Neighborhood Nourishment

Made in Maryland: Smith Island Cake

To make Maryland's official dessert, no special ingredients or tools are needed -- just time and patience.

If you've ever eaten Smith Island Cake (preferably baked by Sugar Bakers and served at Catonsville Gourmet after shrimp bisque and soft crabs) you probably see it as a daunting dessert.  TEN layers?  It's served lying on its side for a reason.  But what better way to end your Valentine's Day dinner than with the official dessert of our state?  Honestly, it's a long process, but not too tedious or complicated. This adventure started with a recipe from a cookbook, which supposedly got it from a Smith Island housewife -- but there were so many problems with it that the instructions below bear little resemblance.   I recommend making the layers and icing one day and assembling the cake the next day, though if you got an early start you could …

•  7 Comments
• Photos (3)

A Sweet Tour of Main Street

Today's Fall Festival will be full of treats, some of them edible. Make that delectable.

Walk along Main Street in search of something sweet to eat and you'll find much more than your average ice cream cone or chocolate bar. Chefs and bakers use the most expert of hands and the best ingredients: Madagascar vanilla beans, Belgian chocolate and the finest fudge. A recent tour of the sweet shops on Main Street reveals some of the most tantalizing - and popular - offerings. Check these out and other fun weekend opportunities during today's Fall Festival.

• Photos (5)