I was first introduced to clafoutis at a dinner party hosted by a British friend. I instantly fell in love with this warm, eggy dessert, with a generous scattering of pitted cherries, and its custardy cake texture. After coaxing the recipe from my friend the next morning, clafoutis became one of my signature dinner party […]
Cherry Clafoutis
Clafoutis, a rustic French country dessert that originated in the south-central Limousin region of France, traditionally featured black cherries baked in an eggy, crepe-like batter. Many variations have evolved since, often featuring seasonal stone fruits, like sweet red cherries, plums and pears. I have a little confession. I LOVE cherries. As a child, I used […]
Chilled Ginger Custard
Creamy and cool with a gingery bite, this dairy-free dessert is ideal for a steamy summer night! Chilled Ginger Custard 6 servings 16 oz. (2 cups) full-fat coconut milk* *To one 13.5 oz can of coconut milk, you can add up to 1/4 cup filtered water for 16 oz. coconut milk. 1 heaping tablespoon fresh gingerroot, […]
Braised Rabbit in Almond Sauce
In my past life as a food and lifestyles writer, I remember a trip to Catalonia, Spain (which hugs the Mediterranean coast in northeast Spain) with great fondness. I spent time at an olive oil estate, learning their production methods, and also took a side trip to Barcelona. Catalan home cooking demonstrates a real affinity […]
Pear Clafoutis
There are many variations of clafoutis (sounds like: kla-foo-tee), a classic French country custard-and-fruit type of dessert. Essentially, it consists of an eggy batter poured over fresh fruit. Fresh cherries are a traditional fruit used in clafoutis, but you can use any fruit, from berries and peaches, to plums and pears. My version is both […]
Makeshift “Ratatouille”
How often have you bought produce from the farmers’ market only to get busy at work, and later discover that once beautiful produce has “died”, untouched, in your crisper?! Same with leftovers…how often have you stored leftovers in the fridge, with the intention of eating them, then promptly forgotten about them—until their pungent stink smacks […]
Dark Chocolate, Love and Your Health
Chocolate and The Love Connection The symbolic connection between chocolate and love was originally established by the Mayans of Mexico where, in addition to serving chocolate as a celebratory beverage at betrothal and marriage ceremonies (much like expensive French champagne), the bride and bridegroom exchanged cacao beans during their wedding vows to signify their bond. […]
Baby Pasture-Raised Lamb Burgers with Coconut Milk Tzatziki
This is a delicious, Greek-style take on pasture-raised lamb burgers—fragrant with a medley of fresh herbs and topped with coconut milk tzatziki. Cast-Iron Skillet Baby Pasture-Raised Lamb Burgers 1 pound pasture-raised ground lamb 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions 2 tablespoons mint, chopped fine 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped fine 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped fine […]
Tiger Nut-Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache
The last time I attempted to bake a gluten-free, dairy-free birthday cake was 6 years ago. I decided to try again. I wanted to make a chocolate layer cake to celebrate my birthday—as well as my sister’s recent significant birthday. One of the most effective ways that I manage my Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid […]
Heritage Turkey Soup
We get a lot of mileage out of our Heritage Bronze Thanksgiving turkey. I love organ meats, so I always chow down on the turkey gizzard, liver and heart. We always save the turkey carcass and turkey bones, which are repurposed into a delicious, body-warming Heritage turkey soup. Tradition dies hard. When I was growing […]