I was a latecomer to the galette. Not quite a pie, and not quite a tart, this open-face pastry consists of a pie crust pastry, a layer of fruit, with the edges of the crust folded roughly around the filling. As a classically trained pastry chef, it didn’t appeal to my sensibilities. I’m convinced most...Read More
INGREDIENTS: Cooking spray 1 cup slivered almonds, roasted 2 1/4 cups sugar 3-4 drops lemon juice 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, cut into pieces 2 cups light cream 1 cup light corn syrup 2 vanilla beans 1 teaspoon Fleur de Sel salt METHOD: Line a 9- by 9- by 2-inch baking pan with foil, extending...Read More
INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon butter 3/4 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups whole natural almonds 1 tablespoon fresh grated orange zest METHOD: Line a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper; lightly grease the paper and set aside. Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the honey and salt. Bring...Read More
INGREDIENTS: 2 1/2 cups walnut pieces 2/3 cup golden raisins 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup dried banana chips 1/2 cup carob or chocolate chips, optional METHOD: In a medium bowl, toss ingredients together to combine. Store in a covered airtight container, or divide into 1/4 cup portions and fill individual small bags for quick-grab...Read More
This past fall, the Aptos Farmers Market had the honor of hosting Fran Gage, a noted author, baker, and olive oil aficionado, as a guest speaker that included a book signing of her newest book, The New American Olive Oil. We learned how to choose olive oil, tasted olive oil (two excellent oils from our...Read More
Handwritten recipes for “See’s Fudge” have been circulating for years amongst friends and families and reprinted in numerous newspapers’ holiday food sections. The story goes that this recipe was given to Amy DeVore by Emma Julian, circa 1930, and is rumored to be the original recipe for the fudge produced by the See’s Candy Company,...Read More
When you come from a family of good cooks, you pay attention when your sister sends you a recipe with “best ever” included in the title! If you’re not a coconut lover, don’t worry — the coconut is more about adding a chewy texture than flavor. INGREDIENTS: About 1 1/2 cups (3/4 lb.) butter, at...Read More
INGREDIENTS: 8 ounces whipping cream 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature 2 tablespoons dried cherries, chopped 1 lb. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped Cocoa powder, for dusting truffles METHOD: Line the bottom and sides of a small square dish with parchment paper. Bring cream and butter to a simmer in a sauce pot. Remove...Read More
Kind of a cross between a macaroon and a drop cookie, these gluten-free treats are delicious. INGREDIENTS: 2 oz. unsweetened cocoa powder, about 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons 11 oz. powdered sugar, about 2 3/4 cups 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 egg whites, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup dried, unsweetened coconut METHOD:...Read More
