Napkins I prefer cloth napkins; I have a drawer filled with them and use them for more than special occasions, but not as often as I would like. Somehow I find that a fine napkin, like a piece of china or good silverware make my meal just a bit better — perhaps...
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Bocadito I wish I had a photograph of the group of Cuban women, gathered around the table and standing in the kitchen, chatting away, as music serenaded them, while they cut crust off of bread and prepared sandwiches for a party that I remember as if it were yesterday. Glenda’s family knew...
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Russian Teacakes The first time I went to Greece, I brought home Greek almond and butter cookies, Kourabiedes, which are encased in powdered sugar; they are absolutely delicious! Soon thereafter, Melody introduced me to Russian Teacakes, a very close cousin, if not sibling of the Kourabiedes; since then Russian Teacakes have been a...
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It is Fruitcake Weather! I used to order at least one fruitcake a year, from Collins Street Bakery, in Texas, for my Mother, who loved fruitcake! One year, I decided to bake one, and suddenly gained an entirely new appreciation for the much maligned confection; not only does a good fruit cake...
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Pillsbury Doughnuts When I was in 6th grade, my Mother introduced me to Pillsbury doughnuts. She was in charge of a fundraiser for Missionettes, which was the Assemblies of God’s equivalent of Girl Scouts. I believe we were raising money for camp. She had long spoken to me of the glory of...
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Aunt Helen’s Jam Cake Year’s ago, my Aunt gave me the above clipping, sharing with me that she had once won a recipe contest, with her Mother’s Jam cake. I had lost the recipe, but my cousin kindly shared it with me, and I now with you! “Here is the recipe mom...
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It Became a Birthday Cake The Best Chocolate Cake Ever I know this is most likely the least attractive photograph I have ever posted; but it perfectly captures the most remarkable chocolate cake, I have ever made. I could not believe how flawlessly the cakes came out of the pan – their shape, density,...
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Gazpacho I love gazpacho! It is the perfect summer time soup and a great way to take advantage of garden bounty. Gazpacho is a staple of Andalusia, in southern Spain; but it is enjoyed anywhere a discerning pallet can be found. Traditionally associated with peasant fair, it is thus a very forgiving recipe,...
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So Much More than a Ricotta Pie Crostata di Ricotta I found the original recipe, for this dessert, in The Cooking of Italy. I have made a few changes, but essentially this is a recipe from ancient Rome. It is labor intensive, but worth the effort. You will need a large spring-form pan,...
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The Hot Brown As the Kentucky Derby approaches, I thought I would share the “Hot Brown” with you. While I am not normally a huge fan of turkey, this sandwich certainly knows how to dress it up, to where it is past delicious. I am not offering you my own recipe, as I would...
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