Moineau

Apple-Cheesecake Tart with Salted Caramel Glaze | Made by Meaghan Moineau

Title: "Decadence Unveiled: Apple-Cheesecake Tart with Salted Caramel Glaze"
Description:

Dive into a world of flavors with our Apple-Cheesecake Tart, crowned with a luscious Salted Caramel Glaze. This dessert is a symphony of textures and tastes, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging in a personal treat. With a difficulty rating of 7 out of 10, this recipe is an exciting culinary adventure for home bakers. Read on for a step-by-step guide and a heartwarming family story that brings this dish to life.

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A Sweet Journey Down Memory Lane

There's something inherently magical about the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the house. It takes me back to a quaint autumn afternoon at my grandmother's kitchen. Her house was always the gathering place for family celebrations, and the kitchen was its beating heart. I remember sitting on a high stool, eyes wide with anticipation, as she meticulously layered apple slices over her famous cheesecake tart.

Her hands moved with a practiced rhythm, each slice overlapping the last, creating a mesmerizing spiral. She would smile at me, her eyes twinkling with warmth, and hand me a bowl of freshly sliced apples to snack on. That day, she told me stories of her childhood, of apple orchards and family picnics, weaving a rich tapestry of memories that flavored each bite of her tart.

Years later, I find myself in my own kitchen, recreating my grandmother's masterpiece. As the tart bakes, my home fills with that same comforting aroma, and I am transported back to those cherished afternoons. This Apple-Cheesecake Tart with Salted Caramel Glaze is more than just a dessert; it's a tribute to family, love, and the timeless joy of sharing food and stories.

Recipe: Apple-Cheesecake Tart with Salted Caramel Glaze

Ingredients:

- Butter

- Double cream

- Egg

- Flour

- Granny Smith apples

- Ground almonds

- Ground cinnamon

- Lemon (juice)

- Plain full-fat cream cheese

- Raw sugar

- Sea salt

- Sugar

- Vanilla extract

Instructions:

Crust:

1. In a stand mixer or using a handheld electric whisk, cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.

2. Gently fold in the flour and ground almonds by hand until combined into a crumbly mixture.

3. Press the mixture into a 25cm loose-bottomed tin or into smaller tins for individual servings.

Custard:

1. Cream together the cream cheese and sugar using your mixer.

2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

3. Pour the custard into the prepared, uncooked crust.

Apples:

1. Thinly slice the Granny Smith apples, ideally using a mandoline.

2. Toss the apple slices with sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice, allowing them to soften for about 10 minutes.

3. Arrange the slices over the custard in overlapping layers, creating a spiral 'rose' pattern.

4. Cover with tin foil and bake at 190°C for 30 minutes to soften the apples.

5. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes until the custard is puffed and the apple edges are lightly browned.

Glaze:

1. As the tart bakes, melt sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat until golden.

2. Stir in butter and sea salt, then add the cream, stirring constantly until smooth.

3. Brush the glaze over the nearly finished tart and return to the oven for a few minutes until it bubbles gently.

4. Allow the tart to cool to room temperature before serving. It can be refrigerated for several days; store in the baking tin and wrap well.

Difficulty Rating: 7/10
Classification: Dessert

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Whether you're creating new family traditions or reminiscing about cherished memories, this Apple-Cheesecake Tart with Salted Caramel Glaze is sure to become a beloved favorite. Enjoy every bite of this decadent treat, and may it bring warmth and joy to your kitchen.

Category: Baked Goods