Art of Natural Living

Enjoying the Green Life

Lavender Crème Brulee (No Torch Needed)

By Inger Mar 24, 2026 Desserts & Snacks 22 Comments

Lavender Crème Brulee brings together the crunchy sugar topped custard of a standard crème brulee with subtly floral lavender flavor.

I decided something today. When it comes to a Crème Brulee obsession, once is never enough. You see, back in the day I did over a half dozen variations in succession. Then I stopped.

But in late fall, I remade my No Torch Crème Brulee. And today I did Lavender. And an experimental Strawberry Crème Brulee is in the works. Yes, when spring beckons, it calls for delicate new flavors and brunch-worthy recipes.

And so today’s Lavender Crème Brulee brings together two wonderful taste sensations: your classic caramelized sugar topping, along with a (slightly less classic) spring-like lavender custard.

Happy spring! Read more

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

By Inger Mar 22, 2026 Desserts & Snacks 7 Comments

Bright and sweet-tart, Lemon Crinkle Cookies are like a breath of spring. Perfect for dessert, snacking, Easter or Mother’s Day.

Where have you been all my life, crinkle cookies! It was about a year ago when I made my first ever–aGingerbread Crinkle Cookie for Christmas! I had so much fun, I followed up with a Grinch Crinkle Cookie that I’ll publish next November (subscribe to not miss it)!

Crinkle cookies get their name from the fun colorful base that bursts through a powdered sugar coating. This makes them super cute–plus they’re easy to adapt to any season.

So for spring, it’s Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

Flavored with lemon (I’ll bet you guessed that) and boasting a sunny yellow color, they’re a perfect mood booster in the changeable days of spring. Or any time! Read more

Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini

By Inger Mar 21, 2026 Beverages No Comments

Sweet, tart and fruity, this Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini is a tasty way to brighten up your spring. It even looks cheery!

I usually think of the holidays as the most fun time for martinis. I mean, how do you beat a Candy Cane Martini or a sweet-spicy Gingerbread Martini–sipped in front of a roaring fire!

But truly, a special martini—such as this Raspberry Lemon Drop—can be welcome all year round.

Of course, it’s extra nice when you need a touch of spring. Which I did this week after we got hit with a near record (almost 3-foot) snowfall. Yes, after days of making do…. plows getting stuck, work-around hand shoveling and lack of fresh greens, I was ready for a drink.

And this Raspberry Lemon Drop cocktail came to the rescue. With sweet fruitiness from the raspberries, balanced tartness from the lemon, and just enough booze to relax and soothe the sore muscles, it was perfect. And I think it would be equally at home as an Easter cocktail or Mother’s Day drink.

Who could use a little more pink in their life! Read more

Baby Guinness Shot

By Inger Mar 14, 2026 Beverages 4 Comments

Topping Kahlua with Bailey’s creates a drink that looks like a tiny Baby Guinness. But with the creamy, sweet flavors of coffee & Irish Cream! Yum!

What comes to mind when you think of celebrating St Patrick’s Day? I usually think of warm Irish Coffee, cool foamy Guinness, or a festive green beer.

Now back in the day, I was an Irish dancer so I’d be out at the pubs for days around the festive holiday. But this year, we’ve got a late blizzard coming in, so I’m going to celebrate at home with a fun Baby Guinness.

It starts with rich coffee-flavored layer of Kahlua. Then it’s topped with a creamy white layer of Bailey’s (or other) Irish Creme, so it looks like a miniature foam-topped Guinness.

‘Cause, how can you beat tasty and cute! Sláinte!
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