eat dessert first
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 started writing cookbooks in 2005 before the publishing world discovered the internet. My co-author and I not only cold-called every newspaper around the country, but we also sent copies of our new book to all the food bloggers (there were only a few dozen at the time) to ask […]
My friend Andrew Zimmern and I are throwing a Holiday Party on Magnolia Network and we hope you’ll join us! Tune in Sunday 12/3 at 2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT on Magnolia Network and streaming (HBO) Max and discovery+! Put on your holiday sweaters (you won’t be alone, Andrew is in full holiday cheer) […]
Every year for Hanukkah I make jelly doughnuts (Sufganiyot). They are fried in oil, which is the most significant ingredient of the holiday. This year I made an orange, olive oil, and poppyseed mini bundt cakes instead. Although they are baked instead of fried, they still have the oil in […]
When you’re hosting, oven space is often a challenging feat of timing and choreography, so I “baked” the dinner rolls in the Crockpot. These Crockpot rolls are fluffy, rich with butter and the smell of rosemary will fill your house. The brilliant part is you can plug in your slow […]
This spicy spinach artichoke dip is my family’s favorite recipe I make every Christmas Eve to eat while we decorate our tree. It is easy and so satisfying. My boys like it SPICY but you can turn that up or down to suit your taste. We also make it for […]
Super quick and easy homemade hot chocolate kits with homemade marshmallows makes a great party gift on a cold winter day. Send your guests home with a kit to make a cozy cup of hot chocolate when they get home and don’t forget to fix up a big batch so […]
Be sure to check out all the other recipes from my holiday special, Holiday Party with Andrew & Zoë!
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...
