Bread

Wild Persimmon Cake topped with persimmon flowers and served on a green cake plate.

Yamini’s Wild Persimmon Cake

The delicate sweetness of ripe persimmons flavors this beautiful nut bread. The rich texture of persimmon pulp and the tones of citrus and warm spice that characterize this unique fruit make Yamini’s Wild Persimmon Cake an unexpected treat that is perfect for snack time or dessert.

A loaf of Braided Cheese Bread on a patterned bread cloth.

Braided Cheese Bread

Cheese Bread has been a favorite at my family’s table for decades. Tender and flavorful this bread is delicious served with ham, turkey or most any family or festive dinner. Shape this lovely dough into braided loaves or, if you prefer, round pull-apart rolls to serve for brunch, dinner or an afternoon snack.

Carrot Cake Bread loaves, some dotted with chocolate chips and garnished with walnut halves.

Carrot Cake Bread with a Crispy Sugar Crust

Carrot Cake Bread, spiced with cinnamon and ginger, is a delicious quick bread for a snack time treat or a casual dessert. Brush the tops of the loaves with egg white and sprinkle with sugar for a crispy crust. Scatter a few chocolate chips on top for added interest or garnish each loaf with a few walnut halves before baking. No matter the finishing details Carrot Cake Bread is an easy way to create Carrot Cake deliciousness with a minimum of fuss.

Pumpkin Sourdough Crackers on a board with cheese and apples surrounded by fall leaves

Pumpkin Sourdough Crackers

Top these beautiful autumn inspired Pumpkin Sourdough Crackers with pumpkin seeds, black sesame seeds or even brown sugar to punctuate their seasonal appeal. Served with gruyere and thinly sliced apples or pears, these make a delicious appetizer or snack.

Slices of Gingerbread Loaf on a plate topped with Molasses Whipped Cream

Gingerbread Loaf with Marbled Whipped Cream

Gingerbread is one of my favorite flavors and a great place to begin my seasonal baking. I love the combination of spices here, including sweet cardamom, spicy pepper, warm ancho chile and rich cocoa powder. A slice of this deliciously spiced bread with a cup of coffee or warm apple cider is a wonderful way to stave off the chill of the season. 

Sourdough Cracker Leaves on a wood tray garnished with a sprig of rosemary.

Sourdough Cracker Leaves

The addition of mature sourdough starter to these flatbread crackers adds an element of soul. There is an attractive artisanal quality to the large irregular cracker leaves, browned to a golden hue on the edges, flecked with choice bits of herb, cheese, seeds or salt on its surface.

A wheel of Gingerbread Scones sprinkled with coarse sugar.

Gingerbread Scones

A pinch of ginger is the perfect way to dress up favorite recipes, both sweet and savory, for the holidays. Take these fragrant Gingerbread Scones for example. The addition of warm spices and a measure of molasses add something special on a cold winter morning. They also appeal to the senses at teatime or as an after dinner treat.

Aunt Hen’s Cinnamon Toast

This is not exactly a recipe. It’s more like a memory. Or maybe a mindset, intent on those old-fashioned basics, pared down and well executed. And it’s not exactly news. It’s been written about by food bloggers everywhere, some who have great thoughts on the matter, some who get right […]

A slice of Back to Basics Cornbread topped with a melting pat of butter and served on a white plate.

Back to Basics Cornbread

The secret to Back to Basics Cornbread is frozen sweet corn. It creates a dense, soft cornbread with just a hint of added texture from the corn. This cornbread goes well with beans or chili. It is also lovely left-over, toasted and served with a drizzle of honey.