I adore chestnuts and when they start to turn up in the shops around the holidays, I go a little nuts (pun intended!) and stock up. What I mean here are the ready peeled and cooked version, sold vacuum packed or in jars. They are so easy to use and so very wintery and festive. I use them in lots of savory recipes, like this lovely Roasted Chestnut Bisque or a hearty Pasta … [Read more...] about Chocolate and Chestnut Terrine
dessert
Nutella Cake with Chocolate Ganache
I cut out a recipe from a magazine ages ago that has become a real emergency staple for me – Nutella Cookies. It is literally a jar of Nutella, a cup of flour and an egg beaten together, rolled into balls and rolled in granulated sugar. It’s the perfect last minute recipe because its easy to have those ingredients always on hand. I send them to my nieces at college in care … [Read more...] about Nutella Cake with Chocolate Ganache
Strawberry Basil Chiffon Cake with Strawberry Basil Sauce
Chiffon Cake always sounds so delightfully old-fashioned to me. Maybe because chiffon just sounds like a frilly, girly, poufy tea-party dress. I always see chiffon cake recipes in older community cookbooks, in all sorts of flavor combinations. I don’t think people make chiffon cakes much anymore, but the light, foamy sponge is a treat that shouldn’t be missed. Add some fresh … [Read more...] about Strawberry Basil Chiffon Cake with Strawberry Basil Sauce
Egg Nog Bread Pudding with Hot Buttered Rum Icing
You have to love a dessert that ticks all the holiday entertaining boxes – feeds a crowd, can be made ahead and is full of festive flavor. And this dish does that in spades. Not to mention that is easy to prepare, but impressive in taste and presentation. And I’ll be honest with you, it’s hard to mess this up. I made it once thinking I’d be so smart and set the oven to a timed … [Read more...] about Egg Nog Bread Pudding with Hot Buttered Rum Icing
Hummingbird Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Pineapple Cream Cheese Glaze
I love a traditional Southern cake, but my ability to successfully make beautiful layered creations is limited at best. So I am always looking for ways to reimagine the classic layer cakes in Bundt, loaf or sheet form. I can’t make a tall caramel cake or a lusciously frosted red velvet, so I developed cheats that offer all the deliciousness without the wonky, lopsided, … [Read more...] about Hummingbird Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Pineapple Cream Cheese Glaze
