Food, Photography and Bons Mots
In Spain, Esta es La Pera is a popular idiom used to describe a particularly enjoyable experience. Literally translated, it means “This is the pear.” So, in the spirit of this season when pears shine, here is a “no fuss” dessert that showcases one of the best…
Milk Duds. Abba Zaba bars. Sugar Daddies. Atomic Fireballs. (Atomic Fireballs?! Yikes!) Candy memories and Retro Candy. Who knew it was a thing? I didn’t. But, then, I recently came across this recipe for a Banana Cake With Malted Milk Ball Garnish. Malted Milk Balls!…
In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, news sources are filled with colorful anecdotes about her life. One such story describes wild strawberry picking in the pine forests that surround Balmoral Castle. (No. Wait. That sentence didn’t come out right. “Wild strawberry picking”…
This is a spectacular little spice cake for just about any time of the day. (I’ve done personal research.) The spices in the cake really sing, reminding me of the spicing in a good cup of chai. The cake is moist with a fine texture.…
Pie crust. Let’s see a show of hands from those of you who love love love the taste of a crisp and flaky homemade crust but find making it challenging–particularly during these hot summer months when those pea-sized balls of butter that are critical…
This Lemon Raspberry Cornmeal Cake is a sweet little dessert. It’s easy to prepare and I can personally attest to the fact that it is delicious any time of the day. It’s pretty, too, with tart jewel-red raspberries suspended in the pale yellow cake. It’s…
These Raspberry Shortbread Bars are sublime! The shortbread melts in your mouth and the raspberry jam is, well, raspberry jam. This recipe comes from Joanne Chang’s cookbook, Flour. You can buy the cookbook at your local bookstore or on Amazon here. Chang is also the author…
Every place in the world deserves a good chocolate chip cookie. Am I right? These Chocolate Chip Cookies With Ras el Hanout are right out of the Middle East. The recipe comes from New York Times Food Writer Nargisse Benkabbou and can be found on…
I know. It’s another cake. This Strawberry Almond Flour Cake is just too delicious (and interesting) to delay sharing. And, anyway, it is finally strawberry season here in Southern California. Interestingly, no wheat flour is involved here. It’s just almond flour and a small amount…
Nutmeg has long been highly valued–sometimes commanding astronomical prices. In 14th century Europe, a pound of nutmeg could set you back seven fat oxen! Wow! Nutmeg’s story begins early. According to food historian Harold McGee (On Food and Cooking), nutmeg is known to have…
