Telly’s Spiced Leg of Lamb

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Stephanie

Where the past three weeks have flown to, I can’t say. We were officially caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season with a few added responsibilities this year, along with a few plagues that struck such as the inconvenience of a broken camera, the common cold, and stomach flu. Untimely, but it all only added to the food-blogging fire. So what can I offer after this recipe hiatus but a dish that is bursting with flavor, something totally unusual yet maybe most surprising … I have now happily added this to my favorite comfort foods list. If you are looking for a something unforgettably delicious to serve during the festivities, look no further. This would be a great way to start 2011.

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A Gift of Truffles: Earl Grey, Peppermint & Mexican Chocolate

Posted on December 10, 2010 by Stephanie

Christmas time is here! This means my kitchen is a well-oiled machine… in the department of chaos. Right now I have so many projects going with too many lists on scattered scraps of paper, and I am frequently checking my calendar to see where I am at in the grand scheme of things. Jars I have saved throughout the year have taken over the counter tops, awaiting their final calling as packaging for delicious treats. Raffia, ribbons, and little sacks are spilling out all over the place, and what do I want to do? Make truffles. After all, Christmas is a time for decadence, home-made gifts, and reminding loved ones that you care. What better expression than a truffle? Infused with something exotic, hand-rolled, and then decorated to shine like jewels in a little confection box, these are the ultimate home-made gift. In my next life, I will run a chocolaterie.*sigh* (And you can be sure that this will be the first of several truffle posts.)

So, hang on. Before you close this post out thinking, “No way am I going to make my own truffles… She’s nuts.” Bear with me.

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Caramelized Pears with Mascarpone

Posted on December 1, 2010 by Stephanie

When I see a recipe with the words caramelized, pears, and mascarpone, I think to myself- “say no more. I must make this!” That’s what happened seven years ago when I opened up a favorite cookbook, Cucina Rustica, and flipped through the dessert section. It was this same time of year, pear season, and so I quickly added this simple yet incredibly elegant recipe to my repertoire. It soon became a favorite among friends, and it happened to be the last dish I cooked during our time in Munich. Now it’s a recipe full of nostalgia.

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