Thursday, December 15, 2011

SWEET POTATO, CRANBERRY & STRAWBERRY BUNS



I have tried very hard to like strawberries because they are such pretty little things but I can't. That's why you will find few recipes with strawberries on this blog. I always find them tart and not at all sweet.

Having said that, they were at the least ..juicy. I bought strawberries with the original intention of making financiers with sliced strawberries on the top like here. I thought they would look very pretty. But that didn't happen. This did. Because I did not want the strawberries to go to rot. 

I used the same recipe as Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls but added dried cranberries and fresh strawberries instead. Then I placed the dough into cupcake liners and 3 mini loaf liners, scattered flaked almonds and sugar nibs that Sarah from Siliconemoulds had given me sometime ago on the tops. I made buns. They were very moist because of the sweet potatoes and fruity because of the cranberries and strawberries. Strawberries out.... next time. 


The recipe is here. Just add a large handful of dried cranberries that have been softened in a  little warm water for about 5 minutes then drained and patted dry, some chopped strawberries if you will just after the flour dough has been brought together with the egg and warm water. Knead gently as in the recipe instructions and let rise once before dividing the dough into cupcake or loaf tins. Then sprinkle some flaked almonds  and sugar nibs if you have them over the top just before you put them into the oven.

I baked the "muffins" for about 20 minutes depending on the size you make of course and the mini loaves for about 35 minutes. Than I dripped over their tops in zig-zaggy lines some glace icing (I mixed icing sugar with some water to a flowing consistency). However, R did not like that. Alternatively you could brush some honey over the top just after it comes out of the oven. 


They actually taste like a cross between bread and very moist muffins. You cold add more sugar for sweetness. These only had a hint of sweetness...mostly coming from the sweet potatoes. 


They would make a lovely gift for your mama. 


13 comments:

Elin Chia said...

Zurin...I love strawberries eventhough they can be tart at times ,most of the times;) they look beautiful in cakes and tarts. I know I will like this muffin/bun treats with cranberry and strawberry in them and almond toppings! Lovely !

Angie's Recipes said...

What an unique and delicious combination of flavours! Mouthwatering clicks, Zurin.

tinyskillet said...

These are beautiful what a gorgeous gift that would make! I don't like blueberries no matter how hard I try to like them...so I know how you feel. Now about strawberries, yopu have to get local in season strawberries to get the sweet, full of flavor ones. I am lucky to live where they have a big strawberry crop in Feb, March, and the first of April. Any other times I don't buy strawberries, because the ones that they ship in from elsewhere are too tart and no flavor! :)

Torviewtoronto said...

delicious presentation

Through My Kitchen Window said...

I love your cake box - soooo pretty. And the surprise baked goodies inside would taste soooo good. I will imagine it's a gift from you to me on this day my birthday - how very timely to post this on the 15th! Thanks dear! Hehe. Mariana xxxxxxxx

PickYin said...

I have similar predicaments with strawberries. I like how you compared them with men.

Baker Street said...

I was hoping at the end of the post you would be asking for my address! Excellent combination of flavors and beautiful presentation!

Linda said...

Ooooohhhh these look delicious and so festive!
L~xo

Sarah-Jane - SiliconeMoulds.com said...

Hey Zurin.

So nice to see you blogging again. I've been SO busy these last few months.... it's just been work WORK work !

Looking forward to a few days at home for Christmas with family. I so need to email you after Christmas and catch up.

Your buns look lovely. I adore strawberries. How cute is that cake box - it's darling. Did you make it ?

Sending loads of love to you and your family for Christmas x

Anonymous said...

Hi Zurin, oh you don't like strawberries? I love strawberries & cranberries! Perhaps strawberry here (cameron product) is not as sweet as what I used to have in Japan? hehe...
Umm... looks yummy-. The crispy almond on top sure makes this muffin taste so nice.
By the way, I like your white antiquish tabletop. Did you paint yourself or bought somewhere?

Zurin said...

Tomoko,

lovely to have you visit :)

Yes I painted the 'table top" which is not a table top really...just some planks I nailed together and hten painted :)

Unknown said...

The buns look great. It is a perfect gift.

Andrea said...

These look so yummy. I stumbled upon your blog and am so happy to be your newest follower. When you have a chance come by and check out Quest for Delish

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