Panna cotta is a dessert made with lightly sweetened cream that is delicious with fresh berries,...
In the spirit of simplicity, choose a few special items to make and get your ingredients squirreled away in advance. I’ll share some hard-earned wisdom: do less.

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Fior di Latte Gelato
Campione got me going on this fior di latte/fleur de lait topic. They serve it two ways for...
Artichoke Nibbles
My Mom made a lot of recipes from Sunset magazine in the 1970's and these Artichoke Nibbles are...
Chive and Caper Cream Cheese
This is an easy appetizer to keep in mind for Thanksgiving and holiday get togethers. Add smoked...
Mignonette for Oysters
Most of my oyster memories are midday affairs with either a waterfront view or heaping mounds of...
Salted Almonds
The best results for homemade salted almonds come from a hot brine and a hot oven. I've adapted...
Madeleines, The Best by Daniel Boulud
I tested madeleine recipes for days before I finally found what I consider The Best. I made...
Saffron Rosewater Ice Cream
A small scoop of saffron ice cream concludes dinner on a sweet note without being a sugar bomb. I...
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
Jesse Tyler Ferguson shared this recipe in Food and Wine (December 2016) and it's a good one!...
Celery Root Mashed Potatoes
What's even better than mashed potatoes? Celery root mashed potatoes! When I first tasted Chef...
Eggnog, Small Batch
Eggnog latte? No thanks. A small glass of really good eggnog with a shot of Cognac or bourbon?...
Crab Cakes
I'm not going to lie. These babies are a project. On the upside, make them ahead (night...
Cocoa Buckwheat Granola
Chocolate for breakfast. Sure you can! Maximize nutrition with this cocoa buckwheat granola,...
Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze for Ham
Beeler's produces my favorite bacon and, come to find out, little 2–3 pound spiral cut hams—how...
Candied Kumquats
"Be sure and eat the skin." I shot my then boyfriend, Christopher, a skeptical look, but...
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
I made these at CSC last night and we preferred a less sweet version that put the sugar in the...
Potato Gratin
Make this the next time you bake a ham or throw a nice piece of meat on the grill. Potatoes and...
Your House Granola
Make your own house granola. It's a delicious topping for your morning yogurt and a great way to...
Bittersweet Chocolate Pots de Crème
Chocolate pots de crème are a festive (and easy!) way to enjoy dessert with family and friends,...
Peppermint Stick Ice Cream
What kind of birthday cake do you want, Jane? "Cream puffs!" Aiming to satisfy, and wanting to try...
Overnight Meringues
These meringues are simple to mix and bake overnight while you sleep, like magic! Meringues are...
Checkerboard Shortbread
When my brother lived in Seattle, I frequented Café Besalu on every trip. Many of their...
Baker’s Clay; Make it Yourself Play Dough
Not a food, but some fun in the kitchen none the less! Make this quick play dough, get out the...