Terra Americana

My search for the perfect bread....

Since I listened to a Splendid Table podcast last year about No Kneed Bread I have been trying to master it. The interview was with Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois of Artisan Bread in Five Minutes Fame (below). I had been playing aro...

Our gluten free version of Marion Cunningham's Irish Soda Bread

I was startled to learn that soda bread was probably the invention of American Indians. I grew up thinking it was a legendary Irish creation. What really happened was the potato famine... People needed something cheap and simple t...

TWD: Irish Soda Bread

If you did not already know, Baking with Julia - the cookbook was created to pay homage to Baking With Julia the series. In it Julia Child brought some of her favorite bakers to share their specialties. Marion Cunningham was an aw...

Simple Bread

I believe I have been detered from making bread on a regular basis because of the thought of the work involved. Not that it is actually a lot of work. It is the idea of the kneeding, the waiting and possibility that it will not rise...

Cherry Pecan Bread

I love making bread. On ordinary days I experiment. On special days I pull out tried and tested recipes. Certain meals and special occassions call for specific recipes. This one is my go to loaf for a Sunday brunch. The combinat...

Easy Potato Chive Bread

I first made this recipe five or so years ago for a family St Patrick's Day party. The bread did not make it to the meal as everyone I passed with the basket grabbed a slice, with not even a crumb left for me. I have been thinking abo...

Matzo in a Wok

All I knew about Matzo was that it came in a box with the name Manischewitz on it. Well that and we never bought it because my mother thought it was a really tasteless cracker. Then I got a schooling on Passover from Eva Owen an...

Beer bread mix, an easy last minute gift that can be gluten free too!

This Beer Bread Mix is great as a gift packaged in small gift bag. Add a decorative tag for a little extra panache. Simple, satisfying and easily made at the last minute, no one will know you did not have it all together weeks ago. ...

Cinnamon Streusel Buns

In my house on Thanksgiving morning, it is tradition to wake up and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with family. As usual, Mom is in the kitchen starting to cook the big meal and making breakfast. We have Cinnamon Streusel B...

TWD: Pizza with onion confit (and a spelt crust)

I LOVE pizza and am very fond of onions. This recipe is a match made in heaven in my eyes. Normally my go to pizza dough recipe comes from Jim Lahey's My Bread. Over Christmas I made his Pizza with Onions. I was dubious abo...