Fig and Balsamic Jam

The fig and I have an on-again off-again relationship. He is an unassuming, dumpy little gentleman if I ever saw one. At least that's what I thought until he got up the nerve to flash me. The audacity! I just can't look at him the same anymore--not after being exposed to all that eye candy.
Our love affair was brief. He took me for brunch and we dined on pancakes. He treated me to decadent desserts (and oh he can be so sweet-tempered smothered in chocolate). Then things headed south. He got cloying, sugar-coating all his words. More than once he got just a little too ripe with me.

I was at fault too. I was fickle. He caught me checking out the pears in the grocery aisle. I brushed him off to spend quality time with the apples. But we can never stray from each other for long. He always finds his way back to my kitchen table.

I will admit I was wary of making this jam. Figs and balsamic? Peppercorns? I couldn't imagine the taste, which made me suspicious. Thankfully, my curiosity got the better of me and I gave it a try. Oh, I am so glad I did. Figs and balsamic are like a match made in heaven. With jams, I generally get concerned that the sugar will overtake the jam and drown out the flavors, but with this one the peppercorns and lemon juice really keep that in check (and add a nice kick too!). If you are wary of this fig and balsamic jam like I was, you are going to miss out on a uniquely delicious flavor combination.

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These pumpkin cookies have become a staple in my life. I have tried to share these cookies with all of my nearest and dearest friends, as they were shared with me. These cookies may be simple, but they are as much of a comfort to me as the company of a good friend.
My friend Natasha shared this recipe with me years ago. Whenever either of us makes it, we make it a point to share these cookies with each other. We may not see each other often, but when we do we try to make the most of it. Once, after not seeing each other for months, the moment we met face-to-face she thrust a bag of these cookies in my hands. I've been saving these cookies for you in my freezer, she said. Do you know how hard it was not to eat these for two months?
I made a batch of these cookies for a snowboarding trip with my physics friends. I thought they would make a good treat after a day on the slopes. So I loaded up my car with cookies and people and off we went. Twenty minutes in, I managed to flip and total my car on the icy roads. After everyone was confirmed in good health (though shaken) and the panic subsided, the next immediate question became ARE THE COOKIES OKAY?
These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are soft, moist, and cake-like. The pumpkin provides a mild base while the chocolate really makes this cookie pop. If you are looking for a crunchy cookie, this isn't it. These cookies are so delicious straight out of the freezer (which can be oh so dangerous if you are saving them for a later date). These cookies bring back memories of fall and friendship for me. Go make your own memories with these cookies.

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Fresh Ginger Cake With Caramelized Pears

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I often get asked about the name of this blog, Chocolate & Tea. The Chocolate part makes sense; this is a baking blog after all. Every other recipe seems to feature chocolate as a component. My addiction to all things dark and bittersweet is not so secret. But why Tea, I am asked. What does tea have to do with anything?
The answer to that is simple. The Tea in Chocolate & Tea represents tea time. That wonderful moment mid-afternoon when productivity lowers, the eyes grow heavy, the stomach grumbles, and a much needed break is suddenly on the menu. We want to give you ideas and suggestions to fill all of your tea times with a bit of sugar and a lot of joy.
This ginger cake with caramelized pears is the perfect tea time dessert. It feeds 6 people and is best eaten in one sitting (though I won't say no to leftovers). The fresh ginger cake has a beautiful blend of lemon, ginger, and molasses with a deep and satisfying flavor. Yet, it still manages to stay light. Served drizzled with caramel and a side of caramelized pears and you have yourself a little slice of heaven. From start to finish, this cake takes a mere 30 minutes. This dessert is truly divine.

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