The loud crunching emanating from the kitchen was the surest evidence that somebody had discovered the pan of chocolate pecan biscotti cooling on the counter. Biscotti are difficult to eat stealthily. According to food writer Dorie Greenspan, “Crunch is to sweets what a bold spice is to a savory dish: a culinary speed bump — as soon as you hit it, you slow down and focus.” These crispy treats will…
I will freely admit that I love marshmallows, whether roasted on a stick and charred, hidden in chocolate or baked in cookies or bars. The feeling of surprise when biting into a small sugary, half-melted, gooey pocket of sweetness is quickly replaced by unadulterated happiness. Psychologist Walter Mischel knew exactly what he was doing when he used marshmallows as a treat to test children’s reactions to delayed gratification in the…
Chocolate and peanut butter is a match made in heaven. As in all good marriages, they bring out the best in one another, enhancing their finest qualities. There’s nothing quite like the taste of sweet, rich chocolate mixed with salty, creamy peanut butter. Most North Americans are crazy about the combination, which is why we see these two ingredients used together in so many desserts. The recipe that I’m sharing…
In this week before Rosh Hashanah, traditionally a time for serious contemplation and introspection, I am happy to report that I have struggled, truly tussled with the issue…of whether I should post a recipe for honey cake or not. Honey cake, either completely beloved or disdained, has been a mainstay at Jewish celebrations before anybody thought of eating rice and raw fish wrapped in seaweed, in a synagogue. My own…
Students from London to Tel Aviv are returning to school this week, after months of staying home in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus. In light of this exciting milestone, I thought a pop quiz was in order today. (Don’t groan, I can hear you.) Who made the following statement: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”A. Abraham LincolnB. Albert EinsteinC. John Harvey Kellogg D. MomIf…
Have you ever had to prepare a sweet treat at the last minute and were looking for something quick and easy? These elegant chocolate chip sticks are going to become your new best friend. While not truly biscotti, they look and taste like the real thing. Slim and crisp, with warm caramel bass notes, these cookies are filled with chocolate in every bite. No special equipment is required to make…
There is still an abundance of delicious, fresh blueberries available in the supermarket where I shop. Plump, sweet and a deep indigo blue, there is no way that I can leave these beauties in the store…and I guess that explains why I have four boxes of blueberries in my refrigerator at this moment. But even one pint of blueberries would be enough to bake this blueberry crumb cake by Maida…
Do you like chocolate cream sandwich cookies? How about pretzels? Chocolate? Believe me when I say that there is a reason for me bothering you with these loaded questions. Biscotti with chopped pretzel bits, chunks of chocolate cream sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips in every bite will make you feel like there’s a party in your mouth. Are you ready to party? This recipe first appeared in Chatelaine Magazine,…
Do you remember visiting the bakery and watching as someone in your family (possibly you) was rewarded with a delicious sprinkle cookie from the friendly lady working behind the counter? It was the highlight of the shopping trip for my children and I always appreciated the quiet time that it gifted me, while a very happy little boy or girl munched away with focused dedication. The cookie was always a…
“Who makes their own kichel?” exclaimed an astounded friend in amazement, at a pre-Covid19 party (remember those) where I had served a plate of my homemade kichel with the aperitifs. Out of the corner of my eye, I happily noticed that the kichel were disappearing quickly. As a lifetime kichel-lover, I searched intensely for the quintessential recipe for kichel when I stumbled across this one by Ben Moskowitz, owner of…