Years ago at some restaurant in New Orleans, I honestly cannot remember where, I had a dessert of Tarte à la Bouillie . I ordered because I was intrigued by the name and that it was billed as a creole custard tart. I like to order anything that smacks of a local specialty. That one was fanicied up with fruit sauce and whipped cream and what not. It was lovely, … [Read more...] about Tarte à la Bouille (Cajun Custard Pie)
Sweets
Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Bars
I actually love to cook on vacation. I love shopping at grocery stores and food markets in foreign climes. On my most recent trip to London, I was tasked with bringing dessert to a dinner party, and though the rented flat kitchen was spacious and very nice, it wasn’t particularly well equipped. No mixer, one baking pan, one mixing bowl. I wanted something that had a nice … [Read more...] about Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Bars
Strawberry Cardamom Shortbread Tart
I may save your Valentine’s Day with this one (or a dinner party or a potluck…). If you forget to order the decadent chocolate hearts or couldn’t deal with making the complicated layer cake, here is a lovely sweet and thoughtful dessert for your valentine. This remarkable tart couldn’t be easier to make and uses staples you can keep around the house, but it is … [Read more...] about Strawberry Cardamom Shortbread Tart
Chai Caramel Swirled Brownies
Make no mistake, these are some decadent brownies, not for the faint of heart. But we could all use a little indulgence when winter sets in. And these are, to me, a sort of winter brownie. A classic, deep fudge-y chocolate with a rich caramel swirl, warmed up with the spices redolent of a cup of chai tea. And it is easy to create that oozing swirl with readily available canned … [Read more...] about Chai Caramel Swirled Brownies
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
