Apple galette

Call it rustic, call it homely, call it delicious.  All the flavor and texture of apple pie,  without the work.  I took a pastry class from Cindy Mushet, who wrote Sur La Table's baking book.  She did a fabulous job of teaching us to make a great flaky pie crust.  Then she said "But this is a lot of work, and Trader Joe's pie crust is just as good, so I use that."  So I made a few pie crusts after the class to prove to myself that I could do it, then I reverted to Trader Joe's. Trader Joe's pie crust

Follow this link to the recipe:

Blueberry topping

Quick and easy.  Great on pancakes, waffles, oatmeal  or ice cream.

Follow this link to the recipe: 

Easy Apple Upside-Down Cake

A scrumptious way to use the great apples out there right now.  Special occasion only, maybe on a weekend, as this is heavy on sugar.  But SOOOO yummy.  Don’t be afraid of the cake from scratch; it is really easy.   

Follow this link to the recipe: 

Fruit Salad Smoothie

So I had a brunch here, for 12 people, which I had donated to a charity auction.  I made a beautiful fruit salad – berries, apples for crunch, banana for sweetness, random melons and tropical fruits.  My guests ate some, but went for the Dianne Phillips  (www.dianephillips.com ) Amaretto Peach French Toast, Miniature Quiches and Strata found elsewhere in this blog.  So I had a LOT of fruit salad left over.  We ate some with lunch and with dinner, and finally were just tired of it.  So I used it for smoothies for breakfast.  Will work for ANY fruit mixture at all, although some might give you a weird color.

Follow this link for the recipe:

Peach Shortcake

Delicious with the peaches of late summer.  Or any peaches at all. Even frozen.

 

Follow this link to the recipe:

Amaretto Peach French Toast

My favorite cook book these days is “Perfect Party Foods,” by Diane Phillips, the Diva of Do-Ahead. (Find Diane online at http://www.dianephillips.com/ for more recipes)   It was nominated for the James Beard Award a couple of years ago – it’s that good.  Don’t be put off by the long ingredient list – it is really simple.  I have modified a bit from the original.  This recipe is ALWAYS a hit with brunch guests, and so easy it is almost unethical to accept accolades for being a good cook.   And a great everyday breakfast as well.

Follow this link to the recipe:

Peaches of Summer in Winter

Some of us are snooty about fresh fruit, and I am among them.  But a little research shows that canned fruit is very close in nutrition to fresh.   And this is so easy and so GOOD.

Follow this link to the recipe:

Pear ham and cheese quesadilla

Featuring the pears of autumn

Follow this link to the recipe:

Blueberries and Yogurt

 Easy, kids love it, nourishing.  Add whole wheat toast with peanut butter for a complete breakfast.

Follow this link to the recipe:

Breakfast Parfait

Perfect for a hot August day

Follow this link to the recipe: 

Peaches melba pancakes

Terrific flavor combination

Follow this link to the recipe:

Blueberry Soup

Serve it hot or cold for a refreshingly different breakfast dish.

Follow this link to the recipe:

Strawberry Pancakes

Wonderful way to use the strawberries of high season.  

Follow this link for the recipe:

Apple cheese quesadilla

Amazingly complex in taste; really, really easy to make.  My husband was dubious, but liked them a lot.

Follow this link to the recipe:

Peach Crisp

Fresh peaches are perfect for a morning in the summer (see the surfers in the background?)  Pop it in the oven, set to come on in the morning, and have hot peach crisp ready to go when you are.  

Follow this link to the recipe:

Apple Pie Waffles

Make an apple pie-like topping in the microwave, the pour over freezer waffles

Follow this link for the recipe:

Strawberry Shortcake

Early summer, celebrating strawberries

Follow this link for the recipe: