I will admit, this idea comes from Instagram – but I don’t remember the source. I saw this in the frantic lead up to Christmas cooking and I was intrigued but didn’t really pay that much attention. Until I finalized my menu for Christmas day brunch and realized I needed something fruity on the table. Now, admittedly this is fruit soaked in wine, but it is the holidays after … [Read more...] about Mulled Clementines
Holidays
Peppermint Bark Ice Box Cake
I am really into icebox cake now, after coming up with two summer versions (lemon speculoos and ginger peach). It is such an easy way to create an impressive dessert. So it seemed natural to come up with an idea for the busy holiday season. Because the best thing about an ice box cake is that it can be made – indeed must be – made ahead. And it is a blank canvas for … [Read more...] about Peppermint Bark Ice Box Cake
Egg Nog Custard Tarts
In the busy, crazy holiday season, necessity is often the mother of invention, and this recipe is proof of that. Some years ago, after a trip to Portugal with a group of girlfriends, I worked out a recipe for Portuguese Custard Tarts. It was really an attempt to recreate a memory for my friends, but they are so easy to make and lovely to serve, that they became something of a … [Read more...] about Egg Nog Custard Tarts
Gingerbread Brownies with Buttermilk Glaze
My first introduction to “gingerbread” was the cute crisp gingerbread men cookies decorated with cinnamon candies and white icing we are all so familiar with. Few of those were homemade, and none ever did much for me. So I really never much thought of gingerbread as a favorite part of my holiday season. Those cookies sure are cute, but not much in the flavor department. But … [Read more...] about Gingerbread Brownies with Buttermilk Glaze
Holiday Spice Bread with Whipped Honey Butter
I adapted this recipe from an old community cookbook, modernizing and stream lining it a bit, but I can’t imagine its origins. Maybe Scandinavian? Or a take on a French quatre epices? A Byzantine tradition? I don’t know, but the unusual spice combination lightly sweetened with honey really sets this bread apart. I want there to be some story that this is … [Read more...] about Holiday Spice Bread with Whipped Honey Butter
