on the patio today - Summer and Fall juxtaposed Today's post is about straddling the line between what is left of Summer and the early inklings of Autumn. I thought the title, "Summer Side of Life" was a good image of where I'm trying to stay right now - all the while knowing that Autumn is pulling us in, for sure. I am resisting acknowledging how early it is getting dark now. I thought it was bad on Cape Cod, where the sunsets are so … [Read more...]
Continuing to Enjoy Great Peaches – The Peach-Cornmeal Upside Down Cake
Today we were invited to my sister-in-laws and brother-in-law's for lunch. This gave me a great excuse to get into the kitchen and bake something yummy. I have not had enough baking activity this Summer and I am more anxious than usual to get going. I have been thinking about a nice peach cake for awhile now and being that I am still hoarding peaches, I went to work. Here is what came out of the oven today: THE PEACH-CORNMEAL UPSIDE … [Read more...]
The Incredible Sensory Pleasures of the Well-Done Bakery – at PB Boulangerie
perfection! Ok, so I have been on a little hiatus from my blog for a few weeks. This morning, however, I happily and easily resumed my writing as I had the perfect subject and the best of motivation........... There are few things that make me happier or are more inspiring than visiting a great bakery, especially in this country. Having been thoroughly spoiled this Spring in Paris, I came home with a particularly jaded view of the art … [Read more...]
I Bake, Therefore I Am; The Ginger-Peach Pound Cake
image courtesy Wikipedia.org Thank you to René Descartes, who in 1637 wrote the phrase, "I think, therefore I am". I won't go into all the background, philosophical and otherwise on this but, you know this famous stuff, right? Suffice it to say, that on days like today when it's (unexpectedly) raining steadily, I get to wondering about some things - some existential questions about myself and who I "am". Gone are the days when my life … [Read more...]
What’s a Baker to Do? The Case Against Freezing; Keepin it Fresh!
Laduree, Paris March 2013 - sight of daily visits with Ryan Reading last week's article on macaroons in the Dining Section of the New York Times made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. In the article, Pierre Hermé makes the statement, "Any pastry chef who says he doesn't freeze his macaroons is a liar". Wow, I said to myself, Pierre Hermé? I heaved a great sigh and wistfully thought back to my Mom's and Grandmothers' kitchens where … [Read more...]
Been Draggin’ My “Buns” Around – 59F is the new “Great, Perfect” for me! – The Blueberry-Banana Scone
The heat this Summer has hit me hard and I've been draggin' my "Buns" around for the last few weeks. Everything has seemed like some great effort - not my usual demeanor. I was even beginning to wonder if I didn't like cold weather better than hot! What?? Yikes, that's scary! So, you can imagine how I was surprised and elated when I awoke this morning and checked the weather here. 59F! I was, what? WOW! - this is great, perfect! Knowing … [Read more...]
The Lavender and the Peach – Toasted Coconut, Lavender and Peach Scones
Next Stop - Provence, home of millions of fields of lavender - (photo courtesy Relais et Chateaux) Toasted Coconut, Lavender and Peach Scones Ok, my wanderlust is kicking in big time again now and in my dreams, I am going to Provence next. I adore the movie, "A Good Year" with Russell Crowe. If you haven't seen it, do. It's lots of fun and it will make you want to go, if you are anything like me - and pick up the life these lucky … [Read more...]
Cherries Jubilee!
sour cherry ice cream from laugingduckgardens.com I'm Celebrating Cherries! Ok, truth be told, I have a feeling that today is the day for Kate and Will to have their baby - I don't know why, I just feel like it is. And so, in honor of this blessed event and the great Queen Victoria, the monarch for whom Cherries Jubilee was invented by no other than Auguste Escoffier, I am celebrating today with this recipe, and cherries in … [Read more...]
Resolve vs Passion = Not Destined to be Thin Anytime Soon – Banana-Blueberry-Swirl Muffins
New Jersey's Finest from the Summit Farmer's Market on Sunday Every day I awake with renewed resolve to get back onto my healthy-eating regimen - the one where I eliminate sugar and grain from my diet............ And then, as my big cup of coffee begins to take affect, my mind starts working. Some days I can direct myself off of the baking thing and focus on great savory dishes - (see below) sans anything "bad". Some days, well that just … [Read more...]
“Green” with Envy – For the Love of Farming
Fresh and very juicy sliced Yellow and White Peaches for my pie last night - they were perfection! Once again - you know I tend to "go on" about a few issues in this blog. Sometimes I wonder if it weren't just a little dangerous to put this vehicle in the hands of someone like me - to have this outlet for saying a whole bunch of things that I'm feeling. But, oh well, this must be what it felt like back in colonial times when the free … [Read more...]
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