During the holiday season, I've suffered from homemade gift envy. My children’s schools have always had a “no gift” policy for the teachers. They try to enforce the idea of homemade cards from the kids rather than store-bought items. While I’d try to adhere to this highly-debated policy, I’d always find myself sneaking in a nominal gift card to Barnes and Nobles or iTunes alongside my kids' artwork. I just had to reinforce my “thanks.” However, I never really felt satisfied. I felt generic. I was envious when, year after year, I’d see … [Read more...]
Berger Cookies
December 12, 2011 By 8 Comments
I couldn’t wait to take part in the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap last week; my first cookie swap ever! Selfishly, I also wanted to try to find the recipe and bake the celebrated cookie from my hometown. It was the one cookie that Mom always had aplenty in our freezer : Baltimore Berger Cookies. Nowadays, most people from the Maryland region (and definitely all Baltimoreans) will smile when you mention its name. People outside the area? Not so much. Berger Cookies are a product of Baltimore’s DeBaufre Bakeries (the sole manufacturer) and … [Read more...]
Scottish Shortbread Cookies
December 7, 2011 By 3 Comments
Shortbread cookies are traditionally associated with Christmastime. Even though we don't observe Christmas, this Jew has been to plenty of Christmas "tree trimming" parties where poinsettas and tinsel decorate the room and egg nog and shortbread cookies complete the table. In fact, one of the most memorable experiences of my life was as a college student attending midnight mass in the third largest cathedral in the world in Seville, Spain on Christmas Eve. And, guess what was being offered to all the "congregants" on the way out? Shortbread … [Read more...]
Rosemary Focaccia Bread
December 5, 2011 By 8 Comments
“Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfying of all foods; and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts.” James Beard (1903-1985) Mom used to bake bread quite often when we were growing up. As a young kid, this activity seemed marathon-like. We had to wait forever for the yeast to rise, sometimes twice. I’d watch Mom combine the yeast with water and flour, stir it rapidly and then cover the bowl with a raggedy old orange dish towel. Like a cub following its mother, I’d wander behind her into our secret “furnace room”. … [Read more...]
