"Go-To" cupcakes!

Our Favorite "Go-To" Chocolate Cake recipe (p 192) makes perfect chocolate cupcakes. Pictured here, they are frosted with Amy's Favorite Icing (p 225) made with a touch of mint extract. YUM! Perfect for your end-of-school parties!!

Artisan Sourdough makes beautiful artisan pizza!

I don't know why we haven't thought to try it sooner! Our Amazing No-Knead Sourdough recipe (p 40) makes AMAZING pizza! Make the dough as directed, substituting all-purpose flour for the bread flour and adding an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup, depending on your climate's humidity. After dough has rested on counter for at least 18 hours, divide it into 3 portions. With floured hands, shape portions into balls and dust with flour. Cover with a dish towel and let rest for 1-2 hours.

Allow pizza stone to preheat in a 500 degree oven for at least 1/2 hour. For a true artisan crust, do not use a rolling pin (this will deflate all the beautiful air pockets!). Instead gently "push" each ball of dough out into a 10-12 inch round, using flour and/or cornmeal to prevent sticking. Top as desired (above = mozzarella + shaved brussel sprouts + fresh tomatoes + parmesan and gouda + carmelized onions + mushrooms) Bake until crust is crisp and cheese is golden, about 8 minutes. Enjoy!

Milk Chocolate Banana Muffins

You just can't go wrong with these muffins (page 55)! They never cease to disappoint! Easy, lower in fat than many of their friends and bursting with milk chocolate goodness. Not to mention their amazing crunchy top. Perfect for Saturday morning breakfast. Happy Weekend!

California Dreaming!

It's that time of year when many of us begin to dream about warm, sunny days. Transport yourself to California with our Santa Monica Greens (page 84). This recipe highlights all the citrus that is in season right now and is utterly beautiful on the plate. Truly a salad that looks (and tastes!) like a work of art - your guests will be so impressed!

Lemons are in season!

It's not the time of year when we think of great produce, but citrus fruits are in season and our Lemony Arugula Salad (p 86) is a great winter salad to add a little freshness to your table. While arugula does prefer cooler temps and may be available at a grocer near you, don't worry if you can't find it or prefer other greens. This salad is just as delicious with other leaf lettuces, and all the ingredients are readily available this time of year. Make a pot of soup, a loaf of our No-Knead sourdough (p 40) and this salad, and you've got a winning dinner for everybody gathered around your table!

December 27th - Time for Vegetables!

It's that time of year when we start to crave something healthy, after a long winter's night of holiday binging and sugar rushing. Our Roasted Vegetable Soup (p. 62) is just what the doctor ordered!

The recipe can be altered to fit whatever is in your fridge. Here is what my vegetable drawer had to offer this morning - carrots, sweet potatoes, peppers, a Japanese eggplant (leftover from my recent Thai green curry obsession) and tomatoes. Just roast them all up with some olive oil, salt and pepper, then blend them with chicken broth and you're there. Our recipe has cream or half and half added to give it some richness, but you won't miss it. So simple, delicious and nutritious. Happy Healthy New Year Eating!

Our Sourdough Love Affair Continues...

Best Neighbor Gift ever! If you haven't made our Amazing No-Knead Sourdough bread yet (p. 40), YOU HAVE TO TRY IT, and while you're at it, make an extra loaf for your neighbor. It takes all of 30 seconds to mix together and the finished product is more delicious than anything you'll find at the grocery store! This time of year, when plate after plate of sweet treats and goodies come knocking at your front door, wouldn't you love to get a warm, crusty loaf of sourdough bread instead? I seriously would - because it would solve my issue of what's for dinner after a day of craziness :)

I am proud to say that in the past year or so, I successfully used an entire 50 pound bag of bread flour making this bread for my family and others. The flour cost me $13.49, and I figure I was able to make 75 loaves!!! Since the only other ingredients are yeast (only 1/4 teaspoon per loaf), water and salt, this bread costs less than 25 cents to make...and it is every bit as delicious as those $4 loaves of artisanal sourdough at Whole Foods. So when you need a break from the sweets, bake some up this holiday season! Merry Christmas!