eat dessert first
I love an olive oil cake for the texture and flavor. Olive oil lends an earthy, sophisticated flair to a very simple cake. Add the savory note of rosemary and you’re practically transported to a Tuscan vineyard. A big pile of softly whipped cream and berries or supremed orange segments […]
I originally created this recipe for Easter. Around Easter, the tulips are starting to make their way out of the frozen earth and the trees are hinting at color. It’s usually been a long winter and all of these little changes are so very welcome. It seems fitting to make […]
This list of 11 Passover desserts features some original and fun recipes like my matzoh crack s’mores and classic recipes like pavlova that are perfect for the holiday. I love Passover desserts. If you’re used to looking for the packaged version of Passover-approved treats in your grocery store, I’m here […]
How do you make a classic Lemon Meringue Pie even better? Add a little lemon thyme. It’s optional, but it has a distinct citrus flavor that adds an extra hint of lemon flavor, and serves as a beautiful garnish. This lemon meringue pie recipe is sponsored by Diamond Crystal Salt. […]
The spring weather doesn’t lend itself to many fresh fruits in Minnesota, but I am always thinking about bright, fun colorful treats come March and April. I put together a list of spring desserts to satisfy that craving for all things light and bright after the long winter. Looking for […]
Easter Desserts add a little color and brightness to early spring. This list of my favorite Easter recipes includes beautiful show-stopping cakes, fun cupcakes and plenty of color. Especially here in Minnesota, Easter is one of those first milestones of spring. By this time of year we are getting some […]
Get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with these favorite desserts. You’ll find everything green, festive cupcakes to chocolate cakes with an Irish twist! I’ve had the good fortune of traveling to Ireland twice. It’s such a beautiful place with friendly people, and St. Patrick’s Day gives me an […]
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Here is a simple, but delicious St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes recipe to help you celebrate this greenest of holidays. You can watch me bake and decorate these St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes in my Instagram videos. You’ll also see me save a buttercream from ruin and bring […]
This is an easy pizza recipe anyone can make! It’s a great one for beginners and experienced chefs alike. I used 00 flour for its wonderful chewy texture. You truly don’t need much to create amazing pizza at home, and it starts with great pizza dough. This is such a […]
Gougères are just cheese puffs with a fancy name! The exterior is crisp and the interior soft and custardy. Made small, they are a great snack to serve before dinner or make them larger to be filled. Gougères are typically made with Gruyère cheese and thyme, a combination that begs […]
The very first meal I made for my husband, on our first date in 1987, was a four-cheese manicotti with homemade pasta. It took me days! He told me later that he knew he’d marry me when he took a bite. We’ve made each other many meals since, but nothing […]
Dessert and all things sugar may be my primary focus, but I also love to play around with savory flavors. In this list of savory recipes, you’ll find options for any time of day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bon appetit!
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...
