Coconut Lemon Bars

July 11, 2013January 25, 2014 by Jessica | 7 Comments

I love lemon desserts! They’re tangy and sweet at the same time, and not too rich, like a piece of flourless chocolate cake would be. Plus, every time we go to the fruit store, my son picks up a lemon and just HAS to buy it. This means we have a lot of lemons in the house. So when I was racking my brains for a great summer dessert, of course something with lemons came to mind. Of course, lemon meringue pie was possible, but I wanted something that travels well. While flipping through the “bar cookies and brownies” section of my Bon Appetit Desserts book, I came across this recipe, and was happy to see I had all the ingredients to make the dessert! Decision made. Continue reading …

Butterscotch Pie

July 9, 2013 by Jessica | 2 Comments

This is one of the BEST desserts we have ever made. And stephanie and I make a ton of desserts. Let’s just say at a holiday table with about 10 desserts, this one finished. The pictures are from two different times we baked the pie. So that’s why you’ll see two different pie plates and two different kitchens. Continue reading …

Grilled Lamb Chops

May 6, 2013 by Jessica | 16 Comments

Lamb chops are not something you can make very often. They’re very expensive for a very little bit of meat (maybe you’re paying for the bone, so save it! Make stock!). That being said, they are a perfect “special occasion” food. Is it someone you love’s birthday? Add a couple of lamb chops to make it extra special. Or, maybe you’re celebrating your graduation after five years of graduate school? Whatever your reason for celebrating, these lamb chops are easy and amazing. Make sure to buy good lamb, too. Don’t want to spend all that money just to have an okay treat. Continue reading …

Asparagus Custard Tart

April 29, 2013 by Jessica | 16 Comments

Spring is here! And spring means asparagus is in season. No more boring roasted or grilled asparagus, we’re going gourmet here. Now, gourmet doesn’t mean hard. Actually, while there are a few steps in this recipe (you should read it over once before actually attempting it – you’ll need to do a bit of juggling), it’s quite easy! and impressive looking. Feel free to use store-bought pie crust or even puff pastry, as in the original recipe. Continue reading …

Happy Birthday + Maple Crunch Layer Cake

December 17, 2012 by Jessica | 11 Comments

Happy birthday to Stephanie and Jessica! Yup, that’s right, it’s our birthday today!

Today we turn 27 (or 54, if you add us together). And what better way to celebrate our birthday than an amazing maple cake? We’re not sure when the actual maple season is, but I think it’s a fallish flavor, and fall is ending right about now, so why not go with a maple cake? That, and I have been dying to make this cake ever since I got this cookbook.

Dinner Rolls

November 27, 2012 by Jessica | 6 Comments

This is one of the most beautiful dishes I’ve ever made. And they were really easy! I know a lot of people are scared of yeasted breads, but this one is so impressive when served to guests, especially if you’re making a dinner party, that you should really just try.

Plus, I adapted this hand-kneading recipe to use with a mixer so there’s hardly anything you need to do. I also made it pareve, since I ate it with a meaty stew. I’m sure it would be even more amazing with some melted butter on top, though I love the flavor of a good olive oil. Or, you can dress it up with some herbed oil.

Pomegranate Silan Chicken + Cooking Coach

November 12, 2012 by Jessica | 6 Comments

I know pomegranates are a Rosh Hashanah food, but lately they have been beautiful, giant, and on sale! And I like them no matter what time of the year it is. So, when I saw this recipe for roasted chicken with this sweet and crispy skin, I knew I had to try it, especially because I got some Silan, a date syrup that the recipe called for. Continue reading …

Banoffee Pie

November 5, 2012 by Jessica | 9 Comments

This is one of the greatest things I’ve ever made. And it was so easy . Semi-homemade, actually. It’s a great dairy dessert for when you don’t have much time to work but want to impress someone. Or, if you’re just in the mood for a great banana dessert but don’t want to go through the process of making a banana cream pie. Continue reading …

Korean Ground Beef

October 18, 2012 by Jessica | 5 Comments

I’m very into quick meals these days. Not things like boring mac and cheese, although we do eat that in my house, but new and different meals. I like recipe testing and trying out interesting flavors. So when I came across this recipe on Pinterest, I just knew I had to make it. This is a simple recipe with a ton of flavor! It’s sweet and tangy, and healthy when served over brown rice with some veggies. I chose broccoli.

Honey Chiffon Spice Cake: September Kosher Linkup

September 12, 2012 by Jessica | 5 Comments

I have never had a Rosh Hashanah with honey cake. Yes, you read that right. I never ate or served a honey cake during the new year. So why am I sharing this recipe with you? Well, for one, I wanted to try it out. There’s a first time for everything, right? And the second was I was racking my brain trying to think of a honey recipe to share for our Rosh Hashanah linkup. And then I thought to myself, “duh, can’t go wrong with a classic holiday recipe!”