a no-brainer … Rustic Apricot Almond Tarts

There’s always room in the recipe file for a simple dessert.  Something you can knock out in no time, without much thought, pulling ingredients from the pantry and freezer.  One that is easy, delicious and above all things, quick.  Look no further; this is that recipe.  Puff pastry, fresh fruit or canned, a little almond paste.  Perhaps not things you have lying around all the time but certainly easy items to stash away for emergency dessert needs.  In my opinion, there absolutely are dessert emergencies.  They happen more frequently than I care to admit.

celebrate year of the dragon … Homemade Pot Stickers

Happy Chinese New Year!  Gong Xi Fa Cai!  It’s The Year of the Dragon which just sounds cool, doesn’t it?  Powerful and strong, conjuring up images of Bruce Lee and fire breathing stuff.  Last year?  The Rabbit.  Doesn’t have quite the same fierce ring, does it?  I don’t know much about the Chinese Lunar Cycle or the historic meaning and symbolism of these things but I always like the idea of a celebration.  Any opportunity to cook and eat delicious things with friends, I’ll take.

nifty perks … a visit to the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy

Once in a while, I get to do some very cool things.  I’m very fortunate in that way.  Last week an email came over the wire from Gale Gand with an invitation to join her at the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy for a demonstration.  That our friend Pastry Chef Meg Galus was giving the demo was an added bonus.  You don’t have to ask me twice.

the curse of rotting bananas …. Roasted Banana Sorbet

How much banana bread can a person eat?  In the history of my banana purchases, at least one of the bunch ends up blackened in the trash or stuffed into a freezer bag awaiting some more interesting fate.  Smoothies?  Over it.  Muffins, pancakes and waffles?  Done.  My freezer is stocked with bags of said baked goods, right next to more indistinguishable frostbitten bags of frozen bananas.  It’s time to find something new because, god forbid, I change my purchase patterns.

buttered corn for dessert … Sweet Corn Cookies with Salt & Pepper Buttercream

It’s not often that I get a cookbook that knocks my socks off.  Don’t get me wrong, I adore cookbooks of all kinds and thoroughly enjoy reading them along with food websites, magazines and pretty much all food related literature.  I read quite a bit regarding this topic.  Perhaps too much and it’s been a while since something has left me thinking “damn, why didn’t I think of this?” And Miss Christina Tosi, by god, you’ve done it.  The book of which I speak?  Momofuko Milk Bar.

a french inspired mexican lunch … Posole Verde

I spent quite a bit of time this summer in France, and I really enjoyed the ritual of lunch. It’s no surprise really, that I warmed to this concept immediately. Family and friends gather together, usually on Sundays, for a long enjoyable meal full of delicious food, great company, conversation and wine. The food is plentiful and the wine flows freely, in our case, a large amount of lovely rose. It was summer in the French countryside after all. I was just trying to blend in. With a squeal of delight, I vowed to institute similar lunches as soon as I got home.

no knead this … Strecca (Stick Bread)

Jim Lahey is a genius.  What?  You don’t know who he is?  You should.  The man has single handedly revolutionized home bread baking with a ground breaking no-knead method.  Yes, I know this no-knead bread thing has been around for a few years and is all over the internet with 8 million bloggers posting photos of their picture perfect loaves.  Mark Bittman made it a sensation when he published his New York Times article in 2006.  People have been oohing and aahing the standard boule baked in a Dutch oven ever since.  For a ridiculously simple dough, it is a beauty.  But there are other loaves, more interesting loaves, in my opinion than just this one.

breakfast resolutions … Steel-cut Oats on the Go

I’m not much for New Year’s Resolutions.  Why make promises I know I’m not going to keep?  That’s exactly what I need, another list of unfinished projects.  However, there are things – OK many many things – I know I could and should do better.  Like flossing.  I really need to get on that one so this year I’m going to try.  Start small and see how it goes.  And eating breakfast.  I rarely eat breakfast and yet I know, because my mother drilled it into my head, it’s the most important meal of the day.  But the fact is, she’s not here making breakfast for me every day anymore and I am extremely low functioning upon waking.  It’s a miracle I make it out the door dressed.  Some things just have to give.

festive new year’s eve cocktails … Ginger Simple Syrup

Another New Year’s Eve is upon us. Where did the year go? Am I the only one that’s surprised by this? “Time flies” doesn’t even begin to cover this but in the meantime, I plan on ringing in the New Year in a fun proper fashion. Some friends and I are attending a Roaring Twenties party tonight and are dressing up like gangsters. This being Chicago, I think we’ve got it in the bag. Beforehand, everyone is meeting at my place for some tasty snacks and cocktails. And I’ve got a special one planned. Ginger Kir Royales.

quick updates and yes we have (had) a winner!

As I pop my head up from the holiday chaos, I realize it’s been a while since I posted.  And I was on such a roll there for a minute.  Such is life.  Hope everyone had a lovely holiday and is ready for the New Year.