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,…
Tag: desserts
Balsamic: The Real Deal or Knock Off?
Did you know that real aged balsamic vinegar actually costs anywhere from $75 to $400 or more? Here are a few reasons why: Balsamic vinegar is NOT like other vinegars. What defines vinegar is the fermentation of alcohol — typically wine but also beer or cider — into acetic acid. Red wine vinegar, white wine…
Dutch Baby: The Eggsellent, Super Easy, Delectable, Dutch Delight
This Pennsylvania Dutch cross between custard, pancake and semi-sweet popover is puffy and roundish on the 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 cream. The…
Make Something Beautiful: Apple Walnut Maple Custard Tart
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 Magical Properties of Herbs & Spices: The Mysterious & Prosperous 6
We’ve devoted a post to foods that boost good luck and fortune for the New Year. Even an appetizer recipe as a formula for good luck , but what about herbs and spices? Ancient Pharaohs laid in their final resting places filled with spices of various kinds blended by the perfumers’ art. Plumes of ritualistic, burning…
7 Prosperous Good Luck Foods for the New Year
“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…
Guest Chef Christmas Cookie Exchange! Marsha’s Chocolaty Double Peanut Butter Gems
I’ve posted these golden chocolatey gems before, but in the light of the season and their deliciousness I’m reblogging Marsha’s goodies. Why are these yummies double delights? Because they start with a chocolate peanut butter cup enveloped in creamy peanut butter cookie dough. Talk about mega peanuty flavor! These amazing chocolaty, golden, sweet treats are great in…
Culinary Reflections “Travels Through Christmas” by Jackson Stones
“Travels Through Christmas” by Jackson Stones Through my work and holidays I have been lucky to have traveled to many countries. Some of these were during the Christmas period, so I thought of recalling some of those memories here. I remember some of the Christmas dinners, yet as I was writing this I noticed how…
Christmas Gift Ideas: “Lovely Layers in a Jar” White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Cookies with Oats
I’ve always loved the idea of giving and receiving layered dry baked goods in a Mason jar. They can be safely tucked away in the pantry for later use, once the sweetness of the Holidays are through and one needs a gentle, delightful reminder of the over and done festivities. Simply print out the recipe,…
Christmas Fare of Film & Song “Figgy Pudding” from “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” & a little history
Christmas Tradition ~ Figgy pudding is a very old Christmas tradition. Also called Christmas pudding, it is traditionally made on the Sunday before Advent. This was called “Stir-Up Sunday”. Making good old time Christmas foods is much easier today than it was in the distant past. To make an old favorite, like Figgy pudding, one…
Once Upon a Spice 