I thought long and hard about this one. Actually, not really. It just sort of came to me in pieces and then as I pulled it all together, I believe it became a work of art. Growing up, my family often ate lamb around Christmas time. Lamb chops, rack of lamb, lamb with mint jelly…
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I’m a bit disappointed in the poor lighting as a part of these photographs. However, I am certainly less than disappointed, and quite enthusiastic, about the finished product and flavor of this Cranberry Chèvre Beef Wellington. And, who serves Beef Wellington at home on a Thursday night anyway? We do! Beef tenderloin, of course, wrapped…
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Of all my years baking, I had yet to bake a Yule Log for Christmas. In fact, I’ve actually never tasted or tried a Yule Log before now. Intimidating…precarious…harrowing…and even astounding. I wasn’t sure if I was up for it this year. Which is why I insisted Valerie come over to help. She’s really the…
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Are you ready for Thanksgiving yet? You know it’s just around the corner. It’s basically tomorrow, and then Christmas is the next day, and then there’s New Year’s and then it’s 2019 and then you realize it’s been 30 years since your favorite TV show began, your kid is getting married, and you’re old. Oh,…
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Beef Wellington is a preparation of fillet steak coated with pâté and then wrapped in puff pastry and baked. It’s fit for royalty, of course. It’s a special meal – one for you and one for kings and queens, alike. The origin of the name is unclear, with no definite connection to Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke…
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I grew up eating breakfast every morning at the table with my dad. Neither my mom nor my sister were as early of risers as we were. This was our special time together. And whether we were noshing on Special K cereal topped with strawberries and heavy cream (sshh…the cream was always a secret we…
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In the words of Joanne Chang: When I started working at Payard Pâtisserie in New York City, I had already been a pastry chef in Boston for a few years. I couldn’t wait to see what this French guy could teach me. On my first day, I was handed a stack of recipes—all in French—and…
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What’s a special celebration ~ or a symphony of special occasions ~ without a Crème Brûlée? Classic Crème Brûlée 3 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 Tbs. vanilla extract 8 large egg yolks 3/4 cup white sugar 6 Tbs. superfine Bakers’ sugar Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Pour the cream into a medium saucepan and add vanilla…
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Christmas is here – in all its glory. The presents are wrapped, the stockings are hung, the spices are mulling… …and you’re needing one more beautiful savory item for the table. easy as pie – puff pastry pie Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry dough over a spring…
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Christmas Colors. Sweet Holiday Spice. Fantastic Flavor. Christmas Coils 2 large zucchini, cut into thick coils using a spiralizing machine (or a veggie peeler for ribbons) 2 large red bell peppers, thinly sliced into rounds 2 Tbs. fig balsamic vinegar 1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil plenty of sea salt and pepper Preheat the oven…
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