Idaho Maple Bars

So, I've been wanting to make these delicious devils for a while now.  As part of my goal this year to be more present, or in the moment with my family, I wanted to have a special breakfast for them today.  These maple bars are to die for delicious, and total diet busters...but I was really good and only had half of a small one (my other big goal this year to to lose 40 lbs before I turn 35...just under 6 months to go!)
So, just to be fair and ruin your diets as well, here is the recipe.  I call them Idaho maple bars because of a secret ingredient.  This recipe is adapted from an amazing woman named Lois Baker who I had the pleasure to know during the last few years of her life.
In order to be "present", I mixed up the dough last night, got up early to finish up, and was able to enjoy breakfast with everyone instead of cooking the whole time, or thinking ahead of all the other things I want to accomplish today.

Here's how to make them.

Gather your ingredients:
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 small potato
1 c. water
1 egg, beaten
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 tablespoon of yeast
4 cups flour
3 cups flour
Oil for frying

First, for the secret ingredient, cook one small potato, peeled and diced, in about 1 cup of water.

While that is cooking, in a small sauce pan, warm 1 cup milk, 1/4 c. butter, and 1/4 c. sugar over medium heat.  Don't let it boil, and only warm until butter is almost melted.

Once the potato is cooked, pour off and reserve 1/4 cup of the water, and then combine the rest into mashed potatoes, without adding any milk, butter, or salt.   You need 1/4 c. for this recipe.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the baking soda, baking powder, salt and yeast with 4 cups flour.  

Let the milk mixture cool, then when only luke warm, add 1 beaten egg, the 1/4 cup mashed potato, 1/4 cup potato water, and 3/4 teaspoon vanilla.

Now for the fun part, which I recommend you do with a large mixer.  Pour the milk mixture into the mixing bowl and with the dough hook, add the flour mixture about 1/2 a cup at a time.  Gradually add the full 4 cups.  Now, add approximately 3 more cups of flour, about 1/4 cup at a time until you have a very stiff dough.  Knead for an additional 30 seconds or so to make sure it is combined well.  Cover with dish towel, and let rise until double.  It took about 90 minutes for me.

Now, quickly knead the dough again about 5 strokes, and then roll out into a rectangle.  Cut into a dozen equal triangles and prick each bar with a fork 3 times.   Place on a greased cookie sheet, and let rise again for about an hour.  (Or over night in the refrigerator.)

When they are ready to be cooked, they should look like this:

Next, you fire up your oil in a pan.  I use canola oil, and make sure I let the temp rise slowly, so it doesn't smoke.  I also cover my range and counters with dish towels to reduce the mess.

Is your mouth watering yet?

Cook until each side is golden brown, trying to only turn once.   Place on paper towel covered plate to drain excess oil. 

Now, mix up your maple glaze.  Combine 2 cups powedered sugar with 2 teaspoons maple flavoring, and add just enough water so you can still stir it with a wire wisk.  I also added a about a tablespoon of real maple syrup.  

When the bars  are cool, but not cold, frost each of them liberally with your glaze.  

Yield:  One dozen.

Calories:  I don't want to know.

Family reaction:  Thrilled!!

Ready for a taste?