I consume a lot of figs when they are in season. I get to the farmers market early to make sure I get them – and I have been known to buy them all! One of my favorite uses is Fig, Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Jam, which I give as gifts and get many, many requests for. It is fantastic on a cheese or charcuterie board! So when I set out to make a lovely fig cake, I knew adding … [Read more...] about Fig, Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Upside Down Cake
Sweets
Peach Buttermilk Cake with Peach Whipped Cream
Peaches and buttermilk are a wonderful summer combination (seriously - sweet, sliced peaches in a bowl drizzled with thick buttermilk are a revelatory treat). And baked into a simple cake is a great delight. But to be honest, this is what I think of as a template cake. Because the possibilities are endless. Top with strawberries, plums, nectarines, blueberries or other fruit. … [Read more...] about Peach Buttermilk Cake with Peach Whipped Cream
Caramel Blueberry Dumplings
I’ve created here a hybrid of two great Southern desserts – caramel dumplings and blueberry dumplings. I’ve made them both, one a caramel sauce alone with simple dumplings and one with a plain blueberry sauce. This is an over-the-top rich and sweet dessert that is comforting and old fashioned and altogether charming. Fresh in season blueberries burst in a classic caramel and … [Read more...] about Caramel Blueberry Dumplings
Pimm’s Bars
Nothing but nothing sings of spring and summer and lovely outdoor weather to me than a Pimm’s Cup, the traditional English cocktail of Pimm’s liqueur topped with sparking lemonade and served with garnishes of fresh fruit and mint. And it is to me, quintessentially British. The taste of my time at Oxford and my many, many visits since. So it is only natural that I distill this … [Read more...] about Pimm’s Bars
Strawberry Elderflower Bakewell Tart
On the weekend of June 4, Queen Elizabeth will celebrate 70 years on the throne. If you have followed me for any length of time, you will know of my love for things British and that I spend quite a bit of time in London. So I most certainly want to celebrate this historic milestone. Because sticking with one thing for 70 years is a massive achievement anyway you look … [Read more...] about Strawberry Elderflower Bakewell Tart
