by | Jan 1, 2012 | Candies, Gluten Free, Home, Inspirational
As the New Year’s Eve Night approaches I find myself reflecting on the past 12 months and realizing even through the toughest times there was joy. I’ve written only one line and my phone started ringing..It was my 98 year old grandma wishing me and my...
by | Dec 29, 2011 | Cakes, Home, Pastries and Viennoiseries
Well the rum soaked dried fruit, the Glacé Citron and Glacé Orange, and the panettone rested overnight; hopefully you are well rested too. It is time to finish our panettone project, but I thought you might enjoy a bit of food history first. Panettone is rich...
by | Dec 28, 2011 | Cakes, Home, Pastries and Viennoiseries
Every Christmas, New Years, and Easter I buy a panettone for our holiday special breakfast; this year I completely spaced out ordering the flavor we enjoy. When Sydney and DF started talking about Christmas French Toast; I figured I could go online and overnight a...
by | Dec 27, 2011 | Cakes, Home
Every year between the week of Christmas and New Years Sydney and I prepare a Bûche de Nöel; this year it was part of our Christmas dinner, the main dessert. I remember the first year I chose to bake a Bûche de Nöel, I felt nervous and a tad overwhelmed; until I...
by | Dec 21, 2011 | Candies, Home
Truffles are one of my favorite guilty pleasures; in fact Sydney was barely walking when she had her first truffle. She adored the truffles so much she shared a truffle with my closest nephew. She proclaimed they were to die for and he must try one. My nephew, who was...
by | Dec 20, 2011 | Candies, Home
For eight nights the celebration of Chanukah will last, each night a special prayer will be said as the candles are lit. There are total of nine candles, the Shamash is to light the eight candles known as the festival of lights, beginning on the 25th day of the...
by | Dec 20, 2011 | Gluten Free, Home, Inspirational
In between the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it is sometimes hard to step back and take a breath. Remember what this time of year is really for: hope and bringing hope to others. Sydney and I try to seek the crustiest person of our day and make them smile;...
by | Dec 20, 2011 | Candies, Home
Holiday time is filled with glistening lights, beautifully decorated towns, and inviting city streets. It also happens to be the time Sydney and I raise the baking bar; it is the time of year we spend hours upon hours designing exquisite desserts that challenge the...
by | Dec 12, 2011 | Cakes, Home
While organizing my pantry I found a christmas tree cake pan, I just could not resist preparing a tree cake or 4. I love this time of year, Sydney and I bake our hearts out and give treats to everyone we know. I relish watching friends and family as they realize a...
by | Dec 11, 2011 | Cookies and brownies, Home
There is something about the crisp clean snow and the smell of warm gingerbread cookies baking in the oven that screams the holidays are here. The week after Thanksgiving is when Sydney and I start the gingerbread baking; hot apple cider and gingerbread cookies warm...
by | Dec 6, 2011 | Home, Pastries and Viennoiseries, Recipes
It is thought of that Stollen originated in 1329 as a result of a contest offered by the Bishop of Nauruburg. Bakers in the Dresden region produced a wonderful bread baked with the finest butter, sugar, raisins, candied citron and other specialty ingredients....
by | Dec 6, 2011 | Pastries and Viennoiseries, Recipes
Some traditions in our family are 7 to 9 generations old, while others are only a year or two. Traditional stollen joyously came into our lives last year, the moment Sydney realized almond paste was rolled into the center, it became an instant favorite. We created it...
by | Dec 3, 2011 | Bobbie talks Blogging, Home, Tarts and Pies
Sydney and I are blessed with a plethora of readers, some who have enjoyed sharing family stories, and treasured family recipes. A week or so ago a regular reader, Carolyn K surprised us with her family’s traditional pecan pie. Carolyn wrote how once a year she...
by | Nov 30, 2011 | Home, Tarts and Pies
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...
by | Nov 29, 2011 | Home, Recipes, Tarts and Pies
Wow! Thanksgiving was brillant; coming down with the flu not so much. I had planned to bake this pie on Saturday, but my body would not cooperate. This is turning into a tradition (not the flu) baking this Almond Custard Apple Pie and decorating the house. DF and...
by | Nov 21, 2011 | Candies, Home
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...
by | Nov 18, 2011 | Cakes, Recipes
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...
by | Nov 16, 2011 | Recipes, Tarts and Pies
As I mentioned in the previous blog this tart recipe has been in my husband’s family for generations; I did completely change the custard and originally the pears were only an accent. I am almost sure each generation has added their mark. Since Sydney adores...
by | Nov 15, 2011 | Recipes, Tarts and Pies
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...
by | Nov 14, 2011 | Fruit Desserts, Home, Recipes
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...
