Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

Rustic Thanksgiving Bread My rustic Thanksgiving bread can be made quickly in just a few hours, allowing you to have fresh bread by lunchtime if you start preparing the dough in the morning. Unlike traditional bread recipes, this recipe uses a stone for resting and baking the dough. Which ultimately makes a gorgeous, crusty, rustic loaf of bread that's perfect for the holidays. Ingredients: 3 cups of all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast 1 1/2 teaspoons of seasoning salt 1 1/2 cups of warm water 1 teaspoon of Splenda or sugar Canola oil for greasing Cornmeal for dusting Instructions: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes thick. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and seasoning salt. Using your fingers, create a small well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture inside it.  Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough begins to form. Once it becomes difficult to stir, t...

Home-Style Country Butter Bread The bread dough can be made in a bread machine if you're pressed for time, and it can be baked in it as well. However, I am making it by hand because it's just so much fun to prepare. It gives me a sense of accomplishment knowing that my bread is truly handmade. Ingredients: 1 cup of warm water 1 1/2 teaspoons of dry instant yeast 3 tablespoons of Splenda or sugar 2 tablespoons of melted butter, cooled plus about 3 tablespoons extra for brushing over the dough, greasing the bowl and bread pan 1 egg 3/4 teaspoon of seasoning salt 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour Instructions: Mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 1/2 teaspoons of active yeast. Allow the yeast to bloom for 5 minutes. Now, add 3 tablespoons of Splenda or sugar, 2 tablespoons of cooled melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix well. Then add 3/4 teaspoon of seasoning salt and 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Begin mixing the dough with a spatula. Once the dough becomes shaggy, use your hands to bring it...

Egg Bread Egg bread is a delectable and airy treat that pairs perfectly with breakfast. Indulge in its lightness and enjoy a delightful start to your day. Ingredients: 2 cups of milk 1/4 cup of butter 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Splenda or sugar 6 cups of all-purpose flour, divided 4 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast 1 1/2 teaspoons of seasoning salt 3 eggs 1 teaspoon of onion powder (optional) 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder (optional) 2 teaspoons of garlic and herb seasoning to sprinkle on top of the loaves 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds to sprinkle on top of the loaves 4 tablespoons of butter for brushing onto loaves Instructions: Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients to create this scrumptious egg bread. In a bowl, add the milk and butter. Heat the mixture until the butter melts, ensuring a smooth consistency. Stir in the Splenda or sugar, allowing it to dissolve completely. In a separate bowl, combine 5 cups of all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and seasoning salt. Mix well. Gradually...

Stove-top skillet bread This is a perfect bread recipe if you don't have an oven or if you don't want to heat up your house while it's baking in the oven. The skillet bread is meant to be cooked on a stovetop burner, but it can also be cooked during the winter on top of a wood stove, and it can also be made over a campfire in a Dutch oven or a cast-iron skillet. Have you ever been in a jam where your oven quit working or you have a gas-heated oven but ran out of fuel? It's been a while since that's happened to me, but it has happened, and nothing is more stressful than not being able to cook the things that you want when you want them. So, today, I thought I would share how I make yummy stovetop bread, just in case you're experiencing one of those types of predicaments. Ingredients: 1-1/2 to 2 cups of water 3 cups of self-rising flour 1 tablespoon of Splenda or sugar 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt (I used homemade) Canola oil for the skillet and to brush over the ...

Baking Perfect Artisan Bread: Essential Ingredients and Their Roles Warm bread right from your oven has a smell that beats anything else. You might think making artisan loaves is hard or requires fancy gear. The reality is that great bread comes down to a few basic items you likely already have. If you have three cups of flour, one package of active dry yeast, seasoning salt, water, sugar, and some canola oil, you are ready to bake. Understanding what these parts do will help you make a loaf with a crisp crust and a soft, airy inside. Let’s look at the science behind these ingredients to help you move from a basic recipe to an extraordinary loaf. The Foundation: Flour as the Building Block Flour acts as the frame for your bread. It provides the bulk of the volume and the physical structure that holds everything together. When you look at a loaf, you are mostly seeing the transformation of flour. Choosing Your Flour Wisely All-purpose flour is a great choice for many home bakers. It has...

Bake Perfect Rustic Bread with These Six Essential Ingredients The scent of bread baking in your oven changes the mood of a home. A crust that crunches when you slice it, paired with a soft center, makes for a satisfying meal. You do not need fancy equipment to create this at home. You only need the right ingredients mixed with a bit of patience. Each item in your bowl serves a specific purpose, from providing structure to encouraging the rise. Understanding these six components helps you master your loaf and consistently get great results. When you know how your rustic bread ingredients interact, you become a better baker. Flour: The Foundation of Your Rustic Loaf Flour acts as the skeleton for your bread. It forms the gluten network that gives the loaf its shape. When you mix flour with water, proteins in the flour link up to create strands of gluten. This network traps the gas produced by the yeast, which makes the bread rise. All-purpose flour is the best starting point for a class...

Why Make Artisan Bread? A Deep Dive into the Craft followed by an Artisan Bread Recipe The allure of artisan bread extends far beyond its rustic appearance and delectable crust. It represents a conscious choice to engage with a time-honored craft, a departure from the mass-produced and often bland loaves that dominate supermarket shelves. For those who venture into the world of artisan baking, the rewards are manifold, encompassing sensory pleasure, a connection to tradition, and a profound sense of accomplishment. At its core, artisan bread is defined by its quality ingredients and meticulous process. Unlike commercially produced bread, which often relies on additives, dough conditioners, and rapid fermentation, artisan bread typically features a short ingredient list: flour, water, salt, and yeast (or a sourdough starter). This simplicity allows the inherent flavors of the grain to shine through, creating a complexity that is both subtle and deeply satisfying. The extended fermentati...

Southern-Style Water Biscuits If you have ever wondered what can be created with just flour and water, allow me to introduce you to these remarkable water biscuits. These water biscuits are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also boast a delightful soft texture on the inside. The secret lies in the use of self-rising flour, which adds a touch of magic to these yummy biscuits. Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups of self-rising flour 1 cup of water Instructions: Begin by combining 2 1/2 cups of self-rising flour and 1 cup of water in a bowl. Mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix. Allow the dough to rest for a blissful 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This presents the perfect opportunity to whip up some homemade gravy while you patiently wait for the dough to reach its full potential. Once the dough has had its well-deserved rest, gently knead it for a few seconds. Then, take handfuls of the dough, approximately the size of a tangerine, and roll them into ...

Bisquick griddle biscuits Griddles aren't just for cooking pancakes and hamburgers. Today, I am making Bisquick drop biscuits. This is a simple but yummy biscuit recipe, and since Bisquick already has leavening ingredients added to the mix, the only other ingredient you'll need to add is milk. Ingredients: 2 cups Bisquick mix 3/4 cup of milk Instructions: Mix two cups of Bisquick mix with three-fourths of a cup of milk. Combine well.  Allow the dough to sit for at least ten minutes. Turn your griddle on (low heat) to 250 degrees F to 350 degrees F (medium heat). Spray cooking spray on the surface of your griddle or use oil or butter to coat it before placing the biscuits on the griddle.  Now, place your biscuits on the warm griddle. Since I didn't roll my dough this time, I just dropped spoonfuls of the biscuit dough on it.  Place a metal lid over your biscuits to keep the heat inside the cover, and cook the biscuits for about 12 to 15 minutes. Flip the biscuits about mid...

Cathead Biscuits Rest assured, no cats were harmed in the making of these delicious biscuits! The name "cathead biscuits" simply refers to their size, as they are roughly the size of a cat's head once baked. These biscuits are a Southern tradition, known for their large size and fluffy texture. Enjoy them as a savory side dish or a sweet treat with jam or honey. Ingredients: 3 cups of self-rising flour 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt 3 tablespoons of lard, vegetable shortening, or softened butter 1 1/2 cups of evaporated milk 4 tablespoons of melted butter (for brushing the tops of baked biscuits) Instructions: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of self-rising flour and 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt. Mix the ingredients thoroughly. Next, add 3 tablespoons of lard, vegetable shortening, or softened butter to the flour mixture. Incorporate the fat into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky...

Savory Biscuits This recipe makes some of the best biscuits to serve with savory meats, casseroles, soups, and stews. They're even great to serve alongside breakfast chops in the morning. Ingredients: 2 cups of self-rising flour 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper Just a pinch of seasoning salt Just a small pinch of each of the following spices: oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper flakes, garlic powder, and dried tomato flakes 3/4 cup of whole milk Instructions: Sift two cups of self-rising flour three times. Then add it to a medium-sized bowl. Now, add 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening to the seasoned flour. Using a fork to cut the vegetable shortening into the flour (do this until all the shortening is well combined with the flour.) At this point, the flour mixture will have little pea-sized lumps. Add 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper, a pinch of seasoning salt, and a small pinch of oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper flakes, garlic powder, and dr...

Country-style egg biscuits By following these steps, you will be able to create delicious country-style egg biscuits with a delightful texture, appearance, and taste! Enjoy! Ingredients: 4 cups of self-rising flour 1/2 cup of cold butter 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups of evaporated milk (you can use whatever milk you keep on hand) Instructions: Begin by adding 4 cups of self-rising flour to a large bowl. Then, incorporate 1/2 cup of cold butter into the flour by mashing it with a fork or using your hands. In a separate bowl, whisk 2 eggs until they become frothy. Add 1 1/2 cups of evaporated milk to the eggs and whisk again. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture, and gradually pour in the egg and milk mixture. Combine the ingredients using a fork or your hands, but do not overwork the dough. Sprinkle a dusting of flour on your countertop and transfer the dough onto it. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about half an inch. Fold the dough in half, flip it, and roll it out again. Repeat ...

Grand Country-Fried Layered Biscuits I am thrilled to present to you today one of my favorite biscuit recipes. What makes these biscuits stand out from the rest? The key lies in the delicate, fluffy layers that come together to provide a truly mouth-watering experience. Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups of self-rising flour 2 heaping tablespoons of butter 1/2 cup of water 1 cup of milk 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of canola oil Note: For those who are unfamiliar, heaping refers to the practice of scooping or piling ingredients above the rim of the measuring tool. Instructions: In a bowl, sift 2 1/2 cups of self-rising flour. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut 2 heaping tablespoons of butter into the flour. Now, add 1/2 cup of water and 1 cup of milk. Mix the dough just until it comes together. If needed, add a little extra milk or water. Next, grease the palms of your hands with cooking oil or butter and pat the dough down flat on a floured surface. To create layers in the dough, begin by folding one side...

Pan-Fried Buttermilk Biscuit Are you ready to make some delicious homemade buttermilk biscuits that are quick and easy to make? Look no further! This Deep South recipe will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Ingredients: 2 cups self-rising flour 1/4 cup vegetable shortening 3/4 cup buttermilk 1/4 cup butter Instructions: Start by preheating a skillet over medium heat. In a mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and vegetable shortening. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the buttermilk to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently a few times. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out biscuits from the dough. Melt the butter in the preheated skillet. Place the biscuits in the skillet, making sure they are not touching each other. Cover the skillet and cook the biscuits for a...

Delicious, Best-Ever Layered Biscuits Yummy biscuits can be served as a side or main course to any meal. Today, I'd like to share another one of my favorite biscuit recipes with you all. Imagine the pleasure of breaking through the golden crust of a mouthwatering biscuit, revealing the soft, warm layers within. The aroma that fills the air is simply irresistible, beckoning you to savor each morsel with anticipation and delight. Ingredients: 2 cups of self-rising flour 2 teaspoons of Splenda or regular granulated white sugar 6 tablespoons of cold butter 3/4 cup of evaporated milk Instructions: In a bowl, add 2 cups of self-rising flour and 2 teaspoons of Splenda or regular granulated white sugar. Mix well. Now, add 6 tablespoons of cold butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Make sure that the butter is incorporated well. Then add 3/4 cup of evaporated milk. Combine well, but do not overwork the biscuit dough. Next, trans...

Bacon Bisquick Biscuits Today, I prepared bacon biscuits with Bisquick, but you can also make them using self-rising flour. These biscuits are so yummy! They're layered almost like buttermilk biscuits, but I don't use buttermilk in this recipe, even though you definitely could. Ingredients: 3 cups of Bisquick baking mix 1-1/2 cups of bacon, cooked and cut into small pieces. 1/2 cup of cold butter about 1 cup of milk Flour for rolling the dough out Instructions: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a pan with cooking spray and set it aside. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Bisquick mix and the cold butter with a fork. Now, add the milk slowly and combine. The dough should not be too wet. You'll want it to come together so that it can be handled easily without sticking to your fingers. Sometimes I need the entire cup, and other times I don't. It has something to do with the weather.  Next, sprinkle flour onto your workspace and turn your dough out on it. Roll the ...

Biscuit toppers If you're looking for a way to make a delicious and filling breakfast meal, this is it! It's also a way to stretch out your sausage and eggs. I used four sausage patties and two eggs to create six biscuit toppers, but you can change the ratio of meat and eggs to suit your preference. Ingredients: 4 sausage patties cooked and crumbled 2-4 eggs, depending on the amount of egg and sausage that you desire, scrambled 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper 1-1/2 cups of self-rising flour 1/4 cup of water or milk 2 tablespoons of butter for the dough and extra to grease the muffin pan 2-4 slices of American cheese I used two and halved the pieces into squares (shredded cheese can be used, but it's a bit messier). Instructions: I use a standard-size muffin tin to make these, and my recipe will make six large biscuit toppers. You can divide the dough and other ingredients to make two pans of them, but the biscuit toppers will, of course,...

Basic biscuits All I use to make my two ingredient biscuits is self-rising flour and warm water. That's it! The biscuits turn out perfectly for dunking in a bowl of milk gravy, making breakfast sandwiches, and serving alongside any other meal. When I make my two ingredient biscuits, I never roll the dough out. Doing so tends to make the biscuits tough. I don't use butter, margarine, or any other type of fat in this biscuit recipe. So, the dough should never be overworked. This recipe will make five nice sized biscuits. The biscuits will rise and have a nice bread texture. Ingredients: 1-⅓ cups of self-rising flour 1 cup of warm water Instructions: First, for these biscuits you'll want to sift your flour. In a bowl, add the prepared flour. Then pour in the warm water over the flour. Combine well with a fork. Knead the dough until it forms into a ball, but do not over knead the dough. Allow the biscuit dough to sit for thirty minutes. (This softens the dough and is a crucial ...

Bacon Breakfast Biscuits  Are you ready to start your day off with a delicious breakfast treat? Well, look no further than these bacon breakfast biscuits. This recipe will show you how to make a tasty morning meal that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Follow the easy steps below to whip up a batch of these savory biscuits. Ingredients: For the biscuits: 2 cups of all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon of baking powder 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/2 cup of cold butter, cubed 1 cup of milk For the filling: 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese Optional Ingredients: 6 large eggs Additional shredded cheddar cheese Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Seasoning salt, to taste Instructions: Start by cooking 6 pieces of bacon. Fry the bacon over medium-high heat in a large skillet for 5 to 8 minutes on each side.  Place the fried bacon on a paper towel-lined plate. Once it's cooled enough to handle, crumble it. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ba...

Buttered Skillet Biscuits Today, I want to share another delicious biscuit recipe that you'll only need 4 ingredients for (cooking oil is included because you'll need about a 1/2 cup for your skillet). This is one of my favorite, no-fail biscuit recipes. The biscuits always rise, and they always taste so good. Ingredients: 3 cups of self-rising flour 1 cup of warm water 1/2 cup of softened butter 1/2 cup of canola oil Instructions: In a bowl, add 3 cups of self-rising flour and 1/2 cup of softened butter. Cut the butter into the flour with a fork or pastry cutter. Then add 1 cup of warm water. Mix just until the dough is well combined.   Now, allow the dough to rest for 20 to 30 minutes. After waiting, you'll see that the dough changes in form and almost doubles. (You don't want to skip doing this step.)   Form the dough into the size that you prefer. I gather enough to cover the palm of my open hand, then I roll it between both the palms of my hands to shape the dough....