There is no question this is an indulgent cake. But it is also thoroughly worth the indulgence. A butter rich dough filled with a simple lemon curd under a rubbly top studded with lavender. The original recipe for this which I cut from a magazine years ago is called Belgian Lemon Tea Cake, I don’t know why. This cake appears so simple and unassuming, but slice into it and there … [Read more...] about Lemon Lavender Curd Crumble Cake
Easter
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
Carrot Coconut Cake
Carrot cake, I have found, is an intensely personal taste. There are those on the side of nuts, and those against. The pineapple people and the anti-pineapple people. The cream cheese frosting advocates and the buttercream brigade. I am not ambivalent in my preferences, but not nearly as persnickety as some. I like carrot cake that is moist and full of flavor, with carrots at … [Read more...] about Carrot Coconut Cake
Carrot Ginger Bundt Cake
There are some flavors that are a natural match. Tomatoes and basil, leek and potato, cucumber and mint, and for me, carrot and ginger. The combination works in both sweet and savory applications. Carrot cake needs a lot of spice to complement the sweetness of the carrots, and its usually lots of cinnamon and nutmeg. I have slowly been upping the ginger in my carrot cakes for … [Read more...] about Carrot Ginger Bundt Cake
Asparagus with Creamy Brie Dressing
Fresh spring asparagus I such a lovely thing to serve at an Easter brunch, or any spring occasion really. It can easily be made ahead, it’s hugely adaptable, plus, it always looks so pretty on the table. I have several lovely oblong dishes that seem made for asparagus, and I love asparagus serving tongs. So I am always looking for a pretty and unique way to serve a pile of … [Read more...] about Asparagus with Creamy Brie Dressing