Hot chocolate is great for dessert, or as comfort on a cold evening. One of my favorite chocolate drink experiences was at Ladurée in Paris: Just barely sweet and thick, slowly and happily relished. My opinion of hot chocolate mixes here in the United States has ranged from kinda interested to very disappointed. It can […]
Category Archives: Food
Apricot chutney
Tuesday, 20 March 2007
It sure doesn’t look like the first day of Spring. With the rain today, I worry that the apricot tree won’t set fruit this year. The vast majority of the blossoms are over, and most of the leaves have come out. That was fast; but then again, the blooming and fruiting periods of Blenheims are […]
Vanilla sugar
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
Vanilla sugar has a deeper flavor than vanilla extracts or essences, somehow more fruity and spicy to my tastebuds, more interesting. Sure, you can buy vanilla sugar. But making it at home is easy, and costs a lot less. The results can last for months by the clever continual addition of sugar. 🙂 You’ll have […]
No-bake Mexican chocolate pots de crème
Wednesday, 7 March 2007
For me chocolate pots de crème is just another variation on chocolate pudding. Okay, a velvety, chocolatey egg custard pudding, to be exact! I had never made this dessert before, until my friends Sonya and Robert (pots de crème pro’s) suggested I try a no-bake method from Cook’s Illustrated. The trick: cook the cream-milk-egg yolk […]
Rice cooked in chicken stock
Saturday, 24 February 2007
I usually cook rice with filtered water and a bit of salt. Maybe I toss in some random herbs or spices, or even a small dollop of olive oil or butter. This recipe is a more luxurious dish, for a special occaision, or simply to complement a strong flavored course or sauce (like the silky […]
Silky red wine & shallots sauce
Saturday, 24 February 2007
I’ve wanted to make a red wine sauce for a long time, especially a sauce not requiring any butter, cream or milk, just to challenge myself. When Simon came home with fresh sturgeon from the farmer’s market, I became inspired. Actually, the root of the inspiration was a sturgeon dish I had at Café Beaujolais […]
Delicious orange cake
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
Today I tried out the Gâteau Piège recipe from Chocolate & Zucchini. The result was delicious: a tender, orange flavored cake which reminded me of a slightly crumbly pound cake. Baking it also made the house pleasantly sweet-smelling. Thanks, Clotilde! Modifications: I used only 1/3 cup of orange juice, which came from one and half […]
Farewell: Restaurants closed in 2006
Monday, 22 January 2007
Last year witnessed the closure of some wonderful restaurants. From this group, Brigitte’s will be sorely missed. 🙁 Brigitte’s: French Mediterranean, Gourmet and Healthy Cuisine. Santa Clara, CA. This became our favorite French restaurant in the Bay Area. Fresh ingredients, often locally produced or organic. Innovative menu which changed daily to fit the seasons and […]
Baked macaroni and cheese
Sunday, 21 January 2007
I have this fond memory of the cheesy, creamy goodness of the baked macaroni and cheese from the Netscape cafeteria. That memory cropped up recently, along with the thought, “Hm, it’s been a while since I’ve made or eaten mac-n-cheese.” This recipe is influenced, of course, by others: The one from The Joy of Cooking […]
Chicken rice soup for a cold
Friday, 19 January 2007
Or, rather, for the cold which has been haranguing me for nearly two weeks. This soup is quite simple: Throw rice into a pot of chicken stock, then simmer until done. The small amount of rice expands into a remarkably generous serving! Depending on your taste, you can additional spices or veggies. The basic recipe […]