Clafouti. Don’t you love that word? It is pronounced klah – foo – tee. It is French, of course, a country-french dessert from the Limousin region made from fresh fruit, traditionally cherries, and a crepe-like batter. It is similar to a fruity pancake or a Dutch Baby though generally less […]
When I am in Seattle to see my children at college there are times when what we really want is a place where we can gather around a table and visit as if we were at home.
Rich with butter and topped with a simple cinnamon streusel my family’s favorite Cinnamon Coffee Cake is both basic and compelling. Warm out of the oven it is fragrant, soft and delicious. Later in the day it is a little firmer but still wonderful. This recipe, from a card dated 1973, holds the secret formula for a coffee cake we have consistently treasured in my family for decades.
Made with luscious coconut and sweet ripe bananas, Java Monkey Muffins balance delicious tropical flavor notes with a dash of ginger and a jolt of chocolate and espresso. The result is a study in happy contrasts that will brighten the start of any day!
The recipe for this festive Easter bread was developed over the years as I borrowed a bit from here, another thought from there, and arrived at a pretty braided loaf that has become a family tradition. Made from a soft flavorful yeast dough, Cardamom Citrus Easter Braid is drizzled with sweet icing and decorated with dyed Easter eggs.
If you read this blog regularly you may know that pancakes make me smile. There is something so basic and elemental about them. They are a real comfort food…
At some point, I don’t know when and I don’t know how, I started running late. This phenomenon took me somewhat by surprise. Even with small children in tow I used to be predictably punctual. My internal rhythm kept me calibrated and I tended to show up where I was […]
Swedish pancakes are a bit different than your ordinary pancake. More like a crepe, they are often filled with butter and jam, or dusted with powdered sugar. Compared to regular pancakes, making Swedish pancakes may seem like a lot of work. When considering the quality of the pancake, however, I think you will find they are well worth it
Neighborhood Fun Neighbors are the most amazing people! Some of the best things I’ve ever learned I’ve learned from neighbors, those wonderful people I might never have known if they didn’t live only a few houses from my own. Often, like those neighborly relationships, the things I learn are a […]
Last week I spent seven lovely days in Lausanne, Switzerland, a beautiful city nestled on the steep banks of Lake Geneva. The weather was perfect. The sun shone daily with occasional picturesque clouds hanging from the blue sky. The days were delightfully warm and the evenings were comfortable. It was […]
Low in fat but rich in flavor, these delicious muffins are soft, creamy, delicately nutty and mildly sweet. They are more like a good bowl of hot oatmeal than a sticky sweet coffee cake.
Begin a long distance exploration of Spain with a traditional Spanish Omelet, or Tortilla Española. It all starts with eggs, potatoes, and olive oil. In time you’ll have a lovely flat omelet, much like a frittata, prepared on the stovetop and finished in the oven. Perfect for breakfast, dinner or cut into small pieces as an appetizer.