Seed-Cake
Erica Lea on May 4th 2010
“I don’t mind some cake - seed-cake, if you have any.”
“Lots!” Bilbo found himself answering, to his own surprise; and he found himself scuttling off…to a pantry to fetch two beautiful round seed-cakes which he had baked that afternoon for his after-supper morsel.
When my sister read those words from The Hobbit, I could almost taste the seed-cakes. They sounded like a wonderful blend of sweet and savory. A perfect companion to tea.
Nearly tenyears after listening to that timeless tale, I decided to try my handing at baking up a beautiful seed-cake.
Filed in Baking, Cake, Dessert, Quick Bread | 10 responses so far
Browned Butter & Almond Financier
Erica Lea on Apr 12th 2010
I must admit that I that had never met with a financier until last Friday. Perhaps I had heard the name mentioned online or in cookbooks, but I would not have been able to tell you a thing about it.
As I flipped through cookbooks, searching for a recipe to use up the ten (ten!) egg whites sitting in the refrigerator, I came across this recipe. The use of browned butter & ground almonds intrigued me; and it looked surprisingly simple. I consulted Dad (who had mentioned pudding & ice cream as a dessert option), and he agreed that trying something new would be good.
Filed in Baking, Cake, Dessert | 14 responses so far
Magazine Mondays: Green Tea Shortbread Cookies
Erica Lea on Apr 5th 2010
As I have mentioned previously, Magazine Mondays is an event held by Ivonne at Cream Puffs in Venice. Once a week, bloggers are invited to post a recipe made from a magazine and submit the post to Ivonne. It encourages people to actually use their cooking magazines.
Ever since I laid eyes on Martha Stewart’s Green Tea Shortbread Leaves I wanted to make them. The lovely hint of green was enticing.
Would I make these again? Certainly. I don’t usually care for shortbread, but these buttery little cookies are simply scrumptious. They would be perfect for an afternoon tea party.
Filed in Baking, Cookies, Dessert, Events | 11 responses so far
For Dessert Tonight…
Erica Lea on Mar 31st 2010
…Blueberry Boy Bait
Wednesday (the day that certain members of our family weigh in for their diet) is our unofficial dessert day. This evening Amanda made us this delicious cake from smitten kitchen. How could you resist a dessert with a name like that?
Notes: Amanda made this cake slightly healthier by substituting natural sugar for the brown & using whole wheat pastry flour for the all-purpose. She also added about 1/2 cup more blueberries. Just for kicks.
.
What dessert(s) are you having this week?
.
Filed in Baking, Cake, Dessert | 3 responses so far
Homemade Wheat Crackers
Erica Lea on Mar 1st 2010
Some things are a bit difficult to make at home. Like whole wheat crackers. It’s just hard to make them crispy, tender, and tasty.
Here’s a recipe that comes very close.
Filed in Baking, Crackers & Flatbreads | 11 responses so far



















