Once Upon A Chef

Apple Rum Raisin Bread Pudding

It’s taken Michael and me almost ten years of marriage (and lots of gentle hinting) to figure out Valentine’s Day. He finally understands that half-wilted roses from the grocery store – no doubt purchased on his way home from work – are not the key to my affection. And I finally realized that he appreciates a homemade dinner, dessert, anything way more than a gift that eventually shows up on our credit card bill. That's my guy :) and that’s where this insanely good bread pudding comes in.

Chocoholic Muffins

 
The men in my life all have one thing in common: a strong, deep-seated penchant for chocolate. Growing up, my dad lived on a steady diet of Nestle Crunch bars and Oreo cookies. These days, I live with chocolate lovers of a more discriminating sort (no offense, dad:)) – my husband and son, who know that a little begging and praise is all it takes to get me in the kitchen, covered in cocoa powder. These tender muffins with a double hit of chocolate are one of their favorites...and just as true chocoholics would, they eat them for breakfast. 

Banana Bread with Coconut and Pecans

I just came back to freezing cold reality after a long and relaxing vacation surrounded by palm trees. So you can hardly blame me (despite this being the season for virtuous New Year's resolutions and all) for craving something warm and comforting, something with a hint of tropical flavor, to ease the transition. I'm talking about this heavenly banana bread...I've been making it for years, but it's never tasted better than right now.

Homemade Granola

Homemade granola is a cinch to make. One trip to your favorite organic market and you're good to go. Simply chop a few nuts, measure everything into a bowl, mix it, bake it and you’re done. But I should probably warn you: once you try it, you'll turn your nose up at the boxed stuff...you’ll become a granola snob.

Pumpkin Bread

I ordered Halloween costumes for my kids today (Batman, Batgirl, and – I couldn’t resist - Batdog!), so it seems like the perfect time to share this fantastic Pumpkin Bread recipe with you. It’s an old family recipe that's been passed down through the generations; my mom's been baking it since I was a little girl. I’ve made it a hundred times as a grown-up, but the smell of it baking in the oven brings me back to my mother's kitchen every time.

Drunken Caramel French Toast

Part booze, part French toast, part bread pudding… how could you go wrong? In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you already had the recipe because such things (i.e., amazingly good, crowd pleasing, make-ahead, easy recipes) tend to get around. I got it from my friend Gayle, who got it from her friend, Lillian, who got it from…I won’t bore you – you get the idea.

Banana Bread

If you’re anything like me, you need a few good banana bread recipes. I’ve never been able to accurately predict my family’s banana consumption: one week we go through ‘em all; the next, they sit untouched, rotting in the bowl. Luckily there’s a delicious solution...

Best Breakfast Pancakes

I think I've spoiled my family a bit by making these every Sunday morning. They're so easy to make, it's hard to say no!  Most days we're all rushing out the door at a frenetic pace (sometimes - cringe - eating breakfast in the car). For that reason, a relaxed, homemade breakfast is a welcome treat.