Desserts — Blog — Pear & Pecorino

Cranberry Cheesecake Tarts

Where did this month go? It started out so turbulent, so unsure. The beginning of November existed only in liminal spaces and pockets of time. In short days that slipped into nighttime. And in a new era.

This month, I’ve taken some time to just cook for myself. Without the lingering thought of preparing for photos or chasing the light. Going into my first winter as a natural light food photographer, I’m noticing the changing light. The nuanced tones of blue and grey that seep in. The strongest light that shines through earlier in the day. I wish I could just sit with it for a while, observing the new patterns and subtleties each hour.

Desserts, Baked GoodsIsabellaNovember 22, 2020cheesecake, cranberry sauce, thanksgiving, thanksgiving leftovers, tarts, dessertsComment

Roasted Grape, Mascarpone, and Pine Nut Custard Tart

Happy Autumn!

Although it doesn't quite feel like it here, I am so eager to get started on autumn recipes. Some of my favorite ingredients are at their prime this time of year: an abundance of apples, pears, mushrooms, and nuts that pair so wonderfully with spices and long peaceful nights of cooking. At its heart, cooking is made for the cooler seasons. For the long chilly nights and cozy days. For the preservation of everything at its peak freshness. And for the enjoyment of slow cooking, when life begins to pace itself.

Sometimes I feel like the heat and the smokey air drains my energy, like I'm waiting for just a day of cold weather to clear my lungs and my mind. There's a certain peace I find in autumn. When there's still color in the leaves and the world comes a little more alive. There's no sameness, and every day brings a little bit of change to the atmosphere.

Baked Goods, DessertsIsabellaSeptember 23, 2020autumn, tart, pie, custard, mascarpone, dessert, pine nutsComment

Honey Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Sautéed Plums

As California endures the heatwave, and fire season makes the beloved landscape particularly apocalyptic, I stand in limbo, trying to savor the last of summer while slowly making the transition into earthy autumnal tones. Though I love the bright colors and strong sunlight that these months have pushed me towards, rustic neutrals, ruddy browns, and smoky greens feel more comforting. I'm still finding my footing, tentatively moving my way through the world of styling and photography, grasping at new techniques wherever I can. Stylistically, I'm drawn towards rustic settings that feel less staged, more welcoming and atmospheric. Snapshots of everyday life, with the beauty of fresh ingredients and mundane settings emphasized.

Rambling, I know, but all this to say I'm still honing in on a style, one that is much more clearly expressed in cooler seasons. Still, some of the warmth and atmosphere shines through, and I think I've managed to tiptoe between the seasons.

DessertsIsabellaAugust 23, 2020panna cotta, plums, summer, desserts, honey, vanilla bean Comments

Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Clafoutis

When I started thinking about spring dishes back in February, I had a few things in mind. I wanted to focus more on seasonal produce and spontaneity in cooking. Finding the sweet spot between going in with no ideas and planning every last detail of a dish.

A small idea or just some inspiration can flourish into a way of cooking that is more natural and realistic in my life and in yours. Perhaps I would go to the market looking for artichokes and come back with asparagus because that's what is available. I wanted to keep seasonal ingredients at the forefront of my mind. Alongside this mindset, I had a rough outline. Paninis, fresh pasta, tomato confit, jam, pickles, and rhubarb, the last of which broke my local produce mindset just a smidge.

Breakfast and Brunch, DessertsIsabellaMay 11, 2020rhubarb, clafoutis, custardComment

Homemade Cherry Thyme Scones

I hope you all are safe and healthy. I've been spending a lot of time in the garden, going out each morning to check on our newly planted seedlings and any signs of new sprouts. These unusually rainy days have made me want to stay in even more, but I can't help but slip on a coat and boots to see my plants soaking up all the rain. It's such a rarity here, which makes everything feel even more strange. But, I'm grateful for our garden and the little bit of life I get to nurture.

Breakfast and Brunch, Desserts, Baked GoodsIsabellaMarch 21, 2020scones, baking Comments

Blood Orange Ricotta and Olive Oil Cake (+ a very happy new year!)

I celebrated New Year's Eve by making this Blood Orange Ricotta and Olive Oil Bundt Cake, decorated with a single sparkler to ring in the new year. I based it on one of my favorite loaves - Orange Ricotta Cake from Giada De Laurentiis - made instead with blood oranges and olive oil. I'm thankful for the blood oranges I spotted in the store for the bit of beauty and vibrant color they add to this cake. Olive oil and ricotta make this cake extra moist and lighter than the usual bundt. The blood orange juice makes for a pretty pink glaze or syrup top of the crisp, caramel-colored cake.

Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

So, I'm running behind this holiday season. Frankly, my whole family is. Well, maybe not my dad - he's a speed shopper. I have a feeling my grandma and I are on track to repeat last year's mad dash for Christmas presents. The late Thanksgiving threw me off! We still have leftover cranberry sauce in the middle of December! Regardless, the week before Christmas is cookie time in this house, and that holiday tradition is well on its way.

Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce

Less than a week until Thanksgiving! This time next Thursday I'll be cocooning on the couch, watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving with my first plate of leftovers. I have a few recipes for you all before the big day, starting with the very first dish I took over from my mom: Cranberry Sauce. It's sweet and tangy, made with orange zest and aromatic fall spices. A comforting reminder that the holidays have arrived.

Chocolate Almond Orange Cake (Gluten Free)

Today's recipe marks the first chocolate recipe on the blog, along with my first brand collaboration with none other than Nestle Tollhouse! They were kind enough to send me some of their Artisan Collection Semisweet Morsels to create something scrumptious. Just the first of a few chocolatey recipes in the coming months! Okay, on with the post.

As I began brainstorming ideas for this chocolate recipe, I knew I wanted something besides a chocolate chip cookie. Something to really go all out and have the chocolate be at the forefront of the dessert. With semisweet chocolate, you get a super decadent, rich chocolate taste without a lot of bitterness. The type of chocolate you'd want in a cake, soufflé or pudding - where it's all about the chocolate.

Spiced Apple Hazelnut Crumble (+ Apple Picking)

The simplicity and improvised nature of crumbles give them their kind of homemade charm. Hard to mess up, usually thrown together, and done by hand. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy your cozy rustic dessert ♡

DessertsIsabellaOctober 22, 2019apples, crumble, apple crumble, fall desserts, fall recipes, autumnComment