Pound cake got its name from its original recipe, dating back to 1796, which called for a pound each of butter, eggs, sugar, and flour. A successful pound cake should be moist, buttery, dense yet light and full of flavor. Here’s the recipe I have used for years and the one that gets the most requests,…
Category: Dessert
Dutch Baby An Eggsellent Dutch Delight!
This Pennsylvania Dutch cross between custard, pancake and semi-sweet popover is puffy around the outside and flat in the center offering the perfect nest for sliced fresh fruit, jam, preserves, apple butter or a combination. This “baby” is airy, light and makes a beautiful presentation with a little added whipped cram. The batter can be…
Apple Walnut Tart with Maple Custard
As Juliet may have lamented from the Shakespeare play “Romeo and Juliet,” “A rose by any other name would smell as an apple?” No, we won’t taint Juliet’s plea, but I am here to let you know that an apple is that of a rose, at least it is of the same family. Apples, quinces,…
The 7 Prosperous Foods of New Year’s Eve
“Out with the old in with the new.” This age old wish rings true in most every home on New Year’s Eve and Day. Why not welcome in the year proper with the addition of your favorite foods to ensure good fortune? Here are the wondrous 7 to help lead the way. Fish Fish are…
Christmas Fare of Film & Song “Figgy Pudding” from “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
Warm & Sticky Figgy Pudding Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups chopped dried pitted dates 3/4 cup chopped dried figs 2 cups water 1 teaspoon baking soda 7 tablespoons butter, softened 1 cup superfine sugar 2 eggs 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour 2 1/2-ounces dark chocolate, grated Butter, for coating ramekins Ice cream or whipped cream, for…
“Christmas I Knew” by Ken Bayliss
If you have ever read, or seen the film of Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales you have an idea of my early version of Christmas. Growing up forty miles from him, and thirty three years after him, things were not too dissimilar. The coal fire, glowing red and encouraged by my father for…
Holiday Fare of Film & Song! “The Best Pumpkin Pie” From “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
The Best Pumpkin Pie Few things say “The Holidays” than smooth, creamy, spicy pumpkin pie. I’ve tried many recipes over the years; mostly with the called for condensed milk. All were good, but always needed a mask of whipped cream to be completely palatable. “Why not put the whipped cream ‘in’ the pie?”I thought to…
The Guest Chef Christmas Cookie Exchange! Mary’s Mini Cinnamon Cookie Rolls
Mini Cinnamon Cookie Rolls These spicy little spirals offer intense cinnamon flavor and are a crispy, buttery cross between a snickerdoodle and a cinnamon roll. These are our friend Mary’s most popular requests for cookie exchanges. Mary says, “Most people say they taste like Christmas!” Grab a mug of steamy coffee or a tall glass of…
Holiday Fare of Film & Song! “Chestnuts” from “The Christmas Song” & for Chocolate Chestnut Truffle Cake
For me, Christmas would not be complete nor begin without listening to Nat King Cole croon his beloved popular “Christmas Song.” As a young girl I eagerly watched mama’s hand place the needle on the round, black vinyl and knew Mr. Cole’s tender, tenor voice would soon begin singing our favorite holiday tune. “Chestnuts…
Pick a Perfect Easter Pie: Crunchy Buttery Charleston Pecan
Pecan has always been a tremendous favorite of mine. I don’t need a holiday to make it, but Thanksgiving is when I find myself preparing it most. My go to recipe is one that I found many moons ago while dining at a, then popular, restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina called “Poogan’s Porch.” That night I…
Once Upon a Spice 