Have you noticed that the much-maligned fruitcake has become a retro-chic holiday delicacy? Or could this new-found appreciation just be the result of people entering the demographic blamed for fruitcake's ongoing revilement? Some questions are best left unanswered. My husband Steve is the established star fruitcake baker of the family; his loaves are loved from coast to … [Read more...]
PROSPERITY SANDWICH
Because everything. And if worrying about our future isn't enough, you can also worry about the calories in this ooey, gooey, cheesy wonder: 674 calories and 41 grams of fat per serving. Oy! PROSPERITY SANDWICH Recipe 5 Tablespoons butter, divided 8 oz. white mushrooms, trimmed and sliced thin 1 shallot, minced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups … [Read more...]
WIN THANKSGIVING WITH THIS PUMPKIN SEED PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE
Technically, Thanksgiving isn't a competition. But everybody knows that everything on the table is openly (or privately) rated and ranked. From the toasted pumpkin seeds in a sweetened sour cream topping down to the gingersnap crust, this pumpkin cheesecake is a standout. Sit back and let the accolades wash over you as you sink into a tryptophan stupor. Thanksgiving: … [Read more...]
GRILLED CORN RELISH
Because why not? Making corn relish is an annual event here on Springy Banks. Come the holidays, it's one of our most-requested condiments. This summer I added a new twist, grilling the corn first, giving a toasty, tawny flavor. Due to its popularity I always put up a whole bushel of corn. It might look daunting at first but once you get going things move along quickly, … [Read more...]
SUMMER PAELLA
Paella feels like a summertime dish to me, in part because old-school versions in Spain are prepared over a fire. Plus it's great make-ahead party food. The fish, the chicken, the tomatoes and peppers, make for great warm weather fare. Of course it need not be limited to just summer, or summer. These 10 Rules for Perfect Paella apply year 'round. You can try this Lobster … [Read more...]
KUGELHOPF DELUXE WITH ORANGE GLAZE
Spring yard sale season is in full swing here in East Hampton with treasures galore to be had for a pittance. Witness my new Wilton kugelhopf pan - never used, label intact though showing the benign neglect earned by long storage under sub-optimal conditions. No matter, it was well worth its 25¢ price tag. And not just any label, but one with a recipe! The Wilton recipe … [Read more...]
Wild Boletus Mushroom and Pumpkin Pappardelle – Pappardelle con Porcini e Zucca
As the saying goes, there are bold mushroom pickers, and old mushroom pickers, but there are no old, bold mushroom pickers. Wise words indeed, ones that have kept me on the sidelines, at least until now. I made my first fungi forage under the tutelage of an experienced guide, a friendly Spaniard with decades of successful picking under his belt. His preferred picking patch … [Read more...]
BEACH PLUM TART
When you make a lot of jams and jellies it's gratifying to find new ways to put them to good use. After you've laid in a comfortable supply for personal use (be sure to factor in toppings for yogurt) and gift giving (holidays made easy!), try them out in a fruit tart. Beach plum jelly is a great example. Delicious, unusual and served with big dollop of faux-modest pride. As … [Read more...]
BEACH PLUM JELLY – OLD SCHOOL RECIPE
Late August in East Hampton is beach plum season. Maybe it was the weather (wet early on, then sunny, temperate days in July and August) or that we went a' pickin' a week or so earlier than usual, but the crop was especially bountiful. We snagged three gallons of plums in under an hour. There was also a nice mix of ripe, deep red and purple plums, and not-yet-ripe … [Read more...]
PEACH MELON ALMOND JAM
It's August in East Hampton and if ever there was a time to make this Peach Melon Almond jam it's now. Peaches are at their height, the perfect partner for the translucent nuggets of ripe cantaloupe in this jewel-toned beauty of a jam. Yesterday a discerning friend proclaimed "The best jam I've ever had, hands down." So what are you waiting for? PEACH MELON ALMOND … [Read more...]