Comfort Food and Easy Entertaining

As a private chef, caterer and cooking instructor I am often asked "What do you enjoy cooking when you're at home on a weeknight or entertaining guests at your table?" I started this blog to answer that question. Here I will share with all of you the recipes that I find delicious and comforting. Many of the recipes are my own versions of classic dishes, some are contemporary twists on old ideas, and some are discoveries I made while perusing my grandmother’s vast collection of cookbooks dating back to the early 1900’s. Please enjoy these videos. I have also included links to some of the published articles I have written recently. Please feel free to comment here or email me directly with any questions, comments or general thoughts. My email address and information on my catering, private chef and private cooking classes can be found on my website: www.portlandcomfortfood.com

Caramel Apples




Caramel Apples

Makes 6 cups

8 apples
8 sticks
toppings of your choice
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract

Wash and dry apples and insert stick into stem end

Line a baking pan.  Fill bowls with toppings.

Fit a heavy-bottomed saucepan with a candy thermometer.  Over high heat, cook 1 1/2 cups of the cream, corn syrup, butter and sugar to 280 degrees.  Remove from heat and carefully swirl in 1/2 cup of cream and vanilla extract.  Use caution as the mixture is very hot.

While the caramel is hot, dip and turn apples into the caramel to coat and let the excess drip off.  Dip the apples into the toppings of your choice.  Arrange the apples on the lined baking pan and allow to cool.


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