As we close out this unusual year, we remember how it brought us closer, how we are all in this together, and that in the end we are a whole pie. All individual slices on our own but when joined we are as solid as a whole pie. Pies come in all shapes and sizes. …
Author Archives: Alycaria
Crackers #2: Cheese-Crunch
The cracker that is not improved by jam, spreads, or dips, but is perfectly happy going solo is the cheese cracker.
Crackers #1: Nutty Seed Flackers
Sturdy and versatile are key qualities for homemade crackers. These nutty flackers (flaxseed crackers) are as healthy as crackers can be, with lots of healthy fats, omegas, and fiber. The best reason to justify making crackers at home would be for health benefits and allergies. When the time is taken to create your own, you …
November is Crisp
Are crackers worth making at home? They are inexpensive and last “forever” in the pantry. It can be challenging to find specific flavors, or specialty crackers (e.g. gluten-free), although it is getting easier. I would love to try some cracker varieties and shapes that I have not seen in the store. This is the opportunity …
Pear #3: Pear Rhubarb Pies
Fighting to show pear as a key ingredient resulted in sweetening the fruit. This recipe caramelizes the pears, which can be used as a topping for ice cream, crumble, or pie filling. I took the traditional Finnish karelian pies and replaced the rice pudding with a reduced sugar tapioca pudding. Take-Home Tips: Use any combo …
Pear #2: Pear Tartelettes
Back in Pastry month (June 2020) we explored short crust for making pies and mini-pies. I decided to recreate that cheesy dish with a new star. Pear, meet tartelette! The thought of eating cheese and pear was not immediately appetizing, but 3 mini tartelettes in and I was stuffed with satisfaction. Instructions: Take the short …
Pear #1: Fresh Spinach Salad
While you can easily switch out these ingredients for your favorite salad toppings, I was pleasantly surprised by just how filling and satisfying this salad was. In fact, it was so tasty as a dinner salad that I had it again for brunch the next day. Call me crazy but that is how much I …
October is for Pears
I really wanted to seek out the most creative uses for pears this month to let it shine as a key ingredient.
Ingredients #4: Creamed Spinach
Personally, the combination of creamed and spinach does not appeal to me. It was a surprise when I discovered just how obsessed I can be over my favorite protein (spinach) with my favorite dessert (cream cheese) in one savory dish. Creamed spinach can be eaten own its own, albeit sounding a tad unappetizing, but it …
Ingredients #3: Candied (Wal)nuts
When I realized how easy it is to candy nuts, my husband began requesting salads for lunch just to top them with these perfectly sweetened nuts. Nuts, like all things in moderation, offer many health benefits because of the oils and nutrients packed within them. Candying them, while not ultimately healthy, can help introduce these …
Food of the Month 