Rich, complex and bittersweet, this is undoubtedly one of the most fantastic chocolate cakes I’ve ever made. After my first bite I knew it would be my new “go-to” classic chocolate cake and I had to share the recipe with you. I’ll just say “you’re welcome” now because I know it’ll be one of the best cakes you’ve ever eaten and you’re… Read More
When Leonardo da Vinci set out to paint his famous portrait, the Mona Lisa, he took much time to consider the most appropriate background. The scenery had to enhance her physical beauty, not overwhelm it, and it had to evoke the viewer’s idea of paradise. His solution was to paint the landscape dearest to his heart, the… Read More
Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education. —Mark Twain No one is really certain of what Mark Twain meant when he stated the phrase above, but I’m certain that cauliflower is one of those vegetables that many people, including myself, have long underestimated. Often seen on vegetable-and-dip trays, their mild flavor is often passed over… Read More
When I first saw these little gems in La Cucina Italiana, the Italian kitchen magazine, I knew I was destined to try them in my own kitchen. French for “windblown,” a vol-au-vent is a small, very light and hollow pastry. They’re essentially made by cutting puff pastry into shapes, then cutting a hole in one… Read More
Made with pasta frolla (short-crust pastry), this Italian tart is as beautiful as it is delicious, whether topped with uniform raspberries or a mix of any fresh berries in season. Buon appetito! For the crust ¾ cup (6oz/185 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/3 cup (3 oz/90 g) granulated sugar… Read More
Over the weekend, I made this gorgeous and simple dish. Layered on a bed of soft cheese, summer produce—ripe tomatoes, zucchini and leeks are seasoned with salt and pepper and deliver a taste like summer. As fall does not officially begin until September 22nd, I thought I’d share this dish which lets the true mettle… Read More
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