December 2006 Archive

December 27, 2006

Croquants Châtaigne et Noix de Pécan

[Chestnut Pecan Biscotti] Because I know you've been hanging on to the edge of your seats and I'm not such a bad person after all, here is my report on this year's batch of edible gifts. The recipe I ended up making on Saturday afternoon -- in between a few last-minute errands, but I'm fortunate enough to live in a neighborhood that offers plent...

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December 24, 2006

Warm and Fuzzy Holiday Wishes

May your celebrations be joyful, the company lovely, the food delectable, and the gifts few but thoughtful. Joyeuses Fêtes! [The little guy above is an amigurumi by French-Japanese artist Ketty Sean. I bought it at the gallery/store L'Art de Rien and it now lives at my friend Laurence's apartment.]...

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December 19, 2006

Macarons Maïs Violette

[Violet Cornmeal Macarons] If you are still trying to get your act together about what homemade edible presents to give out this holiday season, I'm here to tell you that you are not alone. I myself have done precisely zilch about it, but that's okay: today is Tuesday, Christmas eve is this Sunday, and that still gives me plenty of time to pick ...

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December 15, 2006

Favorites of the Moment

Barbie dolls didn't do much for me when I was little, but I had a passion for plush animals. Each of them had a name and a set of personality traits (often refined by my father, who would improvise bedtime shows for my sister and me, with voices and everything), and they felt more alive than I think grownups can really remember. A direct conseque...

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December 13, 2006

Soupe de Chou-Fleur, Curcuma et Noisette

[Cauliflower Soup with Turmeric and Hazelnuts] I know a lot of people who dislike cauliflower. Perhaps I am biased since I grew up eating my mother's killer gratin de chou-fleur, but I really don't see what's not to like in a vegetable that's mild-flavored without being bland, that's so good-looking it is described as a flower in numerous langua...

"Soupe de Chou-Fleur, Curcuma et Noisette" continues »

December 8, 2006

Kitchen Toolbox, Part III

[Looking for Part I and Part II?] Sharp things I am not a knife geek, so you won't find any opinionated, my-knives-are-holier-than-thine talk here. The three simple pointers I can share are: 1- you should first and foremost choose knives that feel comfortable, hefty (but not heavy), and well-balanced in your hand, 2- a high price doesn't necess...

"Kitchen Toolbox, Part III" continues »

December 6, 2006

Kitchen Toolbox, Part II

[Part I can be found here.] Utensils - A slotted turner, to lift and turn food in the skillet or sauté pan. Choose a heat-resistant one made of silicone or nylon so it won't scrape your pans. - A pair of locking tongs, to grab, flip, and arrange food in the pan as precisely as if you were using your fingers, minus the burns. - Wooden spoons, to...

"Kitchen Toolbox, Part II" continues »

December 4, 2006

Kitchen Toolbox, Part I

I have recently received several emails from readers who were asking if I could share my ideal set of kitchen equipment. I can't think of a more fitting time of year to do so, as some of these tools may make good items to add to your wish list if, like me, you are usually stumped when people ask what sort of gift you would like to receive. The f...

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