Here at Resolve Works we care deeply for our clients and our team members. We pride ourselves on our core values and each and every team member goes above and beyond to live and breathe those values in order to be the best; the best company, the best employees, the best humans. We carry our values throughout our lives and now we want to bring them into your life, specifically, your kitchen!
On this page, you’ll discover the values that inspire us, learn a bit about each team member, and explore the delicious recipes they believe best represent those values.
- Appetizers + Starters
- Entrees
- Bread & Baked Goods
Our Core Values
Appetizers + Starters
Kate Graff, Senior Accountant
Core Value: Do What You Say
I chose “Do What You Say” because Honesty is incredibly important. Our clients trust us with their business, their money and their future, so it is equally as important that they can trust us as individuals. Saying what you mean and doing what you say are the core foundations of honesty and go a long way toward building and maintaining trust with our clients.
How does the recipe connect Resolve Work’s core value of “Do What You Say”?
The title says it all – it truly is the BEST Buffalo Chicken Dip!
Ingredients:
- 3 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
- cooking spray
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 11⁄2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1⁄3 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 3 stalks green onion, green parts only, thinly sliced
Directions:
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Step 2: Place chicken onto a large sheet of foil and sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Wrap foil
around chicken to form a pouch, sealing it around the edges. Place foil pouch onto a rimmed baking sheet. - Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let stand for 15 minutes to cool slightly.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish with
cooking spray. - Step 5: Stir together cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce in a large bowl until well combined.
- Step 6: Roughly chop or shred cooked chicken. Add to cream cheese mixture along with Cheddar cheese; stir to
combine. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with blue cheese. - Step 7: Bake, uncovered, until bubbly and golden around the edges, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let
stand for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions and serve.
Holly McLemore, Accounting Associate
Core Value: Culture of Caring
I love to help people and feeding them is my love language.
How does the recipe connect Resolve Work’s core value of “Culture of Caring”?
Sharing is Caring… my husband and I have always loved to feed everyone. We like to entertain and serve really fun and yummy foods. We also like to take food to families and friends that have had health issues or a loss in their family. Serving them and helping them makes me feel better. This is one hearty Soup to make anyone feel better.
Ingredients:
- 4 Large Chicken Breast
- 4 Cups of Chicken Broth
- 2 Salcks of Celery Chopped Fine
- 2 Carots Grated
- 2 Zuccini Slied Thin
- 1 Bag of Eggless noodles
- 1 Bag of Jack Cheese
Directions:
- Step 1: In a large pot cook Chicken breasts until done, take chicken out of broth and let sit.cool off.
- Step 2: I use my mixer to shred the chicken but if shredding by hand you will want it to cool off first.
- Step 3: While chicken is cooling bring the broth to a boil and add vegetables and cook for about 15 – 20 minutes.
- Step 4: In a separate pot cook the noodles, Don’t cook in the broth it makes the soup too starchy.
- Step 5: Once you have the noodles done and the chicken shredded ass them into the pot of veggies and broth,
- Step 6: Let it cook on low for a little while to meld all those flavors.
- Step 7: You can add the whole bag of cheese to your pot and stir it until it all melts or you can add it to the individual serving. (I used to do it in the pot but it is hard to clean off after and not everyone likes cheese.)
- Step 8: Serve with crackers or bread so you get every last drop of broth!
Miranda Lodermeier, Accounting Associate
Core Value: Seek the Better Way
My son was born five years ago and in that time we have painstakingly narrowed down over eight (yes eight!) food allergies. Learning how to completely change my cooking in order to accommodate the specific dietary needs of someone I love has been so incredibly rewarding! I now have a cookbook of my own that includes many classic recipes “with a twist.”
How does the recipe connect Resolve Work’s core value of “Seek the Better Way”?
I have Sought the Better Way making a delicious one-pot crock pot taco cream cheese dip that is dairy, egg, and soy free because having sweet and savory together is always a great combination!
Ingredients:
- Two – 15 oz can black beans
- Two – 15 oz cans undrained sweet corn
- One – 28 oz can fire roasted, diced tomatoes
- One – entire jar of cumin (usually around 2.3 oz)
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder (or sub two cloves of fresh garlic, grated)
- 2 Tbsp onion powder
- One – full tub of Kite Hill Dairy Free CHIVE cream cheese (8.0 oz)
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- OPTIONAL: 1 tsp cayenne
- 1 bag of tortilla chips
Directions:
- Step 1: Dump all the ingredients (except the cream cheese and chicken) into your slow cooker and give them a really good mix.
- Step 2: After everything is mixed well, place each chicken thigh into the pot so that they are all fully covered.
- Step 3: Scoop out and plop the cream cheese on top of your dip (don’t bother mixing it in at this point).
- Step 4: Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Step 5: After 4-5 hours take out all of your chicken thighs and shred them with a fork. At this point, the cream cheese is also melty enough to stir into the pot, so give that a good mix as well. Return your chicken back to the pot, gently fold in, and you are ready to serve!
- Step 6: Optional, but really not optional: add that cayenne! Why do I list it as optional? I have a five-year-old!
This recipe is very versatile. You can use it as a dip for chips, as a filling for tacos, on your morning eggs if you are not allergic, or you can add broth and a little dairy free cream to make a dippable taco soup. The sky’s the limit!
Brett Benson, CFO & Director of Client Accounting Services
Core Value: Do What You Say
I focus on following through on my promises in every aspect of my life, including my work with Resolve Works. Though I, and surely nobody, has a perfect record in this regard, it is important for me to see the drive in others to maintain a sense of follow-through. Too many people are quick to promise when they lack the capability to deliver, and when I find myself in that position I strive to make things right as soon as I can.
How does the recipe connect Resolve Work’s core value of “Do What You Say”?
If you are going to talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk. You also have to eat tacos. At Resolve Works, trusting each other to complete the tasks at hand for our clients or internally for our team is critical to our success, and we need to be able to rely on each other to see things through to the end. We are all learners, we all rely on each other, and nobody has all of the answers, so seeing things through can often be a team effort. But the goal remains the same – to stay true to our word and do a great job for our clients.
Ingredients:
For the Tacos
- 1 lb. ground beef or chicken
- 1 package taco shells or soft tortillas
- Homemade seasoning (see below)
For the Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Tor the Toppings
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños
- Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for serving
Directions:
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together all seasoning ingredients. Store in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. This makes about 2 tablespoons of seasoning—the perfect amount for 1 pound of meat.
- Step 2: Cook the ground beef or chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
- Step 3: Add the taco seasoning and follow the instructions on the package (usually this involves adding some water and letting the meat simmer).
- Step 4: While the meat is cooking, prepare the toppings. Put each topping in a separate bowl and place them on the table.
- Step 5: Heat the taco shells or tortillas according to the instructions on the package.
- Step 6: Once everything is ready, invite your guests to “do what they say” by assembling their own tacos. They have to walk the talk by picking only the toppings they claimed to like in their tacos.
Entrees
Kayla Thomas, Executive Administrator & Accounting Associate
Core Value: Authentic and Honest
This core value holds meaning for me because working for Resolve Works has truly allowed me to be my true self and holds space for me to be honest when I am not understanding something or feel like I need assistance. This goes both ways as well as I feel my leadership team truly is transparent and honest with me whether they are offering constructive criticism or they are sharing information about structural changes or employee and client headlines. I always feel in the loop and I always feel confident I will be heard.
How does the recipe connect Resolve Work’s core value of “Authentic and Honest”?
I chose an authentic Indian dish: Chicken Vindaloo for my recipe. It is full of flavor and I have to be honest, ITS SPICY!
Ingredients:
- 2 Pounds Chicken, bone-in, skin on, large cuts Bone in chicken thighs, drumsticks
- 1 Cup Onion Yellow or white, Chopped (about 150gms)
- 1 Tablespoon Oil
- Salt as per taste adjust as per taste
Vindaloo Curry Paste
- 10 Garlic cloves or more if you love garlic.
- 1 inch Fresh ginger
- 10 Kashmiri chillies – whole or Bydagi Chillies or Paprika.Check notes for more.
- ½ tablespoon Black peppercorn
- ¼ tablespoon Mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 6 Cloves
- 5 inch Cinnamon stick
- ½ Cup White distilled vinegar white or red wine vinegar or Coconut vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 tablespoon Sugar or Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Directions:
- Add everything listed under vindaloo paste to a grinder or a blender- whole chilies, garlic, ginger, sugar, salt, pepper, mustard seeds, turmeric, vinegar, cloves and cinnamon.
- Blend it till it’s smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of water, if needed, to help make the paste.
- Your Vindaloo curry paste is ready. You can refrigerate this for 2-3 weeks
- Marinate the chicken in the curry paste for at least 15 minutes. It’s best if you can do this for 12-24 hours.
- Heat the 1 tablespoon oil in a pan on medium-high heat.
- Once heated, add the onions. Cook till they are golden translucent whitish pink.
- Add all the marinated chicken along with the marinade.
- Add 1 cup of water to the bowl the chicken was marinated in. Get all the leftover marinade.
- Add the water to the chicken in the pot. Give it a mix.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 40-45 minutes. Open the curry and mix it a few times in the middle.
Shanna Rinehart , Accountant
Core Value: Seek the Better Way
I feel better when I eat better. It’s easy to eat fast food that isn’t healthy. We’re inundated with commercials advertising high fat, high sodium, high additive processed foods daily. We don’t always feel good eating these foods, and it gets expensive, but there often doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to cook.
By finding tasty recipes that make us feel good and using appliances like slow cookers and pressure cookers, we can save time in preparing and enjoying healthier meals.
Resolve-Work’s core value, “Seek the Better Way,” captures the essence of learning and cooking: work smart, strive for improvement, and aim for optimal solutions.
How does the recipe connect Resolve Work’s core value of “Seek the Better Way”?
For a long time, I ate foods that were familiar and tasted good but made me feel sick. By learning how food fuels our bodies, and tailoring recipes to my specific needs, I am seeking a better way.
Ingredients:
Bowl
- 1 cup quinoa (red white or mixed), rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- cilantro
- grated carrots
- cherry tomatoes
- avacado
- black beans, rinsed
- cooked, shredded chicken (leave out if vegan)
- brussel sprouts, shredded
Sauce
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup canned garbanzo beans, rinsed and peeled
- 1/3 cup frozen shelled edamame, cooked
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3/4 cup filtered water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 chipolte peppers, in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1.2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions:
- Pour rinsed quinoa and stock of choice in a medium saucepan that has a tight fitting lid. Bring to a boil. Once the quinoa has begun to boil, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 25 minutes or until all liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork and set aside.
- In a food processor blend all the sauce ingredients until creamy texture is achieved. This should take about 5-10 minutes of blending. Store in your refrigerator for up to two weeks in a jar with a tight fitting lid.
- To assemble bowl, toss the quinoa with the sauce. Top with a generous amount of vegetables and chicken. Garnish with cilantro and a little more sauce.
Jillian Mittelmark, CEO & Founder
Core Value: Seek the Better Way
I chose “Seek a Better Way” because it speaks to the spirit of continuous improvement and innovation at Resolve Works. It reflects our drive to question the status quo and explore new paths that lead to better outcomes for our clients, our team, and ourselves. To me, this value means never settling for mediocrity, but always striving to find creative, thoughtful solutions that elevate what we do. It’s about seeking improvement in both small and large ways, with the understanding that every thoughtful decision can have a meaningful impact.
How does the recipe connect Resolve Work’s core value of “Seek the Better Way”?
Puttanesca Beans is a vegetarian twist on the classic pasta puttanesca, traditionally made with anchovies. By reimagining the dish to be plant-based, it aligns with the “Seek a Better Way” value — taking something familiar and making it healthier and more inclusive without losing the rich, comforting flavors that people love. This dish is quick, simple, and packed with bold flavors, embodying the idea that finding a better way can also be efficient and delicious. Just as we strive for excellence and creative solutions at Resolve Works, this recipe offers a better way to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal while embracing healthy, plant-based food choices.
Ingredients:
This dish is packed full of flavors and is the perfect comfort meal for a chilly day. It’s vegetarian, quick, easy and delicious. ENJOY ❤️
- olive oil
- white or red wine
- balsamic glaze
- 1 red onion, finely sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red chili, deseeded & finely chopped
- 3 tbsp capers
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 190g (a whole jar) kalamata olives, pitted
- 700g jar butter beans
- 15g fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 4 slices crusty bread
- salt & freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Step 1: Heat a good glug of oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Once hot, add the red onion and fry for 8-10 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Add the garlic, red chili and capers and fry for a further minute or so, just to soften.
- Step 2: Next, stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, kalamata olives, a pinch of salt and a good grind of black pepper. Bring the pan to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, until slightly reduced. Add the beans, along with their liquid, and continue to simmer for a further 4-5 minutes, or until the sauce is thick and glossy. Add in the wine to taste and let simmer until fully absorbed. Stir in the parsley, then taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
- Step 3: Brush each side of each slice of bread with a little olive oil. Griddle or fry over a medium heat, until golden and toasted. Generously spoon the puttanesca beans over the toast, then finish with a good crack of black pepper, a dribble of balsamic glaze and a sprinkling of extra parsley.
Bread & Baked Goods
Jessica Garcia, Senior Accounting Associate
Core Value: Culture of Caring
I resonate with the culture of caring because relationships are first in my life and my work. Wholehearted service to others begins with caring about an individual, being empathetic and wanting to see the best outcomes for them.
How does the recipe connect Resolve Work’s core value of “Culture of Caring”?
What better says “I care about you” than sharing a warm, homemade chocolate-chip cookie? A culture of caring starts with community and service to others.
Ingredients:
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
Directions:
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees,
- Step 2: Blend sugars, butter, and wet ingredients.
- Step 3: Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl.
- Step 4: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
- Step 5: Add chocolate chips last.
- Step 6: Mix on medium for one minute.
- Step 7: Place tablespoon sized balls of dough 1-2 inches apart on baking sheet.
- Step 8: Bake at 350 degrees for 11 minutes.
Paula Bata, CFO
Core Value: Culture of Caring
I love all the core values and it was hard to choose just one. However, High Bar of Excellence resonated with me the most because if one strives to do everything with excellence in mind, whether it be at work or in other facets of life, that will likely incorporate the other five values. In other words, if one is connecting the dots, doing things the better way, working in a caring, authentic and honest way, and doing what they say, they will meet the high bar of excellence!
How does the recipe connect Resolve Work’s core value of “Culture of Caring”?
Lemon Bars meet the high bar of excellence for many occasions!
And, if you’re given lemons in life/work, by adding other ingredients (collaboration with co-workers, connecting dots, caring, honesty) you can turn lemons into lemon bars.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1/3 cup butter
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 1 cup gluten-free flour blend (my blend or Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1)
- 4 tablespoon half and half (or heavy cream or milk)
For the Lemon Layer:
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup gluten-free flour blend ( Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1)
- 2 teaspoon fresh shredded lemon zest
- 3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
Directions:
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Position rack in center of oven. Line a 8x8x2 inch pan with parchment paper; set aside.
- Step 2: For the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add ¼ cup of the sugar and beat till combined. Add 1 cup of flour, and half and half, and beat till crumbly. Press the flour mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes or just till golden brown.
- Step 3: For the Lemon Layer: In a medium mixing bowl, combine eggs, the remaining 3/4 cup sugar, flour, lemon zest, lemon juice and baking powder. Beat for one minute on high. Pour over hot baked crust.
- Step 4: Bake an additional 20 minutes, or until light brown and the center is set. Cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
- Step 5: Refrigerate for an hour before cutting into bars.
- Step 6: Optional: When cool, if desired, sift powdered sugar over the top.
- Step 7: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Extra Notes:
- See the notes in the post for increasing the amount of lemon filling.
- Use fresh lemon juice (not bottled). Bottled lemon juice can sometimes make things gel-like or gummy.
- Don’t pull them out of the oven too early, or you’ll have a glob of a mess. Even if the tops are dark brown (which is okay, you’ll dust powdered sugar on top and pretty them up).
- Let them set in the refrigerator for at least an hour, so they set up properly.
Miranda Lodermeier, Accounting Associate
Core Value: Seek the Better Way
My son was born five years ago and in that time we have painstakingly narrowed down over eight (yes eight!) food allergies. Learning how to completely change my cooking in order to accommodate the specific dietary needs of someone I love has been so incredibly rewarding! I now have a cookbook of my own that includes many classic recipes “with a twist.”
How does the recipe connect Resolve Work’s core value of “Seek the Better Way”?
I have Sought the Better Way by taking chocolate cake and making it nut, dairy, egg, and soy free, but still SO utterly heavenly and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup avocado oil
- 1 Tbsp vanilla
- 2 cups water
- 3 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- (Optional) 1 ½ cup Enjoy Life chocolate chips
Frosting
- 1.5 bags of Enjoy Life chocolate chips
- 1 small full can of coconut cream (usually 5.4 oz)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Use whatever vegan butter you prefer to coat all sides of your pans so the batter won’t stick. I use one 9×13 pan. You can also use three 8 or 9 inch cake pans.
- Mix the first three (wet) ingredients and set aside.
- Combine the next five (dry) ingredients and mix well. Add these to the wet ingredients and stir to combine. DO NOT WHISK. It is okay to have some lumps in the cake batter, as long as all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- If you want to add the chocolate chips at this point, go for it. Sometimes we do, sometimes we don’t!
- Bake for around 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Add both frosting ingredients to a pot over very low heat. Stir until the chocolate chips are fully melted and incorporated with the coconut cream. This may take around 10 minutes. At this point, remove the frosting from the stove and spread over your cake! It will be warm and thin but as the cake cools the frosting will set to a ganache-like texture. Enjoy!
Holly McLemore, Accounting Associate
Core Value: High Bar of Excellence
I chose a High Bar of excellence because I always strive to do everything better than the last time.
How does the recipe connect Resolve Work’s core value of “High Bar of Excellence”?
Every year for Christmas I make this Special Bar – Not only is this a bar of excellence but the bar is set pretty high because everyone who has ever been gifted some anticipate these goodies all year round.
Ingredients:
- 1 Box of Gram Crackers Crumbs
- 2 Cans of Sweet & Condesed Milk
- 2 Sticks of Butter
- 2 Cups of Chocolate Chips
- 1 Bag of Coconut Flakes
Directions:
- Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees
- In a greased 8×10 pan melt 2 sticks of butter
- Pour box of Gram Cracker Crumbs and mis with butter.
- Use the bottum of a glass cup to pack down firmly.
- over the top of the gram cracker pour evenly 1 of the cans of sweet milk.
- Pour the 2 cups of chocolate chips on top of the milk covered cracker crumbs.
- Pour the bag of cocnut over the top of that.
- Lastly pour evenly the last can of sweet milk on top of the coconut.
- Bake for 45 – 55 minutes or until golden brown.
Jennifer Hagstrom, Chief Operating Officer
Core Value: Authentic and Honest
It is a wonderful thing to say that I see my colleagues engage in this Core Value on a regular basis and in action during Team meetings, emails and phone calls.
How does the recipe connect Resolve Work’s core value of “Authentic and Honest”?
Few things are more authentic to a Washington state summer than a warm blackberry pie or cobbler and that’s the honest truth!
Ingredients:
Pie Filling Ingredients
- 8 cups (approx. 1kg) mixed berries*
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons (15g) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pie Crust Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for shaping and rolling
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 2/3 cup (130g) vegetable shortening, chilled
- 1/2 cup (120ml) ice cold water
Directions:
Pie Filling Instructions
- Step 1: With freshly washed blackberries that are well rinsed and dried on paper towels, gently mix the berries with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and pure vanilla extract. Set aside and begin to make the Pie Crust.
Pie Crust Tips
- Flour: Start with quality flour such as King Arthur All Purpose Flour.
- Enhances the flavor.
- Butter: For that unparalleled buttery flavor and flaky layers.
- Vegetable Shortening: For structure and stability. More on this below.
- Ice water: Liquid brings the dough together. Some recipes call for half water and half vodka, because alcohol doesn’t promote gluten formation, which helps the crust stay flaky and tender. Basically, it’s a gift to anyone who accidentally overworks dough. If you want to try using vodka, use 1/4 cup (60ml) each cold vodka and cold water in this recipe.
Pie Crust Instructions
- Step 2: Whisk the flour and salt together in a large bowl.
- Step 3: Add the butter and shortening. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter and shortening into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal (pea-sized bits with a few larger bits of fat is OK). In this step, you’re only breaking up the cold fat into tiny little flour-coated pieces; you’re not completely incorporating it. Do not overwork the ingredients.
- Step 4: Measure 1/2 cup (120ml) of water in a cup. Add ice. Stir it around. From that, measure 1/2 cup (120ml) of water, since the ice has melted a bit. Drizzle the cold water in, 1 Tablespoon (15ml) at a time, and stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon after every Tablespoon has been added. Stop adding water when the dough begins to form large clumps.
- Step 5: Transfer the pie dough to a floured work surface. Using floured hands, fold the dough into itself until the flour is fully incorporated into the fats. The dough should come together easily and should not feel overly sticky. Avoid overworking the dough. If it feels a bit too dry or crumbly, dip your fingers in the ice water and then continue bringing dough together with your hands. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle on more flour and then continue bringing dough together with your hands. Form it into a ball. Use a sharp knife to cut it in half. If it’s helpful, you should have about 1 lb, 8 ounces dough total (about 680g). Gently flatten each half into 1-inch-thick discs using your hands.
- Step 6: Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 5 days.
- Step 7: After the dough has chilled for at least 2 hours, you can roll it out. Work with one crust at a time, keeping the other in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roll it out. Lightly flour the work surface, rolling pin, and your hands, and sprinkle a little flour on top of the dough. Use gentle-medium force with your rolling pin on the dough—don’t press down too hard on the dough; you’re not mad at it! When rolling dough out, start from the center and work your way out in all directions, turning the dough with your hands as you go. Between passes of the rolling pin, rotate the pie crust and even flip it, to make sure it’s not sticking to your work surface. Sprinkle on a little more flour if it’s sticking; don’t be afraid to use a little more flour. If you notice the dough becoming a lopsided circle as you’re rolling it out, put down the rolling pin and use your hands to help mold the dough back into an even circle. Roll the dough into a very thin 12-inch circle, which is the perfect size to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Your pie dough will be about 1/8 inch thick, which is quite thin. Visible specks of butter and fat in the dough are perfectly normal and expected.
- Step 8: Because your dough is so thin, use your rolling pin to help transfer the pie crust to the pie dish. Carefully roll one end of the circle of dough gently onto the rolling pin, rolling it back towards you, slowly peeling it off the work surface as you go. Pick it up, and carefully roll it back out over the top of the pie dish. It’s helpful to watch how I do it in the video below.
- Step 9: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and pie crust is cooked through. Set the pan on a wire rack, then cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy!
Sources:
Sally’s Baking Recipes
Pie Filling: Sally’s Baking Recipes
Paul Siegel, CFO
Core Value: Connect The Dots
As a provider of accounting services to our clients, it is incumbent that we always step back, review the entire landscape and make sure things are accurate and correctly. This is sometimes simply stated at “Connecting the Dots”.
How does the recipe connect Resolve Work’s core value of “Connect The Dots”?
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is randomly sprinkled with dots. As I mentioned above, we are expected to work diligently for our clients to do the right work, accurately, and timely. The chocolate dots in the Banana Bread represent all the items we need to perform, and as such, we must connect the chocolate chips “dots” to perform our core value!
Ingredients:
- 3 Ripe Bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened or melted
- 1 C Sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- 2 C Flour
- 1 tsp. Baking Soda
- 1/4 tsp. Salt
- Optional- 3/4 C Chocolate Chips
Directions:
- Step 1: Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- Step 2: In a bowl first combine sugar and butter. Blend with a mixer. Add in vanilla, eggs. Next add in bananas and mix ingredients for about 30 seconds until well combined. Add flour, soda and salt. Once the batter is all combined fold in chocolate chips if you like. Pour batter into greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
- Step 3: Cool and enjoy!
