This recipe for Eggnog Pound Cake makes a beautiful Twelfth Night Cake. Baked in a decorative pan and dusted with powdered sugar, then adorned with simple white and dark chocolate stars, this cake is both pretty and delicious. What makes it particularly special, however, is that the guest who finds a chocolate coin hidden in their slice wins a small prize as we celebrate Epiphany.
Simplicity. That word has a special meaning at this time of year. As Christmas Day approaches simplicity is something I seem to physically crave. It’s not that I don’t enjoy complexity. December often begins that way with boxes of decorations to be rediscovered and arranged, a calender bursting with obligations […]
I recently came across a small discovery in the kitchen that made my day. First, I found an old recipe for Petite Cheesecakes. It is taped to a page of notebook paper in a homemade cookbook I put together when I was first married. The recipe is neatly written out […]
No matter which version you bake, the best part of making Cranberry Pecan Cookies is how surprisingly wonderful they taste! Fresh cranberries give these cookies a bright tartness that is a welcome contrast to the spicy richness of other treats on my holiday cookie plate.
This small, slightly sweet, crustless cheesecake is topped with cranberry relish and studded with pecans. Serve it with sweet wheat crackers, gingersnaps or sugar cookies for a pretty holiday appetizer or light dessert.
Is it possible for chocolate to be out of season? Chocolate has become such a common favorite it is hard to think so. Yet late in the summer, when the temperature soars, I find myself using it sparingly. Maybe I add some chocolate chips here and there but densely rich […]
The uniquely spiced fruit and earthy crunch of this Hazelnut Pear Flambé sauce lends Northwest flair to a variety of simple but elegant desserts.
A fun addition to a Halloween party, Spider Cupcakes are frosted with buttercream and decorated with legs made from pretzels and chocolate chips.
A perfectly ripe peach half, topped with Huckleberry Thyme Sauce, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of maple sugar is a perfect summertime dessert. But don’t stop there. Wild Huckleberry Sauce is also delicious spooned over pears, ice cream or meringue cookies and even pairs well with roast chicken or pork.
Yes, I know, its been done. Earlier this summer I saw Ina Garten on The Today Show with Al Roker making Affogato sundaes while Al was slipping a little extra Tia Maria into his…
This has been a beautiful weekend. Yesterday the temperature spiked near ninety degrees and the evening, spent out in the back yard, was delightfully warm. Summer is still here but not for long. It is late and autumn will officially arrive in just a week or two. Before the summer […]
This rich dark chocolate cake is low in fat but still lusciously moist and flavorful. It is just the right size for a family dinner or other small gathering. Dust it with powdered sugar, top with whipped cream or decorate it as pretty sunflower.