eat dessert first
One of my favorite ways to celebrate just about every holiday is with a big brunch. It’s the perfect meal for combining all kinds of sweet and savory flavors, and putting together a beautiful spread. This list of holiday brunch recipes includes some of my favorites that are perfect for […]
There are so many magical moments in baking, it’s one of the things I love about being a pastry chef. I went to culinary school to learn the techniques of baking, but I also wanted a better understanding of why cakes rise, what makes cookies spread and how to fix […]
Lefse is a super-simple and surprisingly delicious Norwegian flatbread made by mixing mashed potato, flour, and butter together, rolling it thin, and cooking it on a griddle. The recipes are all similar and yet every Norwegian family seems to have their own secret way of making them. Some like a […]
Pie! There’s almost nothing else you need to say about the classic dessert. It comes in all kinds of flavors and textures, from fruit pies to cream pies to toasted meringue topped beauties. I love all the flavors and varieties. You can find a pie for any occasion, all year […]
What’s the secret to making the perfect whipped cream? Go low and slow. It’s a very simple recipe that everyone can make at home with a little heavy whipping cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. You’ll want to use this recipe up as soon as it’s done, because whipped cream is […]
Those beautiful cakes you see in the bakery window or the box of cupcakes at an office party are likely decorated with buttercream. But, what kind? “Buttercream” is a word used for a whole category of frostings, so it is helpful to know the different kinds so you can make […]
Chilly fall weather calls for cozy spices and pumpkin treats! This pumpkin bread recipe is packed with both, and is especially tasty when you roast your own pumpkins. It’s an easy way to elevate the flavor, but just be sure to get smaller pie or sugar pumpkin varieties, and not […]
I met Elizabeth Poett in Waco, TX after we both started filming our shows for The Magnolia Network. Elizabeth is the rare combination of movie star glamour and a down-to-earth rancher. Those things seem an impossible mix and yet, Elizabeth pulls it off with rugged elegance. She has a passion […]
Who doesn’t love some sticky, sweet maple treats? It’s one of the many flavors synonymous with fall, even though maple tapping season is early spring! This list of maple recipes is short and sweet, but features one of my favorite Christmas recipes of all time!
This cake is an absolute treat and perfect for a celebration! I made a classic three layered Devil’s Food Cake and topped it with a gorgeous, delicious champagne buttercream. Zoë Bakes on Magnolia Network On season 1 episode 4 of Zoë Bakes on Magnolia Network I had the privilege of […]
I love a dutch baby for brunch. All you need is a hot skillet and a few ingredients to make a savory treat with veggies, meat and herbs. Or a sweet treat with fresh fruit, preserves or a simple mixture of cinnamon and sugar. It’s a versatile recipe that can […]
Close to Thanksgiving, there are pumpkins in everyone’s shopping cart, generally in a can. If you want a real treat, that will allow you to skip the canned aisle in the grocery store, try roasting pumpkins at home. You’ll be shocked at how easy it is.
I'm Zoë François and I love to bake. This is where I play with sugar and take the mystery out of baking everything from cookies to wedding cakes. I studied pastry at the CIA (the culinary school, not the spy agency), worked in restaurants, have written 10 cookbooks and you can find more of my creations in my Substack Newsletter and YouTube videos. More...
