My old refrigerator retired this weekend. After 15 years of great service we decided that it was time to replace it with a newer, better model. Though the new refrigerator is much like the old one in both look and features, I was excited at the prospect of having a new toy in the kitchen. ... Read More
Lemon Cornmeal Cake
I was a few days into my South America trip when I decided to check my work email and found this message: "Jean, we saved a piece of lemon cake for you in the freezer. You'll really like it." Knowing my penchant for all things lemony, my office friends thoughtfully set ... Read More
On Growing Up and an Ultra-Rich Chocolate Cake
Life has a way of working out...if you let it do its thing. I didn't become aware of my controlling nature until I reached my thirties (which will be history in a couple of weeks), realizing that when it comes to my life, I am very specific about how I want things to go. I assert this ... Read More
Fresh Fig and Olive Oil Cake
Fresh Fig and Olive Oil Cake Studded with fresh figs, this olive oil cake tastes like summer on the French Riviera. (September 6, 2018: This post is now updated with improved images and a printable recipe.) Is anyone out there as happy as I am to see fresh figs at the market? When I ... Read More
Lemon Pound Cake
Though my mom made it a point to serve us home-cooked meals while growing up, a few convenience foods ended up in her kitchen once in a while. She was very flexible with snack items and allowed sodas and chips, the latter of which my younger sisters and I would sneak into each other's ... Read More
Blueberry Sour Cream Cake
I think some blogs call this time of the week Wordless Wednesday. As tempting as this idea may be after a long day like today, I can't just give you a picture of this cake and leave it at that. It was a surprise hit both at home and at the office. The recipe surprised me not because I ... Read More
