I’ve spoken many times before about my desire to produce perfect baked breads and rolls, and my all-to-frequent failures with yeast, kneading and patience. But my quest for easy, no fuss, no fail breads and dinner rolls is an on-going adventure. Sometimes I hit, sometimes I miss, but this recipe is definitely a hit. Instant yeast and the stand mixer make idiot proof rolls like … [Read more...] about Honey Black Pepper Cornmeal Dinner Rolls
Spiced Apple Torte
Recipes in my life go around in circles. I used to make a version of this apple dessert when I was just starting out in my first apartment, when a springform pan was considered exotic kitchen kit. I don’t know where I originally found it, but I imagine it might have been in my mom’s extensive file of apple recipes. My mother loves a good file folder, and when the apple tree my … [Read more...] about Spiced Apple Torte
Chicken with Cider and Tarragon
It’s possible I am jumping the gun a little bit here - but I am ready for fall, even if the temperature outside still says summer. Soups, stews and braises, rich flavors and hearty, comforting dishes. And in that spirit, I offer this perfectly autumnal chicken stew, redolent with crisp apple cider and herbaceous tarragon. This recipe takes a heavy cue from the cooking of … [Read more...] about Chicken with Cider and Tarragon
Roasted Rosemary Grapes with Goat Cheese
Grapes are, I think, so unexpected in any form other than right off the stem for a snack. My parents always had a colander full of grapes near the sink, and the grandkids would snack off them constantly. So grapes have been sort of stuck in the realm of kid food to me, but this sophisticated dish dispels that idea quick smart. It has the effortless sophistication in food that I … [Read more...] about Roasted Rosemary Grapes with Goat Cheese
Super Simple Focaccia with Gorgonzola and Walnuts
There is nothing like freshly baked bread, of any kind. And there is a real pride when you manage to do it yourself. That being said, I find a lot of traditional bread recipes a little too intimidating and technical for me, so I am always looking for the easy way out. Hence this unbelievably simple method for making focaccia. The base recipe comes from the fine folks at King … [Read more...] about Super Simple Focaccia with Gorgonzola and Walnuts
