Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Strawberry-Oreo Ice Cream

From Andie Evans
Makes 14 (1/2-cup) servings

1 1/2 c. whole milk
1 1/8 c. sugar
3 c. heavy cream
1 1/2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
2 boxes frozen strawberries in juice, thawed and mashed
1-2 c. chopped Oreo cookies

Mix milk and sugar on low speed until sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla and mashed strawberries. Process in ice cream maker, adding cookies in last five minutes.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Chocolate Chip Challah Bread


From Andie Evans
Makes 1 16-to-18-inch loaf
Total Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes

2 packets active dry yeast (4 1/2 tsp.)
1/2 c. sugar, plus a pinch
7 c. AP flour, plus more for dusting
1 Tbsp. salt
2 large eggs
1/2 c. vegetable oil, plus more for the bowl
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips

Mix the yeast, a pinch of sugar and 1 cup warm water in a small bowl. Set aside while you measure out the other dry ingredients, or until frothy.

Whisk 3 1/2 cups flour, the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and the salt in a large bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon. Add 1 egg, the vegetable oil and 1 cup warm water; stir until combined. Gradually stir in the remaining 3 1/2 cups flour until the dough starts to come together. Mix in the chocolate chips.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a large oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 hour to 1 hour, 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375. Divide the dough into 3 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a ball, then roll each ball into a 1 1/2-to-2-inch wide strand, about 16 inches long. Lay the strands side by side on a sheet of parchment paper and pinch them together at one end.

Braid the 3 strands. When all the dough has been braided, pinch the dough together at the end.

That's what it looks like, people!
Slide the loaf (with the parchment paper) onto a baking sheet. Beat the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl, then brush the egg wash all over the loaf. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.