Making candy is one of those things that can be daunting. Working with boiling sugar is a little tricky, because the potential for 3rd degree burns and a hospital visit is a very real possibility. Making your own Peanut Brittle is a good way to get your feet wet with candy-making because you don't have...
Dessert
Cranberry Apple Slab Pie
Cranberry Apple Slab Pie is the answer to the predicament of choosing a dessert to feed a crowd at holiday parties, all the while avoiding being the eleventh person to show up with a normal apple pie. (Not that there’s anything wrong with having eleven apple pies to choose from. First world problems…) Cranberries add...
American Apple Pie
While living in Italy, one must "do as the locals do" in a lot of ways. Embracing our surroundings was not only part of our goal while we were there, it was a matter of survival. If you didn't watch the people around you to see how they do things, you'll never figure out how...
All-Butter Pie Crust
Pie Crust is one of those things that can make or break a dessert. It can also turn the otherwise enjoyable act of baking a pie from scratch into a somewhat daunting experience. It seems that avid bakers tend to be quite loyal to their technique, especially when it comes to the butter vs. shortening ratio....
Authentic Italian Tiramisu
Tiramisu was invented in Treviso, very near our apartment here in Italy. It only seemed fitting that I should order tiramisu at every establishment that offered it on their menu during my three month stint. Having concluded my Tiramisu tasting study , I feel like I am prepared to try to perfect the ultimate, authentic Italian Tiramisu as my...
Nutella Tartlets with Banana
There's this rumor going around the Internet that there is a threat of a Nutella shortage looming...Well, I guess I owe you all an apology then. My Nutella comsumption has increased sevenfold since we arrived in Italy. Why? I'm not sure. It could be that it's so delicious, and the Italian version seems somehow creamier...
Zeppole
Fried dough. It sounds so plain and mundane, but when you think about it--the possibilities are endless. Countless regions around the world have their own versions of fried dough that are part of their culinary heritage. Beignets in New Orleans. Churros in Mexico. Sufganiya are enjoyed in Israel and around the world in celebration of Hanukkah. Bomboloni...
Bussola Buranello Cookies
Bussola Buranello Cookies are a traditional cookie from the island of Burano in Venice, Italy. Burano is widely recognized for its brightly colored houses and its hand-crafted lace. It doesn't take long to figure out that they've got quite a good thing going with their Bussola cookies also. There seem to be a few different...
Peach Hand Pies
Breaking news! I got a bicycle! If you read my recent post about Settling In, you already know I was on mission to get my hands (and feet) on one. Hubby made it easy. He just showed up with one the other night. Now I just need to practice not bumping the bell when I...
Boston Cooler
Don't let the name fool you...this frosty treat has nothing to do with Beantown. It is a Michigan creation through and through-- specifically from Detroit. "Boston" refers to Boston Boulevard, the street near where James Vernor (inventor of Vernors) operated a pharmacy and soda fountain. While a Boston Cooler only requires two ingredients, it is...