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Bready or Not Original: Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies

Posted by on May 21, 2025 in Blog, Bready or Not, cookies, nutty, sourdough | 0 comments

These Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies are cakey and delicious, a perfect comfort food.

Bready or Not Original: Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies

The sourdough doesn’t act as a leavening agent here, but adds nuanced flavor and lends a unique breadiness to the texture. I doubt anyone would eat these and immediately identify they include a starter, but they would probably know something is different.

Bready or Not Original: Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies

I added dried cranberries and walnuts to these cookies, but mix in whatever dried fruit, nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips that you want. Just don’t exceed 2 1/2 cups of add-ins. Or try to fool people into thinking dark raisins are chocolate chips. That’s just evil.

By the way, I baked up sourdough recipes like this one because I have maintained a starter for book research reasons: my next release, A House Between Sea and Sky, features a sourdough starter named Mother as an important character. Find out more (and preorder) here!

Bready or Not Original: Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies

Sourdough doesn’t act as a leavener in these unique oatmeal cookies, but delivers flavor and texture. Mix in whatever dried fruit and nuts that you want!
Course: Dessert, Snack
Keyword: cookies, cranberries, sourdough, walnuts
Servings: 45 cookies
Author: Beth Cato

Equipment

  • parchment paper
  • cookie scoop or spoon

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sourdough discard (113 grams)
  • 3 cups rolled oats also called old fashioned oats
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
  • 1 cup walnuts chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla and sourdough discard.
  • In another bowl, stir together rolled oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, scraping the bottom of the bowl a few times to make sure everything is incorporated. Fold in the cranberries and walnuts to distribute.
  • Use a cookie scoop or spoon to dole out the dough, spaced out, on the parchment paper. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes; the cookies should be golden at the edges and no longer glossy on top.
  • Transfer cookies to a rack to fully cool. Store in a sealed container at room temperature. Cookies keep for at least 3 days.

OM NOM NOM!

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    Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Brownies

    Posted by on May 14, 2025 in Blog, Bready or Not, brownies | 0 comments

    So, that Roasted Cherry Brownies recipe I posted back in March? This Raspberry Brownies recipe is based on that. It uses different berries (obviously) and has no roasting involved, and if you are like me and have/had a solid chunk of raspberries in your freezer, this will give you a delicious way to use them up.

    Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Brownies

    Raspberries and chocolate are such a good combo. I feel like that really doesn’t get as much attention as pairings with strawberries or cherries. The fruit amount is pretty high here, and that also means a long bake time because of the moisture involved.

    Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Brownies

    On that note, if you’re using fresh raspberries, the bake time will likely be less, so please, adapt the recipe to keep your brownies and yourself safe!

    Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Brownies

    Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Brownies

    These thick, luscious brownies pair raspberries and chocolate, a winning combo!
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Keyword: brownies, chocolate, raspberries
    Author: Beth Cato

    Equipment

    • 9×13 dish
    • aluminum foil
    • uneven spatula

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups frozen raspberries
    • 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
    • 8 ounces dark chocolate
    • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup cocoa powder sifted
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 2 cups white sugar
    • 6 large eggs room temperature
    • 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips or a mix

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven at 325. Break apart the frozen raspberries into pieces of various size using a tool such as kitchen shears. Place the berries back inside the freezer for now.
    • In a large microwave-safe bowl or in a pot on the stovetop, melt together the butter and dark chocolate until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
    • Line a 9×13 pan with foil and apply nonstick spray or butter. In a small bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
    • Return to the large container with the melted butter and chocolate. Stir in the white sugar until no pale streaks remain. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until no white is visible. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and most of frozen raspberries.
    • Pour batter into the prepared dish. Use an uneven spatula to spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate and remaining raspberries over the top.
    • Bake for 70 to 80 minutes, until the middle passes the toothpick test; the raspberries release a lot of moisture, hence a long baking time. Set on a rack to cool for at least an hour, speeding process in fridge if desired. Use foil to lift contents onto a cutting board to slice up. Store in a sealed container at room temperature. Keeps for at least 3 days.

    OM NOM NOM!

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      Bready or Not: Apple Fritter Cake

      Posted by on May 7, 2025 in apples, Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, cake | 0 comments

      I have many different kinds of apple cake here on Bready or Not. This Apple Fritter Cake is special because it tastes like the luscious apple fritters found in donut shops and bakeries!

      Bready or Not: Apple Fritter Cake

      This is not a thick cake. The crumb is really there to hold a lot of apple pieces together. The use of apple butter versus applesauce adds a deeper color and richer flavor.

      Bready or Not: Apple Fritter Cake

      Then there is, of course, the icing. That’s essential to make this cake like the pastry. It adds sweetness and a delicate crunch that’s fast to melt in the mouth.

      Bready or Not: Apple Fritter Cake

      Really, I look at this as a special occasion kind of apple cake, something for a birthday, special guest, or date.

      Bready or Not: Apple Fritter Cake

      This Apple Fritter Cake really does taste like a cake version of the donut shop treat! Modified from Bake from Scratch Magazine September/October 2024.
      Course: Breakfast, Dessert
      Cuisine: American
      Keyword: apple, cake
      Author: Beth Cato

      Equipment

      • 8×8 pan
      • aluminum foil
      • nonstick spray or butter

      Ingredients

      Cake

      • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
      • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
      • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
      • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
      • 2 cups crisp baking apples diced and divided (232 grams) (use apples like Honeycrisp, State Fair, or Kindercrisp)
      • 1 cup brown sugar packed
      • 1 large egg
      • 1 large egg white
      • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) melted and slightly cooled
      • 1/3 cup vanilla yogurt or sour cream or crème fraiche
      • 1/3 cup apple butter
      • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
      • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

      Glaze

      • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
      • 2 Tablespoons half & half

      Instructions

      • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 with foil and apply butter or nonstick spray.
      • In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add 1 1/2 cups of the diced apples. Toss to coat.
      • In a big mixing bowl, beat the brown sugar, egg, and egg white until light and fluffy. Mix in the melted butter, yogurt, apple butter, lemon juice, and vanilla. Fold in the dry ingredients, making sure to scrape the bottom, until everything is just combined.
      • Pour batter into the prepared pan. Smooth out top. Sprinkle on the remaining 1/2 cup of apple pieces.
      • Bake until browned, with the middle passing the toothpick test, about 45 to 55 minutes.
      • Cool completely before mixing the glaze. Drizzle it all over the top. Serve warmed or at room temperature. Individual slices can also be frozen for later enjoyment.

      OM NOM NOM!

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        Bready or Not EXTRA CHEESY: Coconut Cream Cheese Pound Cake

        Posted by on Apr 30, 2025 in Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, bundt, cake, cheese galore | 0 comments

        Welcome to the last installment of our special month of Bready or Not. My cheese-centric cozy mystery Cheddar Luck Next Time just came out a few weeks ago, so we’re celebrating with another cheesy recipe from the Bready or Not archives.

        This week’s feature is Coconut Cream Cheese Pound Cake. Only right to end things with cake, right?

        Bready or Not: Coconut Cream Cheese Pound Cake

        This stunning Coconut Cream Cheese Pound Cake is gorgeous and delicious, and will win over even people (like me) who are not big coconut fans. The cake ends up being chewy, but not too chewy; sweet, but not cloying. Really, this is great as a breakfast, brunch, or dessert cake.

        Bready or Not: Coconut Cream Cheese Pound Cake

        Serve this as cake alone, or like with any pound cake, it would be lovely alongside fresh fruit.

        Bready or Not: Coconut Cream Cheese Pound Cake

        Please grab a copy of Cheddar Luck Next Time, which features an autistic (like me!) lead character with a passion for cheese (like me!).

        Cheddar Luck Next Time

        Amazon: paperback | ebook (affiliate links)
        Barnes & Noble: paperback & ebook
        Bookshop: paperback

        Bready or Not: Coconut Cream Cheese Pound Cake

        This easy-to-make bundt cake creates a gorgeous and delicious cake that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
        Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
        Keyword: bundt cake, cake, cream cheese
        Author: Beth Cato

        Ingredients

        Cake

        • 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks, room temperature
        • 8 ounces cream cheese 1 box, room temperature
        • 3 cups white sugar
        • 6 large eggs room temperature
        • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
        • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
        • 1 teaspoon baking powder
        • 3 cups all-purpose flour
        • 2 cups shredded coconut

        Glaze

        • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
        • 2-3 Tablespoons milk
        • extra shredded coconut

        Instructions

        • Preheat oven at 325-degrees. Coat a 10-cup bundt pan with nonstick spray or butter.
        • In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
        • Add eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder. Gradually mix in the flour until just combined, then fold in the coconut.
        • Pour batter into pan and distribute evenly. Bake for 75 to 80 minutes, until it passes the toothpick test.
        • Cool pan for 20 minutes, then invert the cake onto a wire rack to completely cool. Move to a plate or cake platter.
        • To make the glaze, stir together the confectioners’ sugar and milk to form a smooth yet thick consistency. Pour or spoon glaze over the top, then sprinkle with additional coconut.

        OM NOM NOM!

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          Bready or Not EXTRA CHEESY: Legendary Macaroni and Cheese

          Posted by on Apr 23, 2025 in Blog, Bready or Not, cheese galore, main dish, side dish | 0 comments

          Welcome to the fourth installment of our special month of Bready or Not. My cheese-centric cozy mystery Cheddar Luck Next Time came out earlier this month, so we’re celebrating with another cheesy recipe from the Bready or Not archives.

          Legendary MacNCheese

          This week’s feature is Legendary Macaroni and Cheese. This one gained incredible popularity during the shut-down in 2020.

          Legendary MacNCheese

          There are a gazillion macaroni and cheese recipes out there. This one is special because it can be prepared ahead of time, making it incredibly convenient to heat up for a meal during a busy week or during a holiday event.

          This is a heavily modified version of musician John Legend’s macaroni recipe, which he originally shared on the Martha Stewart Show a long time ago.

          Cheddar Luck Next Time

          Please grab a copy of Cheddar Luck Next Time, which features an autistic (like me!) lead character with a passion for cheese (like me!).

          Amazon: paperback | ebook (affiliate links)
          Barnes & Noble: paperback & ebook
          Bookshop: paperback

          Bready or Not: Legendary Macaroni and Cheese

          This modified version of John Legend’s recipe, as featured on Martha Stewart’s show, can be prepared in the morning and cooked later in the day! It’s everything macaroni and cheese should be: cheesy with a crunchy baked crust.
          Course: Main Course, Side Dish
          Cuisine: American, Southern
          Keyword: cheese
          Author: Beth Cato

          Ingredients

          • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for baking dish
          • 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
          • 1 can evaporated milk
          • 1 large egg
          • 3/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
          • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
          • 1/2 teaspoon salt
          • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
          • 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese or a mix of cheddars, shredded
          • sprinkle paprika
          • bread crumbs

          Instructions

          • If you plan to bake this right away, preheat oven to 375-degrees. Butter or spray a 9×9 baking dish.
          • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt and macaroni. Cook until al dente. Drain the water and return the macaroni to the pot. Add butter and stir until it has melted.
          • In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk and egg. Add seasoned salt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
          • Place about 1/3 of the macaroni in an even layer in the bottom of prepared baking dish. This should be just enough to cover the bottom. Cover with 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat twice more with remaining macaroni and cheese.
          • Pour the milk and seasonings mixture evenly over the contents of the baking dish. At this point, you can stash the dish in the fridge overnight or during the day until it’s meal time.
          • When you’re ready to bake, make sure the oven is preheated. Sprinkle the top of the macaroni with paprika and bread crumbs.
          • Bake until top layer is lightly browned, 25 to 30 minutes; note that if the dish is cold, bake time will likely need to be extended to closer to 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
          • OM NOM NOM!
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          Bready or Not EXTRA CHEESY: Cheese and Chives Yorkshire Puddings (Small Batch)

          Posted by on Apr 16, 2025 in Blog, Bready or Not, british, cheese galore, side dish | 0 comments

          Welcome to the third installment of our special month of Bready or Not. My cheese-centric cozy mystery Cheddar Luck Next Time just came out last week, so we’re celebrating with another cheesy recipe from the Bready or Not archives.

          This week’s feature is Cheese and Chives Yorkshire Puddings.

          Cheese and Chives Yorkshire Puddings

          Yorkshire puddings are what many Americans also know of as pop-overs–light, airy, crisp sponges perfect to eat with a roast and gravy!

          Cheese and Chives Yorkshire Puddings

          This recipe is for a small batch of puds. Since they are so airy (if they rise right), the six puddings of this recipe are perfect for two or three people. These will not reheat well, so eat’em up fresh!

          Use a good quality cheddar here to really take these puddings to the next level. I used Kerrygold Dubliner.

          Cheddar Luck Next Time

          Please grab a copy of Cheddar Luck Next Time, which features an autistic (like me!) lead character with a passion for cheese (like me!).

          Amazon: paperback | ebook (affiliate links)
          Barnes & Noble: paperback & ebook
          Bookshop: paperback

          Bready or Not: Cheese and Chives Yorkshire Puddings (Small Batch)

          These cheesy Yorkshire puds are perfect to serve with a holiday roast and gravy! Unlike many recipes, this makes a small batch of six puddings, enough for 2 or 3 people. These are light, airy, and oh-so-cheesy. Use the best cheddar you can find–you'll be able to taste the difference.
          Course: Side Dish
          Cuisine: British
          Keyword: cheese, quick bread
          Servings: 2
          Author: Beth Cato

          Equipment

          • metal muffin pan
          • blender

          Ingredients

          • 3/4 cup milk or half & half
          • 2 large eggs room temperature
          • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted, divided
          • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
          • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
          • 1/4 cup quality cheddar cheese (25 grams), freshly grated
          • 1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh chives chopped, plus more for garnish

          Instructions

          • Preheat oven at 425-degrees.
          • In the container of a blender, place milk, eggs, 1 tablespoon melted butter, flour, and salt; process just until smooth. Let rest for 10 minutes.
          • In a small bowl, toss together grated cheese and chives.
          • Place a 12-cup muffin pan in oven for 5 minutes to preheat.
          • Remove muffin pan from oven, and quickly spoon the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter into the 6 muffin cups that are being used. Return pan to oven for 2 minutes.
          • Remove pan from oven. Working fast, spoon or pour batter into buttered muffin cups, dividing as evenly as possible. Top each with a spoonful of cheese mixture.
          • Bake until puffed and golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Garnish with more chives, if desired. Serve immediately. Yorkshires are best fresh as they deflate after baking.

          OM NOM NOM!

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