Midwesterners topped this 31st Bake-Off in 1984. All of the top money winners and several of the runners-up temporarily took over the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel in San Diego. The grand prize winner and mother of twins, was Susan Porubcan of Whitewater, Wisconsin. Susan started entering the Bake-Off while a high school student. Her mother had […]
Texas-Style Christmas
Deep in the heart of a Texas Christmas, author Rebecca Rather, AKA “The Pastry Queen,” kicks into high gear during the holiday season meeting the Texas-sized entertaining needs of the locals. Her bakery, the “Rather Sweet Bakery and Cafe,” caters to many of the parties in her hometown of Fredericksburg in the Hill Country. The season […]
Gifts From the Heart
No one feels more special than being presented with a homemade gift, especially one from the kitchen. When we give the gift of food like homemade jams, breads, candy, or cookies, the recipient knows it is from the heart and means more than any other gift. A gift of food is a gift of yourself. […]
Remember To Send Me Your Wish List!
Please go to my previous blog about playing Santa for you this month! http://theculinarycellar.blogspot.com/2011/12/let-me-play-santa-for-you.html
Holiday Truffles
Truffles are perfect for holiday gifts, or for serving when one wants “just a bite” of something sweet. Truffles are unlike fudge or other candies, and well worth the time to make! Chocolate-Dipped Truffles with Amaretto-Chocolate Cream Centers 1 cup whipping cream10 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces1/4 cup […]
A Cookie from New Zealand
A crumbly, buttery, and spicy crust in this bar cookie is topped with a ginger icing. Ginger Crunch Cookies Softened unsalted butter, and all purpose flour for baking pan 1-1/2 cups less 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder2-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger, divided1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon ground cloves1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, crumbled between fingers1/2 […]
Are you a Macaronivore?
Sadly, I have never been to France, but when I go (not if!) one of the first delicacies I will seek out at a patisserie is a real Parisian macaron. These delicate and airy meringue-based shells are filled with moist centers of ganache, custard cream, or other fillings. The art of making the perfect macaron is […]
Family Gatherings for the Holidays
Sixteen star chefs. Sixteen fabulous parties. How’s that for ideas on how to start cooking for the holiday season? Chefs certainly know how to throw a good party. After all, they spend their lifetimes mastering recipes and hospitality and turning them into magic. Now you can read about how to make your next holiday gathering a hit with […]
