It has taken me awhile to realize that ricotta cheese is an incredibly versatile ingredient. For most of my life, I only ever encountered it in lasagna. But years of cooking and research has shown me that it is good for so much more. Now when I say this, I mean good, whole milk ricotta that is rich and creamy and moist, not the skim variety that can get a bit dry and leaden in … [Read more...] about Strawberry Ricotta Cake
vanilla
Blueberry Vanilla Buttermilk Cake
Simple ingredients of the best quality produce the most amazing results. It always holds true. Fresh blueberries straight from the farmers’ market, real vanilla and creamy buttermilk, the best you can find. I mulled over ways to dress up the cake, make it more exotic or unusual, but in the end, I decided there is really no justification for that, because it is wonderful in … [Read more...] about Blueberry Vanilla Buttermilk Cake
Skillet Strawberry Upside Down Cake
In the last few years, I have truly become a seasonal eater. The rise in popularity of farmers markets has encouraged me in this, because the array of beautiful farm fresh fruits and vegetables is so tempting. And after years of being desensitized by perennially available produce, I have rediscovered just how amazing produce is in season, not treated by gasses and flown and … [Read more...] about Skillet Strawberry Upside Down Cake
Fig, Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Jam
Canning is a new passion for me. I’ve had fits and starts about it over the years, lots of failures, lots of time spent making jams or relishes only to forget about them and never use them. But after all that trial and error, I have finally got the knack of it and have had mostly successes, and a great deal of enjoyment from what I have produced. I have even gained the … [Read more...] about Fig, Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Jam
Strawberry Buttermilk Cupcakes with Buttermilk Vanilla Frosting
I love strawberry season. Not only do I finally get my hands on delicious berries, but it really means the start of delicious farmers market produce. I only buy strawberries in season. I know you can get them all year round now, but I don’t like the watery, hothouse types, or ones flown in from far away under ripe, then left to over-ripen and become sodden in plastic … [Read more...] about Strawberry Buttermilk Cupcakes with Buttermilk Vanilla Frosting