Ginger. Ginger! Ginger!! Cookies with White Chocolate

It’s colder than molasses in February, which triggers a happy cold weather memory for me and these Ginger. Ginger! Ginger!! Cookies with White Chocolate. In college, my friend Molly and I developed an obsession with these soft, chewy cookies that were sold at the sandwich shop across the street from my apartment. They were seasonal and it had to be pretty miserable out before you could buy these cookies. Every now and then, we’d share a cookie (usually we just bought two, but hey, good behavior now and then is important) and Molly was always in charge of dividing it. She’s really precise about food. I’m pretty sure she grew up in one a one kid divides the treat and the other kid picks first families. When we graduated and moved away from Evanston, I missed these cookies almost as much as I missed Molly and her careful division. I’ve made many versions over the years trying to get them just right. Molly, this one’s for you. I think I’ve finally nailed it. It turns out the secret was ginger, ginger, and more ginger for these Ginger. Ginger! Ginger!! Cookies with White Chocolate. While they were giant cookies originally, I … Continue reading

Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze

I really love citrus in the winter when it’s at its peak. Fortunately, my dear friend Elena and her mother try to keep me in citrus in the winter. I already have been gifted a big bag of limes and more recently some Meyer lemons, which her mom ships to us in Philly from her trees in Arizona. This cake is one of Marc’s favorite winter desserts and since it has a strong lemon flavor, it makes me happy too. It doesn’t seem sweet between the lemon and the molasses and the hint of spice from the ginger adds some intrigue. I made it a day ahead, so it would be ready for us after a long day out in the cold. It goes great with a dollop of crème fraîche or whipped cream and a cup of tea.  We had both while we watched the Rose Bowl and enjoyed a cozy fire. ½ cup butter (room temperature helps it along, but it will be fine if you start straight from the refrigerator) ⅔ cup hot water 1 cup dark molasses ¼ cup dark brown sugar 1 large egg 2 ½ cups flour 2 tablespoons cake enhancer 1 teaspoon baking … Continue reading

Ginger Rogers

A great meal needs a great cocktail to get your guests in a festive mood and this Ginger Rogers Cocktail certainly does the trick for my Middle Eastern Feast. The bourbon makes the Ginger Rogers perfect for winter and the spicy ginger let’s your taste buds know that something fun is on the way. Finally, the mixer is sparkling rosé, so in my book, it doesn’t really get any better. The lovely pink color makes this a fun cocktail for a ladies night, but with the bourbon and spice, no one would dare say it’s a wimpy drink. Serve it in flutes to take advantage of the bubbles, but coupes, wine glasses and even high balls work just fine. The Ginger Rogers was inspired by a trip to the Village Whiskey in Philly. They used to serve a cocktail by the same name, but when it mysteriously disappeared from the cocktail list I had to take matters into my own kitchen and work on a substitute. I must say, this version of the Ginger Rogers Cocktail slakes my thirst for the original. … Continue reading