Breakfast & Brunch
Easter Bunnies: The History of Hot Cross Buns (Plus an Easy Recipe)
As the weather warms and our toes defrost, Easter draws nearer. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate the holiday, this time of year means that treats are upon us! Peeps and chocolate are to be expected, but have you tried hot cross buns? The history of hot cross buns is one that isn’t widely […]
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How to Make Tea Eggs
Have you heard of tea eggs? I hadn’t either. Come to find out, tea eggs are a food typically prepared in Asian countries. Tea shops will sometimes make and put these out at the entrance to their shops to entice buyers into the store. If you like sweeter teas, this might sound a little weird, […]
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English Tea Cakes Recipes for a Proper Tea Time
Defining “tea cake” can cause quite a bit of controversy, as The Great British Baking Show discovered in 2017. Different cultures have their own take on teacakes. In Scotland, a tea cake is a chocolate covered marshmallow with a biscuit base made by Tunnock. In America, tea cakes are a sort of cookie associated with […]
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Cinnamon Babka Recipe for Pure Holiday Bliss
Whenever it comes time for the annual Plum Deluxe holiday bread, an amused grin appears on my face, for I never know whether my baking efforts are going to be a colossal flop or stunning success. I began this year’s cinnamon babka recipe adventure with high hopes for success. Cinnamon babka is a sweet bread […]
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Dutch Breakfast: A Cozy Spiced Banana Bread Recipe
Ontbijtkoek, or “breakfast cake” as it is translated from Dutch, is a popular breakfast snack in the Netherlands. While we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as something you should have for breakfast every day, this spiced cake makes for a lovely seasonal treat! Today we’ll be taking a twist on the traditional version and making a […]
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Our Favorite Autumn Apple Walnut Bread Recipe
Apples are synonymous with the autumn season, as is baking, which is why we decided to bring them together in our favorite apple walnut bread recipe. This is a classic, comforting autumn recipe that is sure to warm you and your guests from the inside out. While fall is our favorite time of year to […]
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Sweet & Nutty Perfection: Maple Walnut Scones
Maple and walnut are a quintessential American combination, so of course we thought it was high time we added a maple walnut scone recipe to our repertoire. I call this a quintessential American combination for a number of reasons. First off, it’s a well-known and well-loved flavor pairing here in the States. Secondly, there is […]
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Start Your Day Right With a Cool Black Tea Smoothie
Sometimes, the best thing for a summer morning boost is a power-packed, refreshing smoothie. You don’t need to abandon your daily tea routine just because you’re craving a smoothie, though. Enjoy the best of both worlds by whipping up a black tea smoothie! What Is a Black Tea Smoothie? There are two routes you can […]
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British Strawberry Scones
Scones are wonderful any time of year, but these British strawberry scones are especially delightful on a warm summer morning or sultry afternoon. Tender, buttery, and generously sized, these scones are studded with oodles of fresh, ripe strawberries that get even juicier and more flavorsome through the baking process. With a lavish helping of vanilla […]
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Decadent Chocolate Zucchini Scones with Blueberries
Who doesn’t love a good chocolate scone? Chocolate scones are some of our favorite luxurious scones, though they can often come with a side of guilt because of it. So, in an effort to squash that guilt, we are working overtime here to bring you a decadent — yet slightly healthier — chocolate scone. We […]
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What Is Breakfast Blend Tea?
I am not a morning person. When I stumble down the stairs in the morning, I need something to jumpstart my day. Since I don’t drink coffee, this something is usually a black tea of some kind. Luckily for me, there is a whole subcategory of teas developed for the purpose of giving you a […]
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Strawberry Tea Bread with Almond Cream Cheese Filling
I do love a good tea bread, tender and fragrant, and this strawberry tea bread with almond cream cheese filling is not only delicious, it’s like a danish from heaven. Made with a rich, buttery dough laced with cinnamon, this tea bread is layered with a ribbon of decadent almond cream cheese filling and topped […]
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Vegan Banana Oat Scones with Maple Glaze
Around here there is no shortage of love for scones. Just check out all our scone recipes! We love that they can be made in so many different ways, from savory to sweet or even spicy. Once in a while we even like to make them a bit more on the healthy side, like with […]
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Cinnamon Rolls with Apples Recipe
For us, cinnamon rolls are a wintery treat that we just love for so many reasons — mostly because they please both children and adults alike. They also pair quite well with many traditional holiday dishes, since cinnamon and sugar are the main ingredients celebrated in these little babies. With this cinnamon rolls with apples […]
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Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Maple Glaze
Cinnamon and winter holidays go hand in hand, and these fragrant homemade cinnamon twists with cinnamon maple glaze are beautiful additions to a Yuletide brunch or afternoon tea. I love making these early in the morning so my household can wake up to the smell of cinnamon-laced bread filling the entire house. They are beautiful […]
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Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce
An old fashioned bread pudding is one of those old time-y desserts that you don’t see around too often anymore, and we feel that it deserves another shot at the lime light. It’s one of those super easy, ooey-gooey treats that is impossible not to like, especially with warm caramel sauce drizzled over the top. […]
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Easy Kuchen Recipe with Maple Spice Filling
Kuchen is pure comfort to me, and this easy kuchen recipe makes it so simple to whip up a fragrant cake in time for morning coffee or afternoon tea. Kuchen is simply the German word for cake, and it comes in all sorts of variations. The most popular varieties are fruity and spicy. The fruity […]
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Apple Pandowdy Recipe with Yogurt Pastry Crust
Old-fashioned desserts with quirky names always delight me, and this Apple Pandowdy Recipe is one of the best. Lusciously tender apples enveloped in a brown sugar sauce and topped with buttery pastry make a dessert of ultimate comfort and sublime deliciousness. The origins of the pandowdy go back to the early days of America, when […]
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Peach Cardamom Scones
As fall settles in with cold winds and frosty mornings, I crave baked goods like these fragrant and buttery Peach Cardamom Scones. Tender, fragrant dough filled with juicy peach pieces, these Peach Cardamom Scones will fill your mouth with a burst of flavor in every bite. These delightful scones made from cardamom and maple-infused dough […]
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Old Fashioned Strawberry Buckle Cake
Strawberry Buckle Cake is a lovely old-fashioned recipe from the early days of American cooking. It’s simply a coffee cake-type batter studded with fresh, seasonal fruit. Although the origin of the name is lost to time, many believe it refers to how the batter buckles around the fruit that softens and breaks down during the […]
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Cinnamon Rum Apple Slump Recipe
I love trying old-fashioned American desserts, and this apple slump recipe delights me with its quirky name and homey simplicity. A slump is simply baked fruit with a dumpling crust that “slumps” around the fruit as it cooks. Also known as a grunt or pandowdy, a slump is pure comfort food, especially when served hot […]
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Matcha Crepe Recipe
Cooking with matcha green tea powder is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to incorporate tea into your food. Green tea can now be a part of your favorite breakfast with this delicious matcha crêpe recipe. Don’t be intimidated if you have or haven’t tried to cook or bake with tea before; matcha is […]
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Butternut Squash Tart with Curry Spice Crust
Few vegetables speak fall to me more than squash, and a Butternut Squash Tart is a delectable way to celebrate the return of this glorious season with its cooler weather, luscious colors, and permission to slow down after a busy summer. Butternut squash is such a lovely, versatile ingredient. Whether you use it as a […]
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Better Than Grandma’s Pear Preserves: Spiced Pear Jam Recipe
If you loved Grandma’s pear preserves growing up, you will swoon over this spiced pear jam. Smooth, sweet, and lightly spiced, it is a luscious spread for your morning toast or afternoon scones straight out of the oven. Fragrant with cardamom and cinnamon, this spiced pear jam also has a special twist thanks to the […]
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Almond Bacon Party Pancakes
Pancakes are always a happy thing for me, but these Almond Bacon Party Pancakes are downright celebratory. Fragrant with almond and studded with crispy pieces of bacon, these beauties are just the thing for a summer brunch party. When you add salted butter and a drizzle of apple syrup to your stack of party pancakes, […]
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Citrus and Cardamom Grapefruit Bread
Fine summer mornings are ideal for leisurely outdoor meals of fresh fruit, endless cups of tea, and warm slices of a lovely loaf cake like grapefruit bread, bright with citrus flavor and fragrant with cardamom. Whether you’re looking for something special for a Saturday morning breakfast, or a hint of sweetness for Sunday morning brunch, […]
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Sweet Potato Scones Recipe
As spring inches its way towards summer, heading outdoors for afternoon tea is becoming a sheer pleasure, especially when it includes the following Sweet Potato Scones recipe. The color of these beauties is spectacular. Unlike most scones, which need a bit of extra time in the oven to achieve a golden top, these have that […]
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Quick and Easy Fried Scone Recipe
I’ve been a scone fan for as long as I can remember, but until today, I’d never tried a fried scone recipe, and now I wonder where they’ve been all my life. Joining the ranks of popular fried foods such as churros and sopapillas, fried scones are scrumptious, especially served piping hot and spread with […]
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Best Cardamom Bread Recipe
Growing up in a Scandinavian family introduced me to the pleasures of coffee breaks with relatives and guests, always accompanied by homemade sweet breads, cakes, or cookies. Now in my own home, I love making a Swedish cardamom bread to accompany our morning coffee and tea breaks, and this is the best cardamom bread recipe […]
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Baked Apple Casserole with Chocolate Oat Topping
There’s something supremely comforting about apples baked with spices and brown sugar. On a cold winter’s day, baked apple casserole with chocolate oat topping takes comfort to new levels of deliciousness. Baked apple casserole is simply sliced apples mixed with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon then baked with a crunchy topping. It is lovely served […]
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Apple Bread with Crumb Topping
Consider this your new favorite coffee cake, except it’s technically a bread. This apple bread with crumb topping is so moist and sweet you probably couldn’t tell the difference any way. It’s the perfect thing for a quick breakfast, snack, or after dinner treat. You just might end up having it for all three and […]
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Three French Toast Toppings to Brighten Your Day
Cold winter days positively beg for warming breakfasts that delight the heart as much as the belly. These three toppings for French toast are pure decadence that will brighten your morning and give a hint of summer days to come. Before you dig in, be sure to brew up a pot of Breakfast in Bed […]
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Savory Squash Quiche with Spinach and Gruyere
Quiche is a long-loved brunch staple, and with good reason: It is easy to prepare, healthy, and typically delicious. Additionally, it’s incredibly easy to switch up the main ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. This time of year squash tends to be the star of the show, so we […]
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Broccoli Cheddar Scones: The Best Savory Scone Recipe You’ll Have All Year
Yes, we are making a bold statement with the title of this post. However, when you combine classic flavor combinations such as broccoli and cheddar with a perfect buttermilk scone recipe it makes a pretty amazing scone. That’s why we aren’t losing sleep over the claim that this broccoli cheddar scone recipe is, in fact, […]
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Blueberry Orange Scones Recipe
Ever wonder how coffee shops get those perfectly flakey and tender scones with that delicious caramelized sugar on top? Well, after hundreds of scones baked and taste-tested, we’ve got the secrets to the perfect scone. These blueberry orange scones are a perfect example of how to create an ideal scone with traditional flavors and that […]
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Warming Winter Foods List for Easy Entertaining
When you’re planning your cold-weather parties with friends and family, turn to this warming winter foods list for easy and creative small menus. Menu duos offer simplicity to your planning when hosting a party, and they highlight for your guests memorable tastes to truly savor. Gluten Free: Chicken and Dumplings & Rice Salad This hearty […]
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Trio of Brunch Sliders
Brunch is one of our favorite meals, for the obvious reason that it goes well with tea. However, we also love it for its versatility. Brunch is probably the only time that it’s socially acceptable to serve prime rib, pasta, bagels, French toast, and dessert all together. Not to mention the usual imbibing of cocktails […]
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Holiday Bread Names: Russian Krendl
One of my favorite parts of Christmas is baking, especially wonderful Christmas breads fragrant with spices and studded with fruit. Sometimes my holiday baking efforts perform beautifully, but other times, as with my yule log last year, the results are hilarious, ridiculous, and still, somehow, delicious. That’s the lovely thing about Christmas bread: even when […]
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How to Set Up a Build-Your-Own Bagel Party
Is there a better way to serve brunch to a large group than a build-your-own bar? We aren’t thinking so. After trying out this brunch bagel party setup we are convinced that this is how we should tackle all large brunch gatherings going forward. There’s a bagel and topping combination out there for just about […]
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Dark Chocolate Cranberry Scones
In the world of scones there are infinite possibilities when it comes to flavors. There are sweet scones, and savory scones, and then there are decadent scones. These dark chocolate cranberry scones fall under the decadent scone category. Over the years we’ve shared a number of different scone recipes, from fruity to cheesy, and even […]
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Things to Put in Pancakes
Pancakes are a fantastic food. Easy to make, delicious hot or cold, and, when it comes to things to put in pancakes, the options are endless. It all starts with a good pancake recipe, one that is simple, nutritious, and easy to play with. Batter Up I like to use a mix of plain white […]
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Chai Infused Apple Butter
As we move into fall, apples are becoming available in abundance. Every year we like to do what we can to preserve their amazing flavor during its peak. Aside from the usual crumbles (like this Spicy Orange Apple Crumble), coffee cakes, and pies (or almost pies) we also like to put away a few jars […]
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Easy Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread
Easy chocolate chip cinnamon bread is sheer pleasure on a lazy Saturday morning. Toasted until light brown, slathered in unsalted butter, and eaten with a hot cup of tea, it is one of life’s great pleasures. Such bread is meant to be savored and lingered over, taking the time to inhale the mingled scents of […]
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Backyard Picnic Recipes With a Twist
Summer is such a lovely time of year for picnics. The sun filtering through the trees, cool breezes blowing in off a lake or pond, or the simple bliss of your own backyard with ample shade and a patch of grass to spread a blanket. A backyard picnic can be just as fun as one […]
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Lemon Blueberry Tea Bread
Tea bread is such a scrumptious addition to afternoon tea or coffee. Quick and easy to make, it fills the house with luscious smells as it bakes, tempting everyone in the vicinity to pop into the kitchen for a cuppa and a chat. A basic tea bread recipe is simply a sweet bread, aromatic with […]
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Gluten Free, Dairy Free Scones for a Grainless Tea Time
I have always loved grains. I was lucky enough to grow up with a mom who enjoyed playing in the kitchen, and I also became a vegetarian in my teens (a 25-year stint that is now over), so I was exposed to and ate many different grains from an early age. Later, as I did […]
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Three Creative Crepe Recipes
The first time I went to Paris, I was on the tightest of tight budgets, so I skipped the fancy restaurants and lived on crepes (and quiche) from street vendors. I’ve been in love with crepes ever since. Not the thick, rubbery ones sometimes passed off as crepes, but the thin, delicate, slightly sweet ones […]
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Sweet + Nutty Pistachio Maple Muesli
Looking for a healthy, energy-packed breakfast? This Pistachio Maple Muesli recipe is packed with all-natural, feel-good ingredients and just a hint of sweetness — almost no processing involved. There’s a great balance of protein, carbs, and fiber without being super heavy in your stomach, so you can have a bowl and jump into whatever activities […]
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2 Savory Vegetables Tarts with Gluten Free Crust
I’m a big fan of savory tarts. Not simply because they’re delicious, but because they’re endlessly versatile, easy to make, and they work equally well with regular or gluten-free crusts. Here are two vegetarian tart recipes perfect for brunch or your next tea time. The Crust Savory tarts start with a par-baked crust that becomes […]
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Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Tea Bread
This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is one of those decadent types of bread that is really more like cake in disguise than anything else. It’s perfectly sweet with a bit of tart and a glaze that’s to die for. The poppy seeds give it a bit of texture and color that’s a fun addition. Tea […]
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Maple Pecan Buckwheat Tea Loaf
This afternoon, as cool winds blew through our farm, I baked a comforting gluten-free Maple Pecan Buckwheat Tea Loaf. Light yet substantial and oh-so-fragrant, it is a delicious thing to make and serve for afternoon tea. My husband and I settled in with thick, warm slices slathered with butter and felt the stress of the […]
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Marvelous Matcha Mousse
Matcha is something that, by now, I’m sure we have all heard of. It’s been the “it” thing for a while and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing its roll any time soon. This finely milled green tea powder has been a staple in Japan since the twelfth century when it became the focus of […]
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3 Gluten Free Breakfasts for Your Holiday Weekend
Starting a holiday weekend with friends and family will be a breeze with these three delicious and varied gluten-free breakfasts. Smoothie Bowl Bar Welcome sleepy guests on a lazy Saturday morning with a burst of nutrition by providing an array of inspiring ingredients for a Smoothie Bowl Bar. Blitz up a great smoothie base of […]
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Cheery Holiday Party Cherry Hand Pie Recipe
The holidays are all about the sweet treats. Am I right or am I right? I’m sure that we all agree that I’m right. Here at Plum Deluxe we hold desserts in high esteem. I mean there’s just something so delightful about sitting down with a steaming cup of tea and a little something sweet […]
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Pumpkin Spice Tea Smoothie
Can’t get enough of pumpkin? This Pumpkin Spice Tea Smoothie recipe will help you kickstart your day with lots of vitamins, flavor, and a bit of caffeine. Aside from the obvious seasonal pull, there are many reasons why you might want to gulp down the pumpkin. Mainly, that spooky jack-o-lantern is a superfood chock full […]
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Carrot Cake Scones Drizzled with Honey
Carrot cake is one of the most unique and flavorful cake variations available. Its spicy nature is perfect for fall with its cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom spices; however, it is one of those deserts that seems to only be enjoyed around spring time, specifically Easter. As the summer moves on, this delicious desert gets forgotten […]
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Savory Three-Course Afternoon Tea Menu
While afternoon tea often features delectable but sugar-laden, high carb items, it does not need to. With a little ingenuity you can create a savory three-course afternoon tea menu that is every bit as delicious — but wonderfully healthy and nourishing to body and soul. First Course: Soup Instead of starting with tea sandwiches, I […]
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Sweet Potato Quiche with Caramelized Onion, Tomato, and Goat Cheese
The summer heat is coming in full force these days, and soon cooking anything is going to be a chore. However, if you are anything like us then you are still aching for delicious home-cooked meals that speak to the season even if it means turning on the stove. Trust us, you’re going to want […]
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Buttermilk Coffee Cake with Snickerdoodle Crumble Topping
When I think of favorite Saturday morning fare, I always think of buttermilk coffee cake. Moist and tender with fine, delectable layers of spiced, buttery brown sugar, this Buttermilk Coffee Cake recipe is a lovely accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffee, and best eaten on a sun-drenched patio on a thoroughly lazy […]
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Betther-Than-Cheesecake-Factory Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Recipe
Lemon ricotta pancakes are one of those things that seem a little off, until you try one. A single bite and your whole Sunday morning breakfast routine is changed forever. We aren’t kidding here, they are amazing! These elegant little babies come out extra fluffy with velvety middles, giving you the feeling of a luxurious […]
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Tea and Toast: The Best Recipe for Comfort
There are few things more comforting in this world than a cup of tea and buttered toast — especially when the tea is hot and the toast is fresh and spread with delectable toast toppings. I adore toast. I love it plain with butter or topped with tuna, a slice of tomato, and a slice […]
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Quick and Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Every once in a while you just get lucky and have one of those slow, relaxing mornings — one of those days when you wake up slowly without an alarm and slip your feet into those wonderfully worn and cozy slippers before heading to the kitchen to make your favorite cup of tea or coffee. […]
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The Best and Easiest Chai Monkey Bread Recipe
Monkey bread is one of those things that brings back delightful childhood memories of sticky fingers and full-bellied bliss. Growing up in my house, holiday mornings were not complete without the warm, sweet, and sugary presence of Monkey Bread straight from the oven. Now as an adult I am a firm believer that every get-together […]
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Buttered Wheat and Honey Scones Recipe
Scones fresh from the oven are comfort food, plain and simple. This honey scones recipe is spiced with a hint of ginger and slathered with salted butter to take comfort to a whole new level. I find that honey goes beautifully with the heartier flavor of whole wheat flour, so I used half whole wheat […]
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An Almond Royale Tea Biscotti Recipe for Teatime Perfection
Mmm, biscotti — that crispy, crunchy cookie that pairs perfectly with a good cup of tea. Our lovely black teas are especially delicious with biscotti, and what better way to enjoy them together than to combine them into a yummy Almond Royale Tea Biscotti recipe! It’s easy and will be your new go-to for tea […]
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Earl Grey Banana Bread Recipe (with Tea-Soaked Raisins)
I’ll be honest — banana bread isn’t my favorite recipe. I’d rather have a slice of olive oil cake or cardamom coffee cake (because really, in this case bread and cake are interchangeable terms). But, we recently encountered those quickly browning organic bananas that are the bane of any cook’s existence. They were beyond salvageable, […]
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My Sleepy Valentine: The Perfect Recipe for Breakfast In Bed
Valentine’s Day is around the corner and everyone’s scrambling to get into that hot new restaurant to celebrate it, but I have a different idea of how to celebrate. Don’t get me wrong, the idea of getting all dressed up and going out is still a great idea, but what I really want to do […]
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Best Brunch Ever: Norwegian Sour Cream Waffles Recipe
It’s hard not to love Scandinavian food – although maybe some of the fish oddities leave a bit to be desired. One can’t make that comment for vafler, the delicious sour cream waffles that are perhaps the country’s most famous export! I think the sour cream keeps the batter light and fluffy — and the […]
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Strawberry Honey Yogurt Scones Recipe
This feature was brought to you by Yulu Yogurt. People always ask me what foods I miss the most from living in Europe — something maybe people who haven’t lived there for a long time would know about. My immediate response is always dairy products. In fact, I would say that dairy products are better […]
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“Dutch Brunch” (With a Side of History): Lemon Marionberry Dutch Baby Recipe
This feature was brought to you by the Oregon Raspberry and Blackberry Commission. I lived in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for many years, and whenever friends came into town one of their first requests was to stop for brunch at the local pancake house. “Pannekoeken,” as they are called there, are more similar to crepes than […]
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Everything-is-All-Right Cheddar Corn “Quiche”
There’s just something about a good quiche that makes me feel like all is right with the world. It’s hard to find good ones; in my experience, you can buy them in a cafe or in the supermarket and they’re hit or miss. Making them can also be hit or miss! If you’re going […]
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Gluten-Free Honey Butter Cinnamon Rolls
This feature was brought to you by MELT® Organic. We recently had almost the full Plum Deluxe crew all in one spot to brainstorm and plan for the months ahead. Of course, we wanted to make the most of early morning productive time, but we wanted to have a quiet, private space for conversation. Two […]
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Plum Pumpkin Healthy Breakfast Muffins
While one of my favorite food groups is “breakfast” (I planned an entire dinner party with brunch foods, after all), I usually don’t have the time or energy to do a lot of kitchen gymnastics in the morning. So, I tend to stick with a healthy usual: low-sugar Greek yogurt with granola and fruit. It’s […]
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Rusking It: South African Breakfast Cookies
Cookies are often considered snack food, something to down with a glass of milk before bed or with a cup of tea as an afternoon pick-me-up. But in South Africa, there’s a special kind of breakfast cookie known as beskuit, or the rusk. Originally made as a dried bread to take on long journeys, the […]
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Dessert or Brunch Recipe? Both: Apricot Chocolate Chip Scones
As many of you know I am obsessed with baking, so it’s probably not a surprise to you that one of my favorite kitchen items is my cast iron scone pan that I got as a gift many years ago. If there is any one baked food product I am specifically obsessed with, it’s scones. […]
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Perfect Weekend Apple Cardamom Coffee Cake
I’m not one to tell you how to enjoy your food — this is a unique circumstance — but I need you to act in your own best interest and enjoy this cake with your favorite hot beverage and good company while it’s still warm from the oven. That last bit is important, “while this […]
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