How is cooking like writing poetry? It is, in the end, all a process of alchemy. To make a chocolate truffle or pen a verse, we begin with a bit of this and a bit of that. Soon, the happy affinity of one bit for another transforms the whole into a new creation. What we end up with is often quite delicious and so much more than the sum of its parts.
Along Cedar street in downtown Camas you will find a new shop that has this small town talking…
A few chocolate chips and a handful of chopped almonds give luscious flavor to these heart-shaped Meringue Cookies. Drizzled with chocolate, or adorned with a few Chocolate Filigree Hearts, these cookies make a pretty Valentine treat or a thoughtful gift to celebrate a special occasion.
A personalized fortune folded inside a freshly baked circle of sweet dough makes these homemade Fortune Cookies the perfect punctuation to conclude a romantic dinner. They might also serve as a thoughtful token, a heartfelt expression or simply a sweet surprise.
Served with a flavorful Roasted Red Pepper Sauce this Pan Simmered Salmon becomes an elegant indulgence. Subtly flavored by the cooking liquid, the soft smokey taste of the fish is perfectly balanced by the depth and sweetness of the roasted peppers. The fresh flavors and gorgeous color make this entree a favorite in all seasons.
Wouldn’t you like to try a mini cheese tart topped with a dusting of nutmeg and crowned with a spoonful of pomegranate arils? Delicate, sweet and savory, with a complex bouquet of spices, Pomegranate Goat Cheese Gems make a festive appetizer that delivers a luscious abundance of flavor in one pretty little bite-sized gem.
Here it is the end of February, the month I most closely associate with chocolate, and I haven’t posted about chocolate even once. I’ve thought about it. I’ve compared it, I’ve sampled it…
Did George Washington really chop down a cherry tree? Maybe. Maybe not. Still, it is as good a reason as any to make a Cherry Cheese Pie and celebrate all things February. I want to hand down the tradition, though in the transmission I am also apt to change a detail or two.
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 […]
This dough holds its shape beautifully through baking. It makes firm Sugar Cookies that are easy to work with and perfect for decorating. Topped with Royal Icing and colorful decorator sprinkles they make an attractively sweet holiday expression.
I go to Vosges Chocolat and find the inspiration to make truffles laced with the richness of vanilla cream, the exotic depth of cinnamon and the heat of two fiery ground chile peppers. I don’t have time to dip them and I don’t have the perfect garnish to make them individually gorgeous but I have chocolate and I’m making truffles and I know they’ll taste great!
Lightly steamed spears of tender asparagus are enhanced with Asian inspired flavors and nutty texture in this flavorful side dish. Asparagus with Walnut Dressing is easy to prepare yet takes a simple weeknight meal a step beyond the ordinary.