Alexandra Stafford’s book, “Bread Toast Crumbs” (Clarkson Potter, $30) could inspire even the most reluctant baker to spend the day making bread. But my summertime kitchen is hot and the my patio beckons. I searched the book for a luscious dish that could show off store-bought loaves, a dish that didn’t require firing up the oven. Near the end of…
Cathy Thomas Cooks
Produce
Simple fruit compotes make luscious desserts. You can team them with ice cream or crisp cookies if you like. Think seasonally. Substitute 1 generous cup of seedless tangerine sections in the fall, or in the summer, omit the cantaloupe and substitute more berries and a few (pitted and halved) fresh cherries. Fruit Compote in Honey SauceYield: 4 to 6 servings1/4…
Pie-baking aficionado Rhonda Martin won the top pie prize at the Orange County Fair several years ago. It was my pleasure to be one of the pie-baking judges that year. That pie remains one of my favorite apple pies (yes, I have 3 others in my repertoire that I consider my favorites). I love pies, and apple pies in particular….