Sesame Almond Snack Bars

Alternate title: Thanksgiving Travel Treats! These bars are for the sesame lover or anyone who appreciates a crunchy-chewy, healthy snack. They remind me of sesame candies- those small rectangles wrapped in crinkly plastic. But this version is much less sweet and less sticky. And with the addition of almonds, or another nut of your choice, they have more depth. Perfect for road trips, train rides, plane rides, or breaking up the monotony of a daily routine, make a batch of … Continue reading

Sturdy Italian Plum Cake

I got a container of very ripe Italian plums in a delivery of mystery vegetables (and apparently some fruit). They were smaller and more oblong than regular plums, and even though they were ripe, they weren’t very juicy or sweet. They seem to be common during the fall harvest, so there’s a chance you might still find them around. A little research revealed that the plums are best for baking, and I heartily agree. Their juices and sweetness concentrate, but … Continue reading

Pumpkin-Mango Cake

Pumpkin and mango – two of my favorite things – shouldn’t normally go together. But paired in this spiced cake, they are so delicious. The mango is the subtle star, sweet and meltingly soft. If you’ve had honey cake (hopefully smeared with cream cheese), you’ll have an idea of what this one tastes like. But this version, tall and crowned with mango slices, will be the show stopper on your fall table. To make it, In a large bowl, whisk … Continue reading