INGREDIENTS: 1 cup buttermilk, well shaken 1 cup fresh orange juice 1/2 very ripe banana 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (more or less, depending on your personal taste) 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract A handful of ice cubes METHOD: Place all ingredients in a blender. Process until smooth and frothy. VARIATIONS: Add other fresh or...Read More

When you need to cook for a crowd, marinated lamb roast makes an easy, yet exceptional, main course. Serve with Roasted Garlic Bordelaise and red potatoes. INGREDIENTS: 12 lbs. boneless butterflied leg of lamb 1 cup white wine vinegar 2 cups olive oil 2 cups red wine 5 tablespoons fresh rosemary 3 tablespoons fresh oregano...Read More

INGREDIENTS: COOKIES 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter (Plugra is best), cut into cubes 3/4 cup unblanched almonds, ground finely 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Chopped pistachio nuts, for garnish FROSTING 6 tablespoons butter 1/3 cup half-and-half 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/2...Read More

Here’s a way to jazz up the usual bacon served at breakfast. INGREDIENTS: 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 cup packed light brown sugar 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 pound Corralitos thick sliced bacon METHOD: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover a broiler rack with aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Lightly coat...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier, optional 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 12 cooked crêpes (see recipe here) Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional) About half an hour before serving, toss sliced strawberries with...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice 2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons grated orange zest 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (Grand Marnier) 1 tablespoon butter Vanilla ice cream, if desired 8 cooked crêpes (see recipe here) METHOD: Place orange juice in a large skillet over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the sugar...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 2 ounces butter (1/2 stick) 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla 1 teaspoon cinnamon 6 to 8 large bananas, sliced 6 ounces light rum 4 ounces banana liqueur 1/2 cup pecans, toasted lightly and chopped 3/4 cup water or milk, if you’d like a richer sauce Whipping cream 2 ounces chocolate syrup,...Read More

Be sure to save the leftover ham bone and meat scraps from a ham dinner. INGREDIENTS: 1 (1 lb) ham bone 3 1/2 cup water 2 1/2 cups chicken broth 2 cups split peas 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil 2/3 cup finely chopped leeks or green onions 1/3 cup finely chopped carrots 1/3 cup...Read More

Don’t be intimidated about making crêpes — they are as easy as making pancakes! Be sure to watch the Joy of Baking crêpe video first. Crêpes can be filled with sweet or savory fillings — the possibilities are almost endless. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar* 2 large...Read More

Crêpes are a French classic and are delicious for Sunday brunch or served for dinner with a salad. INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup flour 2 cups chicken broth 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 3 cups grated cheddar cheese 2 cups dairy sour cream 1 1/2 lbs broccoli florets, cooked and drained 2 cups chopped cooked...Read More