Christmas Almond Apple Pie; The Finale

Christmas Almond Apple Pie; The Finale

The original Almond Apple Pie was not decorated with almond pasty dough; I realized I had unevenness after I placed the dough in the pan. I, of course was going to continue and blind bake the dough, but I obsessed about the aesthetic perception for the entire baking...
Christmas Season is Finally Here; Did a Truck Run Over Me?

Christmas Season is Finally Here; Did a Truck Run Over Me?

I awoken on Friday feeling tried; that is an understatement, I felt like a truck ran over me. I still put the trees up and partially decorated our house. I was in the kitchen when DF said the words I dread: “Bob you are sick! Go to bed” I argued for about...
Thanksgiving Countdown, How to Keep the Kids at the Table

Thanksgiving Countdown, How to Keep the Kids at the Table

Sydney and I were reminiscing Thanksgiving and Christmas’ past, she remembers having to sit through the entire meal, while her cousins and friends were allowed to leave the table to play. Though I strongly disagreed, and thought it was insulting to the host...
Thanksgiving Countdown, Candied Spicy Nuts

Thanksgiving Countdown, Candied Spicy Nuts

Many years ago, about fifteen to be precise, Sydney and I began preparing a special treat bag to hand out to our family and friends that have joined us in our Thanksgiving celebration. I love the look in each person’s eyes when they realize Sydney and I have...
Thanksgiving Countdown; Manipulate Lighting

Thanksgiving Countdown; Manipulate Lighting

With days becoming shorten, the sun is disappearing earlier. I would rather use the natural light than my soft boxes in my studio, but the sun refuses to adhere to my schedule. In the case of the almond pear tart photos we started around 3:15 in the afternoon, but...
Thanksgiving Countdown, The Snack: Orange Spice Cake

Thanksgiving Countdown, The Snack: Orange Spice Cake

Every year on Thanksgiving  I awake early, about 5:00 A.M.  No need to gasp, I go for a five mile run and then meet Sydney in the kitchen for coffee and some breakfast as we write a cooking/baking schedule to guide us during the day and turn on The Today Show (Until...
Thanksgiving Count Down, Caramelized Pear Tart

Thanksgiving Count Down, Caramelized Pear Tart

Sydney’s favorite Thanksgiving dessert is a Caramelized Pear Tart, an old family recipe that we have tweaked to our liking. I was blessed to inherit a plethora of DF’s Italian family recipes when we became engaged. I can remember spending countless hours...
Thanksgiving Count Down, Cranberry Sauce

Thanksgiving Count Down, Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce, is almost on every Thanksgiving table, it is expected. I remember, the first Thanksgiving I hosted as DF’s wife. I was excited, a little nerves, and meticulously designed a menu. I have to admit I was a tad neurotic, nothing could go wrong, and...
The Final Act: Glazing The Boston Cream Pie

The Final Act: Glazing The Boston Cream Pie

Our Boston Cream Pie has 3 layers and a chocolate glaze The traditional Parker Hotel Boston Cream Pie has a chocolate fondant top with a white chocolate spiral. Both DF and Sydney are not found of chocolate fondant. Sydney and I chose to substitute the chocolate...
Assemble: Happy Boston Cream Pie Birthday Continued

Assemble: Happy Boston Cream Pie Birthday Continued

 Yesterday I shared DF’s birthday cake recipe and little history about why a cake is called a pie, The Boston Cream Pie. I must confess I still do not understand why the Parker Hotel (in Boston, Massachusetts) would continue to call this delicious cake a pie....
Happy Boston Cream Birthday

Happy Boston Cream Birthday

Today is DF’s 47th birthday, every year he asks for the same cake: a Boston Cream pie. the Boston Cream Pie is an oxymoron; it is not a pie in anyway. I have pondered this for years, how did the Parker Hotel, where the first pie/cake originated, decided on two...
I am Sending Cranberry-Pomegranate Meringue Kisses

I am Sending Cranberry-Pomegranate Meringue Kisses

I planned to write a journey of DF’s birthday week of treats, however last evening we spent the night, as a family, talking and catching-up long after the meal ended. I wanted the night to remain special to DF; I tend to be a workaholic (as is DF). Lately I...
Say I love You with Rose Muffins

Say I love You with Rose Muffins

It is Birthday Week again for the Noto Unit, this time it’s DF’s birthday week. Which means Sydney and I will be baking at least 3 different cakes, watching every football game on satellite, and driving to Breckenridge only to hike and eat. He has not...
Crème Brûlée, Just for You

Crème Brûlée, Just for You

With all the egg whites we have been using lately we have found ourselves with an abundance of rich orange yolks. Waste in our household is not an option, besides there are a plethora of baked goods (as well as savory dishes) that incorporate egg yolks. Crème Brulée...
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