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Asheville Trip To Foodtopia - Part II
2009-07-04 06:08:00
Day two of our trip in Asheville had us move around a bit less but was just as intense, keeping us on our toes until bedtime. Or was it until we all rolled, stumbled, fell, crashed on our beds?! Ha! Yes, we can blame it on all the tasty wines, succulent dishes, intense Iron Chef competition, culminating with an outstanding dinner at Horizons in The Grove Park Inn.The 4 Diamond restaurant gathered us around one of the best meals I have had in my life, ending in the most perfect sweet note: a chocolate and caramel tasting executed by Pastry Chef Laura Bogard. Before I could even ask our hosts if Laura would be kind enough to share a couple of the recipes, I was graciously handed a print out of all the components of our plate. Once back home in SC, I decided to put my own spin on it and make this Chocolate Torte topped with Caramel Ice Cream and Chocolate Sorbet, inspired by that evening. But let's talk about the day first...We started with a visit to Sunburst Trout Farm outside of As...
More About: Trip , Part

Asheville Trip To Foodtopia Part 1
2009-07-01 07:57:00
Update: check Todd and Diane's Part 1 here. Amazing!One of the first things I did when I got back from Asheville , NC was to email Jael and Dan Rattigan from The Chocolate Lounge and beg ask them to share a recipe, any recipe, from their outstanding repertoire. So happy they sent the one for their Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake (see end of post). Most delicious thing I have had in terms of cheesecakes. Really.We were in NC to discover the Foodtopian Society of Asheville and we all fell in love with the pair, the minute we walked into their shop. Proof? We told Dodie (Super Mistress of Organization - Tourism Office PR Manager) that we had to take Brian, Todd and Diane there as soon as they'd arrive. Great chocolates, cakes, great photo opps, etc...Yeah, truth is we wanted more. More chocolate, more cookies and more of Jael and Dan. A couple of us even went back a third time and will have a post up soon.Even though I have spent the last week being wined and dined by the wond...
More About: Trip

Asheville Trip To Foodtopia Part 1
2009-07-01 07:57:00
Update: check Todd and Diane's Part 1 here. Amazing!One of the first things I did when I got back from Asheville , NC was to email Jael and Dan Rattigan from The Chocolate Lounge and beg ask them to share a recipe, any recipe, from their outstanding repertoire. So happy they sent the one for their Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake (see end of post). Most delicious thing I have had in terms of cheesecakes. Really.We were in NC to discover the Foodtopian Society of Asheville and we all fell in love with the pair, the minute we walked into their shop. Proof? We told Dodie (Super Mistress of Organization - Tourism Office PR Manager) that we had to take Brian, Todd and Diane there as soon as they'd arrive. Great chocolates, cakes, great photo opps, etc...Yeah, truth is we wanted more. More chocolate, more cookies and more of Jael and Dan. A couple of us even went back a third time and will have a post up soon.Even though I have spent the last week being wined and dined by the wond...
More About: Trip

Cherry Bakewell Tartelettes With Cherry Pit Ice Cream Milkshakes
2009-06-27 07:58:00
June has definitely been a strange month starting by my baking the latest Daring Bakers challenge the first week it was revealed. That has not happened in almost two years but there are too many work deadlines this month to monkey around with all forms of important business. Work and Daring Bakers that is. These Bakewell Cherry Tarts served with Cherry Pit Ice Cream Milkshakes don't monkey around either.Oh yes, even after all this time I still take my DB very seriously!! Our challenge this month was to make this traditional British tart and beside the three key components of the shortbread pastry crust, preserves and frangipane filling, we were pretty much let loose to do as we desired. If you have been catching my latest Daring Bakers challenges, when I am given this much freedom, my mind goes in overdrive and the kitchen turns into super porduction for a few hours. All around me usually rub their hands knowing there will be an abundance of desserts for the next few days while B. ...

Cherry Bakewell Tartelettes With Cherry Pit Ice Cream Milkshakes
2009-06-27 07:58:00
June has definitely been a strange month starting by my baking the latest Daring Bakers challenge the first week it was revealed. That has not happened in almost two years but there are too many work deadlines this month to monkey around with all forms of important business. Work and Daring Bakers that is. These Bakewell Cherry Tarts served with Cherry Pit Ice Cream Milkshakes don't monkey around either.Oh yes, even after all this time I still take my DB very seriously!! Our challenge this month was to make this traditional British tart and beside the three key components of the shortbread pastry crust, preserves and frangipane filling, we were pretty much let loose to do as we desired. If you have been catching my latest Daring Bakers challenges, when I am given this much freedom, my mind goes in overdrive and the kitchen turns into super porduction for a few hours. All around me usually rub their hands knowing there will be an abundance of desserts for the next few days while B. ...

Gone Fishing!
2009-06-25 07:30:00
I had a feeling I ought to put a "Gone Fishing " sign on this page last monday and leave you to meet my beta, Elliott instead of pacing my hotel room trying to find a good internet signal. I also did not realize that our schedule of eating and meeting wonderful people here would leave me happily tired and satisfied but with only one desire, that of saying "hi" to my pillow as soon as possible each evening.But where the heck am I? Curently in Asheville, NC (typing this from the little alcove between the closet and the microwave for as long as I don't lose this internet signal) and heading home today. Why? Research of course....bloggers are relentless researchers and will take on all forms of food torture in the name information.When Jaden from Steamy Kitchen sends you an invite to go with her to Asheville to discover all the wonderul farms, artisans, foods of the city and region, you are unlikely to say no. You are very likely to jump for joy and run to pack your bag!!It's been amaz...

Gone Fishing!
2009-06-25 07:30:00
I had a feeling I ought to put a "Gone Fishing " sign on this page last monday and leave you to meet my beta, Elliott instead of pacing my hotel room trying to find a good internet signal. I also did not realize that our schedule of eating and meeting wonderful people here would leave me happily tired and satisfied but with only one desire, that of saying "hi" to my pillow as soon as possible each evening.But where the heck am I? Curently in Asheville, NC (typing this from the little alcove between the closet and the microwave for as long as I don't lose this internet signal) and heading home today. Why? Research of course....bloggers are relentless researchers and will take on all forms of food torture in the name of information.When Jaden from Steamy Kitchen sends you an invite to go with her to Asheville to discover all the wonderul farms, artisans, foods of the city and region, you are unlikely to say no. You are very likely to jump for joy and run to pack your bag!!It's been a...

Pumpkin Seed Mascarpone Mousse And Raspberry Tartelettes
2009-06-21 07:05:00
I realized a couple of years into our marriage that the occasions to take out our china and break into grandma's pretty silveware were going to be limited if we did not expand the meaning of "occasions". Even a simple and casual dinner with friends is now considered one. A moment to celebrate friendship, time set aside to connect or reconnect, all made special by the conversations and the people around them. Even a simple dinner calls for a special dessert like these Pumpkin Seed Mascarpone Mousse And Raspberry Tartelettes and my grandmother's vintage dessert spoons. Just because.I like to set a pretty table and make a special meal when we have company and you can guess that there is a treat awaiting them for dessert. We are not stuck into fussy table settings and usually end up taking our plates to the back deck during Spring and Summer or cozy up in front of the fireplace during the winter. I also love the fact that I can take the dogs to the dock around 7pm and sit there watch...

Pumpkin Seed Mascarpone Mousse And Raspberry Tartelettes
2009-06-21 07:05:00
I realized a couple of years into our marriage that the occasions to take out our china and break into grandma's pretty silveware were going to be limited if we did not expand the meaning of "occasions". Even a simple and casual dinner with friends is now considered one. A moment to celebrate friendship, time set aside to connect or reconnect, all made special by the conversations and the people around them. Even a simple dinner calls for a special dessert like these Pumpkin Seed Mascarpone Mousse And Raspberry Tartelettes and my grandmother's vintage dessert spoons. Just because.I like to set a pretty table and make a special meal when we have company and you can guess that there is a treat awaiting them for dessert. We are not stuck into fussy table settings and usually end up taking our plates to the back deck during Spring and Summer or cozy up in front of the fireplace during the winter. I also love the fact that I can take the dogs to the dock around 7pm and sit there watch...

Vanilla Tapioca And Milk Chocolate Lime Cremeux
2009-06-16 07:41:00
Update 6/18: You can head over Simply Hue written by the adorable Vicki to read a little interview she did with me about work, dessert, inspirations and passions. Then come back here for dessert, ehehe!Thank you for all the good vibes you sent throughout the weekend, they were truly uplifting. You can trust that they are already bottled up and ready to be used for the next phase of whatever this is we are in. One sure thing for Bill and myself right now is that our marriage is stronger than ever, our couple and friendship thicker than glue. If a dessert could define it in a nutshell, it could well be these verrines of Vanilla Tapioca and Milk Chocolate Lime Cremeux.Can I be annoyingly tacky by saying that our relationship is as comforting as vanilla tapioca pudding? Will you believe if I added that it has this sexy layer of milk chocolate cremeux to it? And that we still find a way to add a little spice and humor to life like adding lime to chocolate? I can, I am and I stand by the ...

Vanilla Tapioca And Milk Chocolate Lime Cremeux
2009-06-16 07:41:00
Thank you for all the good vibes you sent throughout the weekend, they were truly uplifting. You can trust that they are already bottled up and ready to be used for the next phase of whatever this is we are in. One sure thing for B. and myself right now is that our marriage is stronger than ever, our couple and friendship thicker than glue. If a dessert could define it in a nutshell, it could well be these verrines of Vanilla Tapioca and Milk Chocolate Lime Cremeux.Can I be annoyingly tacky by saying that our relationship is as comforting as vanilla tapioca pudding? Will you believe if I added that it has this sexy layer of milk chocolate cremeux to it? And that we still find a way to add a little spice and humor to life like adding lime to chocolate? I can, I am and I stand by the comparison. It certainly got B. to say outloud "These are so good! Will you marry me? Again?"I did smile at that one because at that precise moment I was reading a very interesting email and knew he'd gi...

Peach Chamomille Mousse Cakes
2009-06-12 16:13:00
There are times in your life when you need to pull out all the stops, set up a special table, make an extraordinary tasty meal and just twirl some caramel strands around pretty mousse cakes. When crap hits the fan outside of my comprehension I just try to deal with it the best way I can: doing the things I know, doing them with dedication and focus. Yes, like twirling caramel strands around Peach and Chamomille Mousse Cakes .Granted, my normalcy may not be yours but we all deal differently with stress and incredible circumstances. You might set out to clean your closet or reorganize your files. B. takes the house on a vaccum marathon. I usually go to the dock, take a huge breath in and go home to try to find some way to reconnect and it always ends up with the kitchen counter covered in sugar and flour. I also forge ahead in the photography and writing projects I have (portfolio is finally visible!), happy not to have a minute to think too much about the telephone ringing. (I did pre...

Peach Chamomille Mousse Cakes
2009-06-12 16:13:00
There are times in your life when you need to pull out all the stops, set up a special table, make an extraordinary tasty meal and just twirl some caramel strands around pretty mousse cakes. When crap hits the fan outside of my comprehension I just try to deal with it the best way I can: doing the things I know, doing them with dedication and focus. Yes, like twirling caramel strands around Peach and Chamomille Mousse Cakes .Granted, my normalcy may not be yours but we all deal differently with stress and incredible circumstances. You might set out to clean your closet or reorganize your files. B. takes the house on a vaccum marathon. I usually go to the dock, take a huge breath in and go home to try to find some way to reconnect and it always ends up with the kitchen counter covered in sugar and flour. I also forge ahead in the photography and writing projects I have (portfolio is finally visible!), happy not to have a minute to think too much about the telephone ringing. (I did pre...

Strawberry and Rhubarb Pate De Fruit
2009-06-07 17:06:00
As I woke up this morning, I quickly put on my shoes and ran downstairs to get the boat ready for a little outing. We were indeed rushing, grabing pieces of buttered toast and ushering the dogs up and down the stairs. You see it's rain season here, so every opportunity to be out and about in a dry and sunny moment is fully taken advantage of. We got all the way to the boat landing and all of a sudden the clouds darkened and the skies broke lose. B. looked at me, hands open to the sky, raising his shoulders as if to say "sorry sweets, not today".No big deal, being flexible is the name of the game in June around here but there is plenty for me to do to actually tie myself to a chair instead of going around playing on the water (more on that at the end of this post). When things don't go as planned, there are ways to make the situation a little sweeter. Tons sweeter. Little confections like pate de fruits are especially good to turn grey skies into sunshine, if only in your head. Mor...
More About: Fruit , Strawberry

Strawberry and Rhubarb Pate De Fruit
2009-06-07 17:06:00
As I woke up this morning, I quickly put on my shoes and ran downstairs to get the boat ready for a little outing. We were indeed rushing, grabing pieces of buttered toast and ushering the dogs up and down the stairs. You see it's rain season here, so every opportunity to be out and about in a dry and sunny moment is fully taken advantage of. We got all the way to the boat landing and all of a sudden the clouds darkened and the skies broke lose. B. looked at me, hands open to the sky, raising his shoulders as if to say "sorry sweets, not today".No big deal, being flexible is the name of the game in June around here but there is plenty for me to do to actually tie myself to a chair instead of going around playing on the water (more on that at the end of this post). When things don't go as planned, there are ways to make the situation a little sweeter. Tons sweeter. Little confections like pate de fruits are especially good to turn grey skies into sunshine, if only in your head. Mor...
More About: Fruit , Strawberry

Indian Cardamom Mava Cakes
2009-06-04 06:21:00
Many days of the week, I wish I could just call up my friend Bina to come and have tea or coffee with me. I know my afternoons have never been sweeter as since she shared her Mava Cakes recipe with us. I am very fond of a little tea break and I am very fond of Bina. We "met" when she emailed about her macarons issues. We just went through every problem, one by one, laughing along the way. Like with most friendships, it is difficult to explain how the pieces of the puzzle just fell into place. We started sharing a bit more each day, her about India and me about France.We finally met in person and confirmed our friendship went deeper than a computer screen. We cook the same way, from memory, from family, for others, always worried people are going to enjoy themselves and have enough. Our cultures are miles away from each other and yet we relate by cooking like our ancestors did. Our way to keep alive the generations before us and pass it on to the ones after us.Bina is funny, talented...
More About: Indian , Cardamom

Indian Cardamom Mava Cakes
2009-06-04 06:21:00
Many days of the week, I wish I could just call up my friend Bina to come and have tea or coffee with me. I know my afternoons have never been sweeter as since she shared her Mava Cakes recipe with us. I am very fond of a little tea break and I am very fond of Bina. We "met" when she emailed about her macarons issues. We just went through every problem, one by one, laughing along the way. Like with most friendships, it is difficult to explain how the pieces of the puzzle just fell into place. We started sharing a bit more each day, her about India and me about France.We finally met in person and confirmed our friendship went deeper than a computer screen. We cook the same way, from memory, from family, for others, always worried people are going to enjoy themselves and have enough. Our cultures are miles away from each other and yet we relate by cooking like our ancestors did. Our way to keep alive the generations before us and pass it on to the ones after us.Bina is funny, talented...
More About: Indian , Cardamom

Cherry, Rose and Coconut Ice Cream
2009-05-31 07:11:00
Before I start waxing poetic about this delicious Cherry , Rose and Coconut Ice Cream , it is high time I announced the winner of Michel Roux's Pastry picked at random by my better half: congratulations Sadiya! If my memories serves me right from an email baking question last year, the book is going all the way to Bahrain!I meant to post this much earlier than today but it has been a very strange week, complete with a computer virus in the middle of it. I think my funky little computer is back up and running correctly. With no one at McAfee, Gateway, Microsoft, Comcast able to help us out unless we forked $100, we blindly relied on internet forums to find the solution. If you are going to go into your computer without really knowing what you are doing, I strongly suggest having this Cherry, Rose and Coconut Ice Cream nearby. Made everything less stressful. Fun even. In a geeky sort of way.The end of the intructions to our problem read "Now restart your computer. The problem should be...

Cherry, Rose and Coconut Ice Cream
2009-05-31 07:11:00
Before I start waxing poetic about this delicious Cherry , Rose and Coconut Ice Cream , it is high time I announced the winner of Michel Roux's Pastry picked at random by my better half: congratulations Sadiya! If my memories serves me right from an email baking question last year, the book is going all the way to Bahrain!I meant to post this much earlier than today but it has been a very strange week, complete with a computer virus in the middle of it. I think my funky little computer is back up and running correctly. With no one at McAfee, Gateway, Microsoft, Comcast able to help us out unless we forked $100, we blindly relied on internet forums to find the solution. If you are going to go into your computer without really knowing what you are doing, I strongly suggest having this Cherry, Rose and Coconut Ice Cream nearby. Made everything less stressful. Fun even. In a geeky sort of way.The end of the intructions to our problem read "Now restart your computer. The problem should be...

Daring Bakers Strut Their Strudels
2009-05-27 06:30:00
It's been a long time since I made strudel dough and it's been even longer since I made it for our own eating pleasures. When I first moved to the US, one of my first pastry jobs was at a German bakery where we would make strudel dough by the buckets, starting fresh and early around 3am. I made so much strudels in that one year there that I overdosed a little and never made it at home after that. When I saw that the Daring Bakers challenge for May was strudel I had a split reaction. A "meh" followed by "oh wait I have always wanted to do this and this and this..."The instructions were to make the strudel dough per the recipe given but allowed us to get creative as far as the fillings, shapes and sizes. I started with one idea and as (most) usual, I ended up with three. My first idea was not to make a traditional strudel and I blame Richard Leach for that. I have been itching to make his Ricotta Cheese Tarts in Strudel Rings since the first day I flipped the pages of his book "Swee...

Daring Bakers Strut Their Strudels
2009-05-27 06:30:00
It's been a long time since I made strudel dough and it's been even longer since I made it for our own eating pleasures. When I first moved to the US, one of my first pastry jobs was at a German bakery where we would make strudel dough by the buckets, starting fresh and early around 3am. I made so much strudels in that one year there that I overdosed a little and never made it at home after that. When I saw that the Daring Bakers challenge for May was strudel I had a split reaction. A "meh" followed by "oh wait I have always wanted to do this and this and this..."The instructions were to make the strudel dough per the recipe given but allowed us to get creative as far as the fillings, shapes and sizes. I started with one idea and as (most) usual, I ended up with three. My first idea was not to make a traditional strudel and I blame Richard Leach for that. I have been itching to make his Ricotta Cheese Tarts in Strudel Rings since the first day I flipped the pages of his book "Swee...

Pistachio And Strawberry Mousse Mille Feuilles And A Giveaway
2009-05-24 05:27:00
I just laughed and giggled at all the comments about the Pistachio Creme Brulee Macarons from last week and your thinking that I can take Pierre Herme any day. Clearly an interesting idea but sadly one that will never take place because the man is king in the pastry department. I did get an email from Pierre Herme though, well ok, more precisely from La Maison Pierre Herme. And it was not personal at all. But I loved it all the same. It actually inspired me to make these Mille Feuilles filled with mascarpone, pistachio and strawberry mousses.I like staying close to home by subscribing to French cooking magazine, watch French news feeds anytime I can, and also by receiving PH's monthly newsletter in my inbox. An attractive list of all the seasonal goodies coming up in his shops. And there it was, the whole PH House of Pastry, tempting with more amazing tastes and textures than before. I read it carefully and sighed at their current signature flavor: all PH's creations in pistachio ...
More About: Strawberry

Pistachio And Strawberry Mousse Mille Feuilles And A Giveaway
2009-05-24 05:27:00
I just laughed and giggled at all the comments about the Pistachio Creme Brulee Macarons from last week and your thinking that I can take Pierre Herme any day. Clearly an interesting idea but sadly one that will never take place because the man is king in the pastry department. I did get an email from Pierre Herme though, well ok, more precisely from La Maison Pierre Herme. And it was not personal at all. But I loved it all the same. It actually inspired me to make these Mille Feuilles filled with mascarpone, pistachio and strawberry mousses.I like staying close to home by subscribing to French cooking magazine, watch French news feeds anytime I can, and also by receiving PH's monthly newsletter in my inbox. An attractive list of all the seasonal goodies coming up in his shops. And there it was, the whole PH House of Pastry, tempting with more amazing tastes and textures than before. I read it carefully and sighed at their current signature flavor: all PH's creations in pistachio ...
More About: Strawberry

Coconut Cherry Petits Gateaux
2009-05-20 06:13:00
The temperatures have dropped here in the last few days which is extremely bizarre for us this time of year. Humid is a given, hot is pretty much the norm, hotter is, well, summer. I always take the dogs out barefeet in the morning. I love to feel the dew tickling my feet and waking me up. The other morning was no exception only for the fact that my ritual was paired with a sounding "Oh la vache c'est froid" ("Holy cow, it's cold"). Hurried my little flock back inside, made hot tea and sat with Bill with a few Coconut Cherry Petits Gateaux while he was reading the morning paper.Obviously, I have forgotten what cold really is having been in the South so long but I actually look forward to a good wind and a cold front. I take it all in, making "cold memories" to dip into when August rolls around and I wilt going from the house to the car. Times like this usually give me an urge to make cakes and tea cakes. When I see cherries I am immediately thrown back to our house in Provence whe...

Coconut Cherry Petits Gateaux
2009-05-20 06:13:00
The temperatures have dropped here in the last few days which is extremely bizarre for us this time of year. Humid is a given, hot is pretty much the norm, hotter is, well, summer. I always take the dogs out barefeet in the morning. I love to feel the dew tickling my feet and waking me up. The other morning was no exception only for the fact that my ritual was paired with a sounding "Oh la vache c'est froid" ("Holy cow, it's cold"). Hurried my little flock back inside, made hot tea and sat with Bill with a few Coconut Cherry Petits Gateaux while he was reading the morning paper.Obviously, I have forgotten what cold really is having been in the South so long but I actually look forward to a good wind and a cold front. I take it all in, making "cold memories" to dip into when August rolls around and I wilt going from the house to the car. Times like this usually give me an urge to make cakes and tea cakes. When I see cherries I am immediately thrown back to our house in Provence whe...

Creme Brulee Pistachio Macarons
2009-05-17 07:36:00
Thank you immensely for the warm birthday wishes and emails. You guys are the best! Phew! This past week was filled with opportunities to take me away from updating more often. Work related issues to ponder, projects, family. I decided to put my mind on a break for a few days. Break is over now. Does that happen to you too? This feeling that the cup is full and you need to just press "pause" for a couple of days? There is always a sweet moment involved for me though. One filled with Creme Brulee Pistachio Macarons for example. As good as a red rose on your birthday.Jen emailed me recently that she was making macarons and that sent me into a mini brainstorming session. I quickly replied with "I've had this idea for a while to make a creme brulee filled macarons. I just need to sit on the logistics for a minute". I pretty much knew how to go about it but there is always this doubt that your idea may be better in your head than the actual production. When I told Bill about it, he gave...

Creme Brulee Pistachio Macarons
2009-05-17 07:36:00
Thank you immensely for the warm birthday wishes and emails. You guys are the best! Phew! This past week was filled with opportunities to take me away from updating more often. Work related issues to ponder, projects, family. I decided to put my mind on a break for a few days. Break is over now. Does that happen to you too? This feeling that the cup is full and you need to just press "pause" for a couple of days? There is always a sweet moment involved for me though. One filled with Creme Brulee Pistachio Macarons for example. As good as a red rose on your birthday.Jen emailed me recently that she was making macarons and that sent me into a mini brainstorming session. I quickly replied with "I've had this idea for a while to make a creme brulee filled macarons. I just need to sit on the logistics for a minute". I pretty much knew how to go about it but there is always this doubt that your idea may be better in your head than the actual production. When I told Bill about it, he gave...

Berry Mousse and Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Verrines
2009-05-13 07:16:00
"Whatcha making?" Bill asked when he stepped into the kitchen area on Sunday. "My birthday cake" I replied, scraping the last bit of batter onto a sheetpan. He then pointed at the two bowls filled with strawberries and blackberries, the couple of lemon and the bottle of Limoncello. "Yes, yes, yes...all those for my cake". His eyes lit up in anticipation and he left the room uttering "hmmhmmhmm".A few hours later, he tried to sneak a peak into the refrigerator to see the final product and opened and closed the refrigerator door a couple of times. "Where is it? Are you done yet? I can't see it!". I pulled out a tray of glasses and handed him a spoon. "It's not a cake! Wait...I am sorry. It's your birthday, I should have known better..."Lemon poppy seed cake brushed with straight Limoncello and layered with strawberry and blackberry mousse. There is cake, there is cream and there is enough space to stick a candle in it. I am ready to celebrate!Yes, it's my birthday and since I like...
More About: Berry , Cake , Seed

Berry Mousse and Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Verrines
2009-05-13 07:16:00
"Whatcha making?" Bill asked when he stepped into the kitchen area on Sunday. "My birthday cake" I replied, scraping the last bit of batter onto a sheetpan. He then pointed at the two bowls filled with strawberries and blackberries, the couple of lemon and the bottle of Limoncello. "Yes, yes, yes...all those for my cake". His eyes lit up in anticipation and he left the room uttering "hmmhmmhmm".A few hours later, he tried to sneak a peak into the refrigerator to see the final product and opened and closed the refrigerator door a couple of times. "Where is it? Are you done yet? I can't see it!". I pulled out a tray of glasses and handed him a spoon. "It's not a cake! Wait...I am sorry. It's your birthday, I should have known better..."Lemon poppy seed cake brushed with straight Limoncello and layered with strawberry and blackberry mousse. There is cake, there is cream and there is enough space to stick a candle in it. I am ready to celebrate!Yes, it's my birthday and since I like...
More About: Berry , Cake , Seed

Lemon Basil Lemon Tartelettes
2009-05-08 15:54:00
I know I talk a lot about my family back home and the times, desserts and events shared over there but I also have a strong sense of my being and living here in the States, in the present moment. And I am always very aware of things coming up this fine weekend of May. It's Mother's Day. Except it does not phase my own mother much because that special day is not celebrated until the end of the month in France. However she enjoys the fact that with my being here and celebrating Bill's mom, I can't wait another two weeks to tell her anyway. And I realized while making these lemon-basil infused lemon tartelettes that there was a whole of "mothers" going into them.My mother-in-law is "mama Ruth" to me. She welcomed me to the family like a daughter and she treats me as such and never refrains anything, the good, the bad and the ugly, just like a mom does. She also has what I call a very acute "pantry 6th sense". I can be thinking that I need sugar and Bill comes home with a bag courte...
More About: Lemon , Basil