Everyone knows the story of Hansel and Gretel, the German fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. Abandoned in the forest, the children came upon a house made of gingerbread and other sweet delights, but owned by a wicked cannibalistic witch. The witch intended to … read more

Just in time for Oktoberfest, the little purplish blue Italian prune plums ripen — and all over Germany, slices of sweet, succulent “zwetschgenkuchen” fill the cases of pastry and coffee shops. This cake is also a popular dessert at Oktoberfests and all German … read more

Although this column generally deals with something baked or sweet, this month — in acknowledgment that nearly everyone already has a favorite zucchini bread recipe — it includes a couple of savory dishes that can be served for a summery brunch, lunch or … read more

Nothing says summer like a leisurely glass of lemonade in the backyard and a light, melt-in-your-mouth cookie to accompany it. Lavender shortbread, an unusual, easy-to-make cookie, is sure to get high praise from friends and family. Herbs of all sorts have been used … read more

Citrus fruits ripen in late winter but reach their juiciest best in early spring — before the temperatures get too warm and the trees set their next season of buds. Lemons are known in kitchens around the world for their ability to lighten … read more

Chocolate’s journey to becoming popularly associated with love and romance as a decadent indulgence began in Mesopotamia. Believing it had curative powers, the Mayan and Aztec upper classes consumed liquid chocolate mixed with additives such as cornmeal, vanilla and honey. Cacao beans became … read more

The official pastry of Wisconsin, the Danish kringle, is found in nearly every bakery in the Midwest. It’s baked, packaged and sold across the country during the holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Year. Even Trader Joe’s has started carrying its brand nearly year … read more

Sourdough is probably the oldest leavened bread known to mankind, and most likely it was discovered by accident. When grain flour is mixed with water and allowed to sit for an extended period of time, the result is a natural fermentation that produces … read more

Artisan bread in winter, coming out of an oven heated to 475 degrees, warms the home and gives comfort to long winter nights. But in summer, the last thing you want to do is heat up you kitchen — and a hot oven … read more