Stollen. (Say “schtollen,” the word spoken with that guttural German flair which, after all, is its birthright).

Dresden, Germany has been known for its stollen since at least 1474, when this classic Christmas sweet bread was first mentioned in print.

And the stollen you purchase at your local supermarket sometimes seems like it might have been around since 1474, doesn’t it?

Dry. Crumbly. Filled with hard bits of… what is that? Fruit? The dreaded “peel”?

As Americans we like to change things up. And stollen is no exception.

Case in point: this golden stollen, its color, flavor, texture, AND nutrition all enriched with a healthy dose of…

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Have you ever really stopped to think about why we eat and drink certain foods together? So much so that they share a name like tea bread, wine biscuits and, of course, coffeecake.

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Just look at this coffeecake, would you?

It’s delightfully moist, its texture a perfect balance between heavy and light: substantial, yet not unpleasantly dense.

Its cinnamon-streusel topping is the perfect crunchy counterpoint to the thin layer of soft cranberry sauce just beneath the crust, and to the cake itself.

Looking to add fiber to your diet? This cake’s 100% whole wheat. And boy, does it taste good…

But looks? Well, if looks were everything, this coffeecake would be less than nothing.

It’s just so… beige.

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Are you ready for some fun buns?

Cinnamon buns usually bring a smile to your face, but these bring a great big grin – maybe a little lopsided, but a smile as wide and high as a country mile. read the rest of this entry »

Custard pie. Noodle kugel. Rice pudding. Hot milk cake.

What do all of these foods have in common?

Comfort, right? While perhaps not at the top of your culinary Hit Parade, they’re easy to eat.

Plus, they make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Comfort food is, perhaps, best characterized by what it’s NOT:

Assertively flavored. Crusty. Blazing hot, nor icy cold.

Fusion.

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Raindrops on roses? Whiskers on kittens? Well, perhaps bright copper kettles (especially if someone else was cleaning them) would qualify as one of my favorite things.

But when it comes to favorite recipes, one particular recipe has stood my personal test of time, and comes immediately to mind when a group of bakers gets together to play the “favorite” game.

My all-time favorite recipe? Almond Puff Loaf. read the rest of this entry »

Are you Cymry?

Then you know what the words above mean.

For those who don’t read or speak the Welsh language, here’s the translation:

Happy St. David’s Day! Enjoy Welsh Cakes. read the rest of this entry »

I still remember my first bread pudding, back in the early 1990s…

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It’s quite possible by now you’ve had enough of Christmas carols. However, the Twelve Days of Christmas begin today, continuing through January 5, when the Twelve Drummers Drumming arrive. The fun, in many parts of the world, is just beginning.

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Christmas Eve.

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care…

Visions of sugarplums dance in their heads…

Not a creature is stirring…

…except you, of course. Trying to figure out Christmas morning breakfast. read the rest of this entry »