For the most part, this summer has felt like spring, and not in the full-of-flowers way. Unseasonably cool and rainy weather. Constant construction. A head cold. You’ve probably been there.
No better time to revisit a recipe that originally caused me grief at the start, but has since become part of our regular warmer weather rotation: the French classic clafoutis. Or clafouti. Let’s not be pedantic.
Read More“Mention deep-frying anything at home, and many cooks panic. Hot oil requires care, of course, but doughnuts are simpler to make than you might think.”
That’s Mark and Michael Klebeck’s advice from their cookbook “Hand-Forged Doughnuts: Secrets and Recipes for the Home Baker.” Who could imagine I’d ever worry about something in the kitchen? Especially involving hot oil?
Read More“Look! Medjool dates!”
I was way more excited about this Manhattan discovery than my good friend Gina. She just chuckled. This was eons ago at the Whole Foods near Columbus Circle, and I remember eagerly forking over my hard-earned money for the plastic lidded container.
Maybe I ate one or two dates as a snack, but the rest went into Yiayia’s date pinwheel cookie recipe. My family isn’t sure where she originally picked it up since the recipe was so different from her Greek pastry repertoire. Wherever she found the inspiration, the smell of these cookies baking always brings me right back to her warm, sunny apartment.
Read More“Are we going to have something chocolate, too?” my friend Samantha asked me.
It was Thanksgiving morning. I considered the pecan dessert another friend was bringing, the pumpkin chiffon pie in the refrigerator, the Greek cheese pie in the oven, and Sam’s own Parker House rolls still in progress. Plus the rest of the meal I’d be co-hosting. Then I responded “yes.”
Time for a wacky cake.
Read MoreI used to get angry at recipes that called for a stand mixer, mumbling some expletives before turning off my phone. It seemed like only newlyweds and professional bakers got to have these magic machines. Then Black Friday rolled around.
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