From Scratch

How to: preserve and proof yeast

ellaella — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:37:15 +0000

Most people who get hooked on baking with yeast eventually buy it in bulk, whether online, from a local coop, a members-only warehouse store or even a friendly bakery if their town is lucky enough to still have a real one and not the typical par-baked and from-a-mix bake shops in supermarkets. Yeast is expensive [...]

Make ahead Thanksgiving

ellaella — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:23:32 +0000

The big day is three weeks from tomorrow. I always try to make ahead some of a large or special meal and Thanksgiving is the Super Bowl of cooking. No way I’m waiting till the day before to start. Some of the recipes here are designed for make-ahead or lend themselves to it, and I invite [...]

Cashew and coconut sauce for grilled chicken

ellaella — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:28:52 +0000

I always welcome a quick but tasty recipe — who doesn’t? — and that’s especially true as we move into the busy holiday season. This year, with all the disruptions and work from moving, I’m especially happy when a new dish fits the bill. As this one does. It uses the cashew butter I made in [...]

How to: make cashew butter

ellaella — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:51:40 +0000

Cashews have so many health benefits they’ve become the world’s #1 nut crop, with more than 4 billion pounds harvested annually. They’re among the lowest in fat and the fat they have is the good, heart-healthy kind. They boast antioxidants, magnesium, fiber and copper; no wonder they’re sometimes called “nature’s vitamin pill.” Cashew butter is so [...]

Pumpkin pie spice

ellaella — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:46:29 +0000

I don’t usually espouse buying spice mixes and blends that can be put together quickly at home, but pumpkin pie spice is an exception even though I don’t use it in pie; my favorite recipe uses individual spices instead. I do use it in other baked goods. It’s a smart buy not only because it [...]