Apple Dessert Braid

The Best Kurdish Carrot Fritters in the World In high school many years ago I was a fencing champion and was written about in the local paper- the Daily Freeman, which I once thought was so worldly and sophisticated. Everyone was always so impressed when I told them “I won the gold in the New York State fencing championships” as they made a show of raising their eyebrows and tilting their heads in slight surprise and perhaps awe, I would like to think. But of course it was all a joke since there were no other female contestants at this prestigious event. The organizers scoured the auditorium and found two bewildered nine year olds whom I was told to compete against as it was hardly ethical to present me with a marble mounted trophy for just sitting there.

Christmas plum pudding 1. Lightly butter 3 x 600ml pudding basins. 2. Sift the flour into a very large bowl. Add the reamining ingredients and beat, until everything is throughly combined. Tatbileh-Rice with Meat and Pine Nuts On my last trip to Nazareth I was invited to eat in the home of a local resident who lives right in the center of this vibrant and colorful city. The hostess made a delicious chicken stuffed with fragrant rice and hand chopped meat which she topped with golden toasted almonds. The rice is known as tatbileh, not to be confused with the lemon, garlic hot pepper sauce of the same name.

Cherry Bakewell Cake ~ Sweet & Simple Bakes. My apologies that it has been a while since my last post. It wasn’t my intention to leave such a huge gap in blogging but regrettably I have been ill with gastric influenza. I’m still not on top form but I didn’t want to disappoint S&SB bakers with this month’s bake and round-up at Sweet and Simple Bakes. Many thanks to everyone for all your kind words on my new blog and it really is lovely to *see* you here! ♥♥ Chocolate Chip Lava Cookies I am so in love with these darn chocolate lava cookies! What is it about a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie stuffed with decadent, rich, melted chocolate that makes it so irresistible?? Especially when topped with vanilla ice cream. These are one of Kev’s favorite homemade treats, and he usually asks me to make them at least once a week. They are so simple to whip up, and such a treat!

Banana Loaf I must take more photos of things when I make them - sorry!! This is a recipe form 'Mary Berry - Foolproof cakes' and is a favorite of ours to use up over ripe bananas. I actually tend to freeze bananas and them get them out when I want to make this. But the cake also freezes very well. 100g butter, softened Two-Bite Strawberry Hand Pies This post comes to you from damply beautiful Seattle, Washington! Yes, kids, I am in Seattle for BlogHer Food 2012 and not just as an attendee, but I am speaking! I am nervous, but terribly excited, and ready to get the party started! The last month has been a CRAZY travel month for me. First, I went to Camp Blogaway, then I spent 6 days in Tokyo (expect a few Japanese themed recipes in the future – the place is life changing!), and now I am here in Seattle.

The Londoner: Slutty Brownies Now I don’t want to over sell this, so I’m going to be conservative and simply say, that these are… The Best Brownies In The WORLD. I know, big statement. They’re called Slutty Brownies because they’re oh so easy, and more than a little bit filthy. They’re best served warm from the oven, with good quality vanilla ice cream (devastatingly I didn’t have any in the freezer this time, so I guess I’ll just have to make them again). They take about 45mins to make, including baking time. The ultimate comfort food, whipped up within the hour.

Better-Than-Crack-Brownies I’m sorry for doing this to you. I really am. But see, last Friday while I was on a 10-hour road trip heading for vacation, I received this recipe from a reader named Liz. Liz, I love you. That’s all I have to say. I was tortured by this recipe for a full 8 days before I could make it.

How To Make Perfect Brownies I’ve tried lots of brownie recipes: Boxes, scratch, frosted, plain, nuts, chips, fudge … Each of them has something to like, but depending on my mood I might want a change of pace. Not any more. My wife found this recipe, and it’s perfect. I’m done looking. Design Crush » Popsicles! Not to sound full of myself, but I’m pretty sure this is the be all, end all of popsicle roundups. There’s a little something for everyone: the foodies, the purists, the ones who prefer frozen yogurt, the ones who prefer a little alcohol, everyone. Tweny-five options to be exact. The post I did last summer on the cold guys was one of DC’s most viewed ever, so I thought you’d all be up for another round – was I right?

How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake If you’re undecided about what sort of delicious dessert to make for Christmas this year, look no further. I found one for you… Red Velvet Cheesecake. I don’t gush about recipes all that often, and I’m a horrible critic of my own creations. I usually have to ask others what they think in order to get decent feedback to share. With this recipe, however, I sampled a piece. 60 Second Chocolate Chip Cookie A la Mode I had so much fun developing this recipe. Talk about kinda dangerous though. This baby is baked in 60 seconds, no lie!! The cookie dough recipe is prepared right in your ramekin, so we are also talking about minimal dishes.