Desserts
Fall is Here. Make The Best Apple Cake Recipe!
I have a confession to make: Sometimes I get so caught up with life that I don’t have time to create new recipes! When this happens, one of my favorite things to do is search online for recipes that inspire me. Recently, I took a recipe break and stumbled upon an...
5 Fantastic Grill Dishes For Your Memorial Day BBQ
I'm ready to party! Aren't you? I feel like I've been let loose from my cage! Memorial Day Weekend certainly has a different kind of significance this time around. Not only is it the unofficial start of summer (and a vaccinated summer at that!), but now we can all get...
Brooklyn-Based Chef, Edouard Massih, Shares His Favorite Lebanese Recipes
This week, I'm stepping aside to shine the spotlight on a very talented friend of mine, Chef Edouard Massih. Edy — a Lebanese chef, caterer, entrepreneur, and founder of Edy's Grocer in Brooklyn — started out working as my culinary assistant. We found each other after...
Blackberry Crème Brûlée
If you really want to impress your dinner guests, torch your crème brûlée right at the table! This classic French treat, aka burnt cream, is a rich custard topped with hardened caramelized sugar. The best part about eating crème brûlée is cracking through that layer...
Passover Macaroons
Coconut macaroons are the quintessential passover dessert! Not to be confused with the French-style pastry made with almond meal, coconut macaroons are baked with shredded coconut, beaten egg whites, and sweetened condensed milk. They're naturally gluten-free which...
The Best Passover Lemon Meringue Pie
This tart and buttery Lemon Meringue Pie is at the top of my dessert list. When it comes to lemony desserts, I can't get enough. Whether you're keeping kosher for passover or looking to go gluten-free this year, my Lemon Meringue Pie recipe is all kinds of decadent. I...
Blood Orange Mint Sorbet
Blood Orange Mint Sorbet Zest from 1 orange Zest from 1 lemon ¼ cup honey ¾ cup sugar 2 sprigs fresh mint 2 cups water Juice from 3 blood oranges Juice from 1 orange Juice from 1 lemon Place the orange and lemon zest, honey, sugar, mint, and water in a...
Cappuccino Mousse
Cappuccino Mousse 1½ cups whipping cream4 large eggs, separated, at room temperature½ pound bittersweet chocolate, chopped4 teaspoons instant espresso powder⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar¼ cup sugar¾ teaspoon vanilla extractUnsweetened whipped cream, as optional...
Travel To Sicily With My Easy Blushing Pear and Espresso-Frangelico Granitas
I know what you're thinking, frozen desserts in the middle of winter?? YES! Having just finished up a detox at the Hippocrates Health Institute, I'm feeling pretty good, but after days of loading up on vegetables and wheatgrass, I've been craving a treat. This is...
Coconut Magic Bars
Coconut Magic Bars 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter1½ cups coarse graham cracker crumbs, preferably low-fat1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk, skim or low fat6 ounces (1 cup) semisweet chocolate chips1 3 ½-ounce can sweetened flaked coconut1 cup (4...
Chocolate Covered Almond-Orange Biscotti
Chocolate Covered Almond-Orange Biscotti 12 ounces (about 2¼ cups) whole, unblanched almondsSoftened butter, for the baking pan, unless using parchment paper1¾ cups sugar¼ cup minced orange zest (colored part of peel, removed with a zester and minced)3 cups...
Zucchini-Walnut Muffins with a Twist of Lemon
Zucchini-Walnut Muffins with a Twist of Lemon Solid vegetable shortening, for the baking pans2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon salt¾ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg3 large eggs, at room...
Extra-Spicy Gingersnaps
Extra-Spicy Gingersnaps Solid vegetable shortening, for the cookie sheets, plus ¼ cup shortening2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking powder2 teaspoons ground ginger1 teaspoon ground cinnamon½ teaspoon dry mustard½ teaspoon ground white pepper½...
Walnut Brownies U.S.A.
Walnut Brownies U.S.A. Solid vegetable shortening, for the pan 4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter 2 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon packed dark-brown sugar 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract ⅛...
Harvest Nut Pie with a Touch of Bourbon and Chocolate
A whole harvest's worth of crunchy nuts is found in this rich treat, a flavor-boosted variation on old-fashioned pecan pie. A splash of good bourbon and a hint of chocolate make for a less-sweet pie, a change I find very welcome. 9-inch pie, 6-8 servings Harvest Nut...
These Wine-Poached Pears Are The Decadent Dessert You’ve Been Craving
Hi beautiful friends! We're in prime Fall produce season and pears are at the top of my list. In my opinion, there are few desserts as sexy as wine-poached pears. I mean, come on! I'll eat anything poached in wine. Once there's a chill in the air, I can't wait to get...
Cranberry-Pecan Tea Bread
Cranberry-Pecan Tea Bread Solid vegetable shortening, for the baking pans 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1½ teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened 2 cups sugar 4 teaspoons...
Very Lemony Pound Cake
There's nothing I love more with a cup of tea than a slice of moist lemony pound cake. This recipe is loaded with fresh lemon zest and a dash of grated nutmeg. I like to drizzle a quick lemon simple syrup over the pound cake right when it comes out of the oven. Not...
These Whiskey-Glazed Scotch Shortbreads Will Melt In Your Mouth
Hi friends! It's my favorite time of year! Not only is it my birthday, but the weather is perfect and I'm living my best life with my cider-mulled wine in hand! The leaves are changing, I'm roasting all of the acorn squash and maple-baked apples are always on my mind....
Let’s Celebrate Fall & Rosh Hashanah With My Sweet Maple-Honey Baked Apples
Hi everyone! It’s time to get excited because apple season is officially here! Fall happens to be my favorite time of the year. Not only because it’s getting very close to my birthday, but because it’s an excuse to use apples in pretty much everything! You can't beat...
You’ll Go Wild For This Semolina Bread Pudding with a Warm Berry Sauce
If you've ever wondered how to make a whole crowd smile with one dish, bread pudding is always a crowd-pleaser! Believe it or not, this is the first summer that I've actually been at my house in Watermill during July and I'm loving every minute of it. I'm usually...
STRAWBERRY-WHITE PEACH CROSTATA
Who doesn't love pie? Especially in the summer, when fruit practically begs to be piled into flaky pastry and baked until bubbling with jammy goodness. But let's be honest. All that rolling, double-crusting, and edge crimping can be a pain. I'm no baker. Spare me the...
This Gluten-Free Lemon and Blueberry Bread Is The Best Comfort Snack
Hi friends - How is your social distancing going? Are you on lockdown? I hope you are! I’d really love to hear what’s occupying you in this unprecedented time. Are you feeling restless, bored, angry, fearful or pissed off? Or are you happy to have all of this time to...
CELEBRATE CITRUS SEASON with these DREAMY MEYER LEMON and GINGER BARS
It's January folks! Are you on a fast or reset diet? Here's the cleanse that I did. Prolon is a five-day fasting mimicking program. Let me tell you, It was not easy, but the entire diet is in a box! There was no grocery shopping involved. This program is...
A SNEAK PEEK at MY SWEET NEW CABARET SHOW RECIPE
As some of you may already know, I have another cabaret show coming up on November 7th at the Laurie Beechman Theatre! This time around, it's going to be even better with new material and special guest artist Frederick Anderson, who happens to be a friend, fashion...
ZESTY BLUEBERRY PANNA COTTA
Get your hands on this Zesty Blueberry Panna Cotta with Coconut and Macadamia NutsTalk about a sexy dessert! Back when I first started Flavors Catering in the 90s, panna cotta was always a fan-favorite with all of my clients. Can you blame them? It’s creamy, decadent...
COOL OFF THIS SUMMER with THREE EASY HOMEMADE POPSICLE RECIPES
I don't know about you, but when it's hot and sticky outside, my mind goes straight to popsicles. If I'm craving something sweet and refreshing, but not too heavy, homemade fresh fruit ice pops are my go-to snack. With homemade popsicles, you never have to worry...
STRAWBERRY COCONUT MILK POPSICLES
These fruity treats are my personal version of strawberries and cream. Yum! Strawberry Coconut Milk Popsicles 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled 1 cup coconut milk (full fat) 1 tablespoon maple syrup Combine in a food processor or blender. Pour and evenly divide into...
MANGO LIME POPSICLES
The next time tacos are on the dinner menu, break out these mango lime popsicles for dessert. You won't regret it! Mango Lime Popsicles 1 cup mango, diced (can be frozen) 2 tablespoons lime juice 1/2 cup coconut water 2 tablespoons maple syrup Puree in food processor...
MINTY WATERMELON POPSICLES
If you love watermelon mojitos, you'll want to try these minty watermelon popsicles. Minty Watermelon Popsicles 2 cups watermelon, diced2 tablespoons lime juice1/2 cup coconut water2 tablespoons maple syrup In a blender, puree 2 cups diced watermelon pieces, mint...
Mom‘s Christmas Moon Cookies
A Christmastime Confession Here's a little secret…I really…don’t…like…BAKING. I know! It’s sad, but true. Measuring ingredients, carefully considering their temperatures, and waiting endlessly for batches of cookies to bake is not my thing. A Texas Tribute...
TEXAS CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE
A Texan Tradition Two Texan girls in the kitchen means the best kind of trouble is coming your way! When I met Marta Sanders, I was immediately drawn to her. She knocked me out with an amazing performance in a very impressive venue for the Cabaret Convention earlier...
DON’T YOU WANT SOME OLIVE OIL CAKE and SPARKLING SANGRIA?
Simple Summer Sangria in a Bottle?! Everyone loves sangria! It's the perfect summer drink over ice; so fruity and refreshing. There's a reason why I have two sangria recipes on my blog: a classic white and one for the holidays. I was surprised recently when I tasted...
ALMOND OLIVE OIL BUNDT CAKE
A Match Made in the Mediterranean! During the old Flavors Catering and Carry Out Days, when I had the retail store on 18th Street, we used to sell a very popular olive oil cake. We also made a white sangria that was always a hit during the summer months, so when I was...
LOCAL BLUEBERRY CRISP
A Rustic Finish I love a good crisp! It's such a homey dessert that's simple to make! You don't have to be a pastry chef to put it all together, and what's even better is that you can change up the fruit depending on the season. We're in peak Blueberry season right...
A VERY BERRY PATRIOTIC SHORTCAKE
Memories from the Fourth of July Do you have favorite summer memories? Some of mine are from Fourth of Julys spent in California. Perhaps you're wondering what a Texan girl was doing on the West Coast. My parents bought a summer home in Newport Beach to get out of the...
THREE-BERRY SUMMER SHORTCAKE
A Very Berry Fourth of July to You All! What's better than a Strawberry Shortcake? A Three-Berry Shortcake! I've adapted this recipe from The New York Times, to please a crowd and add some blueberries and raspberries for a festive Fourth of July! Any extra...
DR. DARYL’S CHOCOLATE ALMOND CHIA PUDDING
If you've ever seen Dr. Daryl on TV, being interviewed, he speaks a lot about his admiration for Kelly Ripa who swears by this way of life. For his success stories, it's all about balance and moderation, which is perfect for me because I need to have some chocolate –...
PERFECT PASSOVER COOKIES
Religious Feasting Passover is one of my favorite food holidays. It brings back memories of my Mom’s beautifully decorated tables and delicious dinners. Her matzo ball soup was the best. I remember watching her make her matzo balls from scratch. We were one of only a...
FRANÇOIS PAYARD’S FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE-WALNUT COOKIES
Whether you celebrate Passover or not, this is a great and easy recipe for creating indulgent cookies with a lot of flavor and texture that don't require a lot of time or ingredients! The keys to this recipe are in the mixing and cooking – you must keep a close eye on...
WARM BERRY SAUCE
This delicious sauce can be spooned over some of your favorite dishes, like waffles, yogurt, ice cream or my Very Lemony Pound Cake. Warm Berry Sauce 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries1 cup fresh or...
SIMPLE & SLIM BOOZY RICE PUDDING
Happy Holiday Hosting! It's that time of year again—hosting season! Whether it's latkes for Hanukkah or a goose for your Christmas feast, most people focus on the showstoppers. My entire family is coming to visit me in NYC this Christmas. I wanted to have some...
Bourbon Almond Pecan Rice Pudding
This is a great recipe to have on hand when you're entertaining. This dish is great warm or cool and can be served as breakfast, a snack or something sweet at the end of a hearty meal. Once you've made it, it can sit in your fridge and your guests will find it's easy...
Gift of Apple Crisp
Nothing says fall like a beautiful basket of apples! Cooking up a crisp is always an easy way to trick your guests into believing that you're an impressive baker! I love the warmth of this classic recipe that takes full advantage of all of the apple's best qualities....
Ottolenghi’s Gingerbread Cake with Brandied Apples
Ottolenghi Cookbooks are a Staple Like most writers have troves of books, most chefs have a vast collection of cookbooks. In order to learn, you must study from those who've gone before you. And, while my collection is impressive, there are few that sit on the...
Fourth of July Ice Cream Pie!
When my mother entertained at our home in Wichita Falls, Texas she would really go all out. She made everything herself, including dessert. The one that I remember the most is an ice cream pie that has a crunchy graham cracker crust, 3-4 types of ice cream and...
Bittersweet Chocolate Hot Fudge Sauce
Bittersweet Chocolate Fudge Sauce 1/2 cup butter2 cups powdered sugar5 ounces evaporated milk6 ounces unsweetened chocolate1/2 cup heavy cream Combine all of the ingredients in the top of a double boiler set over rapidly boiling water.Without stirring, let cook until...
THE PERFECT APPLE & PEAR CRISP for PASSOVER & A SURPRISE!
You all know that I’m not much of a baker even though I love desserts. So when I make a dessert, it has to be easy! This Apple & Pear Crisp is just that. It takes very little time, is uncomplicated but tastes like a restaurant dessert. I never have received so...
3 Easy Steps DIY Chocolate Covered Pretzels!
It's easy to rush into a store and buy a holiday gift but it’s much more meaningful to make it yourself especially when its this easy! If you’re wondering what to gift this year besides our sweet and spicy nuts, which are also DIY easy, then let me give you a...
What is Aquafaba?
So get this... I was in L.A. in March and I was in an Uber going to the airport; as I was flying back to NYC. My uber driver was a lovely talkative woman at 6AM and we started chatting about health, wellness and cooking. She was a vegan and told me about this new way...
QUICK BERRY PRESERVE WITH A TWIST!
Can you believe it’s August? Yes, I’ve been a traveling fool and loving it. My blogs on Greece and the South of France will be coming soon. I came back to NYC this week and needed to play in the kitchen after being away. So I stopped by the Union Square Market...
HOLIDAY TOFFEE
I recently invited Alison Mahoney to come over and make some holiday treats. We whipped up some deliciously decadent chocolate toffee, and we both started humming holiday songs. I mean, I LOVE to sing when I bake - being in the kitchen makes my heart sing....
Chocolate Almond Flourless Cake
This cake isn’t one of those dense flourless monstrosities. This cake is so light and soft, it’s almost a mix between a pudding and a souffle. The chocolate flavor is intense – mainly because of how much melted chocolate goes into it! Not to mention all that nutty...
Peachy Keen
A few weeks ago, I co-hosted a party with a friend in the Hamptons. We both shared cooking duties, but he did the dessert. Let me tell you, it was so simple but so delicious. The large group of 80 guests loved it! He roasted peaches, served them on a platter...
THE VEGAN DIVA’S CHOCOLATE MOUSSE PARFAIT (Video)
I don't know about you, but I crave chocolate every day. It's a hard life! Do you try to satisfy your cravings with healthy alternatives like I do? Instead of restricting my favorite foods, I love finding treats that won't kill my diet. This protein-packed mousse is...
LEMON POPPY CHEESECAKE with STRAWBERRY RHUBARB COMPOTE
Whoever invented the expression "easy as cake" was definitely not talking about cheesecake. Those 5"cheesecakes you see behind New York deli counters? Someone put a whole lot of work into that. Even after dealing with springform pans and water baths, those things...