CtBF – Lower east side brunch tart

This week, we have a bittersweet task. Honoring our friend and fellow blogger Ro DiDomenico, or Nana, as she was to most of us. This recipe was one that she had wanted to make for some time, and if my dish is any indication, she was certainly watching over the process - no better pastry … Continue reading CtBF – Lower east side brunch tart

CtBF – chewy chocolate chip cookies

At first blush, it's easy to make a quick judgement about something. When this recipe came up, I thought simultaneously - "it's too hot to bake cookies", "well, it makes sense because it's back-to-school time" and "oh, well I can take them out to the nurses". Well, the first one? Nope, the season has officially … Continue reading CtBF – chewy chocolate chip cookies

CtBF – Salmon burgers, and catching WAY up!

I've looked at this blog, and see posts from fellow bloggers, and it shows me just how far behind I've gotten. It's been a whirlwind of a few years, with little time for anything beyond the absolutely necessary. With what little time was available, making choices about exactly what to do left me leaving things … Continue reading CtBF – Salmon burgers, and catching WAY up!

CtBF -Bûche de Noel

I have always wanted to make one of these! Of course, making one for Christmas itself would be good. We'll see how we like this version. There are plenty around, I'd always assumed that I'd make Julia Child's recipe, but then... here it was in My Paris Kitchen. This version is almost like a soft … Continue reading CtBF -Bûche de Noel

Mardi’s no-knead french loaf

My blogging friend Mardi Michels recently published a cookbook! in the french kitchen with kids. Its filled with a wide range of recipes that look amazing. And I'm sure they are, since Mardi is both an accomplished cook, and we've been reading about her cooking classes with kids and have seen the results. Growing up, … Continue reading Mardi’s no-knead french loaf

Chocolate and dried cherry fougasse

When we made a more traditional savory fougasse a few years ago, really enjoyed it. This version has been at the back of my mind since I opened the cookbook. I enjoy baking bread, so I thought it would be a fun challenge. Like David, I love dried cherries. Chocolate of course, is nice. I … Continue reading Chocolate and dried cherry fougasse

A Bread-baking Experiment

At the end of the year, Bon Appetit published a list of great recipes for using a Dutch Oven. One included in the group was called BA's Best Bread. I still had some time off from work and thought it would be fun to try. A classic 3-day bread starting with a poolish. In typical … Continue reading A Bread-baking Experiment

CtBF -Scalloped potatoes with blue cheese and roasted garlic

Wow, these may have been the best scalloped potatoes I've ever had! Today, I thought I'd use a BLUF - bottom line up front. Bottom line - these are amazing! And to be fair, I think that this is one of the times when an amazing-quality ingredient really was worth it. To back up, there … Continue reading CtBF -Scalloped potatoes with blue cheese and roasted garlic

CtBF – Baked eggs with kale and smoked salmon

Ramekins filled with baked eggs and other items are always a treat. Individual servings are always fun! This particular version includes sautéed kale with a good dose of garlic, smoked salmon and some cheese, along with house-made garlic crumbs to top it off. I chose baby kale, since kale doesn't really really get very tender … Continue reading CtBF – Baked eggs with kale and smoked salmon

CtBF – Salted Butter Caramel Chocolate Mousse

Anyone who knows me, or follows my blog, knows that I sometimes don't always read things thoroughly before I start (back in the day, I would fly into a city to do a 1st site visit without having the address - this before smartphones and GPS - just pick up a map at the rental car … Continue reading CtBF – Salted Butter Caramel Chocolate Mousse