baking Archives - Page 3 of 6 - The Sparrow's Home

The Only Pecan Pie That Matters

November 15, 2017 by Susan 5 Comments

This is the perfect recipe for pecan pie. I found this recipe in a cookbook from Betty’s Pies near Duluth, MN. Haven’t made a different recipe since.

Has someone ever gotten you a gift that was more for them than it was for you?

Years ago, my husband and I spent a romantic weekend just north of Duluth, MN. We rode bikes along Lake Superior, walked in the woods, and ate at Betty’s Pies. That year, for our anniversary, my husband got me a copy of Betty’s Pies Favorite Recipes cookbook.

Yeah, I thought the same thing.

Don’t get me wrong…I love to bake, and I love the cookbook. But I had a sneaking suspicion that this gift was as much for him as for me!

I’ve tried a number of Betty’s recipes, but it’s her pecan pie that grabbed a hold and won’t let go. I haven’t made a different recipe since.

Do you bake with your kids?

October 30, 2017 by Susan 4 Comments

Baking with kids isn't just fun, it brings lots of benefits.

Do you worry that you’re not doing everything you should in the parenting arena? If not, my first question is…are you lying?

After all, we all have our own variety of parenting fears.

But one question I think all parents ask themselves is, “Am I doing enough?” And the answer to all of our worries is: No, we probably should be doing more.

Right? But that doesn’t mean that we’re not doing enough.

And some of the simplest ways we can improve our parenting may look overly simple. Things like: baking with your kids.

Grandma Lena’s Ginger Snaps

September 14, 2017 by Susan 2 Comments

Ginger snaps. Sometimes called molasses cookies or molasses crinkles…it’s a classic recipe, just like my grandma used to make!

Of all the smells that came out of my grandma’s kitchen…from sugar cookies, to dumpling soup, to raised doughnuts…these ginger snaps might just be my favorite.

There is some debate among the family as to whether in their ideal form they are chewy or crispy. I find them delicious either way, but my preference is chewy. Having said that, I am also forgetful, and so invariably, I end up with some crispy cookies as well!

Freezer Friendly Scones

August 17, 2017 by Susan 4 Comments

Freezer scones. Scones are best fresh from the oven, & this makes that possible even on the busiest morning. A basic recipe ready for you to make your own.

People have opinions about scones.

Should they be dense, like a compact, sweeter version of a biscuit? Tall and cakey? Buttery and shortbread-like? Round? Triangular? Free-form?

Regardless of how one describes their perfect scone, one thing is agreed upon: scones must be enjoyed fresh from the oven. Scones are notorious for going stale, becoming heavy and doughy. Gone is the crisp, buttery exterior…the tender crumb.

We don’t have to stand for that! We can have perfect scones whenever we want!

These scones are equally delicious baked immediately, or flash-frozen to be individually baked up for a warm, fresh treat anytime.

Quick Chewy Breadsticks

August 2, 2017 by Susan 6 Comments

These chewy breadsticks are so quick and easy! With hardly any rising time, they come together super fast. The perfect, dippable, complement to your meal.

Are you often caught like me at meal time trying to come up with quick sides to go with your dinner? I’m not what you would call a ‘meal planner’. I plot a general menu in my mind for the upcoming week before grocery shopping. Planning main dishes is one thing, but I usually end up just picking up a variety of what looks good in the produce section and figure it’ll work itself out.

After all, I’ve always got pasta and rice on hand, and my easy reference bread recipes hanging inside my spice cupboard. I’ll tell ya what…these quick chewy breadsticks have come to the rescue more than once.

Mother’s Day Brunch Recipes

May 8, 2017 by Susan 2 Comments

How do you celebrate Mother’s Day? We used to go out to a brunch buffet after church. But as our families grew, it started getting pretty expensive. We also realized that we didn’t spend much time enjoying each other’s company in the busy restaurant. So several years ago we began having brunch back at our home. (My sisters and I decided that my parent’s house wasn’t an option, as my mom would stress about things getting done).