Desserts

My publisher made a request for an orange loaf cake – he has a fond food memory of a cake his mother baked; redolent with orange in every bite, including on top of the cake.  So off to my collection of classic cookbooks I went,…

There is a slight Goldilocks’ attitude to my preference for a summer time cake featuring fruit.  Not too dense and not to light, but a medium textured, moist cake that seems just right for a satisfying sweet treat during our late summer heat.   If…

     A walk around my neighborhood tells a tale of bumper crop lemons.  I am only seeing front yards, and they are laden with lemons!  This quick loaf cake recipe uses only the lemon rind, leaving you with options for using the juice.  I…

     Cookies are the favorite dessert in my house.  No question.  Hands down.  My family certainly enjoy other desserts; but when asked, they want a big plate of cookies set at the center of the table.  And dishes of ice cream for good measure.…

     Stay with me here, as we jump into the already crowded field of pumpkin-mania…This entry is a keeper.  I knew I was onto a winner when the batter tasted like pumpkin pie filling, before it’s baked.  With an intentional light hand with the…

     A “milestone birthday” celebration in May for my friend, Ginger, found us in the Dordogne region of southwest France.  This rustic, and fertile river valley deserves its reputation as the soul of French cuisine.  The region’s gastronomic treasures include truffles, walnuts, goat cheeses…

     Warm scones with a dollop of clotted cream and jam are a simple pleasure pretty much any time, any season.  But with Mother’s Day around the corner, these beauties will be a winner at your table, and easy enough for young hands to…

     Chocolate is my favorite, and I’m way past due on posting a chocolate something!  Since February is a big chocolate month for lots of folks, and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) brings out some French in us, this simple French-style custard seems a perfect…

     This is the time of year when I crave gingerbread.  I love the homey, warm spices and the distinctive molasses flavor.  I don’t know why I wait until winter though, as the house is cool and the molasses sure takes its own-sweet-time to…

     The arrival of November means winter baking mode begins here – especially pies and tarts, which generally take longer baking times to warm the house and fill the air with fruity-buttery goodness.   [Well that is until the juices and butter get a little…