Gluten free cranberry almond (or peanut) coconut c...

This post is about five days later than planned, and even now I’m not sure I can shake the hovering feeling of unfinished business connected with it. The reason, though this week I’ve felt a little bogged down with work and chores and scheduling logistics, part of my brain has been obstinately obsessed with striving for perfection when it comes to creating these cookies, which have embodied an idea that has been a...

Cantaloupe Cake Three Ways (Boston or bust sendoff...

You may be wondering why, rather than featuring an image that matches the title of this post, I’ve included a photo of a quixotic-looking, possibly English woman (actually, a New Englishwoman) bent on getting the best out of a cross between a hoedown and the Royal Ascot. It’s because, as excited as I am about the subject recipes, I’m more emotional about the inspiration behind them. My friend Mary, who has...

Because Tomato is a Fruit: salad with peaches, muf...

I was captivated, intrigued, and a tad skeptical when I saw the bright, luscious looking page spread  devoted to Summer Peach and Tomato Salad in last month’s issue of Cooking Light (June 2010). Slight wariness notwithstanding, I couldn’t wait to try it. It’s simple and brilliantly colorful: ripe peaches, a variety of tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion tossed with a little vinegar, honey, and a small...

Tropical Blast: Wholesome Pancakes with Caramelize...

As if I haven’t waffled on enough about fabulously versatile, endlessly forgiving, scrumptiously winning pancakes! (Can’t resist giving in to the inner food pun nerd who begs the obvious:  get it? Waffles on about pancakes? Heehee.) Just wait until you taste these. Provided you haven’t any issues with the ingredients and essential flavors, you are going to love them! Today is the first day of summer, and...

Sweet (but not saccharine) surprise: Bear Naked...

As a general rule, I don’t really like surprises, and I don’t think I’m alone. Not to be a spoilsport, but being caught off guard isn’t really my cup of tea. I’d love to be carefree and spontaneous, and thanks to a high level of gullibility and occasional tendency to get lost in my own head, on rare occasions I can pull off the impression that I actually am so. Or maybe the appearance given is...

Mary Marmalade Muffins (heart healthy orange walnu...

This month, my friend Mary made me a cake for my birthday that she found on this terrific blog called Orangette. Using olive oil and ground almonds for fats, it’s like the dessert equivalent of a delicious oxymoron, both rich and rustic, conveying elegance and wholesomeness at once. Lit with candles, there was a certain natural and cheerful modesty about it, and when Mary said that the recipe reminded her of me,  I...