I think the chilly winter is a great time to host a real, grown-up dinner party. The holidays are over, school is back in session, everyone has had a chance to take a breath, and frankly, the social scene is a little slow. During the holidays, I see virtually everyone I know, at parties and celebrations, but generally only briefly, for a quick catch-up and greeting. There … [Read more...] about Pear and Stilton Soup
Fruit
Persimmon Bread
Persimmons are the brightest spot in the barren winter fruit scape. Sure, citrus is there, but I miss the reds, pinks, peach, blues, plums, purples and greens of summer bounty. But then there are these bright beauties, orange and smooth and shiny, with their frilly green caps. I have a tendency to overbuy, because I am so excited about a fresh winter fruit. And I am not … [Read more...] about Persimmon Bread
Homemade Fruitcake
I love fruit cake. I know, I know, I am in the minority. Fruit cake is one of the most maligned and made fun of foods out there. We’ve all heard the jokes about the one fruit cake that actually exists, but is re-gifted around the country year after year. I think the only thing some people like about the gift of fruit cake is the handy tin it comes in, great for storing … [Read more...] about Homemade Fruitcake
Baked Camembert with Pear, Cranberry and Walnut Relish
Baked brie with fruity toppings used to be all the rage, and the real height of sophisticated appetizers. But they seem to have fallen out of fashion a little. I rarely see them at parties or in cookbooks anymore. Perhaps the trend for simple artsy charcuterie trays have taken their place, or appetizers served on individual spoons. But just because a dish isn’t trendy … [Read more...] about Baked Camembert with Pear, Cranberry and Walnut Relish
Rosemary Pear Butter
As autumn approaches, I start to feel a little panicky about the end of farmers market season. I spend a huge amount of time in the summer preserving the bounty, through canning and freezing my favorite produce. But when I start to realize that my source for all that fresh, local goodness is going into hibernation, I fret and worry. My Saturday ritual will come to an end, … [Read more...] about Rosemary Pear Butter
