Some time ago, I went a little overboard in a gourmet food shop, buying up all sorts of little French and Italian goodies – the kind of things that tend to linger on a shelf waiting for the “right” time to use them. More often than not, they go bad before the “right” time comes. I bought a tiny little tube with tomato shortbread batons from France. Only after I left the store … [Read more...] about Tomato Sablés
Christmas
Cranberry Chess Pie
I am a chess pie fanatic. It was a frequent dessert at my grandmother’s house and a fond childhood food memory for me. That sweet, soft filling with a slightly grainy texture from a tiny dose of cornmeal. I love it. And I have produced many iterations over the years, from Sweet Potato Buttermilk, to chocolate in a chocolate crust to salted honey. Some … [Read more...] about Cranberry Chess Pie
Chocolate Peppermint Molten Cakes
There was a time when molten lava cake was all the rage. Fancy restaurants served it – it wasn’t really something people made at home. Then recipes were published and it became a standard dinner party dessert. Like many things culinary though, it fell out of fashion, and though everyone still loved it, it was a little embarrassing to serve it. Those pioneering restaurants took … [Read more...] about Chocolate Peppermint Molten Cakes
Lamb Guards of Honor with Hazelnut Mint Crust
Once again, I say the world is different currently. The holidays for me usually means a big buffet party after church services on Christmas Eve, and a smaller family and friends buffet brunch on Christmas morning. That isn’t going to happen this year. All the recipes I prepared last year and ideas I developed during most of this year aren’t practical. I haven’t completely … [Read more...] about Lamb Guards of Honor with Hazelnut Mint Crust
Cranberry Ginger Muffin Tree
Make anything in the shape of a wreath or a tree at this time of the year and instant celebration! So I present this lovely and charming muffin tree for the holidays. It’s bound to bring a smile to the faces of your breakfast companions, and I love how fun it is to serve it right on the baking sheet and let everyone tear-and share. These treats are something of a cross … [Read more...] about Cranberry Ginger Muffin Tree
