Honey and spice are two ingredients that are meant to be together, like medieval star-crossed lovers. Arthur and Guinevere, or Tristan and Isolde – a legendary romance, yet the combination never quite works in reality. Honey is a sweet but subtle flavor that is easily overwhelmed by spicy ingredients like ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. That’s why the honey is not mixed into the cake, but drizzled on top of it, to give the perfect spicy-sweet marriage in a fragrant loaf […]
There’s something so satisfying about a tender cut of pork, redolent, juicy, and hot out of the oven. This recipe delivers on all the deep, rich flavors of fall – sage, mustard and a hint of marjoram to keep things interesting. Spoon these scrumptious morsels into a bowl over mashed potatoes or turnips, drizzle a little of the pan juices on top, and settle back on the couch to watch that favorite TV show you’ve been looking forward to all […]
Some of my best White House food memories are about soup. It made the perfect first course at so many meals, especially in the fall and winter, served in delicate two-handled soup bowls of White House china. It wasn’t meant to fill guests up; it was just enough of a delicious mélange of flavors to whet the appetite and let guests know that they were in for a genuine gastronomic experience. When the Bush’s hosted dinners in their family dining […]
I promised not long ago that I would be sharing my all-time favorite ginger cookie recipe, and here it is! This isn’t a ginger snap – it’s a soft, chewy, moist, molasses ginger confection that is just right. I first had this cookie at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch in Emigrant, Montana many years ago, and on a recent visit was so happy to find they were still serving them. The margarine keeps these cookies soft, and the baking soda makes […]
This fall is getting away from me, especially with the Jewish holidays falling (no pun intended!) so late this year. We celebrate both Jewish and Christian holidays in our family – as my daughters often say, we are equal-opportunity Holidayists. Here are two classic recipes that we pull out at this time of year – some of our favorite food, and some of our favorite days. I always appreciate the joy of Rosh Hashanah, and the feeling of a fresh […]
