miscellanea

Thanks everyone! I've toyed with the recipe from epicurious and cooking light and have gotten good results. I'll have to try the others at some point. . . And when I finally feel ambitious enough to try a real bread recipe rather than quick bread, I will definitely try that sourdough pumpkin bread. . . It looks fantastic. S

I have been on the search for the perfect pumpkin bread. After burning through the recipes I had in my file from friends and the ones found on back of assorted cans of pumpkin, I haven't found a recipe that I wanted to keep. I don't want pumpkin cake either. I just want a nice, dense pumpkin bread that isn't rubbery and has a nice crumb. Perfect for breakfast on the run. Any help in my search would be greatly appreciated! S

This Christmas I'm somewhat short on time (I'm finally graduating from college next week and have the family coming to celebrate) but I have managed to start on cookies. My stipulation this year is that none of the cookies require a rolling pin or cookie cutters. Here's what I'm planning on: Dorie Greenspans Sables (from the nytimes food special last month. . . perfect texture and taste) Martha Stewarts Lime Cornmeal Glazed cookies (such a nice change. Plus, I live in Florida) Regular chocolate chip cookies (for my dad, who loves them. Neimans recipe minus the espresso) Loaded Oatmeal cookies (with lots of nuts, chocolate chips, and cinnamon chips) and if I have time. . . Pierre Hermé's Korova Cookies Pistachio Honey Turron Bizcochitos (you MUST use lard if you attempt these. . . there is no gettting around it) Happy baking, S

I'm reviving this thread to add a few thoughts. My family has lived in the D.R. for over 30 years ago, and I've been spending summers there all my life. I can never wait to get off the plane, and have a cold presidente and tostones. Don't pass up the chance to eat plenty of fresh fruits like mango, and pineapple. I haven't tried any of the new trendy restaurants, although I plan to when I go in a few weeks. Vesuvio's is a classic, but I've found the service lacking in the last few years. Still, the food is consistent, if overpriced. My hands-down favourite is Coco's, in the colonial district. I would classify Coco's as British cuisine with a Caribbean twist, a description that doesn't give it justice. The restaurant itself is charming, comfortable, and unique. It's a nice place to stop for lunch after sightseeing.