Yeast Activated Dough

How to Work with Homemade Yeast Dough

Working with Yeast 101 Try mentioning homemade bread to a baking novice and you’ll probably see a look of fear on their face. That fear usually comes down to one...
January 10, 2024 — Mary DiSomma
Grandma Nerina Vivardo with Mary's Mother

Cookie Heritage: Grandma Vivardo's Italian Fig Cookies and Family Recipes

My Grandma Vivardo is my cookie muse; her story is—among other things—the story of how a proud Italian-American culinary tradition crossed an ocean, endured a century of tinkering in the kitchens of America, and thrives today.
Mary with cookies

Happy Holidays: A special message from Mary

I want to wish a very happy holiday season to all of my readers, and give a huge thanks to all of the people who have visited the site, bought a book, and just generally been so kind and supportive of me.
August 31, 2022 — Mary DiSomma
Piping with Royal Icing

Tips and Techniques: How to Decorate Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Let’s have some fun with sugar cookies! Join me in a step-by-step guide on everything you need to know on how to decorate sugar cookies with royal icing. From decorating techniques to my simple royal icing recipe—this is a must-read!
biscotti

Blame it on Biscotti

My baking genesis.