No-bake lemon cheesecake cups are a simple, refreshing take on a classic dessert. Think of them as cheesecake broken down into its best parts and served in a cup—same familiar flavors, far less time and effort. They offer all the appeal of traditional cheesecake without the long bake time, endless cooling period, or precision usually […]
Chocolate covered strawberries are one of those rare treats that feel both indulgent and timeless. Simple in concept yet undeniably elegant, they’ve become a go-to for celebrations, gifting, and romantic occasions—especially Valentine’s Day. Culinarily speaking, chocolate-covered strawberries are classified as a confection rather than a traditional dessert. They sit alongside truffles, salted caramels, and chocolate […]
Indulge in the epitome of romance with delicate chocolate heart-shaped meringue cups filled with fresh, lightly sweetened, whipped cream and mixed berries. An easy and elegant treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day you crave a little something special. A meringue is a delicate dance of egg whites and sugar, that, when made correctly, […]
A no-bake, chocolate matzo icebox cake, layered with whipped cream and chocolate is the Passover-friendly, no-bake dessert I should have thought up years ago. I am mean seriously, with all the many things I have made with matzo over the years, how the heck did I not think of this sooner? This matzo icebox cake […]
Funnel Cake will forever remind me of strolling through crowded street fairs in NYC as a kid. Funnel cake, which is essentially fried dough batter with powdered sugar sprinkled on top, is a food popular in North America at carnivals and street fairs. But this treat is believed to have traced back as far as […]
July 4th is a beloved American holiday. For some, that means watching fireworks; for others simply hanging out with family and friends in the backyard or by the pool. No matter what you do, you’re looking for fun, simple foods that work well with groups. A patriotic nod is a bonus. With that in mind, […]
I don’t make bread pudding often, but it used to be part of my daily routine. When I worked as a chef, bread pudding was a very popular item on the menu, and I was tasked with preparing it. There are endless variations of this classic dessert, and I have had some great ones over […]
This is a favorite of mine, and not just for Passover. If you like almonds and chocolate, this will soon become a favorite of yours. Made without flour, this is a great dessert option for those who are gluten-free. It is also a great option for Passover, the Jewish holiday that celebrates the deliverance of the […]
Oven s’mores are my new thing. S’mores make me happy in the summer; toasting marshmallows on long skewers brings me joy (all except the part when my boys start sparring with the utensils). National S’mores Day is not till August 10th, but who can wait that long? Having a skillet version any time of year […]
Although it feels odd to say it, my history with rice pudding is a complicated one. My mom ate it often when I was a kid. Not the homemade kind, but the kind that came in a small individual package with a pullback foil top. I had no major objections to it. But this was […]
I may not be a huge pie fan, but I love a good fruit crisp served warm, with homemade whipped cream. A crisp is a simple yet hearty dessert that can be made for casual meals (served in free form) or made for more formal dinners (served in individual ramekins). This is a versatile dessert […]
[Updated Recipe] Almost no one turns down a brownie. Honestly, why would they? Brownies are a delicious, easy-to-eat, simple pleasure. Limitless variations of this classic treat exist: from dense, gooey, fudge-like squares, to light, cake-like frosted treats. Although the brownie supposedly was created in 1893 by The Palmer House Hotel, the first well-known brownie recipe […]
Welcome to my blog Simmer + Sauce. I always thought I was going to be a lawyer, but going to culinary school was one of the best decisions I ever made. I’m a former professional chef from NYC who loves to eat, cook and talk about food. My focus is great food, with solid recipes and reasonable ingredient lists. Cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. Many of my recipes are family friendly and often on the healthy(ish) side.