It’s not often I come across a recipe that ticks so many boxes. This bright little muffin is entirely whole grain, has spinach for it’s beautiful color and nutrients, and chocolate chips for a little extra flavor and sweetness. It is also an easy win for convincing a toddler to try something green! Muffins can…
Éclair Puffs
I adore these little puffs. They have all the decadence of éclairs, but in a smaller format. The filling is the best vanilla pudding in the world, surrounded by a lovely little pastry, and then topped with rich ganache. It is the perfect little package. These éclair puffs are a PROJECT. Make sure to carve…
Vanilla Crème Pâtissière
Crème Pâtissière can be used as a filling for éclairs, cream puffs, or cakes. It could also be the most decadent vanilla pudding to serve with strawberries and whipped cream. It is one of those recipes that seems difficult at first, but is so simple and quick. Give it a shot and I guarantee you…
Pâte à Choux
This classic dough is one of the most versatile doughs in a French kitchen. The list is long, but some of the things you can make with it are éclairs, profiteroles, and gougères. This dough is for a sweet application like a cream puff or éclairs, so if you are using it for a savory…
Pain Mignon
There are not many smells I like more than freshly baked bread, and I don’t think I am alone in my opinion. This morning, I had these little loaves in the oven and my husband was grinding coffee beans. I was in olfactory bliss. Good smells everywhere! While I love a good baguette, our French…
Tilapia Meunière
Sole Meuniere is the dish that inspired Julia Child to learn how to cook. She was 36 years old, and according to her, this experience completely changed the course of her life. The dish was so delightful, that she wished to be able to recreate it at home. She then went on to teach an…
Crêpes
Standing at my stove, flipping crêpes for my kids, I wonder why they have garnered the reputation of elegant and poised, while the poor American pancake is relegated to delicious, but lowly brunch food. Is it simply the air that all French foods bring along with them? The sense that, because a country made most…
Spanish Churros
Fritter, cruller, doughnut, beignet, porra, youtiao, elephant’s ear, funnel cake, and buñuelo. Many cultures around the world have their version of fried dough. Churros. The delightfully crispy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside snack that came to us from Spain. There are many different versions of churros across the globe, and today…
Empanadas Dolce
These yummy little apple empanadas are the second empanada we made during week three of our Cooking Around the World: Spain course. They are the sweet, Spain/Latin American fusion sister to our ancient Empanada D’Atun savory tuna with olives and tomato empanada. The Empanada de Manzana (apple empanada) was created when Spanish conquerors brought empanadas…
Empanadilla d’Atun
Week three of our Cooking Around the World: Spain course is Empanada Week! We are making a traditional classic savory empanada called Emapanada d’Atun and a more modern Spain/Latin America fusion sweet empanada or Empanada Dolce. These two empanadas give a nice picture of where the concept of empanadas got started (around 600 AD) and…
Shrimp and Chicken Paella
I have always been intimidated by paella. It is one of those dishes that feels like you can only have in Spain after it’s made in a massive pan over a roaring fire. Then I remind myself that cooking at home is one of my favorite ways to transport myself around the world. This paella…
Patatas Bravas
I have not yet met a fried potato that I did not enjoy. French fries, hashbrowns, tator tots, and the list goes on. Any country that had access to potatoes has thrown those little buddies into hot oil and discovered the wonder of a crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, fried potato. These…