Do you remember pushing whole cloves into an orange to use as a Christmas decoration? We called them pomanders and I just love the smell of orange peel and clove. It speaks to me of Christmas. With a pretty ribbon pinned to the top to tie to the tree or sitting on the counter fragrancing the kitchen. But pushing those cloves into the oranges with your thumb really hurt. I … [Read more...] about Orange Clove Caramel Spread
brunch
Overnight Scones with Many Variations
Life is lurching back to gear again. Whether it’s back to school, or back to work after a vacation or just that sense that you need to buckle down now that days are starting to get shorter. The change of pace from languid summer to busy autumn can be jarring and cooking can fall by the wayside, at least for a while. And figuring out breakfast can be an afterthought. We’ve all … [Read more...] about Overnight Scones with Many Variations
Maple Blueberry Loaf
I love the combination of blueberries and maple. I know it may be a little incongruous, sweet summer berries and a flavor more associated with fall, but it is a fabulously deep and sweet combination. I tinkered around with various ideas for a loaf of quick bread or cake combining the two, and with this recipe absolutely hit the jackpot. Dense maple-y cake with pops of berry in … [Read more...] about Maple Blueberry Loaf
Pimento Cheese and Country Ham Corn Muffins
Easter and country ham go hand in hand to me. Whether it’s a large piece of ham for slicing, or sandwiched into biscuits or added to stuffed eggs. I pretty much always include it on the buffet. And of course, I pimento cheese anything. So these fun little muffin sliders are a delicious way to combine my favorite things. Moist cornmeal muffins flavored with … [Read more...] about Pimento Cheese and Country Ham Corn Muffins
Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding with Cherries
I’ve focused this month on recipes for the slow cooker, which is such a perfect way to prepare comforting winter dishes. My use of the slow cooker is generally for main dishes, soups or stews, or jam making occasionally, but over the years I have branched out. This recipe is the evolution of a very basic, simple slow cooker bread pudding that I made once for a special meal for … [Read more...] about Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding with Cherries
