My family has a few cooking traditions around the holiday season and one recipe on the “must make” list is this delicious date-nut bread. It’s moist, dark, crunchy, not too sweet, and very tasty when topped with soft cream cheese. And if you really want to be authentic, it’s best to enjoy it as a…
Dessert
Yummy Sweetmeats
I’m pretty well-versed on my family’s traditions and recipes, so it’s not too often that I find something that stumps me. But that’s just what happened recently while going through the dessert section of my grandmother’s recipe box. It was titled “Lebanese Sweetmeats” but I didn’t remember her ever making what appeared to be a…
Apple Cake with Cream Cheese & Bourbon Cream
It’s officially Fall, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it in southwest Florida. In spite of our high temps, I’m still moving ahead with my Fall traditions! One of them is this delicious, fresh apple spice cake. I love the smells that emanate from the kitchen when it’s in the oven — comforting and definitely…
My Grandmother’s Banana Bread
My banana trees recently produced a huge bunch that have finally ripened after many weeks of watching them closely to keep the squirrels away. This variety is sometimes called ‘apple’ banana (I think the origin is Cuban) — they’re not only sweet, but they also reveal hints of delicate apple. Their skin is thinner than…
Honolulu Date Squares – A Family Favorite
Since the weather has been getting a tad cooler in southwest Florida, I’ve been thinking about holiday desserts and Fall-inspired dishes. One of my favorite holiday desserts is a family favorite we simply called “date squares” and they were especially delicious when they came out of my grandmother’s kitchen. They have a gooey, sweet date…
Pear Crisp
I love pears — poached, chopped in a salad, or as a snack while the juice drips down your arm. I especially love them baked in a warm dessert with a little vanilla ice cream! We’re fortunate to have access to pears year-round, but they’re especially delicious this time of year. Pears are one of…
Lemon Ginger Icebox Cake
Icebox cakes, also known as refrigerator cakes, are simply layers of cookies and whipped cream (or pudding) that, when chilled, transform into a cake-like dessert that’s just heavenly. Basically, the crunchy cookies absorb the moisture of the filling, making them soft and deliciously flavorful. Truth be told, it’s hard not to go back for a second helping….
Kumquat Date Bread
I think kumquats are one of the prettiest and tastiest fruits — they’re sweet and sour, all in one. They’ve even been called the “little gold gems of the citrus family”! Kumquats are especially good in marmalades and jellies but they’re also great in salads, with roasted meats, in baked goods and alongside pretty desserts. The most…
Blueberry Galette
A galette has to be one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. It’s rustic, yet elegant. If you’re not familiar with it, “galette” is a French term for any free-form, flat, round cake or pastry. It’s sometimes used interchangeably with “crostata” (which is Italian for a baked tart or pie). It’s made with one…
Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins
Jordan Marsh (“Jordan Maahsh” as we New Englanders called it) was a department store that opened its flagship store in downtown Boston around 1841. Aside from being a fashion destination, it was known for a special treat — blueberry muffins. The first floor housed a bakery, where they were made, then served in the dining…
Whoopie Pies
In New England, Whoopie Pies are a favorite treat and, as a kid, my brother and I got very excited when my mom made a batch. Who wouldn’t love moist, chocolate cake with a sweet, creamy filling? I’d take one of these over a plain old Devil Dog any day. Whoopie Pies originated from the Amish. Lore…