Panna Cotta, a popular Italian dessert with origins from the Piedmont region, literally translates to “cooked cream”. This sweet treat of sweetened cream set with gelatin has been spotted across the globe in various forms and names, dating back to the 13th century when an almost identical version, Moos Hwit, was discovered in a Danish cookbook. The beauty of panna … [Read more...] about Pistachio Panna Cotta
desserts
New Mexican Sipping Chocolate
I can’t help but think about the person who first stumbled upon a cacao tree and cracked open one of the large pods, revealing bundles of luscious white fruit inside. Past the white silky pulp (baba) of a cacao bean resides the beginnings of the chocolate we know and love today. Similar in some ways to the coffee bean, the potential of cacao is unlocked by fermentation, … [Read more...] about New Mexican Sipping Chocolate
High Altitude Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
High-altitude baking can be a challenge. If I had a video camera in my kitchen since moving to Santa Fe, there have been a few times when the footage could be used to make a sitcom or reality show. I mean, this is some real popcorn-worthy material—a cake overflowing out of the pan, the little bubbling bits catching fire on a sheet tray in the oven, and the hilarity that ensues … [Read more...] about High Altitude Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Rhubarb, Lavender, and Red Chile Crisp
Aside from the perfectly ripe nectarine or plum, my favorite fruit for any baked good is rhubarb. It’s naturally tart and easily transitions into a perfect combination of sweet & sour with the addition of something sweet, in this case, brown sugar. If the idea of rhubarb on its own is too pucker-inducing for you, feel free to add strawberries, blueberries, apricots, or a … [Read more...] about Rhubarb, Lavender, and Red Chile Crisp
Molten Chocolate Chile Cakes
When it comes to dessert making, I have one thing on my mind: ease. Many variables are at play so let’s be honest, a lot can go wrong. There’s time, temperature, humidity, elevation, not to mention texture and stability to keep in mind. I think the key is to make desserts you love, make them often enough so it doesn’t feel like an invasive species has descended upon your … [Read more...] about Molten Chocolate Chile Cakes