So, what are Fairy Cakes anyway? Fairy cakes are not, as their name might imply, themed cakes designed and decorated to the liking of mystical, fantasy enthusiasts. They are, simply stated, smaller versions of cupcakes. They’re widely popular in the UK, and tend not to pile on the icing in the same way that American…
Tag: dessert
Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes & a little history
Pineapples have been around forever, right? Yes! Well, almost. In reality, canned pineapples that we use in our beloved upside down cakes were not available until 1903 when Jim Dole of the Hawaiian Pineapple Company (now Dole Pineapple) perfected a way to tin them. So where did people get the idea of putting fruit at…
Thai Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango: Kao Niow Mamuang
I know of no way to end a perfect Thai meal than with this conventional sweet rice cascading with a healthy fringe of ripe, sweet, juicy mango. Don’t forgot to save a bit of the sweet coconut milk to drizzle over the top of it all…Amazing ending, indeed. Ingredients 2 cups long-grain white sticky rice,…
Amish Baked Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal with Toasted Pecans
Baked oatmeal is a traditional, comforting Amish breakfast casserole served warm or at room temperature with copious amounts of cream or milk. Unlike regular oatmeal; made on the stove-top or microwave which has a porridge-like consistency, baked oatmeal is made in the oven and in many ways is similar to bread pudding. There are never-ending…
Gelato! Ice Cream vs il Gelato; There IS a Difference!
If you’ve ever visited Italy, you’ve more that likely had the pleasure of experiencing velvety, luscious Italian gelato or possibly an icier version similar to American ice milk gone Italian ice. Maybe you assumed the only reason it seemed richer and more flavorful than American ice cream was because you were enjoying it in the…
Got Milk? Then You Got Ricotta in Less Than an Hour!
What happens when you find the perfect ricotta recipe and there’s none to be found? Solution! Make your own! Yes, you can do it! I’ve done it several times and actually prefer the creamy texture and smooth, soft, rich taste to any store bought. I’d like to share a simple recipe courtesy of one of…
Cioccolato e Caramello Gelato Affogato
What a big name for such a simple decadent treat! Serve affogato as a dinner aperitif—one won’t spoil your appetite. Or as an after dinner treat in place of dessert.Anytime you wish to experience the harmonious blend of coffee, cream and chocolate. Let your imagination run wild with the additions: Kahlua, chocolate fudge, sprinkles, Frangelico, caramel…
Italia’s Easter Ricotta Rice Pie
This Ricotta Rice pie recipe of my Mama Carmela’s and Grandma Lena’s is dedicated to the Camarata family and to the memories of Easter Sundays spent at our cottage by the lake. This is one of our family’s traditional Easter desserts and like many Italian dolces, it is simple and lightly sweet with just…
Irish Soda Bread “American Style”
This is a sweeter, chewier, lighter and richer version of Traditional Irish Soda Bread. And, in my opinion and experience, seems to be more in harmony with the American taste. The conventional Irish Soda bread simply combines flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk; it’s not sweet and has a very dense, somewhat doughy crumb. Most…
Bailey’s Donegal Oatmeal Creme
I wish to thank all of my dear friends for seeing me through a recent, nasty bout of flu. I’m slowly emerging from the quagmire and I have much catch up to play. As the air continues to clear I will thank each and everyone of you for your support and lovely comments. You were…
Once Upon a Spice 