Flour is something you keep on hand, right? Of if you're like me, you have five different kinds of flour on hand (all stored in the refrigerator or freezer, of course). Right now in my kitchen, I have all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, plus a few varieties of whole-grain flours (at the moment, it's buckwheat, oat, and spelt).
Basically many of my favorite recipes need flour so I had to buy it all. Inevitably, I end up with too much flour and need to find ways to use it all. One great source is inspiration is the King Arthur Flour recipes site.
King Arthur Baking Company, a favorite of home cooks and pastry shop bakers alike, is a flour company based in Vermont. While you can get their flour at grocery stores pretty much anywhere across the country now, you can also shop their online store.
In addition to their cookbook, King Arthur has an outstanding recipe site at kingarthurflour.com. In addition to 20 different recipe categories, they offer tips, baking guides and even a "what to know before you start" guide that is especially good for a beginning baker. And if you get stuck on a King Arthur Flour recipe, the company has a Baker's Hotline that you can call, email or ask questions by an online chat for help.
If you're spending a bit more time at home these days, here is some kitchen inspiration through some of our favorite King Arthur Flour recipes. You really don't knead anything else, well except some cups to measure flour with.
1. 100% Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins
I genuinely like baking with whole wheat flour; the taste is hearty and comforting. But if you have picky eaters who might turn up their nose at whole wheat flour, try this blueberry muffin recipe, which uses white whole wheat flour. Feel free to add in chocolate chips or pecans to make it even more decadent.
?Get the recipe here.
2. Triple Cinnamon Scones
My favorite thing to get on Saturday morning at the farmers market is the local bakery's cinnamon scone, so this has to be the recipe of the year. With this recipe, I can have the spicy sweet taste any time and that's a beautiful thing. It's much better than cinnamon rolls.
Get the recipe here.
3. Truly Decadent Bacon Brownies
Bacon makes everything better, even brownies. This recipe combines salty and sweet, tender and crunchy; decadent is exactly the right word for these brownies. You do want to keep these brownies in the refrigerator, though, since they do have bacon on them. That is, if you have any left over.
Get the recipe here.
4. Gingerbread Waffles
Last year was the year of banana bread. This year should be the year of gingerbread waffles. If you need a little bit of spice in your morning routine, try these gingerbread waffles. They don't take long to make, so you can make any morning a little extra special. Plus they freeze so well, so make a big batch and put some away for a morning (or an evening - waffles are great for dinner!) where you need a little pick me up.
Get the recipe here.
5. Gluten-Free Popovers
Popovers are glorious, and oh so buttery. There's cupcake fans, and than there's popover fans. I am the latter. Popovers are glorious. They're a perfect balance of crisp exterior and soft interior, and when you slather them in butter and jam while they're hot from the oven? You'll forget about the rest of the meal. This version is a gluten-free delight.
Get the recipe here.
6. Sourdough English Muffins
This bread recipe might be an all-time favorite. English muffins are just plain good, and they work for so many meals. Butter and jam, sure, but eggs and sausage for a breakfast sandwich, too. Or as a hamburger bun. Or your favorite sandwich. Or the foundation for a mini pizza. The sky is the limit, and since they freeze well, make a batch and pull one out whenever you need a quick meal.
Get the recipe here.
7. Orange Sunshine Coffeecake
JJust the name of this coffeecake makes me smile. There's something about the orange and cinnamon combo that's bright and happy. Sure will dress up a cake pan. This layer cake is perfect for a weekend brunch or a springtime party. You can even try it as a bundt cake.
Get the recipe here.
8. Chocolate Coconut Quick Bread
Don't make this recipe because it's gluten-free; make it because it's chocolate and coconut and oh so good. The dense, deep chocolate taste will make this one of your favorites. Add a chocolate sauce or, if you like the taste of citrus or berries with your chocolate, an orange or raspberry glaze for some extra decadence.
Get the recipe here.
9. Homemade Pierogi
Turning to some savory favorites, this pierogi recipe is fun to try. To be fair, you can make sweet pierogi, too. However you want to fill these boiled dumplings, it's going to taste amazing.
Get the recipe here.
10. Fresh Pasta
Fresh pasta is so easy to make at home; it's just flour, eggs and salt. If you don't have a pasta machine, you can roll it out very thin and use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut into ribbons. Or use a biscuit cutter or round glass to make ravioli.
Get the recipe here.
