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
lemon
Lemon Lavender Curd Crumble Cake
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
Green Bean Salad with Fennel and Feta and Crispy Shallots
I have sort of a strange backstory for this salad. There was a small memorial gathering for a friend, just close family and dearest friends. As one does in these sad times, I wanted to provide some comforting food. Someone had arranged one of those online sign-up rosters and by the time I got the link, the only slot left was green beans. Now, I was pretty sure someone was … [Read more...] about Green Bean Salad with Fennel and Feta and Crispy Shallots
Lemon Cake with Blueberry Ganache
Drama. That’s what this cake is about. A moist, puckering yellow lemon cake bathed in vivid purple, all naturally hued.. It will produce oohs and aahs when served, and is delicious to boot. Lemon and blueberries are a perfect summer pairing, when the berries are perfectly ripe and in season. I love the combination in my Frozen Lemon Bisque with Blueberry Compote for a … [Read more...] about Lemon Cake with Blueberry Ganache
Strawberry Lemonade Bars
I’ve made these delightful bars for years but am only getting around to posting them now. As I sat down to write this post, it occurs to me that this is the perfect time for this recipe. These bright, springy bars are perfect for picnics our outdoor gatherings with their sunny flavor and pretty appearance. They just feel like spring to me. When strawberries come into … [Read more...] about Strawberry Lemonade Bars