Almond Baklava

While not technically one of the seven species, almonds (shaked in Hebrew) have become a sort of unofficial eighth species due to their close association with Tu B’Shvat. Almond trees grow all over Israel today and they tend to bloom right around the time that Tu B’Shvat usually occurs. Look for cardamom in your spice…

Perfect Brownies

*I realize that brownies are by no means a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean tradition.  I’m not even going to feign a connection.  However, I feel compelled to share with you this brownie recipe from my America’s Test Kitchen cookbook.  Brownies and pecan pie are my go to desert for company and so I’m always looking for…

Caramel apple crisp

Ingredients Apple Filling: 5 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced thin ½ cup white sugar 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon lemon juice ¼ cup water Crumble: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup quick cooking oats 1 cup butter, softened and cut into pieces Caramel Sauce: 1 ½…

Honey Cake

Ingredients 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons cinnamon ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground cloves 3 large eggs 1 cup honey 1 cup sugar 1 cup vegetable oil ½ cup brewed coffee ¼ cup water Directions 1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a bundt pan or loaf pans. 2) In a…

Banana Nut Torte

With the close of Passover, I imagine by now you have restocked your pantry with flour, baking soda, and your other baking needs.  I eat my fair share of chocolate covered matzah during Passover but I’m still ready for a nice baked desert once the season of unleavened bread is over.  If you love bananas…

Hamantashen

*The hamantashen is the classic purim cookie, served in every classroom party across Israel.  In theory, the idea of the cookie is a little gross.  The cookie’s three-cornered shape represents Haman’s clipped ears.   Move past the fact that a poppy-seed filling seems like the ear hair (YIKES) and these cookies are a wonderful treat and a fun activity for Purim. …