Spring is a marvelous time for entertaining, and I like to make the most of the seasonal produce like fresh asparagus. This elegant little torte is delicious and unusual, but highlights the lovely flavor of spring’s best asparagus. I add just a little lemon zest and shallot to bring out that freshness because I find the addition of herbs or spices unnecessarily overpowers the … [Read more...] about Spring Asparagus Torte
Farmers Market
Baby Potatoes in Garlic and Thyme Cream
The little baby potatoes I find at the farmers market are perfectly delicious, lovingly grown by local farmers. I frequently buy them when I am at the market planning a meal – great pastured steaks or burgers or freshly made sausages, whatever gorgeous vegetables are in season (asparagus, radishes, beautiful lettuces at this time of year) and some great fruit (strawberries … [Read more...] about Baby Potatoes in Garlic and Thyme Cream
Strawberry Lemon Delicious
Strawberries are the harbinger of brighter days ahead and I make the most out of them for the brief time they are in season. And this is a favorite dessert of mine, combining tart lemon and the sweetest fresh in season berries. There are several names for a dish like this – pudding cake, self-saucing cake – but I love the name used in Australia, lemon delicious. It really just … [Read more...] about Strawberry Lemon Delicious
Strawberry Chocolate Crumble Bars
Is there a better combination than strawberries and chocolate? And when those strawberries are fresh, in season, local and at peak sweetness, I mean! I’ve made a simple strawberry crumble bar for years, a sugar cookie base with matching crumble. I’ve added herbs and spices to jazz it up, even a little liqueur. But recently, with a punnet of berries on hand a need for a sweet, … [Read more...] about Strawberry Chocolate Crumble Bars
Savory Butternut and Sage Cheesecake
Savory cheesecake is a thing. A few years ago, in support of my cookbook Southern Snacks, I appeared on Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family show to make my country ham cheesecake, and everyone was rather surprised (and dubious) of the concept. I won them over however. I love a savory cheesecake – it’s a fabulous party piece. It serves a crowd, can be made ahead, and with … [Read more...] about Savory Butternut and Sage Cheesecake
