Necessity is often the mother of beautiful invention, and this recipe is a perfect example. I had invited a few friends round for patio cocktails, but the weather made it a rather on and off proposition. But the sky cleared and I realized I really needed to have some sort of nibble to go with the drinks, but had not planned anything. I did however have in the fridge a wheel of … [Read more...] about Baked Brie with Blueberry Hazelnut Conserve
Rice, Pea and Feta Salad
Summer is the time for cold salads – potato and pasta salads being obvious front runners. And no wonder. They are easy to make ahead, packed with flavor and perfect beside a meal off the grill, cold sandwiches, fried chicken, or just a lovely buffet of several cold salads. I am always looking for interesting new ideas for cold summer salads, inspired often … [Read more...] about Rice, Pea and Feta Salad
Fresh Cherry Pecan Crumb Cake
I love cherries. My father used to buy them whenever they were available in the market and keep thin in a colander by the sink. He’d eat a few every time he walked by, putting the pits in a little bowl beside it. Cherries grow here and I occasionally find them at farmers markets, but I mostly find them in May and June at better grocery stores, shipped in from out of state. I … [Read more...] about Fresh Cherry Pecan Crumb Cake
Big Skillet Shrimp Butter Boil
A classic shrimp boil is a great deal of fun. But let’s be honest, quite a bit of trouble. If you don’t have a huge pot, don’t have a big vessel or table to put it all on, you are kind of out of luck. I consider it a fun “event” – lots of people gathered around to dig into a pile of fresh shrimp, having a great conversation while peeling away. For the full experience, I love … [Read more...] about Big Skillet Shrimp Butter Boil
Strawberry Elderflower Tiramisu
I adore strawberry season, so I don’t mind posting three strawberry desserts in a row (or more!). But as I scrolled through the strawberry recipes on the website, I noticed that this post from last year had mysteriously disappeared, probably during the redesign. It’s so good, it needs its place back, so I am reposting! I am messing with tradition here and I know it. This … [Read more...] about Strawberry Elderflower Tiramisu
