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
Fruit and Vegetables
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
Spiced Carrot Cake Bars
Easter season is the perfect time for carrot cakes. But I will admit, I am a little too lazy to make beautiful layered version swathed in cream cheese frosting, decorated with icing or marzipan carrots. I tend to go for bundt or tube cakes, like these Carrot Ginger or Carrot Coconut version. My other cheat is these lovely bars packed with carrots then gently … [Read more...] about Spiced Carrot Cake Bars
