Recent Posts

Everyone loves a homemade baguette

February 17, 2013October 18, 2016 baking, bread

I started baking bread with a wonderful book, Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day by Zoe Francois. I tried several recipes and was in general very pleased with the results. The breads had nice flavor, a custardy crumb, and a good crust, although a bit chewier than I would've... Read More

How To Mains Recipe

Pizza Night

February 17, 2013January 11, 2017 Italian, Mains, pizza

Tonight, my hubby and I had "pizza night," our regular date in the kitchen with a bottle of wine and an assortment of toppings, whatever struck my fancy while out shopping. We do this at least twice a month, and it's why I'm such a snob when it comes to... Read More

Breads and Baking Recipe

Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

February 16, 2013January 11, 2017 bread, Italian, pizza

I really love pizza. Honestly, who doesn't? Even the cheapest, most generic slices are tasty. But when you've got a perfectly thin, crisp, flavorful crust with just the right amount of toppings, pizza is food magic. And it doesn't stop there. Pizza dough is versatile and can be used for stromboli,... Read More

Mains Recipe

Making Paella at Home

February 16, 2013January 11, 2017 chicken, chorizo, Mains, paella, rice

I had heard that paella was a difficult thing to make. While I enjoy tapas, I can't say that I have any great understanding of, or experience with, Spanish food. I know I like Spanish cheeses (Manchego is one of my faves) and Spanish wine. I know I love Serrano... Read More

How To Sweets

Madeleines

February 13, 2013September 1, 2016 baking, breakfast, cakes, cookies, sweets

For years, my favorite snack to go along with my Starbucks grande vanilla latte, was a package of madeleines. These little shell shaped cookie cakes are delicate, spongy and delicious, so I knew I had to make them. Wouldn't you know it, these babies are pretty easy to make and... Read More

How To

Superbowl Macarons

February 8, 2013July 29, 2016 baking, cookies, macarons, pastry, sweets

Happy Superbowl! In honor of the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers, I give you Superbowl macarons. I was planning on attempting the Italian method macarons again, so when my hubby and I decided to host a Superbowl party, I figured it was time for more macaron experimentation.... Read More

How To

My New Challenge, Italian Meringue Method Macarons

February 8, 2013January 11, 2017 baking, cookies, macarons, sweets

When I started making macarons, I researched recipes everywhere. I decided to start with the French meringue method, but there are several ways people make these darling treats. I've been a little obsessed with Pierre Herme, every classic french pastry recipe I've researched recently has referenced him and his techniques, so... Read More

Recipe Sweets

My Current Macaron Recipe Plus Tips/Tricks

February 5, 2013October 10, 2017 baking, cookies, macarons, pastry, sweets

It took an entire week to find a macaron recipe that consistently worked. Once I started making French macarons, I couldn't stop. I wanted to try new flavors, new colors, new techniques. For a few months it was an obsession. I dragged my husband across New York City and tried... Read More

How To

The Great Macaron Challenge, Part 4

February 4, 2013January 11, 2017 baking, cookies, macarons, sweets

It was nearing the end of my week and after three days in a row creating disappointing macaron disasters, I had finally gotten it right. I successfully made my first macarons! The Great Macaron Challenge was finally complete! Unable to eat another pistachio macaron, I went back to vanilla and... Read More

How To

The Great Macaron Challenge, Part 3

February 4, 2013January 11, 2017 cookies, macarons, sweets

I did not title this series the Great Macaron challenge for nothing. They say "the third time's the charm," and I was hoping it was true. After two days of macaron failures, I was bound and determined to get these cookies right. Boy, was I in for a disappointment.... Read More