Detroit Free Press Recipes: Mouthwatering Favorites!

Exploring culinary delights is always an adventure, especially when it comes to savoring the rich flavors of regional American cuisine. The Detroit Free Press has long been a treasure trove of culinary secrets, featuring recipes from local home cooks and professional chefs alike. In this blog post, we'll dive into some of the mouthwatering favorites that have graced the pages of this iconic publication. These recipes not only celebrate the taste of Detroit but also bring families together over shared meals. Let's uncover these culinary gems!

Detroit-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Detroit is famous for its unique style of pizza, characterized by a thick, airy crust with a caramelized cheese edge. Here’s how to recreate this classic:

• 4 cups of bread flour
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of water
• 1 packet of active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of mozzarella cheese (preferably low-moisture)
• Pizza sauce
• Pepperoni or other toppings

Steps:

1. Mix flour, water, yeast, oil, sugar, and salt in a bowl until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size.
3. Press the dough into a well-oiled, deep dish rectangular pan.
4. Layer cheese on top of the dough, then pepperoni, and finally ladle the sauce over the toppings in stripes.
5. Bake at 550°F for about 15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

🍕 Note: Ensure your oven is preheated well in advance to achieve that crispiness.

Chef Janette’s Sweet Potato Pie

Nothing screams comfort food like a slice of Sweet Potato Pie. Chef Janette’s recipe is a beloved favorite:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• ¹⁄₂ cup of unsalted butter, melted
• ¹⁄₂ cup of white sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup of brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• ¹⁄₂ cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Steps:

1. Boil the sweet potatoes until very tender, then peel and mash.
2. Mix in butter, sugars, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes.
4. Let cool before serving.

🎃 Note: Chill the pie before serving to allow flavors to develop.

Cherry Nut Coffee Cake

This coffee cake bursts with Michigan cherries, adding a burst of flavor to your morning or tea-time:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• ¹⁄₂ cup dried cherries
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped nuts

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in egg, milk, cherries, and nuts.
4. Spread in a greased baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

☕ Note: For an extra zing, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze.

The Final Savor

As we wrap up this culinary journey through the Detroit Free Press’s archives, it’s clear that these recipes are not just food; they are history, culture, and community. From the crispy, cheese-edged deep dish pizza to the soul-warming Sweet Potato Pie, these dishes carry the stories of Detroit’s diverse populace. They encourage us to gather around the table, share, and celebrate not just the flavors but the unity that these meals represent. The flavors of Detroit are indeed mouthwatering, connecting us with tradition, innovation, and the simple joy of good food.

Where can I find Detroit-style pizza?

+

Detroit-style pizza is popular not only in Detroit but also in many cities across the U.S. You can find authentic Detroit-style pizza at pizzerias like Buddy’s Pizza or Loui’s Pizza, or check for local listings in your city.

Can I make these recipes with substitutes for specific ingredients?

+

Yes, many recipes can be adapted. For instance, if you’re lactose intolerant, you can substitute regular milk with almond or soy milk, and use a lactose-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether in recipes like the coffee cake.

Are there vegan options for these recipes?

+

Absolutely! You can veganize many recipes by using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and cheeses. For egg replacements in baking, options like flax eggs or applesauce can work well.