Capital!

What you see above is a bar of gold.  Or so was the impression a French pâtissier (pastry chef) named Lasne wished to convey when, in the late 1800s, he had baking trays specially made to resemble the shape and size of a bullion ingot.  After all, Lasne’s shop wasn’t far from the Paris Stock…

Kaleidoscope

Before you, a riot of colors.  Not just amidst the tablecloth and on the dinnerware, but within the meal itself.  Vibrant reds, yellows, greens and oranges bejewel the grains, which are crowned with a snowy white dollop and a dusting of crimson powder.  That’s just one part of the plate, too.  Off to the side…

What’s with These Names?

Last December brought a Dutch Baby, and a month ago came something called a “Grunt.”  What’s left?  What bizarre linguistic twists will the kitchen inspire next?  How about a Berry Fool?  No kidding.  Unlike the other two creations, this name goes back centuries, too.  Plenty of time to change things, but no. In common with…

Get Hopping, Spring!

Any day now, season.  It’s Easter, and that should bring to mind rabbits jumping and fleetness of foot.  Here’s a bribe, too, in the form of a Raspberry and Lemon Cheesecake made specifically for Easter.  Just look at those bright colors, and think of the tangy, creamy sweetness.  That should motivate you. The advertisement for…

Ah, Voici las Fraises!

Framboises, myrtilles and mûres too, adding raspberries, blueberries and blackberries to the strawberries whose discovery today’s title celebrates.  (“Ah, voici las fraises!” = “Ah, here are the strawberries!”)  What else would one say in France, when finding the perfect topping for three slices of local shortbread? Sablé Breton (or, “Brittany Sandies”) is France’s version of…

Hidden Raspberries

Yes, the fresh fruit atop today’s offering sets the marker for raspberries, but do you really expect to encounter a perfect ribbon of sweet berry preserves when biting into the soft vanilla cake, past the creamy lemon frosting?  Well, you do now, but before reading this paragraph and seeing today’s picture, it would’ve been quite…