Torta Negra (Venezuelan Fruitcake)

This fruitcake, studded with dried fruit, spices and nuts is at the center of the holiday celebration in Venezuela. What makes this cake very moist and interesting is the maceration of the dried fruits in rum. I find that macerating the fruits a week in advance or overnight works great. 1/2 cup dates, chopped½ cup …

Holiday Star Bread

For the dough 1 tablespoon dry yeast 3/4 cup milk¼ cup butter3 tablespoon sugar1 ½ teaspoon salt2 large eggs, beaten1 teaspoon lemon zest 3 ½ cup King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour For the filling 1/4 cup butter soften1 cup chopped walnuts1/2 cup sugar1 tablespoon cinnamon For the glaze 1 yolk1 Tablespoon water Place yeast in a bowl. …

Mini Panettone with Raisins

Yield: 10 mini panettone molds for mini panettone (or muffin paper cups); available online3/4 cup raisins1 cup rum1 Tablespoon yeast 1/2 cup cup water1/2 cup milk2 1/2 cups flour3 eggs1/2 cup sugarthe zest of an orangethe zest of a lemon1 teaspoon cinnamon4 oz butter, at room temperature1 tsp salt For the glaze melted butter for …

Pan de Jamón (Venezuelan Holiday Bread)

a savory roll bread stuffed with smoked ham, bacon, green olives and raisins. The bacon and raisins make this bread very moist while the combination of savory and sweet flavors from the ham, olives and raisins give a wonderful contrast and balance at the same time. Although you can only find this bread during Christmas …

Zucca Ripiena (Stuffed Butternut Squash)

This was a favorite dish in my last class: "Italian Fall Farmer's Table" at Draeger's. This stuffed butternut squash could be a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu. It looks beautiful on a plate and it is very easy to make. You can substitute the meat with mushrooms for a vegetarian option.Stuffed Butternut Squash with …

Panettone (Christmas Italian bread with Raisins)

Although every region in Italy has its own traditional sweet specialties for Christmas, panettone is very popular all over Italy and an Italian Christmas feast is not complete without a taste of this delicate rich bread studded with raisins and orange and lemon zest.The legend says that this bread originated from a love story that …

Bolzano Apple Cake (Torta di Mela di Bolzano)

Bolzano is the provincial capital of Alto Adige (South Tyrol) located in the northernmost part of Italy on the border with Switzerland and Austria. It is also the province of Italy where Northern European architecture, language and gastronomy blend harmoniously with Mediterranean styles. This apple cake is just an example of this cultural melting pot as it is similar …