Rhubarb is in season right now, so catch it while you can. Instead of making the usual suspects (pie and crisp), why not try this simple, delicious, sweet-tart compote? It can be spooned over ice cream, big meringues with whipped cream, pudding or pound cake, or swirled into your morning yogurt if you're feeling virtuous. … Continue reading Seasonally Inspired: Raspberry Rhubarb Compote
breakfast
Breakfast Bite: Maple Chia Cherry Granola
You don't have to spend a fortune on those little bags of artisanal granola you find at the market - it's incredibly easy to make at home and customize to your liking! When I was in Telluride last month, the hotel baked a fresh batch of chia seed-speckled granola every morning that was impossible to … Continue reading Breakfast Bite: Maple Chia Cherry Granola
Breakfast Bite: The Perfect Poached Egg
Hands-down the best way to have eggs, don't you agree? The best part is that it's so fast and simple, but there are a few essential steps to achieving a plump white with a perfectly runny yolk rather than something resembling a Portuguese man-o-war with its egg-y tentacles floating around in the water.The Perfect Poached … Continue reading Breakfast Bite: The Perfect Poached Egg
Good Morning, Sunshine! Have Some Coffee Cake
Today marks the first day of spring, but here in the arctic tundra (also known as Chicago) we are waking up to temperatures in the low teens with wind chills hovering around zero. Whether you are anxiously waiting for your destination vacation or hunkering down at home for a stay-cation, I've created a warm citrusy … Continue reading Good Morning, Sunshine! Have Some Coffee Cake
The Weekend Kitchen: Lemon Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Lemon Compote
Nothing makes me happier than having time during the weekend to experiment in the kitchen. These lemon buttermilk pancakes take longer to put together than your basic buttermilk pancakes, but they are definitely worth the effort. They are light-as-air, cakelike confections that soak up the warm homemade compote or maple syrup for those who don't … Continue reading The Weekend Kitchen: Lemon Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Lemon Compote
Breakfast Bite: Chocolate Chip Scones
Chocolate Chip Scones makes 10-12 scones 1 1/2 cups all purpose or gluten-free all purpose flour 1 teaspoon xanthan gum only if using gluten-free flour 1/3 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into 1/2 inch pieces 1 cup cold heavy cream (plus 1 tablespoon extra … Continue reading Breakfast Bite: Chocolate Chip Scones
Julia’s Crepes
I know what you're thinking. Are the style posts ever coming back? Or is it going to be cookies, crepes and carrot cakes from here on out? They will be back in rotation this week - scout's honor. But I want to talk about Sunday morning first. My daughter and I watched Julie and Julia … Continue reading Julia’s Crepes
Breakfast Bite
Half of a grapefruit, a handful of chopped pistachios, a liberal drizzling of honey. Try it once and you'll be hooked. photo via the aesthete and the dilettante
Afternoon Snack
These Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins are great little afternoon nibbles. Extra chocolately but not too sweet, they are best served warm with a bit of raspberry jam and a glass of cold milk. Click here for the recipe, but please make these changes: (1) increase the milk to 1 cup (2) increase oil to 2 … Continue reading Afternoon Snack
Breaking the Breakfast Rut
I have a confession. Most mornings my breakfast consists of a peanut butter Think Thin bar and three cups of black coffee. Awful, right? Like everyone else, I'm usually rushing to get to a meeting or a workout and have zero time or inclination to get creative. Last week I ran across a recipe for … Continue reading Breaking the Breakfast Rut
the aesthete and the dilettante 