This is a vintage recipe for old fashioned Persimmon pudding, an American classic. You must use completely ripe persimmons — you will know they are fully ripe when they are soft and the pulp has an almost jelly-like consistency. INGREDIENTS: 6 to 7 very ripe Hachiya persimmons 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons...Read More

Pumpkin muffins are delicious for breakfast and do double duty as yummy cupcakes when frosted with cream cheese icing. INGREDIENTS: 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans 1...Read More

Somewhere between an appetizer and a dessert, cheese date balls are delicious served with sherry, port, or dessert wine. INGREDIENTS: 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, slightly softened 1 tablespoon milk 1/2 cup finely chopped dates 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts Extra finely chopped nuts for rolling METHOD: In a food processor mixing bowl, mix...Read More

Serve candied pecans with a festive wine for a holiday appetizer or sprinkle a few into salads. For a delightful homemade gift, make up a few batches and place them in airtight jars. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup powdered sugar 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 4 teaspoons water 2 cups pecans METHOD: Preheat the...Read More

This old-fashioned persimmon pudding reminds me of a very moist pumpkin bread and is delicious topped with whipped cream. INGREDIENTS: 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup white sugar 1 cup brown sugar 3 eggs, beaten 2 cups milk 2 1/2...Read More

These delicious, moist cupcakes are just as delicious without the frosting. Shredded apples replace some of the oil and help keep these little cakes moist. INGREDIENTS: Cupcakes 1 1/2 cups shredded peeled apples 1/2 cup dried apples, diced 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, plus 3/4 cup, divided 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided 1/3 cup...Read More

For those new to cooking with quince, this recipe is an excellent starting point. Candied quince is very easy to make, is delicious any way you serve it, and keeps for months when refrigerated. INGREDIENTS: 1 pound fresh quince, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges (about 3 cups) 3 cups sugar METHOD: Gently toss...Read More

Quince offers an unexpected and welcome depth of flavor to ‘plain’ applesauce. INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup apple cider or unsweetened apple juice, plus more for thinning One 1 × 3-inch strip lemon rind 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (2 lemons) One 3-inch cinnamon stick 1/4 cup sugar plus 1/4 cup, depending on taste 2 pounds fresh...Read More

Succulent wine-poached pears stuffed with a creamy blue cheese filling are equally delicious as a first course or sophisticated dessert. Poached pears also make a sublime addition to a weekend brunch menu. INGREDIENTS: For Poached Pears: 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water 1 vanilla bean, split, scraped 1 sprig fresh rosemary Rind of 1...Read More

There’s something about the aroma of an apple-cinnamon cake baking that says, “Welcome home!” This cake will stay moist for several days and is delicious as a dessert or an afternoon tea cake. INGREDIENTS: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1⁄2 cups sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder...Read More