I was inspired by a dessert that one of my aunts had made for us on a visit to New York during the holidays one year. She always made these beautiful rolled cakes in the shape of logs. This is a beautiful dessert that begins on the stove top and ends in the refrigerator. I … Continue reading White Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Log
Have you ever had halva made from semolina? This is the recipe that my mother would make when I was a child. Halvas Simigdalenios - or Semolina Halva. It is studded with nuts like pistachio, pine nuts or almonds, and dried fruit like raisins. Spiced with cinnamon & flavored with orange or lemon zest. It’s … Continue reading Greek Semolina Halva
Pasteli (or pastelia) is a Greek ancestral food. We have been eating this since antiquity. It is made with two rather supercharged superfood ingredients, honey & sesame seeds. I love to add a little grated citrus peel & a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. We refer to it as an Ancient Greek energy … Continue reading Pastelia
Greeks love tahini halva. And when Lent comes around, it truly becomes a staple sweet in our homes. Traditionally, it is made with sugar, because it is technically a candy. It is made all over the Middle East and Balkans. In Greece we call it “halva tou bakali” or the halva from the grocer. The … Continue reading Tahini Halva Fudge with Pistachios
Key Lime Pie always reminds me of my trips to Florida. I remember eating it in Key West after having visited the Hemingway House at a nice cafe in the area. Being a writer and a reader, and a big fan of Ernest Hemingway, visiting his home was a time of inpisration. It even inspired … Continue reading Key Lime Pie Bars
My wonderful friend Elainee picked blood oranges off of her tree the other day and I decided to keep the last few for a dessert. As I brainstormed on what to make, I thought of this variation on the traditional karydopita, which is a walnut cake full of warm spices like cinnamon and clove, soaked … Continue reading Blood Orange Karydopita
Who doesn’t love the decadence of a baked Brie? I found the cutest individually sized Brie cheese wheels at the market. They each fit into the palm of my hand! Picked these little ones up at Trader Joe’s. My mother always made a big one for parties and holidays, wrapped in puff pastry and baked … Continue reading Baked Brie
Apricot galette with almond pastry crust, sprinkled with fresh thyme. Admittedly, my favorite type of pie is the rustic galette! I have made both savory and sweet galettes. I love the beautiful free form style of this pastry crust, filled with seasonal fruit. It is a French pastry that should be on your must try … Continue reading Apricot Galette with Almond Flour Pastry Crust
Roasting nuts is like a guilty pleasure for me. That beautiful aroma that wafts through the kitchen from your oven is addicting. Roasting nuts deepens their flavor, making it more complex and earthy. I have a preference for savory over sweet when it comes to nuts. However, if you have a basic recipe such as … Continue reading Salted Buttered Pecans
The first time that I ate this combination of flavors, I was at a Santa Monica hot spot for dinner with friends, and these were an appetizer. I instantly fell in love with the combination or flavors! Castelvetrano olive & Marcona almonds Simple and ready in five minutes! An amazing addition to any charcuterie board. … Continue reading Castelvetrano Olives & Marcona Almonds
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