King Cake (Galette des Rois)

1/2 C sugar 1/2 C ground almonds 1 tsp almond extract 1/2 C butter, softened 1 egg 1 package puff pastry, thawed 1 egg yolk 1 Tbsp water Mix the sugar, almonds, almond extract and butter in a bowl.  Add the egg and continue mixing.  Set the mixture in the fridge to chill while you […]

Lemon Souffle Pancakes

Note: really lemony; spread out on the pan a lot 2 1/4 C cake flour 3/4 C sugar 1 Tbsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg 2 Tbsp finely grated lemon zest (from about 3 large lemons) 5 large eggs, separated 1 1/2 C whole milk ricotta 1 1/2 sticks butter […]

Buttermilk Syrup

1 cube butter 1/2 C buttermilk 1 C sugar (brown or white) 1/2 tsp baking soda 2 Tbsp karo (light or dark) Cook until sugar dissolves.  Take off heat and add 1 tsp vanilla

Almond French Toast

4 large eggs  1 1/3 cups half-and-half 4 teaspoons sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon venilla 1 1/4 cups (about 4 1/2 oz) sliced almonds 8 (3/4 inch thick) slices brioche or challah 3 tablespoons butter Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, sugar, salt and vanilla in a large shallow dish until well combined.  Spread almonds on […]

Hawaiian Sweet-Rice Flour Coconut Cake

Not super sweet; dense, cononuty 3 cups mochiko (sweet rice flour) 2 1/2 cups sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 (14 oz) cans unsweetened coconut milk 5 large eggs 1/2 stick butter melted and cooled 1 teaspoon vanilla Preheat oven to 350.  Whisk together mochiko, sugar, baking powder adn salt in a […]

Savory Fall Stew

2 Tbsp olive oil 12 oz hot Italian sausage cut into small chunks 12 cipollini onions (pearl onions can be substituted) peeled 1 1/2 C crushed tomatoes (28 oz=3 C) 3 C homemade chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth 1 small bundle of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano one 2 1/2 lb […]

Black Cherry-Black Pepper Lamb Chops with Sweet Pea Risotto

1 quart chicken stock 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 cup Arborio rice 1/2 cup white wine 1 cup frozen peas 1/2 cup grated Parmesan-Reggiano cheese 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, plus a few sprigs for garnish a handful fo fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped 4 […]

Fillets of Sole Francese and Lemon-Basil Pasta

Note: the fish is a crumbly white fish with a funny texture.  Maybe try crusting the fish with nuts and cooking in the oven? 1 pound long cut pasta 4 sole fillets, 7-8 oz each Black pepper 2 large eggs, beaten 3 tablespoons half-and-half or whole milk 3 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces Zest and […]

Balsamic Chicken with White Beans and Wilted Spinach

Note: a lot of liquid in the spinach; maybe with rice or pasta 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 4 Tbsp EVOO 1 Tbsp grill seasoning (McCormick’s Montreal Steak Seasoning) 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 med. onions, thinly sliced beans, drained 4 large garlic cloves, chopped 1 tsp. dried thyme 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes Salt […]