Savor the Nostalgia with Lake of the Ozarks Ham and Cheddar Rolls

 

Nestled in the heart of Missouri, the Lake of the Ozarks was once home to a cozy gem called Peace 'n Plenty Café, where locals and visitors alike gathered for hearty, comforting dishes that warmed the soul. Though the café has long since closed, its spirit lives on in recipes like these Ham and Cheddar Swirls, inspired by the café’s knack for blending simple ingredients into unforgettable flavors. These rolls, crafted with the ease of a bread machine, combine the savory goodness of sharp cheddar, diced ham, and fresh scallions, all swirled into a soft, golden dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner side, these swirls bring a taste of nostalgia to your table.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a breeze thanks to the bread machine’s dough setting, which does the heavy lifting for you. The result? Fluffy, cheesy rolls with a delightful ham-and-scallion filling that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Serve them warm with a pat of butter, pair them with a crisp salad, or pack them for a picnic by the lake. Let’s dive into this recipe and bring a piece of Peace 'n Plenty’s charm back to life!

 Lake of the Ozarks Ham and Cheddar Rolls

 For the Dough:

½ c. warm water (110°F)

½ c. whole milk, warmed

6 T. vegetable shortening

3 c. all-purpose flour

1 ½ c. whole wheat flour

½ c. granulated sugar

3½ t. active dry yeast (1½ packets)

1 T. baking powder

2 large eggs

1 t. salt

For the Filling:

½ c. unsalted butter, softened

2 c. sharp cheddar cheese, grated

¾ lb. deli ham, thinly sliced and diced

2/3 c. scallions, finely chopped

For the Topping:

1 large egg, beaten

 Add dough ingredients to your bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer (typically liquids first, then dry ingredients, with yeast last). Select the “dough” setting and start the machine. The cycle usually takes about 90 minutes.

 Once the dough cycle is complete, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, diced ham, and scallions. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Slice into 14 equal pieces, about 1-inch thick each.Grease two 6-well muffin tins and two 6-ounce ramekins (or use one 12-well muffin tin and two ramekins). Place one slice in each well or ramekin, gently squeezing the outer edge to make the center pop up slightly.Cover with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray. Place in a warm, draft-free area and let rise until doubled, about 40-50 minutes.Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush roll tops with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool in pans for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

 Enjoy warm with butter, as a side, or as a grab-and-go snack.

 Yield: 14 rolls

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

 Freeze baked rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving. 

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Mocha Fudge Cake

If you’re (as I was earl last week) craving a dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and bursting with chocolaty goodness, this Mocha Fudge Cake is your answer. It is truly a chocolate lover’s paradise. The combination of dark chocolate chips, Ghirardelli ground chocolate, and espresso powder creates a bold, sophisticated flavor profile. The espresso enhances the chocolate without overpowering it, giving the cake a subtle coffee kick. The texture is perfectly moist thanks to buttermilk and a generous amount of butter, while the warm mocha icing poured over the hot cake ensures every bite is decadently fudgy. Plus, it’s baked in a 10x10-inch pan, making it easy to slice and serve for a crowd (or to keep all to yourself—no judgment here!).

Mocha Fudge Cake

For the Cake:

2 c. granulated sugar
2 c. flour, plus 1 tablespoon (divided)
1 t. baking powder
2 t. baking soda (divided)
½ t. kosher salt
½ t. espresso powder
½ lb. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
¼ c. Ghirardelli ground chocolate
1 c. water
½ c. buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 t. vanilla extract
1½ c. dark chocolate chips

For the Icing:
¼ c. Ghirardelli ground chocolate
½ t. espresso powder
¼ lb. (1 stick) unsalted butter
6 T. heavy cream
1 lb. powdered sugar
¼ t. kosher salt
1 t. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9” x 9” pan with Baker’s Joy or a similar baking spray to prevent sticking; set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. This creates the base of your cake’s dry ingredients. Set it aside.

In a small saucepan, combine the butter, ¼ cup ground chocolate, and water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it’s smooth. Once it’s boiling, pour this rich chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.

In a small bowl, mix the buttermilk with the remaining 1 teaspoon of baking soda—this helps give the cake its tender crumb. In another small bowl, toss the dark chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of flour to keep them from sinking in the batter. Add the eggs, buttermilk mixture, and vanilla extract to the batter, beating until smooth. Gently fold in the chocolate chips for bursts of chocolate in every bite.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of chocolate and espresso will fill your kitchen!

About 5 minutes before the cake is done, start the icing. In a large saucepan, bring ¼ cup ground chocolate, espresso powder, butter, and heavy cream to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla. Beat with a mixer until the icing is smooth and glossy.

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, spread the warm mocha icing over the top. The heat from the cake helps the icing sink in, creating that fudgy texture. Let it cool slightly, then slice and serve. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence!

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Summer Plum Bread – A Sweet Seasonal Delight

 

As a kid, I turned my nose up at plums, but now I’m counting down the days to plum season. My mother’s legendary plum pies were the star of our annual Christmas boutique, with people lining up to snag a slice before they vanished. Those memories inspired me to dive into plum desserts as an adult, and this Summer Plum Bread is my first venture into turning that juicy, tart fruit into a quick bread. Let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.This loaf is a perfect escape from the usual banana or zucchini bread. It’s vibrant, slightly exotic, and screams summer with every bite. The plums add a juicy pop of flavor, balanced by the subtle warmth of orange oil and the satisfying crunch of Demerara sugar on top. It’s tender, moist, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat without overwhelming. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even dessert, this bread is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Summer Plum Bread

1 ½ c. pitted, chopped Melissa’s organic plums
1 T. flour
1 c. sugar
½ c. butter
½ t. vanilla extract
½ t. orange oil 
2 large eggs
1½ c. flour
½ t. salt
¼ t. baking soda
1/3 c. sour cream (not low fat)
¼ c. Demerara sugar

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with Baker’s Joy and set aside.

  In a medium bowl, toss chopped plums with 1 tablespoon of flour to coat; set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract and orange oil, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

Sift 1½ cups flour, salt, and baking soda into a separate bowl. With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry mixture and sour cream to the egg mixture until smooth. Gently fold in the flour-coated plums.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle Demerara sugar on top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it also freezes beautifully for those moments when you need a taste of summer in the off-season. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got a perfect moment of bliss.

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Cupcakes for Any Occasion, Reviewed

 

Cupcakes for Any Occasion by Rachel Lindsay, a.k.a. “Caked by Rach” to her over three million social media followers, is a delightful and inspiring guide that transforms cupcake baking and decorating into an accessible, joyful experience, and this is something I do not say lightly. As someone who typically dreads baking — I do it, but I don’t like it — I found myself genuinely excited to try the recipes and designs in this book. Without hesitation, I can say this is the best cupcake book I’ve encountered, perfect for novices and seasoned bakers alike.

The book features 20 delectable cupcake and frosting recipes, paired with over 50 creative decorating projects tailored for holidays, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and more. From whimsical Halloween ghosts and festive Christmas trees to charming butterflies and even playful spaghetti and meatballs designs, Lindsay’s creations are as imaginative as they are approachable. (Her skull cupcakes really spoke to me.)

Each project is accompanied by detailed, step-by-step photography and straightforward instructions, making complex-looking designs achievable for bakers of all skill levels. If you’ve ever wondered how to properly use a pastry bag, your questions are answered here — that alone, in my opinion, is worth the price of the book.What sets this book apart is its focus on simplicity and affordability. Lindsay uses basic tools and techniques that anyone can master. The recipes for cupcake bases and buttercream frostings are versatile, allowing endless mix-and-match possibilities to suit any occasion. Her clear guidance on essential baking and decorating methods ensures that even those with no prior experience—like myself—can produce stunning, professional-looking results.For added value, pairing the book with Lindsay’s online videos (Instagram and YouTube) enhances the learning experience, offering visual demonstrations that complement the written instructions.Cupcakes for Any Occasion is a foolproof guide that delivers. Whether you’re a reluctant baker or a cupcake enthusiast, this book will leave you eager to whip up your next batch of show-stopping cupcakes. Highly recommended for bakers of all ages and skill levels!

You can order your copy here.

 Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. 

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Pumpkin Crumb Cake with Maple Bourbon Glaze

 

Generally speaking, I get a craving for pumpkin in mid-August, which is why you’ll find a lot of pumpkin recipes here on the blog during that time. I got the same craving this past August, bought quite a few cans of pumpkin purée, and then I never got around to using them. That changed last weekend when I was a whirling dervish in the kitchen. Over the course of three days, I spent about 24 hours on my feet in the kitchen experimenting with recipes. This one is delish! It’s good at breakfast, brunch, as a dessert at dinner, or any old time of the day. I found that it tasted better the second day, so that makes it wonderfully make ahead.Pumpkin Crumb Cake with Maple Bourbon Glaze

1¾ c. flour

1 t. baking soda

2 t. ground cinnamon

1 t. pumpkin pie spice

1/8 t. ground cloves

½ t. kosher salt

½ c. vegetable oil

½ c. sugar

½ c. packed dark brown sugar

1 15-oz. can pumpkin puree

2 large eggs, room temperature

¼ c. milk, room temperature

Crumb Topping

¾ c. flour

¼ c. sugar

¼ c. packed brown sugar

1 t. pumpkin pie spice

6 T. unsalted butter, melted

Maple Icing

1½ c. confectioners’ sugar

2 T. pure maple syrup

2 T. bourbon

 Preheat oven to 425°F. Line  an 8” x 8” pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2” overhang on two sides; spray with nonstick spray. .

 For the cake: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, cloves, and salt together until combined. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs and milk together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then fold everything together gently just until combined and no flour pockets remain.

 Pour into prepared pan.

 For the topping: Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice together until combined. Stir in melted butter with a fork until crumbs form.

Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F and then reduce the temperature to 350°F. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 30-40 minutes.

Lift cake from pan using parchment paper overhang and place on serving plate. Slide the parchment out from beneath the cake and drizzle on glaze.

 Make the glaze: Whisk glaze ingredients together until combined and smooth. Cover tightly and store at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I think this tastes better on Day Two.

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Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake Three Ways

Happy first day of fall!  With the coming season I’ve been experimenting with pumpkin coffeecake recipes.  Unsure whether I preferred a crumb topping to a streusel topping, I took a survey of family and friends to see which was the most popular.  After months of research (okay, two days, if you must know), it was a tie.  It seemed both toppings were equally loved.  Huh, I thought to myself.  Maybe I can come up with a recipe that uses both.  And I did.  This scrumptiously delicious coffee cake employs the use of both crumb and streusel toppings…or not.  Have it your way as they used to say in the commercials of a popular burger chain.  I made it with the streusel topping as a filling and topped it with crumbs.  But you can just use the crumbs, or just use the streusel, or break up the streusel and use half as a filling and the other half on top.  Can you say versatile?  It’s simply delicious, any way you slice it.

Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake Three Ways

STREUSEL TOPPING/FILLING

¼ cup flour

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons butter

¼ cup chopped pecans

CRUMB TOPPING

2 cups flour

2 sticks butter, softened

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1 Tablespoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon vanilla

COFFEECAKE

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 cup pumpkin puree

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon Buttery Sweet Dough Flavor*

Preheat oven to 350°F Spray a 9” x 9” square cake pan with Pam.  Line pan with parchment paper, leaving 2 extra inches overhanging the sides.  Spray parchment paper with Pam.

FOR STREUSEL TOPPING/FILLING:

Place all ingredients into the work bowl of a food processor; pulse until crumbly.

CRUMB TOPPING:

Mix all ingredients together until crumbly:

FOR COFFEECAKE:

Combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter and sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in pumpkin, vanilla extract, and Buttery Sweet Dough Flavor (if using). Gradually beat in flour mixture.

OPTION #1 – STREUSEL TOPPED COFFEECAKE

Spoon batter into prepared cake pan. Sprinkle Streusel Topping over batter. BAKE for 45 to 50 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.

OPTION #2 – CRUMB TOPPED COFFEECAKE

Spoon batter into prepared cake pan. Bake for 15 minutes.  Remove pan from oven and cover top completely with crumb mixture.  Return to oven and bake an addition 35-35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.

OPTION #3 – CRUMB TOPPED COFFEECAKE with FILLING (Pictured)

Spoon half of the batter into prepared cake pan.  Top batter with filling (streusel).  Cover filling with remaining batter.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and sprinkle the crumb mixture over cake.  Return to oven and bake an additional 35-35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.  Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.

 *If you don’t have this (and what a shame if you didn’t), just use 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring.