Honey Nut Squares
The second I saw Dana's recent post for Honey Nut Squares, I died.
Honey + Roasted Nuts+ Buttery Crumb Crust= YES PLEASE!!
I just finished cutting up squares and have packed some up for my neighbors. I seriously need to get them out of my sight. I've eaten three so far and I can hear them calling my name from the kitchen counter. "Traaaaacy!! Eat us! We are crunchy and sweet and slightly salty. You know how you love that combo TRACY! We are waaaaaiting! Look at the golden roasted cashew hanging off the edge. Just pull that off Tracy. Take a nibble!"
Continue reading→
Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits
I am not going to get wordy on this post. Just let the pictures speak for themselves.
Biscuits this good should be illegal. The addition of cheddar to the dough makes them utterly amazing.
The flavor? All I can say that it reminds me of a Cheez-It crossed with a buttery flaky biscuit.
Tangy, flaky, buttery goodness marbled with shreds of cheddar. Best when served hot!
I can't wait until you taste the bottom edge. You will thank me & Ina Garten for bringing this to your attention.
Take a look at the three stars of this recipe! Buttermilk, sharp cheddar and butter! Continue reading→
Custard Filled Corn Bread
I just finished reading A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from my Kitchen Table, by Molly Wizenburg. Wow...just wow! What a lovely food memoir. I devoured it whole and it's haunted me in such a good way. Every recipe has a story behind it. A tradition. It makes me think of all of the recipes that I hold so dear. The ones that came from the women of my family...and the ones that I hope to impart on my children some day. Food has the power to bring people closer together and because I am half Italian I live by that.
I had a good laugh at the tale of her husband and his maple syrup loving habits. Mine looooves anything maple syrup related. You would be surprised at how fast he can polish off a box of maple candies. It's the New England gene in him. He was born to love it. He doesn't go as far as Buddy the Elf...but if I was gone for the weekend, I am pretty sure he'd be putting syrup on everything. Continue reading→
Nutty Cranberry Granola
Every time I make granola I think "Why did I ever buy this at the store?" It's insanely simple to make at home and it is amazingly rewarding. I have to mention the smell that fills your house. Oh wow!! Casey asked me if I was making cinnamon rolls (which I wasn't...but I will soon!). It's ridiculously addictive to eat and totally therapeutic to make. I find so much comfort in the process of making granola. It's something I enjoy doing at night when the house is nice and quiet. Continue reading→
Garlic Naan
I had a horoscope the other day that said something like:
" It's time to try new things. If you don't do it now when will you ever?"
So that's why I tried making garlic naan. I must get rid of this dough fear I have. I saw Hannah post her naan loot on flickr the other day and boy was I jeeeeeeeealous. I wanted a stack of naan in my kitchen!
I think one of the reasons why I am afraid of dough is the timing. I always have like 5 projects going on at once-- in addition to taking care of Cooper and oh my gawd-I have to go back and punch down dough and get all dirty again? I guess I never time it right...and I don't really know the right consistencies. Plus I doubt myself....Is that yeast bubbly enough??! Am I kneading this right? Oh dough, why aren't you very forgiving?!
Cherrywink Cookies
Flashback!
Two months ago I was at my parent's house discussing our favorite cookies at the dinner table. My mom told us that Cherrywinks were one of her favorites.
Cherrywinks? Say what?? What are Cherrywinks?
Apparently they are the classic cookies her grandmother made when she was younger! My dad agreed upon their deliciousness. He had his share from her too! If you could see how they beamed when discussing these cookies.... it was like Christmas morning! My mom got her Betsy Wetsy doll and my dad got that BB gun he wanted! The delight in their faces! The joy! Cookies!
The seed was planted. I must find the recipe and make them a batch.
Flash forward!
A month later, my mom handed me the recipe. She found it from her archives and it looked well loved. Thanks great- grandma for being so organized! I'm prepared to surprise them!
The top got damaged in transit. Don't kill me mom!
Earlier this week!
My mom's birthday arrived! So what better excuse to make her some?
So here they are!
Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you! Continue reading→
Salted Pistachio Brittle
Have you met Kristen from The Kitchen Sink? Well you should!! Her website is food porn to the core! Her writing is absolutely lovely too. She recently did a guest post over at thekitchn.com about her Salted Pistachio Brittle. The pictures alone will find you instantly at the grocery store gathering ingredients.
I made some this weekend and they are fab!
Earl Grey Tea Cookies
Here's a good holiday gift idea for your tea loving friend...make them some earl grey tea cookies!
