There is no doubt that it gives me great pleasure to have someone to bake for. (Not to mention then I don't feel compelled to eat said products!!!!) Since my daughter lives in Baltimore and my husband is trying very hard to stay off baked goods, Ryan tends to be the prime beneficiary these days. I guess I inherited this baking-giving gene from my Mom. On a day to day basis, my kids and my husband are the three usual beneficiaries … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2012
Raspberry-Lemon Scones
3 cups all purpose flour 1 tblsp baking powder (fresh!) 2 large eggs 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 cup sugar 6 tblsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes zest of one large lemon 1/2 cup plus 2 tblsp well-shaken buttermilk 1/2 tsp almond extract 1/2 pint fresh raspberries egg wash: one egg with a little warm water Preheat oven to 400F or 375F (convection). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large shallow … [Read more...]
A Tribute to My Mom on Her Birthday
Birthday Bouquet for Mom!!!!!! Today is my dear Mom's birthday - she would have been 90! Happy Birthday, Mom! She is the person, more than anyone else, who ignited my passion for cooking in general, and baking in particular. I owe her a tremendous "Debt of Gratitude" - the title of the cookbook I began when she was in the throes of Alzheimer's Disease. I hope I will finish this book someday and close that cathartic experience. I am … [Read more...]
Summer Solstice
Lacecap Hydrangea: Today is the longest day of the year! I look forward to this for the other 364 days! I know, that's kind of pathetic, but I do. For me, nothing is more sacred than a warm Summer day and long evening of light! I just live for this - Nice thick steaks or fish barbecued on the grill, fresh corn and tomatoes and a Blueberry-Peach Pie. Perfection. But, seriously, hopefully tomorrow night at this time I will be … [Read more...]
WANTED – Explanation for Cake Debacle
Offerings at Bernardsville Farmer's Market this morning! Baking a cake is pretty simple, right? We've all done it time and time again! Well, here's a mystery for all my pastry friends- please help! I experienced an unprecedented event on Thursday evening. I made a delicious orange chiffon cake recipe - I have a weakness for chiffon/sponge cakes, finding them both nostalgic and nice and light - perfect for Summertime desserts. I … [Read more...]
Wild Summer Berries
Does anyone not remember these from their childhood? This morning I came upon these wild summer berries in my yard. I ran for the camera, instantly having the most nostalgic memories of scoffing these down with my cousins when I was a kid. I have to confess, I don't know exactly what variety these are, but I am bound and determined to see what kind of goodies I can make with them - that is if the birds and I don't eat them right off the … [Read more...]
Fast, Flexible and Fearless – the 3 “Fs” for Success in NYC
My own "Local" Strawberry - fresh picked, perfect and delish Following up on my thoughts from over the weekend....Can one ever keep up with the food venues in New York City? I sometimes wonder if I could ever try out every decent restaurant in NYC. Can/has anyone, in a snapshot of time? Are there any other crazies who have such an ambition? (I guess that is what Restaurant Critics do --well, sort of - no, I don't think it is their … [Read more...]
Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes – from Billy’s Bakery, NYC
Adapted from recipe from Billy's Bakery in The Plaza Food Hall publication - p.33 Yield: about 2 1/2 dozen FOR CUPCAKES: Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour 1 cup cake flour 2 1/4 tsp baking powder 1 tblsp pink food coloring 1 1/2 cups strawberry puree, fresh or store bought 8 oz butter, room temp 2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 cup sour cream 4 eggs 1 quart … [Read more...]
Ramps, Scapes and Wachauer Marille
Well, yesterday I finally got to visit the food venues in the City I have been looking forward to - The Todd English Food Hall at the Plaza Hotel, The Union Square Farmer's Market, the new Agata and Valentina on University Place and the New York location of Georgetown Cupcake. I also checked out Francois Payard's West Houston St. location and, of course, Murray's Cheese. This is my idea of a FUN day. Let's just say I could do this all the time … [Read more...]
In Praise of Food Markets, Muffin Madness
My own "crop" is coming along - now to keep the "nibblers" away!!!!!! While it stands to reason that there would be more small scale, farm-to-table style food markets out where I live, it has become increasingly popular to have them in the City. This phenomenon is driven by the ever rising demand of restaurants and fastidious chefs - and the city residents get these great benefits as well. Hence the explosion of food "everything" in NYC. … [Read more...]