One of my first "jobs" was making croissants for the Inn up the road for the breakfast crowd. I think I was 12? I had taken a class in whole wheat baking and making croissants there...yummy! So I rolled and rolled and marveled at the amount of butter and was so very proud of my beautiful croissants.
I discovered these cupcakes this winter during a relaxing cookbook perusal. These cupcakes are wonderful as minis. The salty combined with the sweet is a real treat to the taste buds. Cupcake liners are another one of my little obessions and I delight in finding pretty and whimsical liners at obsure locations like hardware stores and party stores. I just found some online that are the most beautiful scroll patterns in great colors.
I find that strawberry jam has the best contrast with the almonds but raspberry or apricot is fine. A little confectioners sugar sprinkled over the top or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds even more flavor and drama!
I am a cookbook addict. I love looking at beautiful pictures, reading the ingredients and imagining the delectable finish. Holiday cookbooks and magazines are my downfall. Ginger and sugar cookies are my favorite Christmas cookies and this is one of my most favorite recipes from a very early addition to my library. They are perfect with a cup of Tasha's tea. And their dainty size is perfect for gift giving. Don't be tempted to make them larger, they'll lose their charm! And from my family to yours...happy baking this holiday season. Take time to fill the house with delicious smells and share the joy of baking with your children. Give homemade, it's so special.
Take time to make some pretty labels and give this as a gift to someone who likes to indulge!
At the start of the holiday season, I am always full of grand ideas for cooking, baking and creating the most wonderful goodies for friends and family. I end up being challenged for time as the inevitable holiday activities that take up valuable creative hours but I love this time of year for specialty baking. This year my husband Matthew and I are having a gingerbread contest. He is convinced that his will be more extravagant and architecturally stunning!! We shall see...Jack and Hannah will be the judges! Along with fudge, sugar cookies, lemon bread, and panuche, this toffee is a favorite of mine to give as a gift. Please enjoy this recipe and have a wonderful holiday baking season!
And if you're looking for a gift for a baker in your life you might check out the Home & Kitchen section of our online store. We have several cookie cutter options, beautiful aprons, and both cards and prints of some of Tasha's more domestic themed works.
This is a November tradition for the Tudor family. Dundee cake is better when aged in the freezer! It's also a great family activity as the egg beating takes strong arms and the children will love making the designs with the fruit and almonds. On December 6th, St. Nicholas' birthday, we start the beginning of our Christmas season with a special tea party. The advent wreath is put on display, the Dundee cake is enjoyed, and the spirit of the season is upon us.
If you want to read more about the role food plays in how we celebrate the holidays read our post St. Nicholas Day Recipes.
Here is a summer picnic recipe. Savory chicken salad! I encourage you to experiment with herbs in this salad. Blend your favorites, chop finely and add to the final mixture. Fresh herbs always much such a difference and you don't even need a garden to grow them! Small pots in the window can provide you with fragrant herbs all year long.
Here is the June recipe. I apologize for not posting a May recipe, but the resort where I work (my real job!) opened for the season, so this is always the busiest time of year for me. But I'm back! Amy and I were just in New York City for the National Stationary Show and were inspired by the great bakeries, the garment district, and the incredible fabric stores. Sometimes you need a little creative boost!
This brown sugar fudge was a childhood favorite of mine. I remember coming home to face piano practice and finding a plate of panuche on the piano. What a treat! Its memories like this that inspire me to share my recipes with you.
