Skillet Flatbread

Skillet Flatbread

by | Apr 17, 2020 | SIDE DISH, VEGETARIAN, YEAST BREADS | 2 comments

Skillet Flatbread

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Skillet Flatbread stacked three high on a wooden serving plate and garnished with zahtar.

Do you have flour, yeast, oil and salt? It is all you need to make golden, slightly crisp and chewy Skillet Flatbread. The recipe is super easy without a lot of fuss, and the flatbread is delicious with just about anything. I like mine sprinkled with a zahtar spice mix but you can eat it plain, or with your favourite herb or spice mix. So get ready to dunk, dip and scoop all your tastiest soups, stews and tagines because you’ll be making this time and time again.

Risen dough in a large bowl resting on a wooden platter in preparation for Skillet Flatbread.

Any non-stick skillet will work for this recipe even though I’ve suggested using a cast-iron skillet. The dough is uncomplicated and can be pressed or rolled into any shape, however, I opted for 9” circles which cook evenly and quickly, and it fits nicely in my 10” skillet. This Skillet Flatbread will keep for several days in a sealed container but can also be frozen for use later. When thawed, give it a gentle warming in the microwave or low oven. Eating it at room temperature is perfectly tasty but I prefer it slightly warm. Enjoy!

Skillet Flatbread cut into triangles and served on a wooden serving plate and garnished with zahtar.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Skillet Flatbread
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    3 9" flatbreads 20-25 minutes
    Cook Time Passive Time
    32 minutes 70 minutes
    Servings Prep Time
    3 9" flatbreads 20-25 minutes
    Cook Time Passive Time
    32 minutes 70 minutes
    Skillet Flatbread
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      3 9" flatbreads 20-25 minutes
      Cook Time Passive Time
      32 minutes 70 minutes
      Servings Prep Time
      3 9" flatbreads 20-25 minutes
      Cook Time Passive Time
      32 minutes 70 minutes
      Ingredients
      Servings: 9" flatbreads
      Instructions
      1. Combine yeast and water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Allow fermenting for 10 minutes.
      2. Stir in 1 cup of flour, I tbsp olive oil and salt. Add another half a cup of flour and begin kneading. Knead until the flour is absorbed and continue adding flour by the tablespoon until dough pulls away from the side of the bowl and is no longer sticky. I used 2 1/4 cups of flour in total. Knead until dough is smooth, about 7 minutes.
      3. Coat a large bowl with 1 tsp of olive oil. Form dough into a ball and place in the bowl, turn to coat in oil. Cover and allow to rise for 1 hour.
      4. Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Roll or press one dough portion into a 9" round. Drizzle 1 tsp of canola oil into the hot skillet. When the oil is hot add the prepared rolled dough. Cook for about 4 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as needed.
      5. While the flatbread is cooking roll the remaining dough portions into 9" rounds.
      6. Remove flatbread from skillet and drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with Zaatar if desired.

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      Easy Homemade Baguettes

      Easy Homemade Baguettes

      by | Jul 6, 2019 | YEAST BREADS | 4 comments

      EASY HOMEMADE BAGUETTES

      Easy Homemade Baguettes stacked two high and one sliced with butter in the foreground.

       

      Homemade bread is easy!

       

      Glorious, chewy, crusty bread is at your fingertips with these Easy Homemade Baguettes. The recipe is credited to Dan Leader’s 4-hour Baguette and I’ve done little to alter the recipe other than reducing the amount of salt and put it in my own words. Many types of bread can be made within 4 hours, so you may be wondering why this recipe is anything special. A traditional French Baguette starts with some kind of “starter” usually consisting of a partial amount of the flour, water and yeast. This starter is left to ferment for many hours and often overnight, making it a lengthy process. The benefit of using a starter is to promote more flavour and a better texture. Dan Leader’s 4-hour Baguette is a wonderful recipe because it creates a similar result in much less time.

      Dough rising in a glass bowl for Easy Homemade Baguettes

      Dan Leader does this in a couple of ways. The first being the delayed addition of the salt. The salt is added after the dough has rested and hydrated. Salt inhibits yeast growth, so by adding it at a later stage allows the yeast to develop better, creating more flavour. The second is an additional rise after folding the dough. The folding helps to stretch out the gluten strands and therefore helps to create a nice texture. The additional rise also helps with yeast development and better flavour.

      Dough resting and rising on a wooden board with a bench scraper in the background.

      Adding ice to a hot pan placed below the baking rack will ensure a lovely crust on your baguettes by allowing the dough to rise fully before a crust forms.

      Food 52 calls this a genius recipe and I can see why. A few deliberate actions in the recipe saves a whole lot of time and produces wonderful results. If you love homemade bread, this recipe is a must try. Enjoy!

      Baguette dough rising in a metal baguette pan on a linen kitchen towel.

      Are you new to baking, wanting to improve your baking, or maybe you just want to make baking more convenient and fun?  Have you ever thought of creating a baking station?  The rather handy and informative Porch website has a great article on how to do just that.  It provides unique and inspiring ideas of how to create, organize and have fun with a baking station.  It’s a great idea and a good read How to Create the Ultimate Home Baking Station 

      Three Easy Homemade Baguettes are baked golden and resting on a wooden board with a linen kitchen towel.

      Author: Compelled to Cook

      Three Easy Homemade Baguettes are baked golden and resting on a wooden board with a linen kitchen towel.
      Easy Homemade Baguettes
      Print Recipe
        Servings Prep Time
        3 baguettes 4 hours
        Cook Time
        25 minutes
        Servings Prep Time
        3 baguettes 4 hours
        Cook Time
        25 minutes
        Three Easy Homemade Baguettes are baked golden and resting on a wooden board with a linen kitchen towel.
        Easy Homemade Baguettes
        Print Recipe
          Servings Prep Time
          3 baguettes 4 hours
          Cook Time
          25 minutes
          Servings Prep Time
          3 baguettes 4 hours
          Cook Time
          25 minutes
          Ingredients
          Servings: baguettes
          Instructions
          1. In a large bowl stir together water and yeast and allow to ferment for about 10 minutes until foamy.
          2. Add 2 3/4 cups of flour and stir until moisture is absorbed. Cover with plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel and allow to rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate.
          3. Flour your work surface with a sprinkle of the remaining flour. Dump out dough onto your work surface and sprinkle with salt and a tablespoon of flour to knead the dough without it being too sticky. Continue kneading the dough and adding flour by the tablespoon until dough is smooth but still a little tacky, about 8 minutes. Using a bench scraper to lift the dough off the counter helps until it becomes less sticky. The exact amount of flour is dependant on your working conditions and existing moisture in the flour you are using.
          4. Place dough in a large lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 60 minutes until double in size.
          5. Remove dough to your work surface and using your fingers push and spread dough to remove air pockets and to shape into an approximate 8"x 6" rectangle. Fold the long sides of the dough into the centre and then fold the top and bottom into the centre. Place the folded dough back into the bowl, seam side down. Cover and allow to rise for 60 minutes.
          6. Preheat oven to 475℉ and place a heatproof pan or cast iron skillet on the rack below your centre baking rack. If using a baking stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
          7. Divide dough into 3 equal portions and roll each into an approximate 14" log. Allowing the dough to rest for 60-second pauses between rolling will help the dough relax and hold its shape when rolled. Place shaped logs onto a baguette pan. Alternatively, you can lay logs onto lightly floured parchment that sits on a rimless baking tray. Leave enough space between the logs to pinch the parchment and lift up, creating pleats between the logs. Place rolled kitchen towels on both ends of the parchment to provide support. Cover and allow to rise for 50 minutes.
          8. Using a sharp knife or bread lame, make at least four 4" slashes across each loaf. Add ice cubes to the hot pan in the oven and place baguettes on centre rack above. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden and baguettes sound hollow when tapped. If using parchment, remove towels and pull parchment by the corners to flatten. Place pan in the oven as indicated above onto your preheated baking stone or simply on the middle rack if not using a stone.
          Recipe Notes

          -The exact amount of flour needed is dependent on many factors such as humidity and type of flour. Keep a small portion of flour aside and add by the tablespoon until the dough is smooth yet still tacky.  By all means, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead the dough if desired.

          -Use an upside-down baking tray if you do not have a rimless one.

          -A baguette pan is an inexpensive investment that allows the loaves to brown evenly on all sides.

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          Cinnamon Raisin Challah

          Cinnamon Raisin Challah

          by | Mar 19, 2019 | BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH, YEAST BREADS | 0 comments

          Do you fondly remember raisin bread as a child?  I do, yet these days my husband and I tend to eat cinnamon raisin bagels more so than the bread.  I couldn’t resist giving the raisin bread I remember some new life.  This loaf is sweet and eggy with lots of cinnamon, a pinch of cardamom, plump raisins and a sprinkling of coarse sugar. 

          What is Challah?

          In very basic terms, Challah is a braided yeast bread made with eggs.  So by this definition, one can imagine the possibilities for variations.  

          Traditionally however, Challah is an egg-rich, braided bread eaten in the Jewish cuisine on ceremonial occasions. The term Challah is also a reference to the separation of a portion of the bread for an offering. 

          To me, it’s a darn tasty way to enjoy toast in the morning!

          About this Challah

          In this recipe, I opted to use brown sugar because I wanted that hint of molasses.  I also added a small amount of cardamom because I think it is wonderful in baked goods.  The raisins are pre-plumped, mostly because mine were looking a little dry. The top is dusted generously with coarse sugar for a little extra indulgence and crunch.  This loaf was braided with only 3 strands, but by all means, use a 5 or 6 strand braid if you prefer.  

          Enjoy!

          Author: Compelled to Cook

          Baked and golden Cinnamon Raisin Challah braid rests on a wooden trivet that is draped with a navy and brown napkin. The loaf has two slices cut and resting at the front of the loaf. A knife and apricot jam sit to the side.
          Cinnamon Raisin Challah
          Print Recipe
            Servings
            1 large loaf
            Servings
            1 large loaf
            Baked and golden Cinnamon Raisin Challah braid rests on a wooden trivet that is draped with a navy and brown napkin. The loaf has two slices cut and resting at the front of the loaf. A knife and apricot jam sit to the side.
            Cinnamon Raisin Challah
            Print Recipe
              Servings
              1 large loaf
              Servings
              1 large loaf
              Ingredients
              Servings: large loaf
              Instructions
              1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook stir together water, brown sugar and yeast. Allow to proof for 7-8 minutes.
              2. Stir in 2 whole eggs, egg yolks, oil, and raisins. To this mixture add 2 cups of flour, cinnamon, cardamom and salt. Begin kneading, allowing all the flour to be absorbed. Add remaining flour gradually until dough begins to pull away from the sides and is smooth about 7-8 minutes. The dough will be a little sticky but you should be able to handle it without additional flour.
              3. Lightly oil a large bowl and turn out dough into bowl flipping to coat sides. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise in a draft-free area for 90 minutes. (It will not appear to be double in size)
              4. Remove dough and knead a few times to punch out the air. Divide dough into 3 equal portions of approximately 300g each. Allow dough to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps relax the dough and will make it easier to roll into logs.
              5. Line a large baking tray with parchment.
              6. Roll each third into a 14" long log. Lay the 3 logs parallel to each other on the baking tray. Braid dough tightly, pinching the ends together and tucking under slightly.
              7. Cover loaf with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise in a draft free area for 45 minutes.
              8. Preheat oven to 350℉. In a small bowl whisk together 1 large egg and cream. Brush generously on the loaf and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for approximately 32 minutes until golden and an internal temperature of 195℉ is reached.
              9. Remove from oven to a cooling rack and allow to cool prior to slicing.
              Recipe Notes

              For extra plump raisins, soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes and drain well prior to adding to dough.

              This bread is wonderful toasted with a little apricot jam.

              It toasts quickly because of the sugar content.

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              Affiliate Disclosure

              I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
              Rosemary Buttermilk Rolls

              Rosemary Buttermilk Rolls

              by | Dec 2, 2018 | SIDE DISH, VEGETARIAN, YEAST BREADS | 0 comments

              Rosemary Buttermilk Rolls bake up perfectly soft and speckled with fresh rosemary.  This makes them absolutely perfect along side your baked ham or golden roasted turkey.  There’s almost nothing better than freshly baked bread, filling the kitchen with an amazing aroma.  The kind that sparks a memory and elicits a feeling of comfort. 

              These lovely rolls are easier than you think, requiring no fancy equipment and use everyday ingredients. When making bread, it’s important to distribute the yeast evenly, whether you’re using fresh yeast or dry yeast.  Because I’m using dry yeast, I bloom it with the liquids and sugar prior to mixing. This not only ensures the yeast will be evenly dissolved and distributed but also gives it a head start in the production of carbon dioxide which helps make the bread rise. 

              You won’t be disappointed, and neither will your guests.  Rosemary Buttermilk Rolls are delicious and simple and will make your holiday table the best it can be.  Enjoy!

              Author: Compelled to Cook

              Rosemary Buttermilk Rolls
              Print Recipe
                Servings Prep Time
                12 rolls 30 minutes
                Cook Time Passive Time
                18-20 minutes 105 minutes
                Servings Prep Time
                12 rolls 30 minutes
                Cook Time Passive Time
                18-20 minutes 105 minutes
                Rosemary Buttermilk Rolls
                Print Recipe
                  Servings Prep Time
                  12 rolls 30 minutes
                  Cook Time Passive Time
                  18-20 minutes 105 minutes
                  Servings Prep Time
                  12 rolls 30 minutes
                  Cook Time Passive Time
                  18-20 minutes 105 minutes
                  Ingredients
                  Servings: rolls
                  Instructions
                  1. Whisk together buttermilk and 1/4 cup water. Warm to 95℉-110℉ in the microwave using 30 second intervals.
                  2. Combine warmed liquids, sugar and yeast in a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook (see note). Allow yeast to bloom for 10 minutes
                  3. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of flour, rosemary and salt. Start kneading and add the butter chunks a few at a time, along with additional flour until the butter has been incorporated and the dough is starting to pull away from the sides. Continue to add flour by the tablespoon until the dough is smooth and no longer sticks to the side of the bowl, about 8 minutes.
                  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or kitchen towel. Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, approximately 60 minutes.
                  5. Preheat oven to 400℉. Remove dough from bowl to a clean work surface. Knead two or three times by hand to remove the air. Divide dough into 12 equal portions of 55-58 grams each. Roll into balls and place on a parchment lined baking tray 1/4" apart. Cover with oiled plastic wrap or kitchen towel and allow to rise for 45 minutes.
                  6. Whisk egg and 1 tbsp of water with a fork and brush evenly onto rolls. Bake in preheated oven for 18-20, rotating tray half way through baking time. Remove from oven and slide onto a cooling rack, removing the parchment paper. Allow rolls to cool to slightly warm or room temperature for serving.
                  Recipe Notes

                  -If kneading by hand, bloom yeast as instructed and stir in the first portion of flour, rosemary and salt.  Turn the wet dough onto a work surface and add a few chunks of butter and 1/4 cup additional flour.  Knead by hand, adding remaining butter and flour by the tablespoon until dough is smooth and no longer sticks excessively to the work surface. Proceed as the recipe indicates.

                  -Spacing buns 1/4" apart will result in tray style rolls that you have to pull apart.  For more individual rolls,  increase spacing to 1 1/2" between rolls.

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                  I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
                  Mustard Herb Skillet Bread

                  Mustard Herb Skillet Bread

                  by | Apr 20, 2018 | SIDE DISH, YEAST BREADS | 4 comments

                  One could say I have a mild obsession with making bread as it’s rare that I don’t make it weekly and usually feel guilty buying store bread. Most often I make variations of my favourite doughs, because I’m also guilty of liking familiarity and convenience. So, in keeping up with my obsession I thought I’d share this lovely Mustard Herb Skillet Bread. It’s thick and soft with a golden, crusty coating of mustard, herbs and cheese. It’s great for dunking but what I find even better is to split the bread and make a nice sandwich out of it with sliced ham or turkey. And don’t worry about the next day, because it’s almost better when it’s toasted or grilled. The mustardy coating gets even crunchier and that’s when you hit it with a fried egg, cause it’s true, everything is better with a fried egg!!

                  The mustard rub topping is just a slight variation of my go to mustard rub that I really do put on everything. I simply omitted the lemon juice and added the addition of parmesan cheese. In my humble opinion, bread and cheese are just meant to be together. Plus, the cheese lends to a nice chewy crust. Don’t be skimpy on the mustard rub either, it’s the star of the show. Enjoy!

                  Recipe source for Mustard Herb Skillet Bread:  Compelled To Cook

                  Mustard Herb Skillet Bread
                  Print Recipe
                    Servings Prep Time
                    12-16 wedges 25-30 minutes
                    Cook Time Passive Time
                    20-22 minutes 80 minutes
                    Servings Prep Time
                    12-16 wedges 25-30 minutes
                    Cook Time Passive Time
                    20-22 minutes 80 minutes
                    Mustard Herb Skillet Bread
                    Print Recipe
                      Servings Prep Time
                      12-16 wedges 25-30 minutes
                      Cook Time Passive Time
                      20-22 minutes 80 minutes
                      Servings Prep Time
                      12-16 wedges 25-30 minutes
                      Cook Time Passive Time
                      20-22 minutes 80 minutes
                      Ingredients
                      Bread
                      Mustard Topping
                      Servings: wedges
                      Instructions
                      Mustard Topping
                      1. In a small bowl whisk together all ingredients except for cheese and set aside until ready to use.
                      Bread
                      1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook stir together water, yeast and sugar. Allow to ferment for 5-7 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of flour, olive oil and salt. Begin kneading, adding additional flour by the 1/4 cup until dough starts to pull away from the sides. Continue to knead until dough is soft and silky, about 5-7 minutes.
                      2. Turn out dough into a large greased bowl, cover and allow to rise in a warm, draft free area until double in size, about 1 hour.
                      3. Preheat oven to 425℉. Oil a 10" cast iron skillet and push dough evenly into pan with oiled fingers, creating dimples as you go. Allow dough to rest a few minutes to relax dough if having trouble pushing it out to the edge. Cover and allow to rise for 20 minutes.
                      4. Brush dough with mustard topping and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 20-22 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool a few minutes in pan before lifting out onto cooling rack. May be eaten slightly warm or at room temperature.
                      Recipe Notes

                      Recipe yields approximately 490 grams of dough.

                      Everyday Lunch Buns

                      Everyday Lunch Buns

                      by | Feb 28, 2018 | LUNCH, YEAST BREADS | 0 comments

                      Everyday Lunch Buns are just that, used everyday, almost! Since I’m a shift worker who packs up to 4 meals a day when including my husband, I need a reliable go to option for our everyday lunches. While I will generally take frozen leftovers for my main meals, my husband does’t always have the luxury of a microwave or a way to heat frozen meals. That’s one of the reasons a cold lunch is best for him. The other is because he likes to run errands over his lunch and is often driving while eating…..I know, distracted driver for sure!! For these reasons I make bread and buns regularly, and my go to recipe is tender, yet sturdy enough to fill will shaved meats or tuna salad. They’re also made with multigrain cereal and whole wheat flour for added fibre and nutrition.

                      I believe these buns are the reason I got a new 7quart, 1.3HP KitchenAid Stand mixer for Christmas this year. I can now make multiple batches at once, it’s fantastic to say the least. This recipe also falls into a new, fun category called “Mark’s top ten”. My husband’s favourite recipes, some of which are not mine in their entirety but HIS favourites. You’ll see them make an appearance every so often, for fun and good food to eat if nothing else.

                      You’ll notice that I use a dry multigrain cereal as apposed to multigrain flour. As USUAL, I cannot always find multigrain flour in my community, so I took matters into my own hands and decided to add my own multigrain mix from dry cereal. The solution really works well, as I cook a pot of cereal, allow it to cool, then wrap and freeze in individual portions for future use. No more hunting for the flour, just grab a little bundle from the freezer when getting ready to make a batch of buns. I believe it’s also a cheaper option than the flour as well. It’s one more step to the recipe, however if you make bread and buns often, it’s a great way to do it. Enjoy!

                      Recipe source for Everyday Lunch Buns:  Compelled To Cook

                      Everyday Lunch Buns
                      Print Recipe
                        Servings Prep Time
                        12 Buns 30 minutes
                        Cook Time Passive Time
                        23-25 minutes 1 3/4-2 hours
                        Servings Prep Time
                        12 Buns 30 minutes
                        Cook Time Passive Time
                        23-25 minutes 1 3/4-2 hours
                        Everyday Lunch Buns
                        Print Recipe
                          Servings Prep Time
                          12 Buns 30 minutes
                          Cook Time Passive Time
                          23-25 minutes 1 3/4-2 hours
                          Servings Prep Time
                          12 Buns 30 minutes
                          Cook Time Passive Time
                          23-25 minutes 1 3/4-2 hours
                          Ingredients
                          Servings: Buns
                          Instructions
                          1. In a small sauce pan combine dry cereal and 2/3 cup of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for approximately 5 minutes until visible moisture is gone. Remove from heat and set aside to cool to 95-110℉
                          2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, stir together buttermilk, 1/2 cup water, honey and yeast. Allow to ferment for 5-6 minutes until frothy. Add whole wheat flour, 1 cup bread flour, cooked cereal, butter and salt. Stir to combine. Add 1/2 cup bread flour and begin kneading until flour is absorbed. Continue adding bread flour by the 1/4 cup until dough is supple and pulls away from the bowl, approximately 7-9 minutes.
                          3. Grease a large bowl with oil or non stick spray. Remove dough from mixer and form into a ball, placing into greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm draft free area until double in size, 60-80 minutes.
                          4. Line a large baking tray with parchment. Remove dough from bowl and knead 3-4 times to remove air. Weight out dough into 12 equal size portions of approximately 85grams. Arrange dough balls with even spacing 4x3 on baking sheet. Cover with greased plastic wrap or kitchen towel and allow to rise until puffed and double in size, approximately 45 minutes.
                          5. Preheat oven to 400℉. Bake buns for 18-20 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and slide buns onto cooling rack. Brush with melted butter if desired. Allow to cool to room temperature.