Braised Spinach and Cannellini Bean Soup

November 4, 2016 Clare Schapiro

What better way to break in a new website than by launching my inaugural blog here at Clareskitchen.net?

Autumn’s arrival signaled the start of my beloved soup season. And, since I knew it would come eventually, even when the temperatures were hovering in the upper 80’s not too long ago, I proactively did all sorts of things in preparation: I made sure there was lots of great homemade chicken stock in my freezer: ordered a gorgeous new shipment of beans from Ranchogordo.com; and made sure that there was an array of aromatics, like carrots, celery, garlic, and onions positioned to get things moving along in the right direction when the moment seemed auspicious.

Salty Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies

November 6, 2015 Clare Schapiro

This time I think I've finally done it! Found the ultimate oatmeal cookie. There's something about this time of year that annually renews my quest. Believe me, I think I've tried 'em all, and almost invariably return to that tried and true one that lives underneath that charming Quaker gentleman.

This time, however, I tackled Ina Garten's from last year's Make it Ahead and I have to say, my girl Ina really nailed it this time.

Ballymaloe Brown Yeast Bread

October 22, 2015 Clare Schapiro

Happy Birthday, Joey!

Today is my beloved sister's birthday, and I can think of nothing better to give her than this marvelous recipe. I know it's going to mean the world to her, because it's a familiar taste from our childhood--delectable, nutty, rough hewn brown bread, unlike anything else in the world.

Almost more amazing than having found this incredible bread, is that this recipe is the easiest thing I've ever made. I'm still reeling from my first attempt, though this is the third I've made this week. It seems that I can't stop!

Lemon Rosemary Cookies

September 25, 2015 clarefare

This is a story of adaptation and collaboration. A couple of weeks ago, my bee-loving- beloved-friend, Jen, gave me a cookie to eat from her friendly neighborhood baker. It was a great rosemary lemon cookie which really piqued my interest (apparently obviously) so, as I chewed, clearly ruminating, she asked me what I thought. "They should lose the lemon frosting on top, and up the rosemary" I muttered, and on we went to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden plant sale.

The next Friday, I was back again, but this time, we were headed off to Lavender Fields Farm. She handed me another cookie, this time of her own creation, and asked if it was better. Indeed it was so good, by the time I got home, I wanted more.