During the last year, the patio at my house has been my saving grace. I have room to space more than six feet apart, so family and a small pod of friends have visited for food I have prepared, takeout from local restaurants, but above all, cocktails. We’ve even had local bartenders provide delivery cocktails on occasion. Mind you, we haven’t gone overboard and more often than … [Read more...] about Aperol Spritz Sugar Cookies
Sweets
Roasted Carrot Ginger Cheesecake
A sweet carrot dessert always seems the most appropriate finale for an Easter celebration. Beautiful bright orange carrots are a harbinger of spring, plus a sweet carrot treat may attract the Easter bunny (I am assuming the bunny was vaccinated at the same time as Santa Claus!). To me, this cheesecake is a sophisticated twist for a festive holiday spread. Not that I have any … [Read more...] about Roasted Carrot Ginger Cheesecake
Meyer Lemon Rosemary Tart
Well this has been quite a winter. Pandemic, snow, ice. But I always find a little sunshine in citrus at this time of year, so here’s a treat to brighten up the gloomy days. I always pick up the little bags of Meyer lemons when they start to appear in the stores at this time of year, because they are so useful. Particularly for baking, as they are not too tart and a bit sweeter … [Read more...] about Meyer Lemon Rosemary Tart
Chocolate Brown Butter Bourbon Flourless Cake
Decadent chocolate desserts sound just about perfect right now. Cabin fever is well and truly set in and I for one could use as much comfort and love as I can muster. Just when we’ve managed to settle into a healthier eating pattern, or endured a dry January, Valentine’s day rolls around to tempt us to chocolate. And I for one am okay with that. It’s nice to have an excuse to … [Read more...] about Chocolate Brown Butter Bourbon Flourless Cake
Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding with Cherries
I’ve focused this month on recipes for the slow cooker, which is such a perfect way to prepare comforting winter dishes. My use of the slow cooker is generally for main dishes, soups or stews, or jam making occasionally, but over the years I have branched out. This recipe is the evolution of a very basic, simple slow cooker bread pudding that I made once for a special meal for … [Read more...] about Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding with Cherries






