December 2011
11 posts
7 tags
Chewy Molasses-Spice Cookies
In my experience molasses is one of those flavors that people either really love or really hate, but there’s no middle ground. I happen to be one of those who really love it. And especially when it reinvents itself as it does in these Chewy Molasses-Spice Cookies.
The crunch and chewiness of this cookie is the perfect vehicle for the molasses. The more you chew, the more the molasses...
8 tags
Mrs. Snyder's Sand Tarts
When I was growing up throughout my junior high and high school years the week after Christmas I would go over to my best friend’s house to see her beautifully decorated tree, and get a first hand look at her many Christmas gifts.
I will admit now that as a Jewish girl who looked forward to lighting a menorah, eating latkes, getting a new pair of pj’s and some chocolate...
7 tags
Meyer Lemon Curd
When cooking during the winter months, the natural order of things is to decide on a dish and shop for whatever ingredients you might need to make it. Common sense, right?
Whereas in late spring and summer when the farmer’s markets are in full force I like to buy what looks particularly great and then decide what I can create with my bounty.
But occasionally my impulsive nature wins out...
7 tags
Applesauce
Hanukkah begins this evening and that can only mean one thing.
Tonight, as well as sometime during the next 7 nights many of us will be frying latkes for the festival of Hanukkah .
Traditionally latkes are served with a dollop of applesauce or sour cream on them.
In our family we have always preferred applesauce…and not just any applesauce will do…I always make my own, and for...
9 tags
Raspberry Trifle
A trifle is one of the most festive desserts there is, and perfect for the holidays.
Traditionally trifle is an English dessert featuring jam-spread spongecake drenched in sherry or brandy, cloaked in a vanilla custard sauce, covered with raspberries, topped with whipped cream and garnished with a sprinkling of almonds.
It is most often made in a trifle bowl which is usually a 2-to 3-quart...
12 tags
Pulled Barbeque Brisket Sandwiches
In a couple weeks it will be Hanukkah, and time to make the latkes. And for many during this festival the latkes will be served with brisket for a holiday dinner. Brisket and latkes just go together so well.
As I mentioned in previous posts I planned to serve latkes to some friends at an early holiday party at my home. Last year I served chili but this year I had brisket on my mind.
I...
9 tags
Classic Cheesecake With Salted Caramel Sauce
One of the desserts I served at my recent holiday party was this Classic Cheesecake. I already had one fully baked in my freezer (it freezes beautifully as long as it is wrapped very well).
I had baked it prior to Thanksgiving just in case I might need it. In a moment of sanity I realized that even for me there comes a point at which the dessert buffet’s cup runneth over so I decided to...
8 tags
Caponata
Colorful food and holiday parties…they seem to go hand in hand. At this time of the year many of us are either giving or going to holiday parties, or doing both.
Occasionally the participants of my aerobics dance class get together after class at each others’ homes to snack and socialize.
Yesterday I had invited everyone to my home for what’s becoming my annual aerobics...
8 tags
Penne With Roasted Peppers, Tomatoes and Sausage
Pasta, I’ve missed you! It’s a few weeks since Thanksgiving, my husband and I have worked through the left-overs and I’ve even reinvented some of them, turning the turkey carcass into turkey vegetable soup, and the mashed potatoes into fried potato cakes.
I guess this is proof that it is possible to get your fill of stuffing, potatoes, and gravy if you put enough effort into...
7 tags
Cope's Corn
My sister has been bringing Cope’s Corn to our Thanksgiving dinners for many years. She lives in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country whereJohn Cope’s Fancy Evaporated Golden Sweet Corn is readily available on supermarket shelves.
They also package a Toasted Dried Sweet Corn, used in creamed corn and corn pudding recipes, which we’ve yet to try.
In the spirit...
7 tags
Mashed Potatoes (and How To Keep Them Warm)
Here is a basic recipe for the Mashed Potatoes I served at Thanksgiving. With the turkey taking up one oven, and even if you are lucky enough to have two ovens, it’s always a juggling act trying to figure out which sides to put in which oven and when. Especially if you make as many side dishes as I do.
This version of mashed potatoes includes a way to keep them warm on the stovetop for...