Appetizers/Starters, General Reference/Tutorial, Lunch, Sides

Baby Dill Refrigerator Gherkins (Cornichon)

I have a thing for pickles. I have told the story many times that my first word was actually “Gurke!” which is the German work for pickle. And I will eat them by the jar. OK, hopefully not by the jar because that is a little too much vinegar even for my iron stomach. So, I decided to make my own this year. I do this every few years, but when I saw the baby cornichons (these are literally just an inch or two in size), I just had to make them. They are a little salty (next time add a little more sugar to the brine), but otherwise, these are pretty fantastic. They should stay good in the fridge for a while, but I’ll likely eat them all by next week!
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Desserts, Sweet Snacks

Silk Road Brownies, with Warm Spices and Chili Flakes

As you might know, I am a huge fan of Burlap & Barrel, the purveyors of single origin spices. They are unique, they are ethical and, hand down, make my food taste a million times better. I went on a small (only 10) spice shopping spree the other day and when planning out what to make this weekend as a sweet treat, I decided to incorporate cinnamon, clove and chili powder into these from-scratch brownies. They are delicious and the warm spices add that “wow” factor!
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Breads, Breakfast/Brunch, Sweet Snacks

Sourdough Monkey Bread

I’ve been meaning to make this Monkey Bread for a whole long time, and a wet and yucky Thursday seemed to be a decent opportunity. They are perfect. They are addictive and I might just fall into a sugar coma later. It’s like a cake-sized cinnamon roll.

At the end of this recipe is also a quick note if you want to make a yeasted, not sourdough version, and a “store bought option” if you are really short on time.
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