Art of Natural Living

Strawberry Creme Brulee

By Inger Apr 4, 2026 Cooking & Recipes, Desserts & Snacks No Comments

Strawberry Creme Brulee is silky smooth custard, lightly flavored with strawberry, and topped with a crunchy caramelized sugar topping.

Strawberry Creme Brulee

It was a fateful day when I realized you didn’t need a torch to make crème brulee.  Instead you can caramelize the topping under the broiler. 

That revelation set off a series of experiments from cream to egg ratios… to fun new flavors (see Variations below).   

And even though I’ve now purchased a torch, I still like experimenting.  Today, I did Strawberry Crème Brulee to celebrate spring!  Read more

Thai Shrimp Soup (with Extra Carrots–shh)

By Inger Mar 28, 2026 Seafood, Soup 12 Comments

Thai Shrimp Soup is a little bit exotic, a little bit spicy, and a lot fun–with carrot strings and rice noodles to add nutrition and please the kids. 

Thai Shrimp Soup

Today’s Thai Shrimp Soup (aka Thai Noodle Soup) is tasty and fun.  And it’s also healthy–in part due to one of the cooking adages I live by, Add-a-Veggie!  

You see, US diets are likely to be lacking in vegetables, so I often ask if there is something I can add to a dish I’m cooking.  All while keeping (or improving) the character of the dish of course.

In this case I tossed in some julienned carrots.  The change was especially easy since I bought them precut!  When cooked in the soup, the long carrot strands become almost noodle-like. (Not that I’d ever try to fool my kids, ahem.)

Thai Shrimp Soup was the hit my Christmas Eve party, nearly a decade ago, with everyone going back for seconds. And the kids loved it for a simple lunch or dinner. But somehow it fell off the radar.

Here’s to a welcome re-discovery!  Read more

Kentucky Derby (Bourbon) Pie

By Inger Mar 26, 2026 Desserts & Snacks 7 Comments

Like a cross between a gooey chocolate chip cookie and a rich pecan pie, Kentucky Derby Pie is a chocolate lovers dream. 

Kentucky Derby (Bourbon) Pie

If my husband had described Kentucky Derby pie to me—rather than setting a slice in front of me—I’d have said, no thanks, too sweet. 

Happily, a slice did appear in front of me after a local Chocolate Benefit Sale.  And even among a large box of really good desserts, this pie stood out.

With the nuttiness of pecan pie, the irresistibility of a warm chocolate chip cookie, and a shot of bourbon for good measure, this pie is a winner. 

It may even make to our Thanksgiving table this year.  Don’t panic, there are around 6 pies, all different including new options, and classics like apple and pumpkin (yes, it’s a tough crowd).

Read more

Lavender Crème Brulee (No Torch Needed)

By Inger Mar 24, 2026 Desserts & Snacks 29 Comments

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

Lavender Creme Brulee

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

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