Italian bakers have had a few secrets that have been up their sleeves for a very long while - in their case, that would be centuries. For those of you like me, who peruse and remember all of the nostalgic and delicious cakes that Italians make, in particular around the Spring and the Easter Season, you will note that there is one ingredient that is common among many of them. And yet, when it comes to our day-to-day baking, American-style, this … [Read more...]
The Amaretti and the Macaron – A Most Versatile,Timely and Delicious Cookie
and Friday's child Gluten-Free Craze...... Passover....... Amaretti....... Can a cookie with only three ingredients and purportedly born in 8th Century Venetian monasteries be as relevant or perhaps even more so today? There are many times when we get into the pastry kitchen and, aside from the individual task at hand, the bowls, the ingredients, the process and outcomes, one can, if one listens closely, become embroiled in the … [Read more...]
“Don’t Speak Hillary, Just Go!” Winter Gets a 3-Day Eviction Notice – The Triple Ginger, Apricot and Mango Scone
eastern view this morning Ok, St. Patrick's Day has come and gone and there are now 3 days until the Vernal Equinox. Winter, you've had your allotted time and now it's time to go. Don't try sneaking in at the end here and making up for the weeks that you were lolling around. "Don't speak Hillary, just go!" I imagine myself delivering this line out the window just as profoundly-dismissively as Katherine Hepburn does in "Guess Who's Coming … [Read more...]
The Most Vulnerable of Seasons – The Orange and Nutmeg-Scented Strawberry Crumb Cake
Last night before the new and later dusk, I ran around outside like a fussy old Mum, doing a few last chores to try as I might to tidy up and protect whatever I could before the big snow. Year in and year out, we begin to sense the transition into each of the new seasons, well before they may actually arrive. Little signs and feelings heighten the senses for the attuned, and we can feel what is coming as the earth, air and elements … [Read more...]
It’s February, After All – The Gluten-Free Snow Cone Scone with a Cherry on Top!
yesterday and today Yesterday it was 60F and sunny outside. I was elated but not deceived by the tease. I knew what was coming by the headache I woke up with. But, Harley and I took advantage and I hit tennis balls to her for a long while. She was happy and so was I. This morning I awoke to the already arrived so-called "blizzard" careening up the coast. The forecast was for 8-12" and blizzard conditions here and there. "It is … [Read more...]
Remembering My Mom’s 10 Year Passing with A Study of the Great Victoria Sponge
Tomorrow, February 9th, is the 10th anniversary of my Mom's passing, as I like to think of her, onto her beautiful, sun- drenched kitchen in the sky. I am thoroughly certain that she is there, happily baking away on a daily basis, as she did while she was here with us. Of all the ways I could think of to honor and remember her at this time, baking a cake in her name seems to be the best. This post is dedicated to her. Mom with … [Read more...]
That “Ina” Zest for Life – The Blueberry Cornmeal Cake with Lime
image courtesy 92Y I am a proud student of Ina Garten. I have been for many years and for many reasons. This morning at around 5 am I was lucky enough to watch the video of Ina Garten's visit last night with Danny Meyer at the 92Y. It was the perfect way to start my day on an up note - instead of watching the news! I love Ina - as you all know by now. Her enthusiasm for what she does, her self-deprecating sense and keen … [Read more...]
“A Pear is Never Better than Just Before it Goes Bad.” – The Saturday Pear Cake
The Saturday Pear Cake The quote, "a pear is never better than just before it goes bad" is from Mimi Thorrison's recent book, French Country Cooking - a book I am paging through slowly and absorbing every word, recipe and sentiment of, up into my pores. To me, her life is idyllic - she lives in a gorgeous part of France, Medoc, has an eye for great and beautiful things, and whiles away her hours cooking, baking, playing with her kids and … [Read more...]
In January It’s Apples and Oranges – An Apple Torta for a Cold Winter Day
this morning - looks serene doesn't it? On one hand, where I live, January can be as brutal as can be. Frigid, nasty and day after day of dreary grey. Some years it's sunny and beaming for days on end and dry as a bone. The brightness, especially gleaming off a fresh snow is so uplifting. I prefer the latter of course. You see where I'm going here - from one year to the next, the month of January can be a mix of apples and … [Read more...]
Eat, Walk, Eat; Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock Holmes and In Search of Galette des Rois
my very own Pithivier, circa April, 2011 ICE Culinary W 23rd St. Yesterday morning as I sat down to write, I knew exactly where I was going. I began to write about the cake of the week, the Galette des Rois. Even though it is traditional for this cake to begin to appear in France in Decembre and carry forward throughout Janvier, it tends to be eclipsed by a myriad of other seasonal treats and customs. Later, around 6 Janvier, it will then … [Read more...]
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