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 -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

CtBF Paris Paris

There are a few pastries with the name Paris...something. This time, these are supposed to be eclair shaped choux pastries with hazelnut praline pastry cream. Oh, and a little chocolate glaze. This is really 4 different (relatively simple) recipes combined to create something more than the sum of their parts. So. Hazelnuts. They are not … Continue reading CtBF Paris Paris

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

ffwd – never doubt Dorie (aka, who knew?)

This second celebratory week for the French Fridays with Dorie group asks the question "what recipe(s) were surprises for you?". OK, that wasn't the real question, but when I think about the title - I think about those recipes where I was very quite skeptical, but learned that Dorie knew what she was doing when she … Continue reading ffwd – never doubt Dorie (aka, who knew?)

ffwd – the “aha” moment (aka, the top 5)

For the next several weeks, the participants in French Fridays with Dorie will be exploring our experiences over the past several years to answer a few interesting questions. This week's challenge is to "choose your favorite, loved the most, best recipe in FFWD to share this week and tell Why? Also share with us your Top … Continue reading ffwd – the “aha” moment (aka, the top 5)

ffwd – salmon tartar and waffles & cream

I'm combining a couple of recipes this week - something I don't typically do - but, well, it happens! And what different recipes they are. I was planning on making the waffles last week, but my week got away from me. Something that happens all too frequently these days. I did really want to try … Continue reading ffwd – salmon tartar and waffles & cream

ffwd – croquants

I had never heard of croquants, and not speaking French, the name of this little confection meant nothing to me. After reading the description of the cookie, the ingredients and method, I was intrigued. Yes, very. You see, croquant means crunchy in French. And the method is crazy-simple. The idea that I might be able to put together … Continue reading ffwd – croquants

ffwd – 2014 Christmas Card/Recipe Exchange

Question #102: If you could indulge in only one type of cookie this holiday season, which cookie would you be eating a lot of? Thus started my participation in this year's Christmas Card exchange among the members of French Fridays with Dorie. For the past few years, those who were interested/able exchanged Christmas cards. It's … Continue reading ffwd – 2014 Christmas Card/Recipe Exchange

A French Thanksgiving – 2009

The summer of 2009 ended up being an intersection of sorts. I had read the book Julie and Julia and had been introduced to a world that, for me, had not even existed - an individual person blogging! And cooking through an entire cookbook as a project!! The following year, I started blogging myself when I … Continue reading A French Thanksgiving – 2009