eat dessert first
The spring weather doesn’t lend itself to many fresh fruits in Minnesota, but I am always thinking about bright, fun colorful treats come March and April. I put together a list of spring desserts to satisfy that craving for all things light and bright after the long winter. Looking for […]
Easter Desserts add a little color and brightness to early spring. This list of my favorite Easter recipes includes beautiful show-stopping cakes, fun cupcakes and plenty of color. Especially here in Minnesota, Easter is one of those first milestones of spring. By this time of year we are getting some […]
Get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with these favorite desserts. You’ll find everything green, festive cupcakes to chocolate cakes with an Irish twist! I’ve had the good fortune of traveling to Ireland twice. It’s such a beautiful place with friendly people, and St. Patrick’s Day gives me an […]
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Here is a simple, but delicious St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes recipe to help you celebrate this greenest of holidays. You can watch me bake and decorate these St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes in my Instagram videos. You’ll also see me save a buttercream from ruin and bring […]
This is an easy pizza recipe anyone can make! It’s a great for beginners and experienced chefs alike. I used 00 flour for its wonderful chewy texture, but you can substitute all-purpose flour too. You truly don’t need much to create amazing pizza at home, and it starts with great […]
Gougères are just cheese puffs with a fancy name! The exterior is crisp and the interior soft and custardy. Made small, they are a great snack to serve before dinner or make them larger to be filled. Gougères are typically made with Gruyère cheese and thyme, a combination that begs […]
The very first meal I made for my husband, on our first date in 1987, was a four-cheese manicotti with homemade pasta. It took me days! He told me later that he knew he’d marry me when he took a bite. We’ve made each other many meals since, but nothing […]
Dessert and all things sugar may be my primary focus, but I also love to play around with savory flavors. In this list of savory recipes, you’ll find options for any time of day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bon appetit!
Focaccia is dough with simple toppings pressed in. And this easy focaccia recipe is simpler than ever — you can make it using pizza dough! Use my no-knead pizza dough recipe, then follow the easy steps below to top with all your favorite accouterments, and bake in a cast iron […]
Chocolate Souffle may be one of the most romantic desserts I can think of. Perfect for Valentine’s Day. It’s warm, rich chocolate, with a luscious texture, and whomever you bake it for will be spellbound by its almost magical loft. I used to think this was a dessert you could, […]
If you ask me, Valentine’s Day is best celebrated from morning to night with desserts. You can surprise your sweetheart, friends or family with sweet treats throughout the day, and share in whatever brings you joy on what can be a silly holiday. From breakfast sweets to decadent and beautiful […]
As we ease into 2024 I am simplifying my life and making a delicious, uncomplicated gingerbread snack cake. The holidays are all about showstopper desserts and fanciful decorating. Now it’s a time to relax and slip into something comfy to recuperate from all the visiting relatives. Need more blueberry recipes? […]
I'm Zoë François and I love to bake. This is where I play with sugar and take the mystery out of baking everything from cookies to wedding cakes. I studied pastry at the CIA (the culinary school, not the spy agency), worked in restaurants, have written 10 cookbooks and you can find more of my creations in my Substack Newsletter and YouTube videos. More...
