Baking Conversion Chart

I wanted a baking conversion chart that was pretty enough to display in my kitchen.  I think this chalkboard design compliments my shabby-chic  stainless steel frame nicely. Is shabby-chic still a thing? Or should I call it distressed? Weathered? A shiny perfect frame would not blend in to my well loved (distressed? weathered?) kitchen. Click […]

Gravlax with Mustard Cream Cheese

Gravlax takes some advanced planning but it’s worth it.  I like to take a plate of gravlax with crackers and mustard cream cheese to holiday potlucks.  I always make extra to eat for breakfast with cream cheese and bagels. Start this recipe 4-5 days in advance. For this recipe you’ll need: 1 pound salmon filet […]

Pepper Jelly

This is one of my all time favorite recipes!  The cumin seed adds an unexpected hit of spice to this sweet pepper jelly. Since the book containing this recipe is out of print I think it’s OK to reprint the recipe here.  BTW, if you ever see “Preserving the Taste” by Edon Waycott at your […]

Limoncello

Homemade limoncello is so much better than what you can buy in the store!  It’s sweet and lemony and isn’t the color of antifreeze.  Best of all, it’s really easy to make limoncello at home. For this recipe you’ll need: lots of lemon peel – but you only need to start with one lemon, you’ll […]

Persimmon and Cranberry Sauce

This cranberry sauce is sweet and fruity.  Persimmon tastes a bit like apricot when cooked. For this recipe you’ll need: 1 pound Fuyu persimmons 12 ounces whole cranberries 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg Peel, core and dice the persimmon into large chunks. Add the persimmon, sugar, spices and 3/4 cup water […]

Scotch Custard

This yummy baked custard uses real scotch.  I like to use a strongly flavored scotch for maximum impact. For 6 servings you’ll need: 2 1/2 cups heavy cream 1/3 cup dark brown sugar 5 egg yolks pinch salt 1-2 tablespoons scotch 1 teaspoon sugar The custards will bake in a water bath so start boiling […]

Triple Ginger Cranberry Sauce

I make this sauce every year, I love the spiciness ginger adds to cranberry sauce. For this recipe you’ll need 12 ounces whole cranberries 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger 1/4 cup candied ginger, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger pinch of salt Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.  Add 3/4 […]

Bourbon Molasses Cranberry Sauce

I love cranberry sauce and serve way too many different flavors at Thanksgiving.  This bourbon based sauce will be a new addition to this year’s meal. For this recipe you’ll need 12 ounces whole cranberries 4 tablespoons molasses 3/4 cup brown sugar pinch of salt 2 tablespoons bourbon Combine all ingredients except the bourbon in […]

Poached Egg with Truffle Toast

This decadent yet easy dish works as a hearty appetizer or as part of a fancy breakfast.  Serve it with a salad for lunch or a light dinner.  We first tried this combination at Bar Bambino in San Francisco. For each serving, you’ll need 1 egg 1″ slice crusty bread olive oil 1/2 teaspoon Parmesan […]

Spicy Sweet Paneer

This simple starter is easy and comforting.  And if you’re ambitious enough to make your own cheese it’s a great way to show off your cheese making skills. For this recipe you’ll need: Curry spice mix.  Use any blend you like.  My recipe is here. Paneer cheese Cooking oil Honey Vinegar.  I prefer sherry vinegar […]