by Ariela of Baking and Books

Photo by Ariela
of Baking and Books

Some folks may think rainy days are dreary, but for me they’re just the thing - perfect for relaxing indoors and baking something scrumptious. The rhythmic beat of raindrops on the roof have such a soothing sound, tempting you to while away the afternoon with a good book, a hot cup of something, and freshly baked muffins, cookies or bread. Rarely have I been able to resist the temptation to create a day like this for myself, so I’ll put some low Frank Sinatra music on and get busy in the kitchen.

Photo by Ariela
of Baking and Books

There are two ways to approach baking on rainy days: quick and slow. Each brings its own rewards and we’ll explore the quick world of muffins, unyeasted breads, scones and cookies first. These treats require minimum effort for maximum reward, coming together in a matter of minutes then delighting you with their rich taste. From Bea’s Chocolate Pistachio and Pecan Muffins to Fanny’s Chocolate Chip Muffins, there’s a wide variety of sumptious recipes for you to choose from. I enjoy making Lemon Berry Babycakes with Cinnamon-Nut Streusel or Alton Brown’s Blueberry Muffins, baking the latter in jumbo muffin tins and increasing the baking time by eight minutes to compensate for the difference in size.

Photo by Fanny
of Foodbeam

Next time a rainy day rolls around, I may add Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins to my repertoire, or perhaps Deb’s yummy looking Apple Muffins. When it comes to quickbreads, banana bread is always popular, especially if you add chocolate to the batter to make. Strawberry Bread is another fruit-based good that’s sure to become a household favorite. I took a loaf to the office once and it lasted about ten minutes. Who can resist a bread made with almonds and crushed strawberries?

Photo by Fanny
of Foodbeam

If you’re not in the mood for muffins or quickbreads, then scones and cookies are another way to go. I believe that everyone should learn how to make scones because these easily assembled treats have acquired an undeserved air of unapproachability in the the United States. Too often I see homebakers relying on $8 scone mixes when, with a little flour, sugar and butter, they could make a better batch of scones from scratch. Delights like Blueberry-Raspberry Honey-Butter Glazed Scones, Cream Scones and Cinnamon Sugar Scones don’t come in premixed bags. And of course, the satisfaction you’ll get from doing things the old fashioned way can’t be beat!

Photo by Helen
of Tartlette

Aside from Oatmeal Cookies and variations of Chocolate Chip Cookies (Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fav) I must admit that I don’t make cookies too often. But the fact remains that they’re ideal rainy day morsels, and while searching for recipes to highlight here I came across more than a few seductive offerings. Fanny’s Chocolate Malted Whopper Drops are mouthwatering to say the least, while her Matcha Shortbreads have such a gorgeous hue and elegant presentation that indulging in these would be a pleasure indeed. Other cookies that caught my eye? Tuile Cookies, Homemade Oreo Cookies and Hazelnut Cookies. I wouldn’t mind indulging in these with a mug of steaming coffee.

Photo by Ariela
of Baking and Books

All of the above are examples of the “quick” approach to rainy day baking. Yet there is still something to be said for the more slowly assembled yeasted breads, which add the meditative act of kneading to your afternoon relaxation and fill your home with one of the world’s sweetest smells. As reknowned food writer M.F.K. Fisher once remarked: “there is no chiropractic treatment, no Yoga exercise, no hour of meditation… that will leave you emptier of bad thoughts than the homely ceremony of making bread.”

Truer words were never spoken and yeasted dough can be made into an array of incredible things. For instance, Helen’s Baked Donuts, or lightly fried Beignets and Sugar & Spice Doughnuts. I happen to love playing around with recipes for challah, so if I’m in the mood for yeasted baking I’ll often whip up a batch of Chocolate & Apricot Challah, Honey-Vanilla Challah, Apple-Honey Challah, or challah-like Pulla. There are few things more satisfying than fresh slices of these breads enjoyed on their own while still warm, or with dollops of blueberry-peach butter. In fact, the only items I bake that top this experience are Vetekrans (Swedish Tea Ring) or Sugared Money Bread. Tartelette’s Portuguese Sweet Bread may also give challah a run for its money.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this rainy day recipe roundup. Here’s to the rainy days to come and the sweet treats we’ll create while our homes are bathed in April showers!

Ariela is a graduate student who writes about her love of food (and books) on her aptly titled blog, Baking and Books.