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Natillas Tart
Natillas is a rich Spanish custard with vanilla and cinnamon. Delicious on its own, or with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, it also makes a flavorful filling for almond flavored tart pastry. Top it with thin and crispy coconut lace cookies, and you have a combination of favorite dessert textures and flavors in one. Unlike crema catalana or crème brûlée, natillas does not include the thin layer of caramelized sugar that breaks into shards when tapped with the spoon. Arguably the golden layer is the best part of these European desserts. Instead of torched sugar, I top my natillas tart with cookie crisps that have a similar color and…
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Earl Grey Cocoa Pecans
Lately I have been combining chocolate with earthy ingredients like smoked salt. While enjoying some chocolate covered pretzels I had sprinkled with an applewood variety, I had a craving for a strong cup of Earl Grey. Later that night I found myself coming up with these delicious cocoa pecans. As a poet, I love delving into the meaning of words and the connection between strings of words. Playing with ingredients and their qualities is a process that can be similar to the act of writing. Understand and test the limits of individual parts. Combine them. Take them apart. Often poets and novelists will say they have to write – that…
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Fruit-Studded Gingerbread Stars
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ― Marcus Aurelius The holiday season isn’t complete without a little gingerbread. This year I decided to liven up my version with the delicious candied oranges and lemons I have become quite addicted to this year. Throw some dried cherries into the cookie dough for another twist, and you have these fruit-studded gingerbread stars. Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cardamom ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup unsalted butter ¾ cup dark brown sugar ⅓ cup molasses 1…
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Candied Orange Margarita
Candied fruit slices are delicious and luxe looking, which makes them perfect for the holidays. Glistening in the pan and sparkly under kitchen lights, they always remind me of ornaments. Enjoy them on their own or as an accompaniment to a slice of cake, but make sure to reserve the syrup left in the pan to make a candied orange margarita. Ingredients Candied Orange Slices 1 unwaxed orange 2 cups water 1 cup sugar Candied Orange Margarita 1 ounce reposado tequila ½ ounce Cointreau ½ ounce candied orange syrup Juice of 1 large lime Salt for rim optional Rows of candied fruit slices drying on racks are quite a sight.…
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Vanilla Cider Poached Pears
A poached pear dripping in syrup with stem intact makes an incredible presentation. Serve this version made with white wine, apple cider, and vanilla bean as an unexpected and festive dessert. Since the pears can be prepared ahead of time and left chilled, you enjoy the cooking process without feeling rushed. The syrup is so delicious that any extra can be drizzled over a slice of pound cake later that night or over crepes the next morning. When selecting pears to poach, Bosc are my preferred variety for their slightly sweet, crisp flavor. They generally sit taller on the plate than other pears, but I like to mix it up…
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