I’ve always been a little enchanted by macarons. They are one of those things that just scream simple elegance – which perhaps is the opposite of how I would describe myself. You look at them and they are just marvelous. Plus, ever since that morning in Chicago … I couldn’t get these suckers out of…
Back in March, I had the occasion to be in NYC with a small group of friends. Being the early riser that I am, I mentally jumped at the opportunity have a little warm breakfast available when people slowly made their way into the kitchen. Thanks to a big ole chili dinner the night before,…
I love cooking for specific occasions. Cooking is great and all, but when there is a theme or purpose … it is just a million times more fulfilling. Maybe not a million, but still. I’m particularly proud of the themed Downton Abbey dinners and the Julia Child meals last summer. There is a chance that…
I almost can’t believe that I made butter on Sunday. In part because I love butter a lot … and because it was really not challenging. I’m not suggesting that I give up store bought butter on the reg but for a special occasion …. make some butter. In fact, I can’t wait to have…
It’s a good thing that I don’t work for an accounting company anymore… because my accounting of the 52 in 52 challenge for 2012… was a bit terrible. The whole point of the challenge was to try and cook new things, try some new techniques, and break out of habits. When I find something that…
As I mentioned in the documentation of my corn asparagus leek tart, I overstocked my fridge with leeks a few weeks ago … and needed to take care of the problem this weekend. When I mentioned this to my friend Meghan, she first suggested a potato and leek soup. I countered with “they all want…
A few weeks ago I bought leeks at the Haymarket market. It seemed like a good idea at the time. But then, I ended up not using them that week, and then last week I was in NYC, and well they were going to kick the bucket real soon. I’m not sure how they managed…
I’m a sucker for a good tradition. Especially one that involves heritage and the USPS. Fairly consistently for the last 7 years or so, I’ve been making Irish Soda Bread for friends and loved ones. I’m not quite sure how it got started but I remember making my first few loaves and sending them on…
I’ve been on the lookout the past few weeks for healthier recipes. I’m not exactly cooking with a stick of butter every time I hit the kitchen … but it is always nice to try and be a little more conscious. This recipe isn’t going to blow your mind like a good beef stew or…
First of all, I will start by saying I don’t have a picture of the final product. Just trust me that they look like muffins. A muffin is a muffin folks. When I remake these little cinnamon gems, I’ll update this post … maybe. But don’t hold your breath. Now for the color commentary. I…
