From the monthly archives:

August 2009

Daring Bakers: Dobos Torte

August 27, 2009 Pies, Tarts and Cakes

This, dear friends, is a Dobos Torte: layer upon layer of vanilla sponge cake separated by rich chocolate buttercream, then topped with a caramel-covered cake layer and garnished with hazelnuts. And I have the Daring Bakers’ August challenge to thank for it!

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French Green Bean Salad

August 23, 2009 Soups & Salads

French green bean salad may just be the answer to heavy picnic foods: simple, tangy, crisp, fresh, light, summery, and totally picnic-friendly. It guarantees there will be at least one non-artery-clogging selection on the picnic buffet, and it’s a snap to make, to boot: just blanch the beans and coat with a basic vinaigrette. Toss in some garlic and sliced salads, let it sit and voila!

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Pizza Dough

Pizza, Finally

August 13, 2009 Breads and Pizzas

Combine an itch to try out the dough hook with amazingly cool summer weather, and you can file it under “perfect excuse for summer baking.” This crust is a take on the basic crust from Bittman’s How to Cook Everything. I finally hit the nail on the head this time with chopped rosemary and whole wheat pastry flour, which deepens the flavor without tasting too-too healthy.

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Eating Up “Le Grand Traverse”

August 7, 2009 Outside Pittsburgh

Too many memories of childhood (and teenage and post-college summer) vacations involve the stunning area that surrounds Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, from Frankfort on Lake Michigan to Northport at the tip of Leelanau County, from Traverse City at the southernmost end of the Bay, past Torch Lake and up to Charlevoix. For the traveling foodie, there are three area staples: cherries, whitefish and wine. So if you only have three days in the area, as I did last weekend, here’s the must-do list.

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