eat dessert first
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? […]
Here in Minnesota there is a timeless tradition of going to the “cabin.” During the summer everyone heads out of the city on the weekend to fish, and during the winter they still fish, but on frozen lakes. I am not originally from around here and have not quite embraced […]
Are you a beginning baker wondering what to try first? This list of 20 baking recipes for beginners is a great place to start. It’s by no means comprehensive, but I included some of my favorite desserts that anyone can make, divided into four categories: Cookies and bars, breads, cakes […]
I have to admit I get a little excited when my bananas are overripe. A slightly brown, soft banana with a peel that almost falls off is perfect for baking. The natural sweetness of the banana really shines, and they are easy to mash for a bread or pastry recipe. […]
Let’s face it, I didn’t start baking to focus on health foods. I love the richness, sweetness and decadence of a balanced dessert recipe. If you are on a search for some better-for-you recipes, these healthy desserts (featuring lots of fruit!) will do the trick.
Desserts are my favorite party favors! Tasty minis that friends and family can bring home after a party are a joy to make and even better to gift. Or, you can make a plethora of treats to stuff in stockings on Christmas morning. There are so many ways to use […]
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...
