Cranberry & Satsuma Tart with Rich Cookie Crust and Gluten-Free Teff Variation

Here we are again with one of my favorite winter holiday culinary ingredients — cranberries. Homemade cranberry relish is just right to tame the edges of a rich, holiday meal. But, we can do so many more things with cranberries than make a relish. So, I’m baking a bright, festive “Cranberry & Satsuma Tart with Rich Cookie Crust” this Christmas. If you are looking for an easy, yet elegant dessert to finish a holiday meal or want a change from pumpkin pie, this is it. The tart is simple to make; using only a few household ingredients. It is hard to mess up this tart. The rich, shortbread-style cookie crust balances tart cranberries which have a taste of satsuma zest (satsuma is a type of orange) added in. Plus, I made a variaton of the crust using Teff flour — an ancient Ethopina grain, so that tart is gluten-free. I will enjoy several versions of this tart from now until Christmas!

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Hamantaschen Pastries for Purim

Hamantaschen are delectable pastries made for the “Purim” Holiday. The cookie dough is rolled out and cut into round circles and then shaped into triangles. They are filled with poppy seed candy and honey or fruit preserves and nut fillings. The cookies are shared with family and friends. And my 96-year-old mother-in-law shared a delightful story from her childhood about these treats. Those special stories make the cookies worthwhile. Continue reading

Classic Deep Purple Plum Pie with a Rich Flaky Crust

I went to Whole Foods Market to purchase parsnips and noticed the beautiful purple plums. So I purchased several of these too. Guess I’m an impulsive buyer. Anyway, I’ve always wanted to make a plum pie. If you never thought you’d like plums, then try “Deep Purple Plum Pie.” This pie is very easy to make and is perhaps one of the best fruit pies you will ever taste. Not to brag, but it really is great. And I made a rich, flaky crust to go along with the plums. Continue reading