I never tire of peanut butter and jelly. I have a peanut butter sandwich (no jelly, whole wheat bread, natural peanut butter) for lunch most days. The jelly is a special treat, particularly when I have some homemade strawberry preserves on hand. It still makes me feel like a kid, though no one cuts my crusts off for me anymore. Baking the classic childhood flavors up into a … [Read more...] about Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Mint Julep Vinaigrette
Every once in awhile, you absolutely stumble over an idea that makes you feel like a real culinary wizard. This is one of those for me. I was having some friends over to grill burgers. I made a few dishes and I’d picked up some amazing produce at the farmers market, including some beautiful butter lettuces. I had a master plan, but at the last minute, I realized I needed a … [Read more...] about Mint Julep Vinaigrette
Blueberry, Coconut and Lime Bake
I’ll admit, blueberries and coconut are not a combination I would have thought up. Then I had a blueberry and coconut popsicle at a Mexican paleta shop and the idea sort of took off. I’ve been thinking of interesting and complex ways to make the most out of the combo, dreaming up ideas for cakes and bars and pies to create recipes for. In the meantime, I rather accidently … [Read more...] about Blueberry, Coconut and Lime Bake
Sweet Potato Vichyssoise
I adore chilled soups during the hot summer months and often wonder why restaurants don’t serve more of them, or people make them more often. Nothing could be more refreshing, and filling. Make a big batch of cold soup and keep it in the fridge for quick lunches, cooling snack or part of a simple salad or sandwich supper. I often make a big pot of classic white potato and … [Read more...] about Sweet Potato Vichyssoise
Strawberry Ricotta Cake
It has taken me awhile to realize that ricotta cheese is an incredibly versatile ingredient. For most of my life, I only ever encountered it in lasagna. But years of cooking and research has shown me that it is good for so much more. Now when I say this, I mean good, whole milk ricotta that is rich and creamy and moist, not the skim variety that can get a bit dry and leaden in … [Read more...] about Strawberry Ricotta Cake
