A Little Love Letter

December 6, 2023 by Kimberly

This Ham & Cheese Croissant brings together buttery crispness, melted cheese, and a flavorful cream that adds sweetness, savoriness, and depth. Perfect as a quick breakfast, a hearty snack, or warm finger food for guests. These croissants come together in minutes and taste irresistible straight from the oven. If you’re looking for an easy, impressive comfort recipe everyone will love, this ham and cheese croissant is about to become your new favorite.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

15 min

SERVES

4 croissants

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

There are recipes that stay with you for so long, they eventually feel like part of your own biography. My Ham & Cheese Croissant is one of those. Maybe because, at its core, it has always been there, long before I knew cooking even had rules.

As a kid, all I ever wanted was to invent something. And in my mind, I was absolutely convinced: I did. My “invention” was a slice of ham folded in half, a slice of cheese tucked inside, and the whole thing pan-fried on both sides. I swear, I felt like the greatest chef alive. Today, that childhood creation has gotten a little upgrade: a crisp, buttery croissant filled with good ham, melted cheese, and a creamy topping that ties everything together. Sweetness, savoriness, a little depth, that balance is what makes this so unbelievably good. It’s comfort food without feeling heavy. Quick to make, yet it still feels like a tiny moment of luxury.

I serve it in the morning when I want to treat myself. At lunch, when hunger suddenly hits harder than expected. And most of all when friends are coming over. Slice the croissants, add ham and cheese, sprinkle in some chives, close them, spread the cream on top, pop them in the oven and a few minutes later, the whole kitchen smells like warm, buttery happiness. It’s the perfect “I thought of you” kind of recipe. Maybe that’s the real magic of this recipe: That a childhood fantasy turned into a snack that makes people happy and just a little bit in love.

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Tomato Tarte Tatin

von Kimberly | Juni 15, 2024 | 30 TO 60 MINUTES, BASIL, DATE NIGHT, DINNER PARTY, DOUGH, FRENCH, SUMMER, TOMATO, UMAMI, VEGETARIAN

Tomato Tarte Tatin

June 15, 2024 by Kimberly

Flip your mealtime with a stunning Tomato Tarte Tatin! Sweet, savory, and beautifully caramelized, it’s a showstopper that turns any meal into a special occasion.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

45 min

SERVES

2 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Transform your table with the vibrant colors and lush flavors of a Tomato Tarte Tatin. This dish offers a delightful twist on the classic French dessert, turning tomatoes into the star of the show.

Serve this exquisite tart fresh out of the oven to enjoy its optimal flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil or a side of creamy goat cheese. Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or enjoying a luxurious weekend meal.

Cool any leftovers to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish is best enjoyed within a couple of days to maintain its crisp pastry and juicy topping.

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Tomato Tarte Tatin

Author: Kimberly
Total Time: 45 min
Yield: 2

Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

sharp knife
cutting board
garlic press
oven-safe pan
large plate

Instructions

Take the puff pastry out of the fridge. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
Wash the tomatoes and slice them finely from the bottom. Peel and finely chop or press the garlic and mix it into a small bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Set everything aside.
Roll out the puff pastry and place the oven-safe pan on top. Trace a circle around the pan and cut out the puff pastry accordingly. Set the pastry circle aside. Don’t discard the remaining pastry. You can either make a second layer of pastry for the Tarte Tatin or cut it into squares, place a cube of feta in the middle, wrap it up, and bake until golden brown in the oven. Topped with a bit of honey, thyme, and salt, you quickly create a simple snack 🙂
Heat the pan and briefly sauté honey, olive oil, dried thyme, and salt until bubbles form. Then distribute the tomato slices in the pan, brush them with the garlic oil, and let them caramelize for about 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat, top with freshly ground pepper, and lay the puff pastry circle on top. Tuck the edges slightly inward and press firmly. Prick a few holes in the pastry with a fork.
Bake the pan in the oven on the bottom rack uncovered for about 25 minutes.
In the meantime, coarsely grate or slice the Parmesan and pluck the fresh thyme leaves from their stems. Set aside.
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then place a plate larger than the pan over the pan and quickly invert to turn out the Tarte Tatin onto the plate.
Top the Tarte Tatin with Parmesan, fresh thyme, and pepper, and serve immediately. Enjoy your piece of happiness!

Notes

The calorie information may vary depending on the product used, country and region.

Passive Time: 25 min
Cook Time: 20 min

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Vanilla Sauce

von Kimberly | Mai 29, 2024 | CLASSICS, CREAMY, DESSERT & SWEETS, FRENCH, MARINADES & SAUCES, MICHELIN, SWEET, UP TO 30 MINUTES, VEGETARIAN

Vanilla Sauce

May 29, 2024 by Kimberly

Discover the ultimate vanilla sauce that’s creamy, rich, and perfect for all your desserts. It adds a deliciously sweet touch to every bite!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

20 min

SERVES

4 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Vanilla sauce is a classic dessert topping that transforms any dish into a gourmet treat. This creamy and rich sauce is perfect for drizzling over cakes, pies, and fresh fruit. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, it’s a must-have recipe in your dessert repertoire.

Serve this delightful vanilla sauce warm over a slice of apple pie, or drizzle it over a bowl of fresh berries for a simple yet elegant dessert. It’s also fantastic on bread pudding, pancakes, or even ice cream. The possibilities are endless, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.

To store your vanilla sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated and it will stay fresh for up to 2 days. When ready to use, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth texture or serve it chilled straight from the fridge.

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

Apple Pie Rolls with Vanilla & Caramel Sauce & Milk Crumble

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Vanilla Sauce

Author: Kimberly
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4

Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

2 small pots
medium glass or aluminum bowl
whisk
spatula
sharp knife
cutting board

Instructions

Pour the cream and milk into a pot. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the bean to the pot with the cream and milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then set aside.
Meanwhile, fill another pot halfway with water and bring it to a simmer.
Separate the eggs and place the yolks in a medium glass or aluminum bowl. Add the brown sugar and salt, then whisk until smooth. The egg whites aren’t needed for this recipe, but you can use them to make delicious meringue.
Remove the pot with the water from the heat and place the bowl with the egg-sugar mixture on top. The bottom of the bowl should not touch the water. Gradually add the hot cream to the egg-sugar mixture, whisking constantly. If you’re doing this alone, add a few tablespoons at a time and whisk quickly, repeating until about 3/4 of the cream is incorporated. This slow addition prevents the egg yolks from curdling by gently warming them. When most of the cream is added, pour in the rest and whisk.
Place the pot with the bowl back on the stove over medium-high heat and switch from the whisk to a spatula. The spatula incorporates less air, preventing the sauce from becoming foamy. Stir the mixture with the spatula until it thickens, about 10 minutes, or until it reaches 75°-79°C (167°-174°F).
To check if the sauce is ready, you can use a simple trick known as „coating the back of a spoon“ or as we say in Germany „pull off to the rose“. Dip a wooden spoon into the sauce and blow on the back of the spoon. If you see a pattern that resembles rose petals, the sauce is ready. A nice visual, right? So when you see this, remove the sauce from the heat. You can serve it now warm or let it cool. Enjoy this piece of happiness 🙂

Notes

NOTE: The calorie information may vary depending on the product used, country and region.

Cook Time: 20 min

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White Chocolate Mousse

von Kimberly | Mai 8, 2024 | CHOCOLATE, CREAMY, DATE NIGHT, DESSERT & SWEETS, DINNER PARTY, FRENCH, OVER 120 MINUTES, SWEET, VALENTINE'S DAY, VEGETARIAN

White Chocolate Mousse

May 8, 2024 by Kimberly

Indulge in a heavenly white chocolate mousse, the ultimate creamy delight! Luxurious, velvety, and decadently sweet – perfect for any dessert lover.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

2 hrs + 20 min

SERVES

4 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Experience the sheer decadence of this white chocolate mousse, a dessert that promises to elevate your dining experience. Its smooth, creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor make it a favorite among sweet tooth fans.

This white chocolate mousse is best served chilled, making it a refreshing end to any meal. Present it in elegant glasses topped with a sprinkle of chocolate flakes or fresh strawberries for a touch of sophistication. It’s ideal for dinner parties or a romantic evening, offering a light yet indulgent dessert option that’s sure to impress.

Store it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to two days, ensuring you can enjoy its luxurious taste at its best.

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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White Chocolate Mousse

Author: Kimberly
Total Time: 20 min + 2 hrs
Yield: 4

Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

2 medium-sized bowls
whisk
electric mixer
small pot
small metal or glass bowl

Instructions

Cream the butter and powdered sugar together in a medium-sized bowl with a whisk. Separate the eggs and add the yolks to the butter and sugar. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until creamy and stiff, about 5 minutes. The egg whites won’t be used further, but to avoid waste, you could make a meringue with them.
Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler, let it cool slightly, then stir it into the mixture.
Whip the cold cream until it forms peaks and gently fold it into the mixture until everything is well combined.
Divide the mixture into 4 dessert bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Notes

The calorie information may vary depending on the product used, country and region.

Passive Time: 2 hrs
Cook Time: 20 min

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Infused Béchamel Sauce

von Kimberly | März 14, 2024 | 60 TO 120 MINUTES, CLASSICS, COMFORT FOOD, CREAMY, FRENCH, MARINADES & SAUCES, MILK & CREAM, VEGETARIAN

Infused Béchamel Sauce

March 13, 2024 by Kimberly

Discover the magic of infused béchamel sauce! This recipe blends rich, creamy milk with fragrant herbs to elevate your favorite dishes. A symphony of flavor awaits!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

1 hr + 35 min

SERVES

6 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Dive into the heartwarming world of homemade sauces with my infused béchamel sauce! This isn’t just any sauce – it’s a creamy, dreamy blend that transforms ordinary meals into gourmet experiences. By infusing milk with a bouquet of herbs, the classic béchamel is taken to new heights. Perfect for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their culinary creations.

Serve this infused béchamel sauce over pasta or your favorite vegetables. It pairs beautifully with lasagna, turning a simple dish into a lavish feast. Drizzle it over roasted potatoes or steamed broccoli to add a creamy, herby twist. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this sauce brings sophistication and depth to any meal.

Keep your infused béchamel sauce fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days.

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

CRAVING MORE?

Follow along here & don’t forget to subscribe to my substack!

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Oeuf Cocotte with Cream & Herbs (Baked Eggs)

von Kimberly | März 2, 2024 | BREAKFAST, BRUNCH, CREAMY, EGGS, FRENCH, UP TO 30 MINUTES, VEGETARIAN

Oeuf Cocotte with Cream & Herbs (Baked Eggs)

March 2, 2024 by Kimberly

Indulge in the heartwarming delight of Oeuf Cocotte! A simple, nutritious, and delicious start to your day. Embrace the taste of French elegance in every bite.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

20 min

SERVES

1 portion

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Discover the joy of French cooking with my simple Oeuf Cocotte recipe! Perfect for a delightful breakfast or a cozy brunch, this dish is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavors. Dive into the elegance of French cuisine and impress your family with this gourmet yet straightforward recipe. Ideal for anyone looking to elevate their morning routine!

Serve your Oeuf Cocotte straight from the oven, nestled in their little pots for a touch of French elegance. Accompany them with slices of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special breakfast, these baked eggs will become your go-to. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for that extra flair!

I do not recommend to store the cooked dish. It’s better to enjoy your delicious breakfast creation even on busy mornings straight out of the oven!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Oeuf Cocotte with Cream & Herbs (Baked Eggs)

Author: Kimberly
Total Time: 20 min
Yield: 1