Do you remember pushing whole cloves into an orange to use as a Christmas decoration? We called them pomanders and I just love the smell of orange peel and clove. It speaks to me of Christmas. With a pretty ribbon pinned to the top to tie to the tree or sitting on the counter fragrancing the kitchen. But pushing those cloves into the oranges with your thumb really hurt. I … [Read more...] about Orange Clove Caramel Spread
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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
Orange Poppyseed Drizzle Muffins
Muffins are so easy. I mean, there are so many recipes that produce beautiful muffins with just a bowl and a spoon. And the little individual size treats always look so sweet. These are a little different. They require a little more washing up and a few additional steps, but the difference between “oh, good…muffins” and “wow, you make great muffins” makes the small effort … [Read more...] about Orange Poppyseed Drizzle Muffins
Raspberry Orange Pudding Cake
Summer fruit desserts are such a sunny joy. And whether you call this type of dish a cobbler, a slump or a pudding cake, it makes the perfect summer dessert. Sweet and juicy summer fruit melts into a saucy layer tucked beneath a tender cake. I’ve shared before my Saucy Peach and Bluebbery Cobbler version. Raspberries are a rare local treat and when I find them I make the most … [Read more...] about Raspberry Orange Pudding Cake
Persimmon Pie
Some years ago I came across some American persimmons, which are a little hard to find in this part of the country nowadays. I got a little overexcited and bought quite a few of the rare gems, so I had to go searching for recipes. A friend gave me an old recipe from her family for persimmon pie, and I quickly made it. I appreciated the novelty of it– I’d never even heard of … [Read more...] about Persimmon Pie