My Dad's favorite tree, the Japanese Maple - leaves, tho wet, are still intact. As we speak, Mother Nature is busy in the midst of her "cooking up a storm" efforts. Mine, alas, will come a little later today as the energy rises here in NJ. Storm energy initiates a wide array of responses in people, doesn't it? Some people panic, some burrow, some nest, some respond by attaching to the surges in environmental energy with bursts of creative … [Read more...]
Crazy for Scones: The Toasted Coconut, Lemon-Almond Scone
Some of you may know that my Twitter name is "Crazy for Scones" and I am sure none of you who read this blog on a regular basis would be surprised at that. I don't frequent Twitter on a regular basis as I am still a novice at trying to figure out the relative value of all of these social networking vehicles. I am firmly a member of the dinosaur generation and am barely treading water in this regard. One day I hope to get the Twitter thing down … [Read more...]
Biscotti Binge – Apricot, Almond and Toasted Coconut Biscotti
Well, ever since I wrote the post last week about wanting to open a Biscotti Shop in Florence I have had Biscotti on the brain. It's too far away from Christmas, so that can't be it. Today is a good day for experimentation, so I got to work. I had my recipe for Lemon-Almond and Toasted Coconut Scones on my mind so I decided to try this combo in a biscotti - and add dried apricots for fun. Here is what I did: The Apricot, Almond and … [Read more...]
Sunday Morning – The Incredible Gift that is Store-Bought Puff Pastry
The Honey-Enhanced Quick Cinnamon Roll (sans nuts because of you know who) and the Quick Pain au Chocolat with Orange In Pastry School we spent days and days making Puff Pastry from scratch. This is a noble endeavor - one not to be forgotten. I was crushed when the two batches which I brought home and froze were ruined last October in our freak storm - our power was out for a week. I have dreams about making puff pastry from scratch … [Read more...]
Pears and Ginger – Perfect Together; the Importance of Intoxication
This is my definition of perfectly ripe pears! Typically in Fall, apples get most of the attention, with the other seasonal fruits falling below on the totem pole. I adore apples and use them in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes. However, I mentioned a few posts ago that I have been researching a lot of recipes with Pears - to indulge in the fruit itself and to work with the best of the best matches - like the ubiquitous Pears … [Read more...]
Michael Ruhlman on Passion vs Inspiration – In the Kitchen and in LIfe
This is what the cold dew does to these blooms! Omg, I think my Morning Glories are on their last legs! Ouch! This is very sad for me. I love just checking on them every morning when I walk out to the garage - they've become like my little pets....... Ok, I know... There are still many buds on the plants but I think tonight it's going down to 34F and today could be it! I may actually cover them up. It's definitely looking like … [Read more...]
Isn’t Life Sweet? – Maple, Bacon and Brown Sugar Scones
Just so you know, the two pieces of that title are not meant to be related - even though as you read along, I suppose you could construct an argument where they would be......... And, please notice that there are two new pictures on my slide-show (thanks to Bill, of course!) Some days I wonder where my resolve to keep at this blog comes from. Inspiration can come from the most uncommon sources.... For example, today I remembered a … [Read more...]
A Plum Life
Seriously, can being obsessed with food, experimenting endlessly with recipes - savory and sweet, following the best of food media, adding to my collection of cookbooks and food implements (currently obsessed with Burleigh mixing bowls), trying out restaurants wherever we go, and conspiring to travel to the great food venues of the world be anything but "A Plum Life"? I don't think so.......... I can hardly believe it is September 3. I am … [Read more...]
The Cinnamon-Sugar Scone
I have had to travel back to NJ several times this Summer to deal with some medical issues with my beautiful and precious dog, Kit. This past week, I found myself with some idle time and needed to keep myself busy. Having one or both of the kids at home is always a good excuse to get experimenting in the kitchen. I did a lot this weekend. I was fooling around this morning trying to get something in the oven before my daughter, Christin left … [Read more...]
The Beneficiary
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...]