It's new

So here I go, my maiden voyage into the world of Blogging.  Who knew?!

FOOD .... where to begin.
Could not quite make up my mind - do I love to cook main courses and sides or baked goods and desserts?  I thoroughly love cooking - full stop! All cuisines and styles.  But eventually I started wondering if I preferred one over the other.  I love the experimenting with flavors of good organic produce, beautiful meats and poultry, and gorgeous fresh seafood.  What's not to love?!  But then I think about the intricacy of baking and preparing desserts.  The food pairing and amazing flavors, light, fluffy, silky smooth and perfectly crunchy textures. 
Eventually I asked myself, if I had to choose one, which one do I feel the most comfortable with.  And there you have it ..... baking & desserts.  LOVE LOVE LOVE them. Contemplating, designing, experimenting and creating a delicious and delightful morsel of pure indulgence.
A good friend said to me, "I'm not surprised you love that, baking is so precise and the only way to get it right is if you stick to the method and process".  
Well this is absolutely true.  Baking is exactly that. Rigid processes to achieve a certain product.  Deviating from a proven process is not without risk.  It may work, or it may need perfecting. But hey .... how else do we learn!

Anyway, today I would love to tell you about an old-fashioned product, dating back to Grandma's time.  Marasquin or Maraschino.  It is a cherry based bitter sweet liquor with an almond flavoring, which originates from Kroatia.  I use it in pannacottas, creme patissiers, mousses, or syrups for cakes or chocolate truffles.  If you can get a hold of it, it is well worth a try.

Happy baking!