Scotland

Greetings Everyone! I have returned from my trip to Scotland. It was great since I spent time with my Dad and sister. Also, I tried some great food over there. Yes, I had tea and scones in Edinburgh. I tried sticky toffee pudding and Cranachan. I had dinner in a pub and snacks on a train. I have photos to share with you.

 This is a photo of Edinburgh castle. Queen Mary of Scots lived there. She gave birth to future King James of England. As you can see, the castle is well defended and was never conquered.

Since we took a tour of the castle, I wanted to share some photos of the grounds. It really is beautiful with a spectacular view. The Edinburgh castle is one of Scotland's most visited attractions. During our visit, we were unable to visit the Holyroodhouse Palace since Queen Elizabeth was in residence.

I had to capture a Scotsman in full outfit. I did see the gentleman at several locations. Normally, I did not see many men wearing the traditional kilt but it was nice to spot some. I did ask the family if anyone wanted me to bring them home a kilt. Sadly, my family said no. Since kilts are not cheap, I didn't buy one even with a lower than normal exchange rate.

This is a photo to show a view of the city. It is beautiful with so much history. One day I will bring the kids and my husband with me. Cheers!

Softies Morning Rolls

Do you ever feel like you are always making the same thing for breakfast? I have lately so I started trying to make different things for breakfast. Don't get me wrong. I love eggs and pancakes. I even like french toast when my husband makes it. What is your favorite breakfast dish? I think my son would vote for pizza.

Softies Morning Rolls
4 cups all purpose flour 
2 cups bread flour
1/4 cup shortening
1 (1/4 oz.) package of active dry yeast  
1 tsp sugar
1 cup warm water (about 110 degrees F)
3/4 cups lukewarm milk
1 egg
1 Tbsp water

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, add the yeast with the sugar to the warm water. Mix quickly and set aside for 5 minutes to proof.
2. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all purpose flour with the 2 cups of bread flour.
3. Cut in the flour with your fingers, food processor, or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
4. Add the yeast water and the lukewarm milk to the flour mixture.
5. Mix until a soft dough forms. Add the last cup of flour in 1/4 cup intervals until the dough isn't too sticky or dry. 
6. Knead the dough for 10 minutes on a clean, lightly floured surface.
7. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Flip the dough and cover with plastic wrap that has been lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
8. Allow the dough to rise for at least 1 hour until it has roughly doubled in size.
9. Punch down the dough and knead a few times.
10. Divide the dough into 24 pieces and roll into a ball..
11. Place the dough onto parchment lined baking sheet about 4 inches apart. Cover and allow the dough to rise for about 30 minutes.
12. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
13. In a small bowl, add the egg with the 1 Tbsp water and beat well to make an egg wash. 
14. Brush each dough with the egg wash.
15. Bake immediately for 20 minutes or until golden brow.
16. Serve warm or allow to cool before serving. 

Recipe adapted from The Ultimate Bread & Baking Book.

One year ago....................I made Double Chocolate Cookies.

Did you already know......
-Softies rolls originate from Scotland.
-Scottish breakfasts vary from region to region.
-Some popular Scottish breakfast items are: eggs, toast, beans, fried haggis, sausage, kippers, tomatoes, potato wedges, black pudding and tea.