Happy Valentine's Day!

P.S.  Are you on Pinterest?  How about following The Little French Bakery? Just click here.

Birthday Week

It's Birthday Week!

Warm winter wishes from Wisconsin!  It's -10 degrees as I write this post.  The sun is shining, the birds are chirping away at the feeders and it's cold, really cold!  But enough about the weather.  It's been awhile since I've written a post.  It was late November to be exact.  I'm not sure why it's taken me so long, but I'm back and feeling really energized and ready for the new year. I know it's almost February but it's a new year for me.

You see, this is my birthday week.  I don't know about you, but I like to look back on the year's events and changes, then look ahead to the new year with goals, aspirations and plans.

What a year it was.  Here's the quick recap.  In February, I lost my mom to complications of MS.  It's a loss no one can prepare you for.  Then in April, my dad moved in with us.  Another change, and one I won't trade for anything.  He's a wonderful additional to our household.  An avid gardener and golfer, he's got a contagious joy for life. Later in April, Skyhouse Publishing offered me the book contract and I spent the rest of the year writing, testing, and photography the recipes for my book. (I don't have an exact release date yet, but it will be sometime in September 2014.  I promise to keep you posted.)

The year was sprinkled with travel and the pleasure of meeting many new friends.  In September, I traveled to Ireland to participate in Angela Ritchie's ACE Camp to learn more about photography and food styling from Beatrice Peltre.  Gary, my dad and I made a trip to Las Vegas early this month. And, I've just returned from Salt Lake City where I attended ALT Summit.

What's that, you ask?  It's a conference for the blogging community filled with workshops, parties and the opportunity to learn more about this crazy blogging world and social media.  I have to admit, I was very nervous.  World famous lifestyle, fashion, and craft/DIY bloggers?  The experts on nail polish, hair, shoes and just the perfect outfit?  Yikes!  As it turned out, it was a wonderful group of mostly women. They were kind, intelligent, generous and enthusiastic about the internet blogging world.

One of the highlights was a dinner hosted by one of the sponsors Gygi.  It's a family owned SLC kitchen/restaurant supply store with a beautiful space for cooking classes.  Kelsey Nixon, from the Food Network and Cooking Channel lead us through a few of her recipes.  She has a new book, and the recipes are great.  In the photo below, it looks like we're the same height.  I'm actually crouching down about 12 inches!  She's tiny and just as lovely in person as her TV persona.  The kitchen was decorated in a birthday party theme (perfect for me!).

As you can see in the photo above, we made a Brussels Sprouts side dish.  It included maple syrup and pecans.  It was one of my favorite parts of the meal.  If you've interested in her book, you can find it on Amazon, or your favorite source.

To view to recipe online, you can find it here on Scribd.

What's new for my next year?  Book editing and release, and more frequent and diverse blog posts.  If you've made it this far, I'd like to ask a favor.  What you would like to see in my posts?  Any recipes or topics you're looking to learn more about?  Just leave a comment and let me know.   I'm trying to add more posts to my Pinterest boards, and Little French Bakery Facebook page.  I hope you'll check them out and follow along.

Last year I posted my Confetti Angel Food Cake Recipe on my birthday.  If you're looking to celebrate with a fun cake, I think you'll enjoy the recipe.

Thank you for your support over the last year, and here's to the next chapter!

Frankenfood is Coming to Madison!

Attention Madison area cooks, chefs and bakers!

Earlier this week I got a call from a producer from Spike Network.  They produce Man vs. Food and other fun shows.   They're kicking off the first season on Frankenfood and will be coming to Madison to film the show.

The best part?

They're looking for cook amateur or professional chefs to compete.   Any skill level.  How cool!

If you have recipe that uses ingredients in unusual combinations, you should apply to be on the show.  Let's put Madison on the map! Casting is coming up very soon on December 7, 2013.  Here's the poster:

The winnings?   BIG!  And, your recipe on the menu of the restaurant where the show is filmed.  The scouts are out looking for a venue now.

Let's do this!

Just fill out the application, and find that crazy recipe.

https://sharpentertainment.com/casting/frankenfood

Hope to see you on TV!  Please share this with anyone you think would be a good contestant for the show.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Food Styling and Photography in Ireland

Last week I had the great fortune of attending an Angela Ritchie Ace Camp, in East County Clare, Ireland.  Our instructor was Béatrice Peltre.  This was my first trip to Ireland.   It's a beautiful, beautiful country.  The landscapes, the people and feelings you get as you travel are like no other.   I don't want to bore you with 900 photos, but I'd love to share a sampling of my week. I flew into Shannon, and stayed one night to shake off my jet lag.  The Carrygerry guest house not too far from the airport.  As I stepped out of the cab, this was my view.  The answer to the question, is Ireland really green?

I noticed all the blue and yellow banner flying in front of businesses and homes.   It's to celebrate the upcoming Hurling Championship game in a few weeks.  Country Clare is in the match, and it's not to be missed.  The Irish are crazy about Hurling.

After a warm, hearty dinner and a good sleep I was off the next morning to meet my classmates at the Caher House near Feakle.  Yes, after asking several locals, it's pronounced just the way it looks.  But with a nice brogue.

This grand home was my home away from home for the class.  We walked, talked, and learned so much about food styling, the ins and outs of food photography and many other tidbits.  If fact, we created a Sharing List, to document all the movies and odd & ends that came up in conversation, but we knew we might forget.  Thirteen women have a lot of conversations!

Our first morning we walked to see the chickens and horses, and explore the property. We discovered wild blackberries which would come in handy for our food styling exercises later in the day.

Our first styling exercise was styling a cute little jar of yogurt.  Sounds simple?  Add the spoon and the lighting with a pretty cloth and I had my work cut out for me.  Here's my final result.  We made a few more trips to the grocery store to pick up more jars.  They'll come in handy for other photos.  The best part is they all made it home in once piece.

Bea (pronouced Bay-ah) presented demonstrations and ideas for styling desserts, cheeses, meats and cooked foods.   Always natural light, and getting the food positioned just so.  Not too much, just right.

It was great fun working in pairs to style our own versions of the foods.  Sometimes the food and sun cooperated, sometimes the sun went behind a cloud and changed our plans.   Here are some of my shots.

One afternoon just before dinner a few of us piled in a car and were taken by the grounds/animal keeper to the other side of the lake.  The views were stunning.  As were drove down the single land road, we came upon a herd of wild horses.  They were as interested in us as we in them.

Our field trips included a trip to an organic goat cheese factory complete with goats.  It's a very small facility producing great cheese.

Normally, the goats are out grazing but the day of our visit it was raining.  The goats preferred to be inside so they were treated to fresh cut lush green grass.

After my week ended, I traveled back to the Carrygerry House joining my cab driver, Finbar, for an afternoon trip around County Clare.  He grew up in the area and had many ideas for things I should see before I left.  My first order of business was a pair of Wellies for home.  We had found several guest pairs in the basement of the Caher house and wore them into the woods and out and about on rainy days.  With my country life, I thought they'd come in handy here in Wisconsin too.

Finbar stopped to ask a friend where he thought would be a good spot to find Wellies.  They concurred it would be Dan, Mac & Ernies.   Sounded like a good spot.  They told me it has lots of farming equipment and would surely have authentic Wellies.   We drove into Ennis, and pulled into the farm supply store.  Silly me.  It wasn't Dan, Mac & Ernies.  It was Dan McInerney's!   I kept my phonetic spelling to myself.

We quickly found the boot section.  All the styles were lined up in a row.   I tried on a few pair to find my size, finding the perfect pair.  I was now the proud owner of real Wellies.  No, I didn't wear them out of the store, but I did put them on in my room to test them out before I packed them for the trip home!

After some gorgeous views, touring an Abbey, and seeing many ancient sites on the area, it was time for  a bite.  To accompany my seafood chowder, I had a hard cider.   I'm including a shot of my first Guiness too.  Delicious!

I'm looking forward to my next post where I'll make Seafood Chowder and Cheddar Scones for you.  The recipes are on their way from the Carrygerry House Chef and his wife, Gillian who own the Inn.

Finbar drove me to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most beautiful places I've seen.  The Atlantic is all its spendor.  The area is now a National Park with safety rails and a Visitors Center.   Finbar showed me the spot near the edges of the cliffs where he had picnics as a child.

It's great to be home and putting my new skills to work.  A special thanks to Angela Ritchie of Ace Camps, Allison our talented chef, and Beatrice Peltre for her talent and great teaching skills!

Tart aux Pommes (Apple Tart)

It's hard to contain myself.  I promise not to talk too much about the book, but I've hit a milestone.  The text, first pass, is finished.  I've been pouring through my recipes, editing, thinking, writing, editing more, trying to find the words to describe the textures, techniques and tastes for the recipes.  My first pass feels good, all 50,008 words of it. How do you estimate a word count?  Well, I tried a very straight forward approach.  Multiply the numbers of recipes and stories by the average number of words.   I did that, and came up with 50,000.   It worked!   The word count isn't really a hard number.  My editor gave me a range based on my proposal.   My worry was if I'd be close.  Too many?  Not enough? The word count has been starring back at me for the past few months.  When you're typing on a screen, there's nothing to show progress other than checks on lists, and the growing word count.

Tart aux Pommes

Testing and photography modes are in full swing.  I love it.  I'm making the prettiest versions of the recipes I can.   I'll be including many photographs in the book.   It's always helpful when I  see photos of finished recipes I'm trying.

Now that school has started and autumn colors are creeping into landscape, it's time to think about autumn recipes.  I'm thrilled to start working with apples and autumn vegetables.  Today I made  and photographed Tarte Tatin and Tart aux Pomme.

When the autumn mood strikes you, here's my Tart aux Pommes recipe.  It's an excerpt from my text.  Think of this as recipe testing with me!

Golden Delicious Apples

Apple Tart

To print this recipe, click HERE

Makes one tart

1 recipe pâte brisée

6-7  golden delicious apples

4 TBSP unsalted butter, divided

1 lemon

1/2 cup sugar

nappage apricot glaze  (or apricot preserves, heated and strained)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Line a 10 inch tart ring with the pâte briséeand chill.

Peel, core and chop four of the apples and place in a skillet or large dutch oven. Add 2/3 cup water, 3 TBSP butter and sugar. Bring the apples to a simmer over medium heat.  Cook, stirring occasionally until the apples will squish under the pressure of your spoon, but are still retaining their shape.  You may need to add more water as the apples cook.  Continue cooking.  The liquid should be mostly evaporated. The sugar will cause the apples to caramelize a bit.  Remove the pan from the heat to cool the apples.  You may wish to transfer the apples to a plate or cool baking pan to speed the cooling process.

With the remaining apples, carefully peel, and core.  Try not to make deep cuts into the apples.  As you complete the apples, rub with lemon juice to reduce browning.  Cut one apple in half top to bottom and lay cut side down.  Slice 1/16-1/8 inch slices top to bottom, try to make the slices as uniform as possible.  Repeat with the remaining apples.  Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the slices.

Transfer the cooled cooked apples into the center of the tart crust.  Spread the apples to the edges, but keep a mound of apple compote in the center, about 3/4  inch deep.

Starting at the outer edge, place an apple slice with an end touching the crust, and round side slightly diagonal into the tart. Place the next slice so that it overlaps the seed side of the first slice and hides the end near the crust.  Repeat until you’ve made a circle around the tart.  You’ll tuck the last slice under the first.  Make another ring of slices with about 1/3 of the second ring of slices overlapping the first.  In the center, place some small slices, to make a tiny flower, or simply fill the space.

Melt the remaining butter. With a pastry brush, carefully blot and dab the slices.   Be very gentle as the the brush can easily disturb the apples.  If it’s too tricky, better to have less butter than messy apples.

Place the tart in the oven and bake 25-35 minutes or until the crust is deep golden brown.  The edges of the apples will be deep golden as well.

Remove the tart from the oven, and cool.  Heat the nappage and with a pastry brush, glaze the tart with the apricot glaze.   Allow the tart to set for about ten minutes, then serve.

Dacquoise au Cafe (Almond Merengue with Coffee Butter Cream)

Dacquoise du Cafe

Every year about this time I get a little sentimental.  Perhaps more than a little.  Fifteen years ago I arrived in Paris ready to begin a journey that changed my life.   There's something about the sights and smells of late summer that trigger the memories of walking to the Metro each morning, with excited and nervous butterflies in my stomach.  What amazing technique and pastry were we going to learn?  Would I be able to understand the Chef?  And, could I get through the day blunder free?

The day we made this pastry in class, it was an evening kitchen session.  Our main chef had gone for the day and we had another chef, from another school guest teaching the class.   I sound like a broken record, but once again he was very handsome and had even better cologne than the pastry cream chef.  To top is off, he wasn't wearing the usual navy blue houndstooth checked pants.  His pants were  navy blue pin striped.  Kim and I secretly called him Fancy Pants.  He was very nice, and very helpful.  (Can you see the crush coming?).

Our class gathered our ingredients and proficiently made the dacquoise without fail.  Then came the cream de beurre, or buttercream.   Since we didn't use mixers, we needed to bring the sugar and water to the soft ball stage, and somehow pour it over the egg yolks waiting in the bowl at our work station, a distance of about seven feet.

The chef, Kim and I had been chatting (in our best caveman French),trying to be welcoming to our guest.  While I was bringing my sugar to temp, he walked over  to make sure the next step was successful.   I remembered earlier in the day that our Chef had shown us a way to measure the sugar stage by  dipping  a flat sieve/skimmer into the sugar and blowing into it.  If you can make bubbles, out the back, your sugar is at temp.  Amazing.  I asked our evening Chef about it, and he said "Oui!"  So I gave it a try, and to my amazement, it worked.   Now I had sugar at the soft ball stage ready to pour it on the yolks.  The chef stood beside me... and I froze.   "Je poulet, Chef", I said.   I wish I could show you the look on his face.  Just think about the look a dog gets when you talk to them and they tip their head to the side.  Happy, but completely confused.  "Poulet?", he said.   My friends across the room roared with laughter.  I was trying to tell him I was chicken.  Guess what?  That means nothing in French.  One of my French speaking classmates came to my rescue and explained to the Chef that I was afraid to pour the sugar.   He smiled and chuckled.  I poured the sugar, and began whisking the mixture until it cooled and then added the butter.  The buttercream was quite possibly the best thing I had ever tasted.  Smooth and rich with the hint of coffee.  And best of all, I had just made it.

While we were working the Chef demonstrated how to make marzipan roses using the back of a tablespoon.  In addition, he made a few small animals, often seen in patisserie cases.

We assembled our desserts and presented them to the Chef for grading.  As we were boxing our dessert and preparing for the Metro ride back to the hotel, the Chef walked up beside me, and with the biggest smile, set a little marzipan chicken of the workstation.  "You are my favorite Chicken", he said. "Merci, Chef", I replied and I'm sure blushed six shades of red.  I still teach students how to make roses, dacquoise and buttercream. And best of all, when Kim and I are together we often reminisce about Fancy Pants.

I've been wanting to share this recipe with you for a long time.  It's an incredible dessert.  It's pure classic French pastry.  Simple ingredients combined together to make compenents.  Combined together, you won't believe how elegant yet understated it tastes.

Dacquoise is a nut based merengue sponge cake, which make it naturally gluten-free if that's important for you.  You can use all almonds, hazelnuts or a mixture.  The key is to make great egg whites.

Start with almond flour, sugar, a dash of salt, a dash of cream of tartar and eggs whites.

Before and After Baking Dacquoise

For the very best merengue, start with eggs whites at room temperature or just a bit above.  Start whipping them slowly, then gradually increase the speed.  Once they reach soft peaks, add the sugar all at once and increase the mixer speed (or find a new set of arms if you're whisking by hand), and whisk until the peaks are firm and shiny.

Fold in the nut mixture, then spread in a ring, or a springform pan ring.  If you don't have either one, just draw two 10 inch circles on a piece of parchment paper.

Dacquoise just removed from the rings

I highly suggest waiting until the dacquoise is cool before starting the buttecream. That way, there's no chance you'll be tempted to pipe the buttercream on warm cake.

Pipe one layer with rosettes of butter cream

Dacquoise just before adding a dusting of Powdered Sugar

Be sure your butter is at room temperature.   Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan to 238 degrees F, or 118 degrees C.  Pour the hot sugar over the whisked egg yolks and whisk until lightened and cool.  Then start whisking in the butter bit by bit.  This is much easier with an mixer, but it can definitely be done by hand with a whisk.  You may need a helper to hold the bowl while you whisk in the hot sugar so your bowl doesn't scoot away.

To finish the dessert, use a thin knife with the blade pointed toward the edge of the pan, and carefully cut the cake away from the edge.  Place on a plate, and pipe several rosettes of buttercream.  Be sure to pipe a ring of rosettes near the edge.  Set the next layer on top and garnish with more rosettes of buttercream.   If you have some chocolate coffee beans, or nuts, add one to each rosette.

Dacquoise Cafe

Serve immediately, or chill and serve.

I hope you'll give this recipe a try.  If you've never had real French buttercream, you're in for a treat!

To print this recipe, click HERE

Dacquoise

Makes two 10 inch circles

8 egg whites plus 80 gm granulated sugar (6 1/2 TBSP) -to make merengue at the end of whipping

140 gm (1 2/3 cups) almond and/or hazelnut flour

60 gm all-purpose flour (2/3 cup)  OMIT IF MAKING GLUTEN FREE, and substitute  almond flour

1 dash salt

1 dash cream of tartar

100 gm (3/4 cup) powdered sugar

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.  Bring the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt to soft peaks.  Add the sugar and increase speed until firm, and glossy peaks.  Fold in the nut flour.  Spread in the rings, or spread in the circle, about 1/2 - 3/4 inch thick.  Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown. The dacquoise will rise and then settle back into the ring.  Cool completely. Peel off the parchment paper, and carefully remove from the rings.

For the Buttercream:

4 egg yolks, from large sized eggs

200 gm butter (14 tablespoons), at room temperature

230 gm water (just less than 1 cup)

170 grams confectioners' sugar (1 1/3 cups)

In a mixing bowl or the bowl of a standing mixer, have the egg yolks ready.  Be sure the butter is at room temperature.Have In a small saucepan, place the water, then the sugar and heat to 238 degrees F.  Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature.

When the sugar/water reach soft ball stage, slowly pour it over yolks, whisking continuously.  Continue whisking by hand or with the whisk of the mixer, until the mixture is cool.  If you feel the bottom of the bowl, you'll feel that the mixture is cool.

Add the butter one to two tablespoons at a time, incorporating well after each addition.  If the mixture breaks, keep mixing.  It will come back together.  Add the coffee extract to taste.  The buttercream should be a rich coffee color, with a nice coffee taste.

French Coffee Extract (Essence de Cafe)

200 gm granulated cane sugar (1 cup)

200 gm water (7 oz)

100 gm instant coffee (1/4 pound or 1 7/8 cup)  Nescafe is best

Dissolve the instant coffee in the water and bring to a boil.  In another  saucepan,add the sugar and heat to cook until very dark caramel color (very dark amber).  Stop the caramel by adding the hot coffee.  The mixture will bubble, spit and sputter.  Be very careful to protect your hands and fingers.  Add the coffee slowly, and stir lightly to dissolve any hard caramel bits.  Strain the mixture and cool.  Pour into bottles, and store in refrigerator.

Door County Cherry Pie

If you hold up your right hand, palm facing you, it's the quick reference guide to locations in Wisconsin. Follow the bottom of your thumb to the middle of your palm and that's where I live. Chicago is down at your wrist. And the thumb? Well that's Door County. The peninsula juts out and separates Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Green Bay (go Pack!) is at the bottom of your thumb followed by Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Sister Bay with Gills Rock at the tip. My parents and grandparents grew up in the Green Bay area and spent lot of time in Door County. As kids we spent at least one week there each summer camping in Peninsula State Park. A gem of the Wisconsin State Park system. Every family has their favorite spots. We spent days on the lake side swimming in cold Lake Michigan at a tiny county park.

Door County is famous for several things.  Just to name a few... 1. Beautiful beaches and sunsets 2. Scandinavian Restaurants and Culture 3. Fish Boils 4. Cherry Orchards 5. And last but not least, Cherry Pie

Cherry Pie

It's safe to say that 99.9% of Door County restaurants have a cherry dessert on their menu. Most have a cherry pie served warm with ice cream.

Orchards sell freshly picked cherries and many have pick-your-own. Shortly after we were married, Gary and I visited Door County. I couldn't wait to show him Sand Bay Town Park, the goats on top of Al Johnson's Swedish restaurant, take the ferry to Washington Island, and pick cherries. It's easy I told him. We just get buckets, reach up in the trees and fill our buckets with the tart, bright red fruit. Our trip was great and the cherries were abundant. We quickly picked a few buckets and brought them home for family and a few pies.

The last few years have been tough on the cherry crop. Early thaws followed by sudden snow and storms have made the harvests small to non-existent. This year is a great year. The long spring brought many blossoms. The trees are full of cherries! Last week our friend made a trip to the peninsula and brought home a bucket of cherries.

Tart Door County Cherries

For those of you close enough to get in on cherry season, here's a pie recipe. For those too far away, pick up a bag of frozen cherries and join the fun. Even if you've never make a pie. Let's do this!

First, you'll most likely need to pit the cherries.  If you have a cherry pitter, you're in business.  If not, a hairpin or paperclip will work.  Slide the rounded end into the top of the cherry and pull of the pits.  Pit the cherries over the cherry bowl so you save some of the cherry juice.

I  know what you're thinking.  The pie sounds great, but a crust?  I'm including an all butter crust recipe for your called Pate Brisee.  If you're not quite ready for that, it's a-ok to purchase a refrigerated crust.  The crust will happen one day.

If you're making the Pâte Brisée, you'll cut the butter together add the wet ingredients into the well and chop the dough together. Here's the dough lined up,  just before it gets smeared on the counter to combine.

pate brisee in process

Then using a technique called Frisee, the crust is smeared between the heal of your hand the work surface to layer the flour and butter.  The butter will melt in the oven and push the layers of flour apart, creating a flaky, tender crust.

frisee of the crust

pate brisee crust

I added a few blueberries to the cherries to make the crust a bit fuller.  Here's the fruit just before it went into the pie crust.

cherries-and-blueberries

To print this recipe, click HERE

Pâte Brisée  (Sweet Pastry Dough) 

Makes one  10 inch tart crust (double recipe for 2 pie crusts)

Ingredients:

200 g flour

100 g butter, cold

20 g sugar

1 egg

4 g salt

1 TBSP water, cold

vanilla - a dash if desired

Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the butter into 1/2 inch pieces.   On your work surface, make a pile with the butter and flour.  Cut the flour and butter together until you have pea sized pieces.  Work quickly so the butter does not get soft or warm.   Gather the butter/flour mixture and make a circle with a well in the center.  It will look like  a flat wide volcano, with a three to four inch open space in the center.   The chefs called this a fountain.  Into the center add the water, egg, sugar and salt.  With your fingers, swish these ingredients together until you feel that the salt and sugar are dissolved.  Using the pastry/bench scraper, cut the liquid into the flour and butter.  This is when you’ll find out if your countertop is level!  The mixture will be shaggy and streaks and bits of butter.

Line the dough up in a long row (left to right) in front of you.  The line will be about two inches thick, an inch high, and about twelve inches wide.  Using the heel of your hand, smear the dough straight ahead across your work surface taking about 1/3 of the line of dough each pass.  Work left to right ... or right to left.  Once all the dough has been smeared, gather it back into the line and smear again.  You’ll make about two to three passes.  There will still be a few streaks of butter in the dough.  Flatten the dough into a disk about 6 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.  Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or parchment paper, if you plan to use the same day.  Chill the dough in the refrigerator for twenty to thirty minutes.

Here's a tip:  The French term for smearing the dough is fraiser (freh-zey).   Rather than mixing the dough, it creates layers of butter and flour.  When the butter heats, it melts and becomes steam which pushes the layers of flour apart creating a nice flaking crust.   Keeping the ingredients cold and chopping rather than mixing will keep the dough light and flaky.  Over working the dough will develop the gluten making the dough tough and elastic.   Resting the dough will make it much easier to roll.

Door Country Cherry Pie

Ingredients:

4 cups pitted tart cherries

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 Tbsp cornstarch

1/2 tsp almond extract

1/2 tsp salt

1 Tbsp heavy cream

1 Tbsp granulated sugar to sprinkling on the crust

1 batch double crust pie dough - your choice

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

After the cherries are pitted, drain off most of the juice, and add the cornstarch, sugar, salt and extract.  Allow to rest for about 10 minutes.

Roll the bottom pie crust and place in the bottom of the pie plate.  I would recommend a 9" pie plate, not too deep.

Place the cherries and most of the juice in the crust.

Roll the top crust and drape over cherries.  Trim the top crust about 1/2 inch past the edge of the pan.  Turn it under the bottom crust and with your index finger and thumb of one hand, press and pinch the crust around the other index finger.   Make five or six inch slits on the top of the crust.

Brush the crust with heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar.

Place the pie on a parchment paper or silicone mat lined baking sheet.  Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.  Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F, and bake until juices bubble out the top slits, about 30 minute more.  If the crust starts to become too brown, tent the pie with foil or just make strips of foil to protect the edges from becoming too dark.  Cool completely.  It's best to serve a pie the day after it's made so the juices can thicken.  You'll have a much prettier piece of pie.

Let me know your favorite Door County memories!

closeup cherry pie

If you're heading to Door County, here are some of my favorite spots.

The Whistling Swan - A beautiful Inn and Restaurant.

The White Gull Inn - Another great place to sleep and eat.

For libations, try JJ's La Puerto (Door, get in?!), Bayside Tavern, of the C&C Supper Bowl

The best smoked fish in Door County is at Charlie's Smokehouse, Gills Rock

The only place I've ever picked cherries is at The Cherry Hut

For a fun day trip, head to Washington Island.  Just a ferry ride away.

For more on Door County...

Be safe and be kind.  Happy Travels!

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

It's just after July 4th, and we're in the full swing of summer.  Our days are hot, long and fun.  I don't know about you, but our grill is barely getting a chance to cool down between uses.   My new favorite cologne is a mixture of sunscreen and bug spray. Our garden flowers are growing by leaps and bounds.  It's such a nice time of year! Over the July 4th holiday, I made some treats perfect for a silly summer day.  Ice cream cone cupcakes.   I don't know where she learned about them, but my mom made these for us for as long as I can remember.  Who knows?  Maybe she invented them!

She'd stand the cones up in an 9 x 13 pan, fill them with batter, bake and frost.

They're the perfect eat-it-all snack.  Kind of goofy, and very easy.

I needed someone to help me with the cupcake display, so I asked for some help from my little friend Maeve.  Her outfit (self-selected) fit the occasion and the spirit of the dessert and holiday.

ice cream cone cupcakes

Things have changed on the ice cream cone cupcake scene.  You can now purchase a stand to support the cones while they're baking in the oven.  No more tipped cones!  The stand is also perfect for transporting your tasty treats.

cupcakes in the grass

For my cupcakes, I used a standard chocolate cake recipe.  Use any recipe you would use for cupcakes.  I filled the cones to just below the top section of the cone.  You really don't want to overfill them, they'll spill over and make a mess.   In fact, set the rack on a baking sheet just in case a cone or two go up and over the cone.

Once the cakes are cool, ice them with your favorite frosting and decorate with a sprinkles.   What could be more fitting to enjoy a cupcake in the grass, than a fluffy skirt, sparkle necklace and stars on your tiara!   I hope you'll make a batch and take them on your next picnic or backyard adventure!

What a treat!

To print this recipe, click HERE

The Little French Bakery's Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

Makes about 2 dozen "Ice Cream Cones", or 2 eight-inch round layers

3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp cocoa

2 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 3/4 cup  all-purpose flour

1 cup skim or 2 % milk

1/2 cup warm water

1/2 cup hot brewed coffee

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp vanilla extract (real, not imitation)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.  Be sure the oven rack is centered in the oven.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment,  or a medium sized mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients.  Whisk to lighten and mix.  Add eggs, oil, milk and vanilla.   Using the stand mixer, a hand mixer beat batter on low to medium speed for 1 minute.  Stop, scape the bowl's sides and bottom be sure all ingredients are well mixed.  Beat for another 30 seconds.    Carefully add the warm water and coffee.   Switch to a spoon or spatula and throughly mix the liquids into the batter.  The batter will be thin in consistency.

Spoon/pour the batter into the cones, do not fill more than half full.   Bake 12-15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the cupcake is clean, and the cake springs back to the light touch.  Be careful not to over-bake.

This recipe was adapted from the famous recipe on the Hershey Cocoa can.  It's wonderful for cakes or cupcakes!

Toasted Coconut Marshmallow Bars

Toasted Coconut Marshmallow Bars

It's the countdown to the holiday weekend.  Summer is in full swing and it's time to find fun, quick and easy treats.

I was in the grocery store today walking down the baking supply aisle as I always do, and an ingredient caught my eye.   Toasted coconut marshmallows.  Stop the cart!  For those of you who can't stand the thought, taste, smell or texture of coconut, you may want to pass on this one.   For those who are still reading, all I can say is... these are delicious!

One bag?  Two bags?  More?  No, I'm wasn't sure what I was going to do with them, and if they were weird I didn't want too many bags hanging around.    Now, what to do with them.   Marshmallows.... s'mores?   Maybe, but too obvious.

Rice Krispie bars?  Curious.  The idea hit.  How about Special K instead of Rice Krispies?  Not a huge change, but interesting.  It fit the requirements.   Fun, easy and as goofy as the marshmallows.

toasted coconut marshmallow

The recipe is the same as making Rice Krispie Treats.  Melt the butter, add the Marshmallows.  Add the cereal, mix and press into a buttered or oiled pan.  I was a bit worried about the coconut scorching or burning.  No problem.  Just keep the heat at low/medium and you'll have no problem.

melted marshmallows

I spread the mixture into an eight inch cake pan, then drizzled with melted chocolate chips.  The perfect combination in my book.  Chocolate and Coconut.

To print this recipe, click HERE

Toasted Coconut Marshmallow Bars

1 bag Toasted Coconut Marshmallows (about 30)

3 cups Rice Krispies or Special K Cereal

2 1/2 Tbsp Butter or Margarine

1/3 cup chocolate chips, melted

Directions

In a large saucepan, melt the butter/margarine.  It's ok if it browns just a little.

Add marshmallows, stir to melt.

Add the cereal.  Stir to mix, crushing the cereal a bit as you stir.

Spread in a buttered baking pan or small, flat dish with sides.

Drizzle with melted chocolate chips if desired.  Cool, cut, and serve!

Toasted Coconut Marshmallow Bars

I hope you have a Happy July 4th!  Wave a flag, thank a fireman, be safe and be kind.

Bonjour!

What a month this has been!   There's so much to tell you. First, I'll tell you the really big news.    Early this Spring, I presented a book proposal to a publisher who loved it!   We've signed the contract so in 2014 I'll have a cookbook.  The book will have the recipes I teach here at The Little French Bakery with many others.  I'll be doing the photography and adding stories with the recipes.    As the writing and editing progresses, I'll keep you posted with details of the book's release.   It's incredibly exciting.   It will be published by Skyhorse Publishing, New York.

What else?  Recently, we were in France, on a barge with friends cruising on the Canal du Midi.  Our barge was named Emma.  The hosts, crew and views were wonderful.   I'll be writing more on the barge life in a future post.   I had every intention of blogging on our trip but due to technical difficulties, (a brain cramp on my part) I couldn't get to my blog to write using my Ipad.   I debated about bringing my laptop and didn't.   Big mistake.  I've missed writing, but I have so much to show and tell.    Our trip also included a weekend in Bruge, Belgium and several days in Paris before and after the barge trip.   We had time to walk the streets and take it all in.    There are so many great places I've wanted to tell you about, and now I have photos to help.

Here are just a few of my favorite sights from Paris.   My postcard to you.

Cafes.  I love the chairs, tables, place settings, and ambiance.  The streets were lined with tables filled with Parisians and tourists soaking up the sunshine.

A Fromagerie.   Cheese as far as you can see.   The smells are incredible (as long as you like cheese!)    We had just come off the barge where we enjoyed many great cheeses.   It was a treat to look in the case and recognize some of the names of cheeses that were new to us.  A new favorite, Mimolette.    Bright orange, sharp and crumbly.  It looks like of like a cantaloupe.  It's in some cheese shops.  I highly suggest picking up a small piece. to try.   I can't write about cheese without mentioning Morbier.   A beautiful  semi-soft cheese with an ash layer separating and layers of  cheese.

And of course, the Tour Eiffel.   When we checked into the hotel for part deux, the receptionist  at the Madeleine Hotel asked if we would like to be on the floor that views the Eiffel Tour.    She didn't have to ask twice.  The third frame is the view out our window at dusk.   When we got back to our room after dinner, I sat on the edge of the bed with my camera for a least an hour watching the color of the sky change and took too many photos of this view- if that's possible.  I woke up in the middle of the night and looked back out again for a few minutes.   It's a view that I never tire of.  Gorgeous.

Favorite sights in Paris

And who can get tired of seeing and tasting macarons?  Not me!   Our friend stopped by a patisserie and picked an an assortment for the train ride.  Here they are.  So pretty and so delicious.  Did you know that only the middle of a macaron has the flavor?  The color is just for suggestion (except for the chocolate ones).  These were especially colorful.

macarons

One of the highlights of our time in Paris was a meal at Benoit, an Alain Ducasse restaurant.   We went to lunch and had great cassoulet, a delicious bean and meat stew.  It's the best I've ever had.  Okay, I say that every time we go there.   After the meal, as we were having coffee, our waiter stopped by with the tray of just-out-of-the-oven Madeleines.   They were perfect.   It was so fun taking them from the pan tray rather than having them served on a plate.  It was like sneaking them from the kitchen before they were ready to be served.   Here's my quick snap shot.

madeleines

Now you can make Madeleines too.   I like them left out overnight so they're crunchy.  Others like them soft, right from the oven.   I think the second bite is always the best.    If you need a mold, check with a local kitchen shop.  Most stock them.  Just ask for a Madeleine pan.

To print this recipe, click HERE

Madeleines

1. 200 g melted butter   (14 Tbsp)  (cool and allow solids to settle )
2. 4 eggs
3. 170 gm granulated sugar  (3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp)
4. 1 pinch salt
5. 10 gm honey  (1 Tbsp)
6. 5 gm baking powder  (1 tsp)
7. 180 gm flour  (1 3/4 cups plus 1 Tbsp.)

Melt butter and cool.

Sift flour with baking powder.  Mix sugar and eggs to near ribbon stage.  Add vanilla, lemon/orange zest.  Add flour.  Fold into egg/sugar mixture.  Add honey.  Add butter, leaving milk solids in container.  After mixing, place in refrigerator to cool slightly/stiffen.  Butter molds well, then flour.  Place molds in refrigerator to firm butter if necessary.  Use a pastry bag if needed to fill molds about 2/3 full in an oval top to bottom in the center of the mold.  Bake at 350 for about 6 minutes or until puffed and golden.  Immediately tap/rap on counter to knock madeleines out of pans and cool on wire rack.   1 recipe fills 2 molds.

If you're heading to Paris, be sure to check out my Paris Notebook.   There are suggestions on places to go, eat and help with shopping for cooking equipment and more.   I'll be adding more info and photos our most recent adventures.

Be kind, and enjoy!

Hazelnut Maple Cookies (Wheat free!)

Here in Wisconsin it's been a long, cool spring.   This week we've started to signs of Spring.  My hens & chicks are popping out of the antique typewriter, the daffodils are blooming, and the strawberry plants are peeking through the soil.

Long before the plants were popping there was another sign of Spring.  Maple syrup season.  Wisconsin is on the edge of the maple syrup belt.   Like coffee and chocolate is to the equator, there are few places on earth that support this product's production.  The temperature must be above freezing in the day, and down to about 20 F at night.  Sap runs into buckets or through hoses to be boiled into the liquid gold.

The land we live on was once a maple syrup farm.   When we walk through the woods, we see tubing and pans from years and years ago.  So far, we haven't tapped any trees, but someday we'll give it a try.   Did you know that it takes gallons and gallons of sap to make just one pint of syrup?    I was lucky to get to watch a sap cooking session this year - with a taste of the sap.  It's much lightly sweetened water, almost like a fresh coconut water.

Now, on to the recipe!  I promise there's a connection here.

Back in January, I went to a class in Brooklyn for a class.  After class I met up my niece and her beau, they told me about "the best bakery in Brooklyn".    Ovenly.   They told me all about the gluten free items and raved about  the cookies.    I was hoping to get there during my stay but it didn't work out.  Instead, I contacted the bakery when I got home to ask about their cookies.    Would they share a recipe?  You bet!  And, it's a perfect recipe for spring.   Delicious nuts, and sweet maple syrup.

It wasn't until about half way through the preparation that I realized these are gluten free.   The cookies are amazing.  A perfect tea time afternoon pick-me-up, or great for travel.

I didn't have any hazelnut flour on hand (who does?), so I ground the nuts in the food processor.   I was about 2/3 cups short, so I made up the difference with almonds.

nuts in proc2

The nuts are blended with the egg white, zest, sugar and touch of syrup.  Rolled into ping-ping sized balls, then rolled in the maple sugar and topped with a hazelnut half.  Easy and fast.    Here the the cookies ready for the oven.  I would suggest pushing the nuts into the cookies just a little more.  They look nicer that way.

prebaked hazelnut cookies

After 12 minutes, and the best smell from the oven, the cookies are finishes.  The maple sugar melts and creates and a crisp crust, with the nutty inside, perfectly baked.    Wish you could smell them!  The orange zest is a great addition, be sure not to leave it out.

hazelnut maple cookies

Thank you to Erin and Agatha for sharing this great recipe, and Lauren for the tip.  When you're in Brooklyn, stop by and see them.  Their flagship shop is at 31 Greenpoint Ave., Brooklyn.

I hope you enjoy the cookies as much as I did!

Happy Spring!

To print this recipe, click HERE

Hazelnut Maple Cookies

Ovenly Bakery - Brooklyn

Ingredients:

4  1/3 cups hazelnuts

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon maple syrup

zest of 1/2 orange

3 egg whites

Maple sugar for coating cookies

hazelnut halves for garnishing cookies

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a food processor, pulse the hazelnuts until they form a coarse meal; the pieces should not be larger than about 1/8 inch in diameter. Transfer the ground nuts to a bowl. Add the sugar, syrup,egg whites and zest. Using a rubber spatula, mix the ingredients together until well combined. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let sit until slightly dry to the touch, about 10 minutes.

Using your hands or a small scoop, form or roll the dough into 1-ounce balls. Coat in maple sugar and top with a half a hazelnut by pressing it into the dough. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, turning at 6 minutes. Let cool completely

Hazelnut Maple Cookie

Gougères with Salami and Antipasto Salad

Salami, Salami, Bologna!   Anyone remember the Popeye Cartoon?  As I worked on these recipes the phrase kept running through my mind.  I finally did an internet search and uncovered the source.   If you're in the mood for some nostalgia you can view the episode via this link.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgvDcXN3pJo. A group of bloggers were invited by Bolzano Artisan Meats in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to choose a Bolzano Salami then create a few recipes.  I choose Old School.  A hard salami made with pork, garlic and lots of crushed black pepper.   The company makes delicious meats using hormone free products in small batches.  I was thrilled with my choice.

Salami and Gruyere Gougeres

The first recipe uses classic Pate a Choux with gruyere cheese and small slices of the salami.  After they baked, I sliced them, and filled them with stone ground mustard, another slice of salami and cheese.  Oh boy!  The perfect  party snack.

Salami and Gruyere Cheese 

Gougères

125 gm water (about 1/2 cup)

1/2 tsp salt

3 1/2 T butter

2 tsp. sugar

75 gm flour (2/3 cup)

2 eggs, plus 1 egg for egg wash

1 cup grated gruyere cheese, or cheese of your choice

3/4 cup thinly sliced, then chopped Bolzano Old School Salami

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

In a small saucepan, place the water, butter, sugar and salt.  Bring to a simmer until butter melts.  Add the flour all at once, and stir.  The mixture will look like mashed potatoes.   Place the flour mixture in a mixing bowl, and add 2 eggs one at a time.  Stirring well after each egg.  Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.  Add the cheese, reserving a small amount (2-3 T), and the salami.

Using a tablespoon or pastry bag with large tip, pipe or spoon ping pong to gold ball sized balls of dough on to a parchment lined baking sheet.  Place the last egg in a small dish and whisk with a fork to loosen.  Using a pastry brush, gently brush the top of the balls with egg.  Be careful not to drip egg on to the parchment paper from the pastry as it will keep the pastry from puffing as well as it can.  Sprinkle the tops of the puffs with extra grated cheese.

Bake for 20-30 minutes or until completely golden brown. Cool on a wire rack and serve with mustard, pickles and more sliced salami and cheese.  Puffs can also be sliced across and filled for tiny sandwiches.

Makes about 18 small puffs

 My next recipe is Antipasto Pasta Salad.   This recipes screams of summer picnics.   It's far from summer where I am, but it really put me in the mood.  The big chunks of smoked cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and the salami really take this over the top.  Wait until you smell it.   The aroma is amazing.  Find a pasta with lots of curves to trap the flavorful dressing.

Antipasto-Salad

Pasta Salad Ingredients

Antipasto Pasta Salad with Salami

1 pound rotini or fusilli or any (corkscrew-shaped pastas) 2 garlic cloves 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard 1/3 cup red-wine vinegar 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon water 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 ounce (1/2 cup) sun-dried tomatoes 1/2 pound smoked gouda, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1  1 pound can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

1 small can artichoke hearts, cut in half (smaller bites)

1-2 T capers 3 1/2 ounces sliced hard salami, cut into julienne strips 10 to 20 bottled small peperoncini (pickled Tuscan peppers)

1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes 1 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves, minced

Start boiling salted water in a large pan. Cook the rotini until it is tender and drain it. Refresh the pasta under cold water and drain it well.  Using a food processor or blender, blend the garlic, the mustard, the vinegars, the water, the oil, and salt to taste until the dressing is emulsified. In a very large bowl toss the pasta well with the dressing and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, the mozzarella, the garbanzos, the salami, the Tuscan peppers, the red pepper flakes, and capers and the parsley and tomatoes for garnish. Chill the salad, covered, for 1 hour. The salad may be made 2 days in advance and kept covered and chilled.Serves 8-10

pasta-close

Bolzano Salamis are available online and at various outlets.  To find more recipes and read more about the project, you can find the other bloggers at these sites.  Lori Fredrich of Burp was the curator of the project. Check them out!

Participating Bloggers:

Rebecca from CakeWalk: 

rcakewalk.blogspot.com

Molly from Peanut Butter & Pickles:  

www.pbpickles.com

Melanie from From Fast Food to Fresh Food:  

www.fastfood2freshfood.com

Anna from Tallgrass Kitchen:  

www.tallgrasskitchen.com/

Lori and Paul from Burp! : 

www.eatatburp.com

Mocha Chocolate Chunk Cookies

 

Every now and then a recipe comes along out of the blue that sweeps me off my feet.  I was in the bakery catching up some Tuesdays with Dorie recipes when POW theses cookies came along.   Soft, crunchy, chewy, chocolaty, a hint of coffee... I love them.

For those of you who are new to my blog, I'm part of the group of bloggers who are baking our way through the book Baking with Julia, by Dorie Greenspan.   Twice a month we make a recipe and blog about it, linking to the big site Tuesdays With Dorie.   We get to make recipes we may not have otherwise tried, and some that we've made lots of times.   You'll always have link to the host for the week who provides the recipe.   You might even peek ahead and bake along with us.   You're always welcome to join me and comment on your baking successes...or challenges.

The recipe calls for dried apricots.  I usually have some around, but not today.  As I looked through the cupboard, I found a big bag of dried plums - better known as prunes.  They were soft, and plump and with the dark color, perfect for the cookies.

Another wonderful attribute to the recipe is that it calls for chocolate which is chopped rather than chips.  I used chopped dark chocolate 58%.  Some big chunks, dust, and little pieces.   I prefer chocolate chopped rather than chips in most cookies.

The recipe assembles easily.  Cream the butter and sugars, add the eggs, stir in the dry ingredients, then the chopped prunes and chocolate.  My dough was still very cool after it was mixed so I didn't chill it as the recipe suggested.  The cookies baked to a great color in 12 minutes, just as directed.

There's no need to squish or smoosh the cookies.  The balls of dough are about the size of ping pong balls.

The fruit disappears into the dough and adds a texture and sweetness which compliments the coffee and chocolate.  As we wait for the arrival of spring and temperature to warm, these will warm your heart.   Enjoy!

You can find the recipe at Galettista by our host Peggy.

Macaroni Pie & Rum Punch - Classic Barbados Cuisine

snow-and-sun

What a difference a day makes! In just three times zones, well two with day light savings time in effect, we made our way from 14 degrees F and snow to 80 degrees and sunny. It's incredibly beautiful here. The people are warm, helpful, and great cooks. We're loving West Indian cuisine. The rich flavors and spices are steeped in tradition.

Caribbean View

Before I tell you all about the food and in particular, Macaroni Pie, I have to share at least one rum punch photo with you. This one was taken at Brown Sugar, a very traditional Bajan (that's what people from Barbados call themselves) restaurant.  Here's some trivia for you.   Punch is derived from the word Panch which means 5.  There are five ingredients in Rum Punch; Sweet, Sour, Strong, Weak and Spice.

Rum Punch

The poem to remember the recipe is...

One of sour, Two of Sweet, Three of Strong and Four of Weak.  A Dash of Bitter and a Sprinkle of Spice served well chilled with plenty of ice.

To print this recipe, click HERE

Barbadian (Bajan) Rum Punch

1 measure lime juice

2 measures simple sugar syrup

3 measures Dark Caribbean Rum

4  measures water ( or good quality fruit juice. Passion fruit is really good)

Dash of Bitters (Angostura) and some grated nutmeg

Mix together and pour over ice!

Adapted from Totally Barbados.com

A typical Bajan meal is fried, grilled or blackened fish, macaroni pie or beans & peas, salad, and vegetables.   Pass the Bajan hot sauce and you're all set.   Root vegetables are really big, so I'm happy as can be.   I have to tell you,  I'm obsessed with macaroni pie.  Not so much for for its taste or good looks, but for its wonderful tradition in the culture.   Pie, as they call it, is everywhere, and is a staple in every household.

Rose, a delightful sweet woman,  is one of the maids at inn we're staying at.  She's a grandma and knows her way around the kitchen.  I asked her about her macaroni pie.   She told me that no one really has a recipe, "they just make it, darlin".   The manager of the hotel as well as the concierge joined the conversation.  Each referring to an older family member who had passed down their recipe.   "My mom adds mayonnaise", one said.  "No mayo in ours, but we grate the onion and sweet pepper add just a bit of Bajan sauce for heat.", another added.    Some make it one the cooktop before putting it in the oven.  Others stir it together after the macaroni is cooked but only bake it.   I loved every second of the debate.

mac-pie-and-flying-fish

Here's the meal at Brown Sugar.   A piece of fried Flying Fish, macaroni pie and salad.   The white sauce is a very smooth tartar sauce with Bajan sauce drizzled over the top for heat.   The color is from Scotch Bonnet peppers.   Bring on the heat!

To print this recipe, click HERE

Macaroni Pie

8 oz (1/2 pound) macaroni (the long tubes broken in 1/3 sections are most authentic

1 T butter or margarine

12 oz cheddar cheese, grated

1 egg

1 cup milk

2 tsp onion powder or 1-2 T grated onion

1 tsp hot English dry mustard

1 tsp white pepper

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp red pepper sauce (optional)

2-3 T tomato catsup (optional)

For the garnish:

2 T breadcrumbs

2 tsp butter

2 T grated cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until tender, but not overcooked.  Drain the macaroni and place in back in the hot pan. Mix in the butter.  Add the cheese a little bit at a time.  Whisk the egg in the milk then add to the mixture.  Add the spices.  Combine well and pour into an oven proof baking dish.  Top with the butter, grated cheese and breadcrumbs.  Bake 30-45 minutes until golden.  The baking time will depend on the depth of the baking pan.

Adapted from Totally Barbados.com

So now that you've met macaroni pie & company, I'd like to tell you about the Oistins Market.  Oistins is located at the South end of the island.  It's a quiet end of the island with beautiful beaches and many more locals than tourists.  As we walk past the post office and wooden shack (the bus terminal), we're greeted by a group of men sitting on buckets playing dominoes on the top of the steel oil drum.  The banging sound and the laughter are heart warming as we pass.  They look up with gentle smiles and always greet us hello.

Dominoes in Barbados

Our  part of the island is Oistins, a fishing community.  When the boats arrive back to shore with the fish,  the fish go straight to the market.   Next to the market is are several stands. My guess is about 30.   Each one is about 10' square.  Names like Roslin & Sons, Janet's, Uncle George's and Pats are painted on the wooden boards.   Picnic tables line the streets and tiny alleys with a huge stage in the center of the market for music and dancing.   A few stands are open daily.  But, on Friday nights everyone goes to Oistins.  Locals and tourists.  Grab a Banks beer, find a seat and prepare yourself for the freshest fish around.   Huge lights in the shape of fish hang over the main street.

Oistins Barbados

A chalkboard lists the fish for the day.   We choose Uncle George's Fish Net this week.   The stand is busy and lively.  Reggae music plays loudly is the background, and the party had begun!

Uncle George's Fish Net Menu

woman-at-fish-market

 The food is hot, fresh, not too fancy and always delicious.  My meal was mahi mahi with rice & peas with salad.

Oistin Fish Dinner

If you're traveling to Barbados and looking for some tips on where to stay and suggestions for restaurants here are my favorites.

Little Arches Hotel - At the  South end of the Island.  A small cozy and lovely hotel.

Naru, a great  Asian Fusion restaurant and on the water

Nishi, another terrific  Asian Fusion (can you tell we love seafood and sushi?)

Tapas, on the water and wonderful food, small plates or entree portions

And of course,  Oistins Fish Market

Travel safe, be safe and be kind.

Cheating on Winter Pea Soup - French Fridays with Dorie

Pea Soup

Today's from Around My French Table by Dorie Greenspan  is quick, very easy, and surprisingly delicious.

It's hard to cheat on winter right now.  It's very present.  Will it snow?  Not snow?  Did we get missed by the storm?   It's pleasantly snowing with no sign of Spring.   Except for this sweet pea soup.  I used frozen baby peas which are my favorite.

I'm guessing that right now most of you could make this soup without a trip to the grocery.

• Frozen peas .  Check
• An onion.   Check.
• 2 Tablespoons (or so) butter
• A can/box or frozen chicken stock.  Check.
• A few leaves of lettuce.  Check
• Salt and Pepper.   Ready to go!

And best of all.  Do you have 15 minutes?  Yes,  I said 15 minutes.

Just sauté the chopped onion in the butter, add the vegetables and seasoning.  Now simmer for 10 minutes.  I have you 5 minutes to gather the ingredients and chop the onion.   After simmering, puree in your food processor or blender (being very, very careful).  That's it!  You have a lovely, sweet, bright soup.   And because it's pureed, it always feels a extra fancy.

Rain Coast Crackers

Did you see the pretty crackers on the side of the bowl?  I'd  like to introduce you to Rain Coast crackers.  They're from Leslie Stowe Foods, made in Canada.  These are Salty Date and Almond.  I love them with soft cheeses.  Alone, they were perfect with the soup.   These are gluten-free if that's important in your diet.

soup

Here are the details adapted from Bon Appetit

To print this recipe, click HERE

Cheating on Winter Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped onion
• 3 cups (or more) low-salt chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 8 ounces sweet baby or frozen peas (do not thaw)
• 4 cups  sliced romaine lettuce (1/2 of medium head), or 1 heart of Romaine
• Crème fraîche or sour cream, for garnish if desired
• Crumbled cooked bacon

Melt butter in large saucepan and sauté onion until soft.  Add broth and bring to boil.  Stir in peas and lettuce.   Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.   Puree soup in blender until smooth, working in batches.  Reheat soup by returning to saucepan, and thin soup with extra broth if necessary.  Garnish with creme fraiche and crumbled bacon if desired.  Makes about 4 servings.

Have a good weekend.   Be safe, and be kind.

Valentine Cookie Swap

Happy Valentines's Day!  I love Valentine's Day.   I've always loved it.   From elementary school shoe boxes filled with sweet notes from classmates, to a Valentine  Card and little present on the kitchen counter from Gary, I love it.    One of my favorite memories was walking into our kitchen for supper when I was about 8 on Valentine's Day.  My mom had hung lime green polka dot patent leather tote bags on the backs of our chairs.  The bag  had a sleeve on the outside that held a matching umbrella.   So sweet.  And so Doris Day! Another reason I love Valentine's Day?  It's Eddie, my dog's birthday.  Yes, we talked about naming him Romeo, Valentine, and many other more romantic names, but he was and always will be, Eddie.  Here's the birthday boy.  He's 1/2 German Shorthair and 1/2 Blue Heeler.  And quite a guy.  Today he's seven, and acts like two.

eddie

Our French Friday's with Dorie group decided to have a cookie swap to celebrate the day.   The swap was organized by Alice.  (Thanks, Alice!)    We each got the name of the Valentine, and made them a dozen cookies.  The box also included a recipe, and a little present.

My box arrived, and was so fun to open!   Susan Lester had my name.  Inside the big box was TWO boxes of delicious cookies, a pretty ceramic heart, complete with rose petals, and a tres jolie Valentine.  Thanks, Susan!   Her blog is CreateAmazingMeals.com    She knew just the right theme.   An Eiffel Tower and I'm in!

CookieSwap Box

The cookies are fantastic!  Chewing, very flavorful and perfect for an evening snack.  Ok, I ate two right away and am tempted to have another very soon!

Here's the recipe from Susan:

To print this recipe, click HERE

Inspired by Marcel Desaulniers “Mrs. D’s Chocolate Chip Cookies” from Death by Chocolate Cookies.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

In a stand mixer, at medium speed, for 4 minutes, cream

½ pound Butter, softened

2 cups Dark Brown Sugar

When light and fluffy, scrape down the sides of the bowl and blend in:

2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

1 Tablespoon Dark Rum (we use Myer’s)

2 Eggs

When thoroughly blended, add:

4 cups All-purpose Flour (we use King Arthur)

½ teaspoon Salt

1 ½ teaspoon Baking Soda

Start on low speed, slowly increasing to medium-high.

When dry ingredients are completely mixed in, add:

2 cups Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips (we use Ghirardelli)

1 cup Walnut pieces

1 cup Pecan pieces

Drop cookie dough onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets (about 1 ½ Tablespoons).

Bake for 25 – 30 minutes, according to your preference.

Recipe from:  www.createamazingmeals.com

chocolate chip cookies

I hope you'll make these and visit Susan's site for more recipes and ideas.   Happy Valentine's Day!   Be kind.