Desserts

Sandbakkel
Crumbly and buttery sandbakkels can be casual or dressy. Present them upside down on a plate to eat plain or with a dollop of whipped cream and a spoonful of Lingonberry jam for a quick dessert for Christmas dinner. Lingonberry jam is not easy to find, so if you can’t find it, use raspberry jam or another favorite. The sandbakkels can be made several days ahead and you can freeze the dough for a month. Try to find a European butter for the best taste.
Note: Sandbakkels require a special tin available at many cookware and Scandinavian stores.

Buddha's Hand and Lemon Verbena Ice-Cream
Buddha’s Hand is a in the citron family and is available in the winter. The flavor is complex a little like lemon with a hint of lime and there is no bitterness. This seems strange since it is all skin and pith. I use the "fingers" to infuse creams, vodka and syrups, buerre blanc, marmalade, “buddhacello” and salad dressing. The Chinese adore it for its fragrance and use it as an amulet to bring prosperity.

Makes about 1 quart

2 cups whole organic milk
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Makes 2 9-inch round cakes or one sheet pan 12”x17”x1”

1 package yeast (fresh or dry)
1/2 cup warm water
1 teaspoon plus 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
3 1/4 cups flour (divided)
3/4 cup milk (room temperature)
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon soft unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

6 or 7 peaches, peeled, pitted and cut into slices
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup /4 ounces Bonne Maman peach or apricot preserves

Makes 1 1/2 quarts
If you close your eyes when you taste this you'd swear it was frozen pumpkin pie. Spice and creamy a perfect ending for a fall meal.

3 large egg yolks
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup whole organic milk
1 1/2 cups heavy (whipping) cream
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree

1. In a heavy-bottomed 3-4-quart enamel pan such as Le Creuset, off the heat, whisk together the egg yolks, 1 cup of the sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

I love the wonderful petite strawberries from Middleton Farm. Their strawberries taste like a heavenly ambrosia. You don’t need beautiful strawberries; day old “seconds” are perfect. Serve with your favorite butter cookies like Cat’s Tongue cookies or serve in tuile cups.
Makes about 1 quart

1 cup sugar
18 ounces (about 2 one-pint basket) organic strawberries
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 cup half and half

1. Remove the crown from the strawberries and cut in half . Mix sugar and strawberries together in a bowl and set aside for one hour.

Berliner Kranser-Norweigan Christmas Cookies

Chocolate Meringue Kisses
These kisses can be eaten alone or use them to top mousse or ice cream. They can also be dipped in melted chocolate. If you don't have a pastry bag use a gallon sized plastic bag, and snip of the end to give you a ½" opening. If your egg whites are not at room temperature warm them up over a bowl of hot water, this will give you the highest and lightest meringue.
Serves 8

3 ½ tablespoons (35 g) bitter cocoa powder
1 cup (150 g) confectioners' sugar
5 egg whites (3/4 cup or 155g), room temperature
2/3 cup (150g) granulated sugar
Optional