Rhubarb and Cod

Sticky Toffee Pudding – Overthinking Classics

December 7, 2021 No Comments

With Hanukkah in the rearview mirror, this dual holiday household is ready to turn its attention to the Christmas of it all. And what better place to start than on a sweet note? And it’s an Overthinking Classics episode, which is too perfect for a season full of food-related traditions. Although today’s subject, Sticky Toffee Pudding, pledges no allegiance to any particular holiday, to me it tastes like Christmas. Sure, I’ve had it at other times of the year. It’s particularly consoling in mid-February. But there’s something about this delightful sponge that just seems festive. Perhaps it’s the dates or the toffee or that fact that it pairs well with scotch, but Sticky Toffee Pudding is excellent at staving off the cold and cultivating an atmosphere of warmth and general coziness. What could be more Christmassy than that? So let’s dive right in.

Brunch, Holiday, Sauces, Snacks

Latke Platter with Gin-Cured Salmon and Spreads

December 4, 2021 No Comments

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I really struggled to arrive at a title for this particular recipe. Mostly because this isn’t really a single recipe. It’s actually five, which admittedly is a little over-the-top. But I am nothing if I am not that, so really this Latke Platter is very on-brand for me. This platter features a lot more than just latkes. There is Beet Horseradish Hummus, Dill Labneh, Gin-Cured Salmon, and Vanilla Bean Applesauce. Yes, there was absolutely no way in any universe that I was going to pack all of that into a clean title. But hey, grazing boards are by nature difficult to cleanly explain or sum up. The format is all about variety after all. Clearly, there’s a lot to cover here, so let’s get to it.

Confections, Custards & Puddings, Dessert, Holiday

Sufganiyot Croquembouche with Sour Cherry Cream

November 29, 2021 2 Comments

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Every year, I pick a recipe that pushes me to my limits. Last year it was this Gingerbread Cake and this year it’s this Sufganiyot Croquembouche. I won’t sugar coat it (pun intended) this recipe isn’t a walk in the park. But I have to say if you’re looking for a confidence boost, dusting this beast with its final sprinkling of sugar does indeed make you feel like a boss. Make sure you clear your schedule if you decide to take this dessert on. Rushing through any step will likely end in disaster or result in caramel-related burns – speaking from experience. So now that I have intimidated you completely, let’s dig into this Sufganiyot Croquembouche.

Pizzas & Flatbreads

Quattro Formaggi Pizza with Figs and Honey

November 26, 2021 No Comments

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As the name suggests, today’s Quattro Formaggi Pizza features four different kinds of cheese. But this classic combo gets a sweet hit from fresh figs and a drizzle of honey. The pizza is finished with a few grinds of black pepper, which gives it wonderful contrast and the barest hint of a burn. What I love most about this pizza is it knocks on the door of nostalgia without giving into it completely. There’s still the grownup sharpness of the gorgonzola alongside the mellow, cheese-pull happy fontina. This pizza is an upgrade on the grade school classic but it’s still a kid at heart. So let’s get into it.