La Domestique Blog
Kosher Thanksgiving: Challah Stuffing with Mushrooms and Hazelnuts
Kosher couldn't be farther from the pulled pork sandwiches and steaks smothered in creamy sauces I grew up eating in Arkansas. So when I was asked to develop a Thanksgiving menu abiding by the laws of kashrut, I felt overwhelmed and intimidated. Growing up I didn't know anyone who was Jewish, let...
Pear, Cheddar, and Caramelized Onion Tart
I've been busy in the test kitchen developing holiday entertaining recipes for a client, and today I'd like to share a savory tart with you. The components can be prepared ahead of time (the pastry pre-baked), later assembled and baked just before serving. High-quality puff pastry can be found in...
Election Day Chicken Drumsticks
Sweet and sour glazed chicken is a dish democrats and republicans can all agree on. Tuesday, November 6, our country will elect the next President of the United States of America. Many of us will gather, family and friends, to watch election coverage on television. There will be heated discussions...
Halloween Barmbrack, an Irish Tradition
Barmbrack - such a strange word to those of us who didn't grow up in Ireland. Originating from the Gaelic language, bairín, is a reference to the yeast of fermented bear and breac, notes the speckled appearance of currants and golden raisins. This sweet bread is leavened with yeast, enriched with...
Pumpkin Soup
It's been quiet here at La Domestique. I went home to Arkansas to stay with my sister and help with the baby while her husband was away. The day after I returned to Colorado, my husband surprised me with a spontaneous trip to Florida to celebrate our fifth anniversary. We had a relaxing time in...
Inspiration from Nature: Color, Shape, and Pattern
October is flying by and it seems all my projects involve everything but food. Being a freelancer is fun because I never know what kind of project lies just around the corner. Most recently, I photographed my friend Kerry, founder of Comma Workshop, quilting in her beautiful studio and I'm working...
Apple Butter
Thick and spreadable, apple butter is named for its texture, and contains no dairy. I've been doing a fair bit of preserving at home lately, but cooking apples down into a dark, caramelized puree is my absolute fall favorite. Every year I make a batch to mark the season, and thoroughly enjoy...
Italian Prune Plum and Cardamom Conserve
If Italian prune plums can be found at the farmer's market, fall is truly here. Small, oblong like a little egg with dusky midnight blue skin, these plums are sold at markets during September and October. The flavor is concentrated in their skin, covering golden yellow flesh that is meaty and...
Chocolate Pear Tart
I've always loved apples. Come the first day of fall I'm dreaming of apple pie, apple butter, and warm apple cider spiked with brandy. The German in me loves applesauce with sausage. Don't forget apple turnovers for breakfast and apple cider doughnuts! I liked pears, but never gave them much...
First Day of Fall in the Rocky Mountains and a Recipe for Roasted Potato Salad
We sat in our car, parked at the edge of Upper Beaver Meadows in Rocky Mountain National Park. A waxing crescent moon rose in the black sky, dotted with stars. It was cold. I was dressed in layers: long sleeved shirt, sweater, down vest, scarf, and knit cap, but wished I had thought to bring my...