As the holiday season rolls around, I love to have really simple but totally delicious recipes in my back pocket. Things for which I can keep the ingredients on hand throughout the season and whip up in short notice, or for those occasions when my grand and elaborate plans become completely unfeasible – either through time constraints or, frankly, just because I can’t manage. … [Read more...] about Smoked Cheddar Cheese Log with Pepper Jelly
Starters
Burrata with Pickled Cherries and Hazelnuts
I adore burrata. I know it has become sort of ubiquitous and some might say overplayed, but when I see it on a menu, I almost always order it. The delicious springy mozzarella with the oozing stracciatella cream filling lends itself to so many amazing accompaniments. I started my burrata journey with roasted tomatoes, like this smoky tomato version, but quickly learned the joys … [Read more...] about Burrata with Pickled Cherries and Hazelnuts
Spinach, Artichoke and Brie Spread
What is more classic at a Christmas party than spinach artichoke dip? Remember when serving it from a hollowed out round of bread was the height of party innovation? I wanted to create a familiar classic with an updated twist, so I added in creamy brie cheese for a little extra punch and richness (it is the holidays after all). A spritz of lemon, a little garlic, leafy parsley … [Read more...] about Spinach, Artichoke and Brie Spread
Pumpkin Whipped Feta with Dukkah
Pumpkin season is upon us and I wanted to create something seasonal and special, with a modern and unique twist. I love the simple idea of whipping cheese to a creamy spread and topping it deliciously, like my Whipped Feta with Za’atar Roasted Tomatoes. Here I’ve given it a perfect seasonal touch, salty, tangy feta blended with earthy pumpkin. The burnt umber color looks … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Whipped Feta with Dukkah
Wine-Soaked Camembert with Honey Brown Butter
In aid of an ongoing research project, I recently acquired a cookbook from 1969 written by Helen Gurley Brown called Single Girls Cookbook. Helen Gurley Brown was the editor in chief at Cosmopolitan Magazine for 32 years and as such had a huge influence on women – how they perceived themselves and how they were perceived. She wrote Sex and the Single … [Read more...] about Wine-Soaked Camembert with Honey Brown Butter