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Fresh Apple Spice Cake

Fresh Apple Cake

This is the best Fresh Apple Spice Cake I’ve had. The raisins wake up, growing big and fat in a soaking of warm rum, the huge pile of orange zest is the background spark of flavor and the traditional spices of apple season bring the comfort.

“There were three kinds, yellow, red and green.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Its recipe destiny when you find an Ina recipe that has 17 ingredients and you already have all 17 of them. It started with three apples. Three lonely apples that needed to be used. Noble goals of a healthy snack got pushed to the back of the refrigerator. We had reached the end of our relationship. Ignored, forgotten and taking up real estate that was needed for newer more exciting groceries, these apples needed a recipe. The raisins were hiding behind the candied ginger and sesame seeds. Dreams of oatmeal raisin cookies faded as I searched for the other 15 ingredients. BTW, Ina serves the Fresh Apple Spice Cake with ice cream and caramel sauce, is that 19 ingredients? READ MORE . . .

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Quick Pickled Strawberries and a Kale Salad

Quick Pickled Strawberries

Quick Pickled Strawberries and a Salad to Remember

The word got around when a girl really wanted to know.
East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

More strawberries? Why yes, but savory this time. It’s spring and local berries make me insanely happy. April’s Food in Jars Mastery Challenge is quick pickling. All manner of vegetables can be pickled, with a variety of vinegars, spices and herbs. I’ve shared quick picking before, spicy red onions and earthy beets. But pickling sweet berries was an entirely new concept. When I read about Quick Pickled Strawberries I was intrigued. I had to give it a try. And wow, what a pop of flavor! Sweet and tangy, all at the same time. A salad to remember, Quick-pickled Strawberries are perfectly matched to the robust flavor and texture of kale.

Essentials

If you’re losing interest in salads, listen up, quick pickling will have you not only making healthy salads again, but craving salads again. The time it takes to make quick pickles is minimal. The tangy flavor boost quick pickles offer is nothing short of amazing. Quick pickling is not hours spent in the kitchen, chopping tons of vegetables or using canning gear. Quick pickling can be fifteen minutes of meal prep to jump start a week of healthy salads. All that is needed is a spotlessly clean jar with a tight fitting lid, vinegar and salt. The barest hint of sugar and spice add to the intrigue. The choice of what to pickle is entirely up to you. READ MORE . . .

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Maple Pecan Pound Cake with Maple Glaze

Maple Pecan Cake with Maple Glaze

The Flavors of Fall in Maple Pecan Pound Cake


Of course it occurred to him that he might be wrong, that some misbegotten shadow had fallen across his face and warped his seeing. And so he cast back to the sharp picture in his head and knew that the eyes were smiling too. Twisted light could do one or the other but not both.
East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Pumpkin spice fatigue? Election anxiety? Its real and I have the antidote. The Maple Pecan Pound Cake with Maple Glaze makes a fall statement with browned butter, toasted pecans and real maple syrup. The aroma of buttery pecans and maple syrup are guaranteed to bring the fall cozy into your kitchen. Cozy is what we all could use. I’m determined to keep my sanity. My distracted mind can be coaxed back into focus by keeping my hands busy. I’ve ripped out most of the summer garden and started sewing again. It brings me joy that I have this place to share my passion for baking. Baking is special, it’s a bonus in our busy lives. A quick project for my hands and mind. A time to stop and enjoy.

Rich buttery pecans and real maple syrup come together in The Maple Pecan Pound Cake with Maple Glaze that satisfies that craving for something sweet with fall flavors. Browned butter coupled with maple extract, bring more intense fall flavor. The aroma of the Maple Pecan Pound Cake baking is more than enough reason to give this easy recipe a try. READ MORE . . .

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The Three R’s of Salad: Romaine, Red Leaf and Radicchio

Three R Salad: Romaine, Red Leaf & Radicchio

A favorite salad

“Later Samuel and Adam walked down the oak-shadowed road to the entrance of the draw where they could look out at the Salinas Valley. Will you stay to dinner? Adam asked.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Need another salad recipe? I promise this one is worth sharing, it’s become a favorite. This salad has it all– crunchy, sweet, tangy, salty, smooth and bitter. I find myself making it several times a month. Two of us pretty much eat the entire bowl. Sometimes there is enough left for my lunch the next day. Besides, I wouldn’t want anyone to think I live on sweets! READ MORE . . .

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Zucchini Bread with Biscoff and Toasted Pecans

Zucchini Bread with Biscoff and Toasted Pecans

Too much of a good thing.

“And you want to know what to do about it? Sure I do.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Too much zucchini? What a wonderful problem! Let’s call it an opportunity. I’ve worked my way through more versions of zucchini bread than blossoms on a squash vine. This is where I‘ve landed, a place where Biscoff and toasted pecans transform the humble quick-bread to a memorable and requested treat. Biscoff is a version of the famous European cookie, Speculoos. The cookies are sweetly spiced with a pleasant crunch and the spread can be found in smooth or crunchy. Cinnamon and ginger flavored, Biscoff is reminiscent of graham crackers and mild mannered ginger snaps. These are flavors that pair exceeding well with zucchini or other summer squash. READ MORE . . .