They are calling for snow................ Today I am mourning the destruction of the fires in California for the second time this year. Today, they are in southern California, causing devastation in and around Los Angeles, not far from where my son lives, and all the way up to my beloved Santa Barbara. As I read about the closing of the Montecito and Carpinteria Farmer's Markets, as well as Mc Connell's Ice Cream shop on State Street … [Read more...]
Baking with Spice – Anise and A Word about Grandmothers
Genus Pimpinella anisum Ok, well, United Airlines delivered me back to the land of Winter weather and, well, no sense in fighting it. I nearly made a bargain to trade places with the lady at the National Car Rental office on Monday who said she was from NJ and wanted to come back (really?). After dusk, as we drove home from the airport, we saw so many houses decorated for Christmas and a pretty good number with their Christmas trees up … [Read more...]
A Tribute to My Mom on Her Birthday
Birthday Bouquet for Mom!!!!!! Today is my dear Mom's birthday - she would have been 90! Happy Birthday, Mom! She is the person, more than anyone else, who ignited my passion for cooking in general, and baking in particular. I owe her a tremendous "Debt of Gratitude" - the title of the cookbook I began when she was in the throes of Alzheimer's Disease. I hope I will finish this book someday and close that cathartic experience. I am … [Read more...]
Best Berries
Here is my "go to" simple berry dessert. There are so many ways to use berries in pies, cakes, scones, muffins, etc. But, this simply stands on its own and, maybe is my favorite: BERRIES WITH FRESH MASCARPONE CREAM: 1/2 pint each fresh raspberries, blueberries, blackberries 1 pint fresh strawberries, peak ripeness, sliced Mix berries in a medium bowl. Make mascarpone cream. Mascarpone Cream: 12 oz. … [Read more...]