Red Velvet cake is my absolute favorite cake. Perfect for any occasion. Celebrating Hubby's new job, Sister moving to college, Brother-in-law completing a milestone accomplishment. These are a few of the reasons we have enjoyed red velvet cake recently. I had a chance to go to Magnolia Bakery a few weeks ago (in Chicago) and...
Food
Poulet en Cocotte Bonne Femme (Casserole-roasted Chicken with Bacon, Onions, and Potatoes)
Weather in Michigan is beginning to turn crisp, and I cannot wait for Fall! I’m glad that I can make one-pot dishes like this one without overheating the house from the oven. The smell of the chicken roasting, combined with the onions and bacon is deeply satisfying. The flavors of the onions and bacon combine...
Beef Sauté with Cream and Mushroom Sauce (Sauté de Beouf a La Parisienne)
I must say, I was pleasantly surprised how quickly this dish came together. I didn't time it exactly, but I was taking my time and it couldn't have taken more than 45 minutes. If you worked at Rachel Ray speed, I dare say you could pull it together in less than a half an hour,...
Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread & Cinnamon Honey Butter
The only times in life that I voluntarily eat raisins are in bagels, and cinnamon raisin bread. Don’t try sneaking them in with peanuts and m&m’s in trail mix either...I will waste precious eating-time picking them out. However, put them in a deliciously warm baked good and I’m on board. If only you could smell...
Quiche aux Champignons (Mushroom Quiche)
There's nothing like a Saturday morning brunch during a holiday weekend in northern Michigan. We very much enjoyed this quiche before a long day spent exploring little antique shops and walking around downtown Ludington this afternoon. The original recipe did not call for bacon, but we liked the added bit of saltiness that it brought...
Pâte Brisée (Shortcut Pastry, Pastry Dough, Pie Crust, Quiche Crust)
Pâte Brisée (Shortcut Pastry, Pastry Dough, Pie Crust, Quiche Crust) Credit: Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, Simone Beck, and Louisette Bertholle You could make this dough using a food processor, but I find my results are better when I make this by hand, plus there are less dishes to wash and that...
Homemade Blueberry Buttermilk Sherbet
I couldn't resist trying this out tonight since the weather is too hot to be doing any baking. It is extremely easy to prepare, but it's difficult to be patient while it freezes. This pretty purple treat was worth the wait, and made for a refreshing start to the Labor Day weekend. Homemade Blueberry Buttermilk...
Dessert Crepes
Desperate times call for desperate measures. What is a girl to do after a car breakdown at 6:30am on the way to work, followed by a day filled with equally frustrating circumstances? Find the first available vessel to deliver Nutella to one's mouth! This may not be Julia's way of enjoying crepes, but we surely...
Gâteau de Crêpes à la Florentine (Mound of French Pancakes Filled with Cream Cheese, Spinach, and Mushrooms)
My first attempt at a savory crepe recipe was a success. It may not have been ready to eat until 10pm (That's what I get for cooking Julia Child recipes after a 12-hour shift and getting home at 7:30) but it was worth the wait, according to my Hubby. This recipe requires a bit of...
Pâte à Crêpes (Crêpe Batter)
I'm trying out a few different crêpe recipes this week, but they all begin with this basic crêpe batter recipe. Make sure to plan ahead if you want to make your own crêpes, since the batter needs to rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (overnight works well) before using. If you don't...