Baking with Rosemary

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Baking with Rosemary: Recipes and Tips

Introduction

Rosemary is a fragrant and versatile herb that can add a delightful depth of flavor to both sweet and savory baked goods. Its pine-like aroma and slightly bitter taste make it a perfect complement to a variety of ingredients. In this blog post, we’ll explore some delicious recipes and handy tips for baking with rosemary, helping you elevate your culinary creations.

Key Takeaways

  • Versatile Herb: Rosemary can be used in both sweet and savory baked goods.
  • Flavor Enhancement: Adds a unique, aromatic flavor to your dishes.
  • Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
  • Simple to Use: Easy to incorporate into your favorite baking recipes.

Recipes for Baking with Rosemary

1. Rosemary Focaccia

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press the dough out into a rectangle.
  8. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the dough. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary and sea salt.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

2. Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the flour, chopped rosemary, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
  4. Roll the dough into a log shape, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  7. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Rosemary and Parmesan Scones

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped rosemary.
  5. Add the milk and mix until just combined.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until it comes together.
  7. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle and cut into wedges.
  8. Place the wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with beaten egg.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Tips for Baking with Rosemary

  1. Use Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary has a more potent flavor compared to dried. Ensure it’s washed and finely chopped before using.
  2. Balance Flavors: Rosemary’s strong flavor can overpower a dish, so use it sparingly, especially in sweet recipes.
  3. Infuse Butter or Oil: For a subtle rosemary flavor, infuse butter or oil with rosemary before using it in your recipes.
  4. Pair with Citrus: Rosemary pairs well with citrus fruits like lemon and orange, adding a refreshing contrast to its earthy flavor.
  5. Experiment with Combinations: Mix rosemary with other herbs like thyme, sage, or basil to create complex flavor profiles.
  6. Store Properly: Store fresh rosemary in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel, and dried rosemary in an airtight container away from light.

Conclusion

Baking with rosemary is a wonderful way to add unique flavors and aromas to your dishes. Whether you’re making savory focaccia, delicate shortbread cookies, or flavorful scones, rosemary can elevate your baking to new heights. Try these recipes and tips to incorporate this versatile herb into your baking repertoire, and enjoy the delicious results.