Stromboli and a Divine Dessert

I've been wanting to bake for a while since I've been so busy. It's a nice way for me to be in control of my surroundings and make what I want. One of my favorite meals from when I was a kid was my Dad's stromboli because it was made with his homemade bread with yummy fillings. I have roommates, friends and a boyfriend who have been waiting for me to make this as well. I take my Dad's basic white bread recipe and split it in two. I use half to make a stromboli and the other half to make a loaf of bread that makes delicious french toast.

Stromboli:

This was the dough after it had already rose once. It was at least double the size of when I first started it. I then punched the dough down to reform it.

I cut the dough in half and formed one loaf of bread, I let that proof again while I was getting the dough ready for the stromboli.

To make the stromboli, I took a rolling pin and rolled the dough to a long rectangular shape.

I then started layering on the dough down the center. I used provolone cheese, followed by hard salami and then finished it off with ham.

I cut one inch increments down each side of the stromboli so that I could layer them to get a nice braided effect on the top.

I then layed it on a pan sprinkled with corn meal so that it wouldn't stick, coated it with an egg wash and then baked it. It turned out golden brown and delicious.

The bread turned out well too.

While I was making this, I also made cupcakes which were AMAZING. If you are looking for a way to dress up plain chocolate cupcakes and you like peanut butter this is the way to do it. 

I used a basic chocolate cupcake recipe. I actually am a huge fan of the Hershey's Chocolate Cake recipe. I think it always turns out well, is super moist and is very easy to make. However the real winner of this cupcake is the frosting. If anyone knows me, they know I'm not a huge frosting person. This frosting on the other hand is ABSOLUTELY delicious. It makes this cupcake awesome and is really delicious. I borrowed it from a baking blog I found, Glorious Treats. Her frosting is divine and totally worth making.

Peanut Butter Frosting

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup smooth peanut butter (chose a peanut butter with no added sugar)

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon heavy cream (or milk)

Beat the butter until smooth.  Add the cream cheese, and continue to beat until smooth and fully combined with the butter.  Add the peanut butter and beat until well combined. Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue to mix until the frosting is smooth. Add in the cream, and beat another 30 seconds.  Frost cupcakes.

Teresa came over again to help me taste test and drink some wine. What girl doesn't need a glass of red wine and some chocolate after a long week. If you like peanut butter, seriously try this recipe. You won't regret it!

Happy Baking!