From James's kitchen
Tested, annotated, and worth returning to. Browse dependable recipes for everyday cooking, relaxed weekends, and occasions worth sharing.
Baking · 223 recipes
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49Linzer cookies are based on the famous Linzertorte - a delicious tart made using a rich buttery dough with ground nuts, lemon zest, and cinnamon. It is one of the oldest known tart recipes, discovered in an Austrian abbey that dates back to 1653. The tart i…
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50It may sound a little cliché, but many of my California friends are vegetarian or vegan and it can often be a challenge to prepare a menu that still tastes great for everyone. I’ve managed to come up with a few winning main course recipes – like hearty vegg…
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51March is the perfect time to bake a traditional Irish Soda Bread and after trying several versions, this one from Cooks Illustrated is a favorite. For a more traditional soda bread, reduce the sugar by half and omit the raisins. If you're in the mood for mo…
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52Now that we’re in the peak of apple picking season, it's time to post one of my favorite apple pie recipes. Some people find making pies a daunting task. There are stories, mostly said in hushed tones, about my mother throwing more than a few pie crusts aga…
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53This is a great alternative to full fat dairy ice cream. The avocado gives a rich creamy texture and the banana and blueberries add plenty of sweetness and flavor. It tastes best when you allow it to soften a bit on the counter before serving. If you do not…
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54There are many stories regarding the history of Hot Cross Buns. One interesting one comes from Alan Davidson's "The Oxford Companion to Food". He says that the Saxon invaders in Britain chomped on buns adorned with impressions of crosses in honor of the pag…
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55Corn muffins are so versatile, but many can turn out dry and tasteless. The sour cream in this recipe keeps them moist and tender every time. They’re perfect in the morning with some homemade jam, or serve them at dinner with Chili Con Carne or Chicken Tort…
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56Mince pie seems to have fallen out of favor in the U.S., although it was once the quintessential American pie - much more popular than apple or cherry, and in the 19th century Americans ate mince pies all through the year - for breakfast, lunch and dinner.…
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57When I growing up my Dad often had a bag of Keebler’s Pecan Sandies stashed away in an upper cupboard, reserved for when he was craving a crunchy cookie with hot cup of coffee. Unfortunately for him, the kids usually managed to find the bag and polish off w…
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58It’s hard to believe summer is nearly behind us, and as apple picking season approaches, I’m reminded of this all-time family favorite cake. My sister Ann has been making a version of this cake for as long as I can remember. It’s often referred to as “Jewis…
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59This is a fantastic recipe that makes great use of fresh summer peaches. Cobbler is a classic summer dessert and just about as American as Apple Pie. The clever folks at Cook’s Country have mastered a method that prevents the cobbler from sitting in too muc…
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60If you’re looking for a more sophisticated dessert for your next dinner party, try this Austrian classic. America’s Test Kitchen updated the recipe and it’s pretty easy to do. I made it recently for a small dinner party and was able to prepare it in the mor…
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61It’s hard not to find great food when visiting Paris, but if you’re looking for a truly authentic French experience, book a reservation at Julien Brasserie ( http://www.julienparis.com/en/ ) on your next visit. Located a bit “out of the way” in the 10 th ar…
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62Devil’s Food Cake is one of the most popular cakes in the United States and has its own day, May 19, which celebrates National Devil’s Food Cake Day. “Devil’s Food” cake is rich, decadent chocolate cake that is generally darker in color than most chocolate…
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63When I was a student living in Paris, one of my favorite rituals was to treat myself to a tiny lemon tart at a local patisserie after class. There were dozens of shops to choose from along my walk from the Sorbonne to my small apartment near the Place des V…
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64Apparently the origin of this meringue-based dessert is somewhat unclear, but seems to have been created in honor of Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova’s visit to New Zealand and Australia. The nationality of its creator has been a source of argument betwee…
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65Torrijas, a cross between French Toast and bread pudding, can be found throughout the year in Spain, but they are particularly popular for dessert around the Easter holiday. The tradition of reviving stale bread with eggs and milk dates back to Roman times,…
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66With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, this is the perfect time of year to bake a traditional Irish Soda Bread. After trying several versions, this one from Cook’s Illustrated is a favorite. For a more traditional soda bread, reduce the sugar by half and…
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67Red Velvet is popular around Christmas but in the south you will usually find it served all year long. The bright red cake and white creamy frosting make it perfect for Valentine’s Day. Americans spend around $655 million each Valentine's Day on candy, maki…
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68This is a classic French cookie, found in almost every patisserie in Paris. They are super easy to make at home with the help of store bought puff pastry. Pepperidge Farm will work, but try find Dufour or Trader Joe’s Artisan puff pastry which I think has a…
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69According to their site, Andes Crème de Menthe candies rank as the “number one after-dinner mint” delivering a “smooth blend of mint and chocolate flavors– the perfect post-meal treat”. They are particularly popular during the holidays and easy to find at y…
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70This is a quick and easy caramel sauce, but be sure to use a 2 quart saucepan, the hot sugar syrup mixture will bubble vigorously (and dangerously), and a small pan could overflow. Despite the slight drama on the stovetop, the sauce is well worth the minor…
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71Pumpkin is one of my favorite ingredients, especially during the fall months. This is a great cake for friends with October/November birthdays (like me!) It’s also a nice alternative to pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. Feel free to substitute whole wheat or whi…
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72Despite the warm weather we’ve been enjoying in Southern California, a recent trip to my local grocery store reminded me that fall is here – pyramid-like mounds of pumpkins filled the entrance, flanked by bins of apples of every variety. Although apples are…
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