Monday, December 16, 2024

Babes travel to Sweden

 


December's Kitchen of the Month was Cathy of Bread Experience. Cathy asked us to make Swedish Buns with either a cardamom or savory filling, and using either yeast or sourdough starter.  Quite a few variations to be had!

Since my Instagram baking group had made Cardamom Buns for a November challenge, I chose to go in a different direction:  half the buns were savory, and the other half were filled with chopped dark chocolate.

I also utilized two new (for me) helpful tools.

The first tool was using a quilting/sewing ruler to more accurately measure the size of the buns.  I had two of these rulers, so it wasn't a problem to assign one to baking projects.  It sure made measuring much easier!


 

The second tool was a heating mat, made specifically for bread proofing.  During the winter months, when the heater is running, I can use my 'proofing' room (aka the main bathroom). But during the months when it is too warm to run the heater, yet too cool to proof dough, I thought this would be a good solution.  The heater was on sale, so I treated myself.


 

For the savory filling, I combined butter, parmesan, garlic, and a few chives. I also sprinkled some Maldon salt on the tops.  For the chocolate filling, I spread the dough with softened butter and sprinkled on chopped dark chocolate. On these tops, I sprinkled some Swedish pearl sugar.  They both turned out just fine, and I don't have a favorite.  It's nice to know that you can play with different flavor combinations and end up with a tasty treat. 

 



 

You are welcome to bake along with us.  You can find the recipe on Cathy's website.  Send a photo and link to Cathy before the end of the month.


 

To see what variation the other Babes made, follow one of these links:


 

4 comments:

Karen said...

Oooh, I want that proofing mat! I can't resist cool baking toys! Great fillings!

Cathy (Bread Experience) said...

Wow! You made a savory and a chocolate version! They both sounds delish! I have a round proofing mat from the same company. I really like it!

hobby baker Kelly said...

Oooo, the crystals on the salt are beautiful! Great savory version!

Elizabeth said...

Now there's a radical concept: use an actual measuring device instead of eyeballing. That must be why your knots are perfect.

The savoury version sounds good. The chocolate version sounds great. (I think I would be tempted to add the Maldon salt along with the chopped dark chocolate to the chocolate buns....)