This is the bread that started it all—a straightforward, reliable sourdough that delivers consistent results every time. Using my 1,000-year-old Camaldoli Monastery starter, this boule develops complex flavor during its long fermentation while maintaining an approachable crumb structure perfect for everything from morning toast to dinner sandwiches. The recipe makes two 800 gms loaves.
Every year, my husband and I kick off our tree decorating with a pot of this warming wassail simmering on the stove. The spices fill our home with that quintessential Christmas scent while we untangle lights and hang ornaments. It’s become our little tradition, a cozy ritual that marks the official start of the holiday…
Every time I travel, I follow a familiar ritual. I charge my phone, tablet, and portable battery. Load new books onto my Kindle app. My husband ensures his game console is charged. This pre-flight preparation is our rational response to predictable inefficiency. We build an arsenal of entertainment to mitigate “dead time.” The standard advice…
Why do talented musicians struggle to break through while less talented ones with the right family names receive opportunities effortlessly? This is not just unfair. It is inefficient. In labor markets with high information costs, evaluators use proxies to assess quality. In Hindustani classical music, family lineage functions as that proxy. The problem is that…
Soft Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are pillowy-soft treats with rich molasses depth and warm fall spices. The pumpkin puree creates an incredibly tender texture while crunchy walnuts add the perfect contrast. These cookies deliver deep, complex flavors that go beyond typical pumpkin cookies—think autumn comfort in every bite.
Autumn Harvest Oatmeal Cookies are hearty treats that get their moisture from pumpkin puree instead of butter or oil, creating a naturally lighter base. The combination of whole oats, warm fall spices, chocolate chips, and plump raisins delivers a satisfying chewy texture with classic autumn flavors. These cookies offer a healthier twist on traditional oatmeal…
Rustic Sourdough Flatbread is a tangy, herb-seasoned bread made with sourdough discard and Italian seasoning salt—no oil needed. The sourdough adds complex flavor and chewy texture, while the herbs create an aromatic crust finished with flaky sea salt. This wholesome flatbread delivers rustic bakery flavor perfect for dipping, topping, or eating on its own.
During my visit to Switzerland earlier this year, I found myself surrounded by exceptional chocolate everywhere I went – from Coop grocery stores to the Lindt factory to premium chocolatiers like Läderach. But the real story isn’t just about quality; it’s about how Switzerland built global leadership in premium chocolate without growing a single cocoa…
In my previous exploration of gold jewelry markets, I examined how different cultures solve the fundamental economic challenge of trust and information asymmetry – whether through Florence’s hallmarking traditions, India’s trusted national brands, or America’s standardized quality tiers. But these trust mechanisms are only part of the story. Gold jewelry, beyond its aesthetic appeal and cultural…
Standing in The Gold Corner jewelry store on Piazza di Santa Croce in Florence this past November, examining an 18-karat gold ring, I found myself reflecting on how differently gold jewelry markets operate across the world. As an economist who has experienced gold markets in India, the United States, and now Italy, I realized that…