TWD – Irish Soda Bread

This is a "traditional" Irish soda bread. Though, I'm guessing that whole wheat might be even more-so. Apparently, in Ireland their flour is a bit softer - more like our cake flour in the US. Simply 4 ingredients: flour, salt, baking soda and buttermilk. There's really nothing to this recipe. You just stir together the … Continue reading TWD – Irish Soda Bread

ffwd – saint-germain-des-pres onion biscuits

I've been planning to make some biscuits. I like them, as I like all things Southern (American). Though I'll admit that, like some good friends in Georgia, I've even resorted to the ones found in the freezer case from time-to-time (yes, they are legit good!). But, I think there is nothing like something homemade to … Continue reading ffwd – saint-germain-des-pres onion biscuits

TWD – Chocolate Truffle Tartlets

I've been making a bittersweet chocolate tart for years - my go-to extreme chocolate dessert. Never fails, deceptively simple, and always a hit. Very similar, it has a chocolate cookie crust, and a bitterswet truffle filling. Finished off with a decorative sprinkle of cocoa. This recipe is a bit different - and more complicated. Similar … Continue reading TWD – Chocolate Truffle Tartlets

TWD – White Loaves

This is the first recipe for Tuesdays with Dorie from Baking with Julia, by Dorie Greenspan. The newly inspired group of bakers from the original Tuesdays with Dorie group are likely joined by a number of us cooking along with Dorie in the group French Fridays with Dorie. It should be an exciting adventure. I've had … Continue reading TWD – White Loaves

ffwd – apple gorgonzola quiche

Sometimes its a good thing when I make a recipe, then wait to blog about the results. This is one of those times. I was looking forward to making this quiche, since I really like quiche, love Dorie's tart dough recipe, and thought the combination sounded great. I did substitute some Maytag Blue cheese for … Continue reading ffwd – apple gorgonzola quiche

ffwd – quatre quarts

A couple of days ago, NPR radio interviewed Dorie Greenspan about Tuesdays with Dorie, and the wonderful online communities that have begun - starting with the idea of people around the world cooking through a book and sharing their stories. Certainly, we have that too with French Fridays with Dorie. In the article I read, Dorie shared … Continue reading ffwd – quatre quarts

King Cakes – it’s that time of year!!!

I have very (very) fond memories of King Cakes and Mardi Gras in Texas and Louisianna. My super-fabulous assistant Amanda, when I lived in TX, was from LA and introduced me to all-things-wonderful about the culture. I was also fortunate enough to work in LA over the years, and so was able to really embrace … Continue reading King Cakes – it’s that time of year!!!

ffwd – bubble-top brioches

I should probably start with - the consensus about the brioche is that it was dee-lish-us! Everyone liked the buttery flavor, and could tell that there was a lot more going on with this - I got a lot of "why is this so...mmmm?" To be sure, the rolls look beautiful. But they certainly are … Continue reading ffwd – bubble-top brioches

No-Knead Artisan Bread

One of the things I've been trying to get back into this year is bread-baking. It's something I enjoy a lot, but don't do enough (and of course, don't really need!). My grandmother Johnson taught me to bake bread when I was pretty little - still living in Michigan. She wasn't one to be very … Continue reading No-Knead Artisan Bread

ffwd – honey-spiced madeleines

Madeleines are not something that I typically have, think about, or...? In fact, I don't remember the last time I had one before this past week. But... the pans are incredibly cute! I broke down and bought one some time back - either before or after getting Dorie Greenspan's Around My French Table. So I … Continue reading ffwd – honey-spiced madeleines