Throwing a party and need some culinary inspiration? Imagine the joy in your guests’ eyes as they indulge in American Girl-inspired treats—each bite like a warm hug from your childhood. Whether you’re channeling your inner Samantha with dainty tea cakes or baking with the bold spirit of Addy, these recipes promise a sprinkle of nostalgia and a whole lot of flavor.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add milk to the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut out biscuits using a round cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each biscuit and fill with a spoonful of jelly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, then let cool slightly before serving.
- Free Chocolate Chip Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine sugar, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled and cubed
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup jelly or jam of choice
- Free Chocolate Chip Brownies:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
FAQ
- Why are Molly’s applesauce cupcakes dairy-free?
- During World War II, ingredients like sugar and butter were scarce. Molly’s family used applesauce as a substitute for sugar and butter, giving the cupcakes a delightful apple-pie scent and making them dairy-free.
- What was Samantha’s experience with cooking in the early 1900s?
- Even girls from affluent families, like Samantha, were encouraged to learn cooking and hosting skills. Samantha enjoyed making jelly biscuits, especially using the sifter and cutting the dough into round shapes.
- How did Blaire Wilson address her lactose intolerance in “Blaire Cooks Up a Plan”?
- Blaire, who couldn’t digest dairy, felt left out because she couldn’t enjoy the same snacks as her classmates. Her friend Eli made dairy-free chocolate chip brownies, allowing her to partake with everyone and feel included.
- What historical context influenced Molly’s cupcake recipe?
- During WWII, common baking ingredients like sugar and butter were rationed, leading families to use alternatives like applesauce. This necessity shaped recipes such as Molly’s applesauce cupcakes.
- How does understanding history enhance the experience of baking these recipes?
- Baking these recipes connects us with historical moments and practices, allowing us to recreate and appreciate the culinary adaptations and stories from the past.
Tips
- When making Molly’s applesauce cupcakes, consider using applesauce as a substitute for sugar and butter to provide a delightful apple-pie scent and make the cupcakes dairy-free.
- For Samantha’s jelly biscuits, remember that using a sifter can help achieve a smoother dough, and rolling it out evenly is key to perfectly shaped biscuits.
- If you’re catering to someone with lactose intolerance, like Blaire Wilson, try making Eli’s dairy-free chocolate chip brownies to ensure everyone can enjoy a delicious treat without discomfort.
Equipment
- Cupcake/Muffin Pan – For baking Molly’s applesauce cupcakes.
- Sifter – Used in Samantha’s jelly biscuits to sift the flour.
- Rolling Pin – For rolling out the dough for the jelly biscuits.
- Biscuit Cutter – To cut the biscuits into round shapes.
- Brownie Pan – For making Eli’s dairy-free chocolate chip brownies.
