Kentucky Derby (Bourbon) Pie

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).

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Lavender Crème Brulee (No Torch Needed)

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


Lemon Crinkle Cookies

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

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

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

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

Raspberry Lemon Drip

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


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