Chocolate Amaretto Pots de Creme
These rich, luscious pots of chocolate creme can be made ahead and refrigerated. Just take them out a few minutes before serving. Garnish with amaretto-laced whipped cream and candied violets....
View ArticleCarrot and Almond Cake
Ingredients ¼ cup olive oil + extra for the pan 3 cups roasted almonds 3 medium eggs, separated 1 ¾ cups confectioners’ sugar Juice and finely grated zest of a lemon Pinch of salt 10 oz. carrots,...
View ArticleDivine Flourless Chocolate Cake
Ingredients 12 ounces dark chocolate (minimum 70% cacao), chopped 6 eggs, separated 2 sticks butter (8 oz.) 1 ¼ cup sugar You will also need: Small saucepan 10″ Cake pan or 12 individual ramekins...
View ArticleIndividual Fruit Gratins with Almonds and Kirsch
Ingredients 1 cup superfine sugar ½ cup honey 1 vanilla bean 2 ½ cups water 2 ¼ pounds fresh stone fruits (such as peaches or apricots), peeled ¾ cup powdered sugar 1 ½ cup finely ground almonds 10 T...
View ArticleFruit Clafoutis
Ingredients 1/2 pound fruit (fresh cherries are traditional) ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup almonds, ground to a fine powder (almond flour) Salt 2 eggs 2/3...
View ArticleFlaky Crusts for Pies and Tarts
Ingredients 2 ½ cups all-purpose (plain) flour 1 t. fine-grained sea salt 1 T. sugar 2 sticks (1/2 pound) butter, cut into 1 T. pieces About ¾ cup cold water You will also need: Food processor with...
View ArticleChoosing Strawberries
(1) Buy strawberries that are in season locally. Look for organic or at least pesticide-free. (2) When it comes to strawberries, bigger is usually not better. I really like the small berries that are...
View ArticleTips for Buying and Serving Cheeses
When buying cheeses: (1) Look for a good, reputable cheese monger and make sure they offer samples. (2) Take your time in the cheese shop – study the signs, the descriptions and the visual...
View ArticleRoasting Beets
One of my favorite vegetables throughout the winter and early spring is beets. I like to roast them and serve them simply with a honey vinaigrette dressing. Of course, they are also good in salads, as...
View ArticleBi-Rite Ice Creamery
So, have you tried the salted caramel ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery yet? OMG!!!! It has such a deep caramel flavor, with that touch of salt – exquisite! It is made using organic Straus family...
View ArticleQuick Breakfast Preserves
Note: These breakfast preserves are best when made with fruit that has gotten a little too ripe to eat plain. It is a great use for that fruit you were just about to throw out. Serve it with...
View ArticleFruit Galettes
Ingredients For the crust (makes 3): 2 ½ cups all-purpose (plain) flour 1 teaspoon fine-grained sea salt 1 Tablespoon sugar 2 sticks (1/2 pound) butter, cut into eight pieces About 1/3 cup cold water...
View ArticleIndividual Souffles with Fresh Fruit and Cognac
Ingredients ¼ pound strawberries ¼ pound raspberries 3 fresh apricots 1 large fresh peach ½ cup superfine sugar Juice of 1 lemon 3 T Cognac 6 T. butter, softened 1 cup superfine sugar 10 egg yolks, at...
View ArticleBruschetta with Strawberries, Yogurt and Lemon Verbena
This recipe is quick and easy and healthy, too! Ingredients 4 slices of thick country bread Good quality extra virgin olive oil 1 cup fresh, seasonal strawberries, coarsely chopped About 6 medium...
View ArticleBalsamic Strawberries with Cracked Pepper and Creme Fraiche
First of the season strawberries are in our local Bay Area farmers markets. Not only do they taste great, but they are so nutritional, as well – packed with Vitamin C, magnesium, Vitamin A, potassium...
View ArticleOld-fashioned Strawberry Shortcakes
I loved this dessert as a child. We made it often in the summertime to feature the wild strawberries that grew near my grandmother’s farm. We used whipped cream for the topping then, but I have...
View ArticleSummer Fruit and Almond Tart
It is the perfect time of year to make this easy and delicious summer tart. You can use any kind of ripe fruit. Mix the fruits or choose just one. I used yellow nectarines, blueberries and...
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