Category Archives: Desserts

“In ev’ry job that must be done, There is an element of fun, You find the fun and snap! The job’s a game · And ev’ry task you undertake, Becomes a piece of cake, A lark! A spree! It’s very clear to see that · A Spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, The medicine go down-wown, The medicine go down, Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, In a most delightful way…”
{“A Spoonful of Sugar,” from the musical film, “Mary Poppins”}

Appetizing Thoughts: The Now and Future of First Fresh Olive Oil

Posted on March 8, 2013 | 1 Comment

Saffron Olive Oil Cookies with Blood Orange Glaze

In 2011, Bill Sanders of First Fresh Olive Oil was interviewed, in which he demystified olive oil and promoted the launch of a kickstarter campaign raising money to start a private label selling quality olive oil in the United States at competitive prices. Since successfully raising the funds, he has garnered two outstanding industry recognized awards, crossed the country to introduce his peppery tasting olive oil by offering tastings and learned a few start-up marketing lessons. In this follow up interview, he explains his future goals, inspiration from a recent Sicilian trip for First Fresh Olive Oil and why using olive oil in desserts is better, especially for the recipe—Saffron Olive Oil Cookies with Blood Orange Glaze —at the end of the interview.
Continue reading →

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Appetizing Thoughts, Desserts, Guest Interviews, Recipes, Valentine's Day, Wine and Food, Winter

Tagged 3 Village Blend Olive Oil, Appetizing Thoughts, baking with olive oil, Citrus, cookies, crush + press, desserts, extra virgin olive oil, first fresh olive oil, gourmet food, interview, orange, saffron olive oil cookies with blood orange glaze

Spice Up Your African Diaspora Culinary Knowledge

Posted on February 2, 2013 | 5 Comments

February is a joyous month honoring leadership, celebrating love and praising our culture. Starting the month of festivities is African Heritage & Health week. A week long celebration encouraging African-Americans to return to their roots and rediscover cooking techniques and ingredients their ancestors ate before the age of processed food.

In 2011, Oldways, an organization dedicated to teaching nutrition and good food via culture and heritage, introduced the African Heritage Diet Pyramid. It was created by experts in African American history, cuisine, nutrition, and public health. The ingredients listed are commonly found in recipes from North America, Africa, the Caribbean and South America. Dishes made with African Diaspora ingredients are generally healthier than some soul food dishes ‘invented’ or ‘revised’ within the last 60 years. Continue reading →

→ 5 Comments

Posted in African Heritage & Health Week, Desserts, Drinks, Kwanzaa Recipes, Valentine's Day, Winter

Tagged African Heritage and Health Week, African Heritage Diet Pyramid, black pepper, cardamon seeds, chili, chili pepper, coconut milk, cumin, hot chocolate, Hot Spiced Coconut Chocolate Milk, Oldways, spices, star anise

Peace Through Pie

Posted on January 21, 2013 | 3 Comments

Rustic Ginger, Almond Pear Pie

The generation who actually heard Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous speech, I Have a Dream, in 1963, were closer to the realities of slavery. They were the babies who bounced on their grandparents laps. Their grandparents were the babies of former slaves. Perhaps, after slavery, people should have been content with just living. Maybe the next generation should have been fine with living within a “separate but equal” culture of hate. I suppose my generation should be happy to pretend Affirmative Action isn’t needed, and the reality of living in at least the middle class is fading into a dream of the past. Luckily for us, each generation was never content as they continued to march for their rights over the foundation of their ancestor’s sacrifice. They were the brave who dared to dream.

In honor of my Great-Grandparents who crossed the Atlantic ocean towards an unknown land, those who worked the fields from sunrise to sunset, those who wandered the South looking for lost loved ones after the Emancipation Proclamation, those who took a chance to move away from what they knew to venture out west and own a ranch on acres of land, those who joined the military and returned to marching against segregation, the grandfathers who worked in Detroit’s car factories, and those who would become the first kids in the family to earn a college degree… to them, it would be easy for me to live in peace. Continue reading →

→ 3 Comments

Posted in Baking, Desserts, Recipes, Thanksgiving Recipes, Winter

Tagged Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., peace, Peace Through Pie, Rustic Ginger Almond Pear Pie