The Best Dessert You’ve Never Heard Of

Maybe you have heard of lemon posett, but the first time I encountered it was about a year ago at Huckleberry, an unbearably cute neighborhood cafe in Santa Monica that has some of the best breakfast and pastries on the planet. It’s a completely unassuming dessert served in a ramekin or small bowl, pale yellow in color, and not very exciting to look at. But one swipe of your spoon through this silky, creamy delight is all it takes to realize you’ve come across something special. Continue reading “The Best Dessert You’ve Never Heard Of”

Risotto in the Style of Milan

I brought a small container of saffron back from New York and have been waiting to use it. As the world’s most expensive spice (a pound of dry saffron requires at least 50,000 flowers and 15 hours of manual labor) you can’t just use the stuff willy nilly. On the other hand, a little does go a long way, especially if you soak it in liquid first. But what to use it on? My last saffron recipe, Rigatoni with Wine-Braised Chicken and Saffron Cream, would be hard to live up to. I’d been craving risotto, so Risotto Milanese it was. Continue reading “Risotto in the Style of Milan”

Artichokes with Roman Flare

This recipe, as with most of my favorite recipes of late, began with a trip to the shuk. It may be February, but springtime is in bloom, and the artichokes at the market were stunning (apparently they come to Italy in late February). With no particular plan in mind I bought four. You should know that I have a bit of a rocky history with artichokes, particularly an unusually thorny one that left me the worse for wear early in my cooking career. Artichokes can be intimidating – those tough outer leaves, the necessary trimming, the quick discoloration. But once you learn to properly turn and prepare an artichoke, the result is always satisfying. Continue reading “Artichokes with Roman Flare”

A Taste of the South, Developed in the North

It just so happens that today, January 11, is National Milk Day in the US. It’s also National Hot Toddy day, but unfortunately I don’t have an entry on that. Did you know that every day of the year is designated as at least one food holiday? Coincidentally in honor of National Milk Day, I bring to you buttermilk biscuits. Ok, so National Buttermilk Biscuit Day isn’t until May 14, but I just couldn’t wait until then to share this recipe. Continue reading “A Taste of the South, Developed in the North”

The Simple Pleasures of Chocolate and Raspberries

There’s no denying the allure of chocolate and berries. Really any berries will do, although strawberries and raspberries seem to have the most natural affinity for chocolate, my preference being dark. When the slightly bitter chocolate meets the natural sweetness of berries, some sort of chemical reaction takes place and the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. If I had my druthers, chocolate would always be served with fruit. Or salt, but that’s another story. Continue reading “The Simple Pleasures of Chocolate and Raspberries”

Shadow Layer Cake, Or Something Like It

Before attempting to make it, I didn’t realize that shadow layer cake is a regional specialty of New York and Long Island kosher bakeries. It’s Evan’s favorite cake, a special treat that arrives from uptown, or Best Ever bakery in Massapequa Park.  Aptly named for it’s layers of white and chocolate cake and frosting, it’s really two cakes in one, the decadent indulgence of someone who can’t decide which kind of cake and icing combo they prefer. Continue reading “Shadow Layer Cake, Or Something Like It”

A Little Decadence to Take the Edge Off

For the folks back home it’s bitter cold, maybe even snowing. Around these parts a chill has just come over Be’er Sheva and the harsh wind is blowing sand in everyone’s faces, windows, mouths… I imagine New York in full holiday swing (the Russians here in B7 are getting ready to celebrate as well, and the Old City is decked out in fake Christmas trees). Wherever you are, cozy, creamy dishes like this are just what the chef ordered. Continue reading “A Little Decadence to Take the Edge Off”

A Summer Tart, Just in Time for Winter

Though I arrived at the end of summer (yes, September 26 still constitutes summer in Israel) I didn’t see any fresh berries. Not in the shuq, not in the supermarket, not in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. I resigned myself to having to wait until next summer when I can have fresh farmer’s market berries in New York. But suddenly, strawberries are everywhere. And not just any strawberries – some of the sweetest, freshest strawberries I’ve ever had. Continue reading “A Summer Tart, Just in Time for Winter”

Good Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies

We’re in full thrust of the holiday season and even though I (thankfully) don’t have Christmas music blaring in every supermarket to remind me,  I still feel the annual baking itch approaching. I’ve also been promising Evan I’d make chocolate chip cookies since the day I got here. That was two months ago. Chocolate chip cookies are as good a place to start as any! Continue reading “Good Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies”