infused oil – The Herbal Bake Shoppe https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com Bringing herbalism & baking together Wed, 30 May 2018 19:21:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Orange Thyme White Chocolate Biscotti https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/orange-thyme-white-chocolate-biscotti/ https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/orange-thyme-white-chocolate-biscotti/#respond Wed, 30 May 2018 19:21:20 +0000 https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/?post_type=recipe&p=2565 My extremely discerning friend from college loved the first rosemary infused biscotti I made. I sent it as a introduction gift to my website and she has graciously asked for more ever since.

I dream about sharing my baking with people. I’m so happy to send my friend more.

I once made a list of biscotti of the month ideas. The inspirational combinations feel endless. Infusing herbs in olive oil adds a mystery element that not only seems to enliven the flavor, but also adds more of the medicines.

Do you have a dream but realize that it is a dream which may not come true? What does that feel like for you? For me it feels wrong, like I should never settle for that. Instead I must find a way.

The closest I have come to my dream of an Herbal Bake Shoppe actually being a business is to send some treats and share with my friends, family and my children. People make a big deal out of that, but for me its not nearly what I envision. I’m not giving up yet.

Orange Thyme White Chocolate Chip Biscotti
Sweet little mystery, so easy to eat.
Servings Prep Time
32biscotti 25-30minutes
Cook Time
40minutes
Servings Prep Time
32biscotti 25-30minutes
Cook Time
40minutes
Ingredients
For biscotti
  • 3cups organic all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4tsp salt
  • 3 organic eggs
  • 1cup organic granulated sugar
  • 1cup orange infused oil
  • 2/3cup white chocolate chips
  • 1tablespoon grated orange zestzest of one orange
  • 1tbsp thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1tsp vanilla extract
  • turbinado or granulated sugar for sprinkling on biscotti
For orange infused oil
  • 1/4cup dried orange peel
  • 6oz organic olive oil(180ml)
Instructions
For biscotti
  1. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in small bowl. Set aside.
  2. In large mixing bowl, whisk eggs lightly. Add sugar and stir together with wooden spoon to combine. Add orange infused oil and stir until incorporated. It will look like the oil is separating from the eggs and sugar, but continue mixing and it will become smooth.
  3. Add orange zest, white chocolate chips and chopped thyme, stirring after each addition to incorporate. Stir in vanilla.
  4. Fold in dry ingredients in 3 additions.
  5. Refrigerate overnight divided into four equal portions, each wrapped in wax paper.
  6. When ready for baking, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease cookie sheet.
  7. With wet hands, shape each batter portion into a small rectangular loaf. Place spaced evenly on cookie sheet.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Slice each loaf while still warm into ½ inch slices and place back on cookie sheet on side. Sprinkle with sugar.
  9. Bake 10 minutes. Turn over to other side, sprinkle with sugar and bake additional 10 minutes.
  10. As biscotti cools, it will become crisper in texture.
For orange infused oil
  1. Gently heat olive oil just until warm.
  2. Place dried orange peel in glass jar with lid, pour in warmed olive oil and allow to infuse, covered for 14 days.
  3. Alternately, combine dried orange peel and olive oil in jar and keep gently warm, as in a yogurt maker, for 10-14 days.
Recipe Notes

*Using organic ingredients whenever possible, will make your baking all the more nourishing. For this biscotti use organic rosemary, organic olive oil, organic eggs, flour, and sugar if available.

]]> https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/orange-thyme-white-chocolate-biscotti/feed/ 0 Zucchini Loaf infused with Basil https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/basil-zucchini-loaf/ https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/basil-zucchini-loaf/#respond Sun, 24 Sep 2017 20:26:39 +0000 https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/?post_type=recipe&p=2229
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two dozen basil leavestwo dozen basil leaves
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Ever wonder why summer produces so much zucchini? If you grow a vegetable garden or, like me, receive a weekly CSA (community supported agriculture) box from a local farm, it seems like a logical question when this vegetable just keeps emerging. My curiosity lead me to explore and here’s what I found:

Zucchini grows in any type of soil, needs no extra attention, and easily pollinates. One plant will produce lots of flowers, which translates to lots of fruit. It also will keep producing more and more as the zucchini is harvested.

Inevitably, if you read food literature, you will see an article giving ideas for what to do with abundant zucchini. This summer, I tested a few new recipes. I listened tp an interview on The Splendid Table podcast with Skye Gyngell, a chef who just released a cookbook titled Spring. She described her Slow-cooked Zucchini with Tarragon as being her restaurant staff’s favorite. Look for the recipe on the Splendid Table’s website and if you don’t already, try listening to this podcast, I think you’ll love it. I also made a few different types of zucchini pancakes or fritters.

I try to love zucchini, but my truth can not be denied. It leaves me feeling meh. However, baking converts zucchini to my favorite vegetable. This zucchini loaf inspired by my self-proclaimed baking mentor, Maida Heatter from Maida Heatter’s Cakes actually inspired me to want more zucchini.

A best friend visiting told me she felt addicted to this zucchini bread like a drug. I’m not sure if that’s good, but I understand and I also would like to believe it’s because of my secret basil addition.

Zucchini Loaf infused with Basil
Favorite ways to use zucchini: Cakes, breads, loaves, muffins!
Servings Prep Time
1loaf 25minutes
Cook Time
105minutes (1 hour 45 minutes)
Servings Prep Time
1loaf 25minutes
Cook Time
105minutes (1 hour 45 minutes)
Ingredients
  • 12-15leaves fresh basildepending on size of leaves, use 12 if large, 15 if medium
  • 1cup organic olive oil
  • 3cup (342g) organic all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/2teaspoon baking powder
  • 1teaspoon baking soda
  • 1teaspoon salt
  • 3teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1pound zucchini (1-2 medium to large), shredded2 packed cups shredded zucchini, do not drain
  • 2 organic eggs
  • 1 1/2cup (300g) organic granulated sugar
  • 1/2cup (100g) organic light brown sugar
  • 1teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4ounces (1 cup) walnuts, broken to medium pieces
Instructions
For basil infused oil
  1. Making sure basil leaves are thoroughly dry, coarsely chop and combine in small saucepan with olive oil.
  2. Heat oil and basil on medium heat until gentle simmer. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and allow to sit for 25 minutes.
  3. Strain oil into a 1 cup glass measuring cup. Add additional olive oil if needed to measure 1 cup. Reserve basil for another use such as adding to sauces or soups.
For zucchini loaf
  1. Adjust an oven rack to one-third up from bottom. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare two 9x5x3 inch loaf pans by greasing with butter. Dust pans all over with fine, dry bread crumbs and tap out excess.
  2. In medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs just to mix.
  4. Mix in granulated and brown sugars. Then mix in basil infused olive oil and vanilla extract.
  5. Add sifted dry ingredients and stir gently to blend into a thick batter.
  6. Add zucchini with any accumulated liquid and blend with a wooden spoon. Stir in walnuts.
  7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pans and smooth tops. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  8. Cool for 15 minutes in pan, then turn out onto wire rack and cool completely. Slice when completely cool using a serrated knife.
Recipe Notes

**Using organic ingredients whenever possible will make baked goods all the more nourishing. For this zucchini loaf use organic flour, sugars, eggs, olive oil and zucchini if available.

]]> https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/basil-zucchini-loaf/feed/ 0 Lemon Thyme Infused Olive Oil https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/lemon-thyme-infused-olive-oil/ https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/lemon-thyme-infused-olive-oil/#respond Mon, 27 Feb 2017 20:40:14 +0000 https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/?post_type=recipe&p=1876
first day herb in oilfirst day herb in oil
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lemon thyme infused olive oillemon thyme infused olive oil
straining infused oilstraining infused oil
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Which camp do you consider yours when it comes to eating fat? Moderation matters, harmless propaganda victim so eat all you want, or type determines comfort: saturated versus unsaturated? Olive oil seems to have a protective barrier around it keeping it immune to the ongoing debate. Olive oil survives all criticisms and presents itself as the rich sweetheart.

Olive oil spotlights in salad dressings, meat marinades, sauces, drizzling on roasted vegetables or pasta, and even baking showing up in recipes old and new. Cakes, cookies, muffins, really any recipe calling for butter can with a little tweaking substitute in olive oil.

It’s a faultless addition of Mediterranean flavor. Even better (because we always want better) herb infused olive oil can elevate taste to compound intensities.
The transformation while easy requires some planning ahead, about 4 weeks. Once done, though, it will keep a long time in your pantry, unless you use it up right away in a cake.

I love making herb infused oils best of all herbal preparations. Placing dried herbs in a clean jar, covering with organic olive oil, infusing for 4-6 weeks is effortless alchemy. It’s important to use dried herbs versus fresh because the water content in fresh herbs could introduce bacteria and we don’t want that, obviously. Lightly heating oil helps maximize the infusion. I bought a yogurt maker when my children were toddlers and information on probiotics and gut bacteria was just emerging. But my children rejected homemade yogurt for fruity, sugary store bought brands that sadly had not much benefit. I got discouraged and put the yogurt maker away. Many times I looked at it and thought I should donate it. Now I’m so relieved I never did. It’s the perfect tool for long, slow oil infusions.

The only downside to oils is the need to plan ahead. Baking and planning make beautiful partners, though. It’s not always convenient to think a month ahead, but I have found that baking in stages helps and if there is always something in the works in my kitchen somehow that makes everything feel a little brighter.

Lemon Thyme Infused Olive Oil
After a month, the tones of lemon and thyme add more Mediterranean flavors to lovely olive oils. Use this infused oil in salad dressing, drizzled on steamed broccoli, or as a substitute in your favorite recipe for olive oil cakes.
Prep Time
5minutes
Cook Time
28days
Prep Time
5minutes
Cook Time
28days
Ingredients
  • 1ounce dried lemon thyme
  • 1cup (8oz) organic olive oil
Instructions
  1. Spoon dried lemon thyme into jar with lid. Pour olive oil into jar to fill.
  2. Place jars, uncovered, in a yogurt maker.
  3. Allow oil to infuse for 4-6 weeks. Check frequently. Strain.
  4. Strain oil though fine sieve covered with a cheesecloth. Gather herbs in cheesecloth and squeeze as much oil as possible from herbs.
Recipe Notes

*Using organic ingredients whenever possible will make your baked goods all the more nourishing. For this syrup use organic olive oil if available.

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]]> https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/lemon-thyme-infused-olive-oil/feed/ 0 Rosemary Chocolate Chip Biscotti https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/rosemary-chocolate-chip-biscotti/ https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/rosemary-chocolate-chip-biscotti/#respond Sat, 26 Sep 2015 20:41:02 +0000 https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/?post_type=recipe&p=1212
rosemary biscotti ready to eatrosemary biscotti ready to eat
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cutting biscotticutting biscotti
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rosemary chocolate chip biscottirosemary chocolate chip biscotti

Because some ingredients may be hard to find, links are provided to make buying easier. I may earn a small commission for some of the product links in this recipe. Your purchase will lend support to this website at no further cost to you. Big love and thanks for that.

Every morning, first thing, I drink a cup of tea. The warmth and mild stimulation, helps me feel the energy of the day. Perhaps a bit of a placebo, but I believe a critical component to my tea is approximately one teaspoon of my own herbal tincture formula, which includes about 9 drops of rosemary extract. A bit goes a long way, adds just a spike of pine flavoring and a myriad of inner value. I am specifically drawn to rosemary’s time-honored capacity to uplift my spirits, support and warm my circulation, and clear my head. Rosemary’s pungent strength inevitably peeks through as an herbal taste. In baking, the mixture of rich ingredients such as butter, eggs, milk, and oils help to balance its bite.

Rosemary Chocolate Chip Biscotti
The marriage of infusing rosemary in olive oil mellows its punch without losing its herbal benefits. There is no doubt that rosemary touches this biscotti making it savory and sweet, two favorites in the flavor world.
Servings Prep Time
32biscotti 25-30minutes
Cook Time
40minutes
Servings Prep Time
32biscotti 25-30minutes
Cook Time
40minutes
Ingredients
For biscotti
  • 3cups organic all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4tsp salt
  • 3 organic eggs
  • 1cup organic granulated sugar
  • 1cup rosemary infused oil
  • 1/3cup dried strawberries, chopped to small pieces
  • 2/3cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1tbsp rosemary leaves, chopped(1 sprig)
  • 1tsp vanilla extract
  • turbinado or granulated sugar for sprinkling on biscotti
For rosemary infused oil
  • 1/4cup rosemary leaves removed from stem(4-5 grams)
  • 6oz organic olive oil(180ml)
Instructions
For biscotti
  1. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in small bowl. Set aside.
  2. In large mixing bowl, whisk eggs lightly. Add sugar and stir together with wooden spoon to combine. Add rosemary infused oil and stir until incorporated. It will look like the oil is separating from the eggs and sugar, but continue mixing and it will become smooth.
  3. Add dried strawberries, chocolate chips and chopped rosemary, stirring after each addition to incorporate. Stir in vanilla.
  4. Fold in dry ingredients in 3 additions.
  5. Refrigerate overnight divided into four equal portions, each wrapped in wax paper.
  6. When ready for baking, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease cookie sheet.
  7. With wet hands, shape each batter portion into a small rectangular loaf. Place spaced evenly on cookie sheet.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Slice each loaf while still warm into ½ inch slices and place back on cookie sheet on side. Sprinkle with sugar.
  9. Bake 10 minutes. Turn over to other side, sprinkle with sugar and bake additional 10 minutes.
  10. As biscotti cools, it will become crisper in texture.
For rosemary infused oil
  1. Gently heat olive oil just until warm.
  2. Place rosemary leaves in glass jar with lid, pour warmed olive oil over rosemary and allow to infuse, covered for 14 days.
  3. Alternately, combine rosemary and olive oil in jar and keep gently warm, as in a yogurt maker, for 10-14 days.
Recipe Notes

*Using organic ingredients whenever possible, will make your baking all the more nourishing. For this biscotti use organic rosemary, organic olive oil, organic eggs, flour, and sugar if available.

]]> https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/rosemary-chocolate-chip-biscotti/feed/ 0 Chrysanthemum Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/chrysanthemum-gluten-free-sugar-cookies/ https://theherbalbakeshoppe.com/recipe/chrysanthemum-gluten-free-sugar-cookies/#respond Tue, 07 Jul 2015 22:54:55 +0000 http://theherbalbakeshoppe.lettuce-design.com/?post_type=recipe&p=552
Chrysanthemum CookieChrysanthemum Cookie
Dried Chrysanthemum FlowersDried Chrysanthemum Flowers
Chrysanthemum CookiesChrysanthemum Cookies
Chrysanthemum Cookie BowlChrysanthemum Cookie Bowl

Captivating flowers signify spring, summer, sunshine, and romance. There was a time when people spoke with flowers. If someone presented another a flower or a bouquet, they were communicating a message, a love note, or perhaps a dispatch not so positive. Today flowers still hold meaning, a breath of fresh air or a gift to brighten a gloomy moment, but I am fairly sure there are few people whom actually converse through them.

Many a medicinal plant includes the flower as part used. The white or yellow Chrysanthemum is one and its linguistic meaning is cheerfulness and optimism. My mentor, an acupuncturist and herbalist gave me a small sample of dried chrysanthemum flowers.

In Japan, chrysanthemum tea is a staple and considered to impart longevity and rejuvenation. I thought these flowers would go beautifully in a light and crisp sugar cookie. My son, who rarely relishes what I bake with herbs, admitted that these cookies, also grain free, tasted good and I saw him eating them all on his own. For me, that translates to cheerfulness. And optimism, to faith in myself and my herbal baking. So maybe these delicate flowers were speaking to me from their little container on my counter. I am glad to listen.

Because some ingredients may be hard to find, links are provided to facilitate ease of purchase. I may earn a small commission for some of the product links in this recipe. Your purchase will lend support to this website at no further cost to you. Big love and thanks for that.

Chrysanthemum Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
Crisp edges, a moist center, and sweet; a little bite of cheerful.
Servings
40cookies
Servings
40cookies
Ingredients
For chrysanthemum-infused oil*
  • 2oz dried yellow or white chrysanthemum flowers, powdered**
  • ¼cup walnut oil
For cookies
  • 2¼cup almond flour
  • ½cup coconut flour
  • ½tsp baking soda
  • ½tsp salt
  • 1TBS chrysanthemum, powdered
  • ½cup organic unsalted buttersoftened
  • ¾cup organic granulated sugar
  • ¼cup chrysanthemum-infused walnut oil
  • 2 organic eggs
  • 2tsp vanilla extract
  • 1TBS honey
  • ¾cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
For cookies
  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In small bowl, stir together almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt and chrysanthemum powder.
  3. In large bowl of electric mixer on medium speed, cream together butter, chrysanthemum infused walnut oil and sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla extract and honey. Mix until combined approximately 30 seconds.
  4. Add dry ingredients 1 cup at a time, missing after each addition until flours are completely incorporated. Remove bowl from mixer and stir in white chocolate chips.
  5. Gather dough together with hands and form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  6. When ready to bake cookies, divide dough into thirds. Work with one third at a time, keeping remainder of dough cold in the refrigerator. With hands, roll dough by the teaspoonful into small balls, place on lined baking sheets and press down gently with palm of hand to form slightly flatten disc.
  7. Bake on middle rack of oven for 10-12 minutes until just starting to turn brown on the edges.
  8. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet, then remove to wire rack to cool completely.
For chrysanthemum-infused oil
  1. To infuse oil, in a coffee or spice grinder, place dried chrysanthemum flowers and grind to fine powder.
  2. Reserve 1 tablespoon of powder for when cookies are prepared, cover in a small bowl.
  3. Add remainder of powder to walnut oil. Heat gently either in small saucepan, just to simmer. Cover and keep warm for 1-2 hours. Alternately place in yogurt maker for 24-48 hours.
  4. Allow infused oil to cool prior to adding to batter.
Recipe Notes

*Prepare chrysanthemum infused oil 24-48 hours prior to making cookies.

**Alternately you may use chrysanthemum tea bags, open and measure 2 oz of the tea leaves.

Dried chrysanthemum flowers can be purchased online or from Oriental markets. These are not the chrysanthemums that are sold in garden centers or that are grown in pots in autumn. If unable to find, walnut oil… hazelnut oil, coconut oil or avocado oil may be substituted.

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