At the beginning of my path to being a serious cook, when I was a teenager, I used to make a Black Forest Cake, which seemed to me like the most sophisticated type of dessert. It was a chocolate layer cake with cherry filling and a rich frosting. I’d seen lots of pictures in which it was served on elegant cake stands with elaborate backgrounds. Very much the vogue in … [Read more...] about Chocolate Covered Cherry Baked Pudding
Fruit
Chicken Apple Bisque
French bistro – that’s what this soup says to me. I have no idea if this is anyway something you would find on an authentic bistro menu, but the combination of classic vegetables and Calvados brandy just seems to me like something that would be served in a simple bistro, in a big bowl, with a sliced baguette on the table. Because I find this soup has that elusive French … [Read more...] about Chicken Apple Bisque
Apple Gruyere Spread
Here’s a fun fall snack that features beautiful green apples and nutty gruyere cheese. A great spread on hearty wheat crackers, this also makes a wonderful sandwich filling that’s particularly suited to rye bread. In fact, those little square slices of party rye are great for an appetizer or little tea sandwiches. This is a basic blueprint that is fabulous on its on, but … [Read more...] about Apple Gruyere Spread
Watermelon with Sweet Pesto
Watermelon and mint are a classic summer pairing. I love it in a sorbet or a sweet tea drink. But basil is a great match with melon as well, so I worked up this sweet pesto, with the herby, grassiness of basil and a little undernote of mint. It really is a fresh taste of the summer garden. Serve the watermelon however you like – in thin wedges, big chunks or pretty … [Read more...] about Watermelon with Sweet Pesto
Peach Bourbon Buttermilk Pudding with Candied Pecans
The combination of fresh summer peaches and Southern bourbon is a favorite of mine, and I use it in savory dishes, like Peach Bourbon Grilled Pork Tenderloin, or in sweets, like Peach Butterbourbon Sauce. Faced with an abundance of gorgeous peaches this year, I wanted to create a simple, cool dessert - perfect for hot days. Lightly sweet, fresh with peaches with the tang and … [Read more...] about Peach Bourbon Buttermilk Pudding with Candied Pecans
