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

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

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 pounds plums (or pluots), sliced into eighths* 1/2 cup sugar (or less, depending on the sweetness of the pluots) 1/3 cup apricot or plum preserves 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice, optional 1 homemade pie crust or 1/2 package (15-oz.) refrigerated pie crust 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 large...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 12 fresh, ripe medium figs 1/4 cup honey 4 cups port wine pinch of salt 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 2 lemons, zested 2 oranges, zested 2 whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 3 star anise 8 peppercorns Honeyed Cream ½ cup heavy cream ½ cup sour cream 1 tablespoon honey Mint leaves, for garnish METHOD:...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 12 oz. package frozen mixed berries 6 tablespoons sugar 1 10 oz. package raspberries, frozen 1/4 cup raspberry liqueur 3 packages ladyfingers 3 8 oz. containers mascarpone cheese, room temperature 6 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced 1 cup fresh raspberries 1 cup fresh blueberries METHOD: Place...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup butter 2 cups sugar 2 cups blackberries or olallieberries 4 eggs, separated 1 tablespoon melted butter, cooled 1 cup flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt METHOD: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place butter in a 9 or 10-inch baking pan (at least 2 1/2 inches deep). Place pan in oven until...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 12 fresh California Mission figs, washed and dried 1  vanilla bean, split and opened 1 cup Amaretto liqeuer 1 cup filtered water 1 cup sugar METHOD: Cut figs in half, lengthwise. Fill a large, wide-mouth canning jar with the fig halves. Place vanilla bean on top. Set aside. In a large saucepan, combine amaretto,...Read More

This is a delightful summer dessert, easy to make, and delicious to eat! INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup (packed) brown sugar 1/4 cup honey 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup fresh thyme sprigs 6 large Shiro plums, ripe but firm plums (about 2 pounds), halved, pitted Crème fraîche (or slightly thinned Greek yogurt) Additional fresh thyme sprigs...Read More

Your basic pound cake – buttery, moist, simple, and rich – and it’s deliicous topped with juicy summer peaches or strawberries. INGREDIENTS: 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature 3 cups sugar 6 eggs, at room temperature 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup whole milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons baking powder...Read More

You know that expression, “Easy as pie”? Well, this is even easier. No kidding. This recipe comes by way of my friend Jeff Emery, who not only makes great wine but also this killer dessert. He gave me the recipe over the phone, and as so many recipes are given, it was just a list...Read More