When I needed saffron recently, I pulled out the three different batches from my pantry. Why did I have three when saffron is not a common ingredient? The short answer is that I am too acquisitive. I could not resist stocking up on this exotic spice. I bought two on vacation (in Hungary and Spain) and the third at Trader Joe's. Before deciding which one to use, I was concerned about figuring out how to identify real saffron and avoid any that was fake or adulterated. But how to test the ... read more
No-Bake Mascarpone Lemon Cheesecake
I discovered this No-Bake Mascarpone Lemon Cheesecake at the Creevagh Heights B&B, during our summer vacation to western Ireland. Although I used to be partial to heavy, New York-style cheesecake, this light version has won my heart. Creevagh Heights is a remarkable place. Surrounded by the raw beauty of County Mayo, it is a comfortable oasis that made rain just a feature of the trip, instead of an annoyance. And speaking of rain... on our way back to Creevagh Heights one day ... read more
Easy Mediterranean Bruschetta Appetizer
When friends host parties, I always offer to bring a dish. Because I am perennially late (and love chocolate), I tend to bring dessert. But recently, my beloved offered to bring an appetizer to a pot ... read more
Authentic Guinness Irish Brown Bread
This past summer my beloved and I traveled to the west coast of Ireland. He searched for family while I sought great Irish food. Let's begin with bread. Now I wouldn't ever turn down excellent challah ... read more
Sweet Potato Streusel Cake
I'm always looking for new and wonderful ways to use streusel. You might even say I'm streusel-obsessed. So when I picked up Miranda Crouse's Easy Cake Cookbook, the Sweet Potato Streusel Cake ... read more
Cold Cherry Clafoutis
This cold cherry clafoutis is a variation on a rustic French dessert. Traditionally the French serve clafoutis warm. That way it has an almost pudding-like consistency. However, because I prefer mine ... read more
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