Holiday Compost Cookies

Today I decided to recreate a COMPOST COOKIE recipe that was inspired by Christina Tosi, head pastry chef from celebrated Momofuku Milk Bar in NYC. I love Compost Cookies because no two cookies will ever taste the same.  As the baker, you can get as creative as you want with the ingredients. That’s right, you can literally use whatever you have on hand to develop your recipe.  I decided to make batches of the cookie using our favorite favorite snacks from the cupboard. As I started combining ingredients, I kept throwing in more – hence … [Read more...]

Scottish Shortbread Cookies

I adore the delicate, buttery taste of shortbread cookies. My favorites are the Royal Shortbread cookies which are handsomely dipped in milk chocolate on one end.  Up until a few years ago, I had never bothered to bake any version.  Sadly, I had only purchased them in stores around holiday time. For me, it had always been easier to pick up a beautifully-wrapped tin full of these treats, only to hand them over as a holiday gift for my kids' teachers. Cornucopia of holiday cookie tins So, what got me out of my 30 year baking hibernation this … [Read more...]

Thanksgiving Recipes

I’ve compiled a nice round up of recipes to help fill in the blanks and take the stress out of the prep. Take your pick from appetizers to sides to main dishes to desserts.  I promise you’ll find tasty, easy to make recipes.  After all, if I can make them, anyone can. So why not plan ahead and get cooking? And remember to celebrate FOOD and family, and to give thanks. APPETIZERS Baked Brie Hot Crab Dip Mexican 7-Layer Dip Chex Mix Broccoli Cheese Dish Hummus Dip Homemade Guacamole Spinach and Artichoke … [Read more...]

Quinoa with Pomegranates and Pistachios

One reason I love Thanksgiving weekend is that I don't cook at all.  We're about to head down to Baltimore to visit our respective families and the minute I step out of the car, I assume the role of guest for the entire weekend.  It is a bit odd, the one non-denominational holiday that revolves around food and I'm not cooking at all.  But, I've come to relish in the fact that while other kitchens are brimming with activity and wafting with the aromas from the delicious medley of food, my kitchen is completely closed. While I'm not cooking, I … [Read more...]