The story I was going to write here was about the joys of bright citrus in the gray and gloomy weather of winter. A nice tale about citrus fruits being the sunshine in season during the bleak midwinter. But we've had a spring like February with 75 degree days this year and lovely sunny weather. I ate lunch on a patio. In February. I thought about putting off this post, but … [Read more...] about Lemon Lovely Bars
Fruit
Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Red Wine Rosemary Pears
I love taking classic dishes and adding a little twist, without adding a whole lot of work. Cheesecake topped with syrupy fruit is definitely a classic. In my younger years, cheesecake with strawberries, or later the more fanciful raspberry coulis, was the go to dessert for romantic dinner menus. With this recipe, you get the brilliant, creamy sweetness of a classic cheesecake, … [Read more...] about Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Red Wine Rosemary Pears
Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins
The holidays are filled with so much sweet and sugary (not that I’m complaining), so sometimes it’s nice to have a treat that’s seasonal and festive, but not as cloying or overly sweet. These muffins hit the spot. Hearty with oatmeal and moist from yogurt, these muffins are filling and comforting with a nice holiday kick. Perfect for a Christmas morning buffet or as a little … [Read more...] about Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins
Sweet Potato Fruitcake
I adore fruitcake. Some think that a controversial opinion. But I couldn’t have Christmas without it. Every year, on the weekend after Thanksgiving, I make my classic Fruitcake. To be honest, I start in the summer by making bourbon Cherry Bounce to soak the cake, and I pour a good dose over every couple of days until Christmas. My mother and I are sometimes the only ones who … [Read more...] about Sweet Potato Fruitcake
Wild Rice Pilaf
Thanksgiving is all about tradition. I would be ejected from my family if I didn’t serve certain things on the holiday table (sweet potatoes, corn pudding, cranberries). I think most families have that feeling – a special dish you may eat only on Thanksgiving, but the holiday simply wouldn’t be the same without it. And I know it can sometimes be the source of some tension (the … [Read more...] about Wild Rice Pilaf






