HYMNS IN THE KITCHEN

This is most certainly a celebration cake, and the fact that it's a mini version makes it that much more fun. Imagine how special each of your guests would feel when served their own individual cake. It is simply flavored, not complicated or too sweet and is so pretty to look at. The chocolate covered strawberries, I believe, are the proverbial cherry on top to make these cakes truly something spectacular. I hope you give these a shot for your next special night, a special ce

We've been hit with a heat wave almost too great to bear, so naturally we've been finding any possible way of escaping it. We skipped town and went fishing in the mountains. We slathered on some sunscreen and sat by the pool with a cool drink. We stayed inside and made ice cream. Hot days like this makes life slow down a few notches, which makes my head spin with new ideas of meals that don't require any heat. This ice cream cannot be considered a meal, per say, but it is cre

I made this cheesecake for Easter Sunday and am finally able to share it! How silly of me to have kept it filed away for so long, for this delicate, tangy cheesecake would be the perfect addition to any summer gathering. This is my slightly altered version of Entertaining with Beth's Easy Key Lime Cheesecake, and her recipes never disappoint! I hope you give this one a shot, as it is sure to wow you and your guests. Enjoy! Key Lime Cheesecake Serves 8 Ingredients: 124 grams g

Summer days are lazily lolling by, taking us into the hottest of summer's months. This season provides more fruits than most seasons, so when my husband's family passed on a bucket of apricots from their backyard, I set to work. I made jam, I baked some muffins, and I froze some for future projects. This ice cream has the slightest hint of maple flavor, not too sweet and a darling little dessert on a hot summer day. I hope you give it a try. Enjoy! Apricot Maple Ice Cream Ser

This soup is so hearty and so rich, it can without doubt satisfy many tummies even with just a small portion. Topped with these crunchy rye sippets, or croutons as many know them, this makes a wonderful brunch that's relatively quick and easy to make. This soup also freezes wonderfully if you're stocking your freezer with quick meals for busy days. You can get creative with your toppings and add fresh herbs, ground black pepper, freshly grated Parmesan, sour cream, or anythin

I am a very visual person, so when I saw a picture of Rachael Ray's banana bread pancakes dripping with golden maple syrup the other day as I was waiting for my dentist appointment to start, I just knew I had to give them a try. I was not disappointed! I knew I wouldn't have time to make breakfast the next two days so I made enough to last us and they were just as delicious lightly heated through and served with maple syrup and a tangy glass of orange juice. These are simple

This is a special occasion kind of dessert, but that doesn't mean it has to be difficult and tedious. Even though it's got a lot of steps, you can make the candied kumquats a week ahead of time and save yourself a step. My father-in-law shared some kumquats with me from their huge, gorgeous tree and inspired this recipe. This is one of my favorite flavor combinations in a dessert; the sweet and mellow of the panna cotta and the sharpness of the citrus gelee. I hope you give i

When making ceviche, I always know to make a colossal amount. This stuff goes FAST. Especially in the heat of the summer days, cool ceviche served with tortilla chips (even better if said chips are lime flavored) is among the greater pleasures in life. My life, at least, because I probably love eating more than is normal. Nonetheless, I warn you, be ready to make this recipe over and over again during sweet summertime, it is that good. Go out, get you some sunshine, share som

Today I've decided to go outside my usual cup of coffee consisting of espresso, frothed milk and sugar. I know that, when too much is added, lavender can taste rather soapy. I've learned that the longer this syrup stands (I've had mine in the refrigerator for a few weeks now), the stronger the taste will be. I sweeten my coffee with sweetened condensed milk and add 2 teaspoons of the lavender syrup for my perfect cup of Honey Lavender Latte. What is your perfect cup? Honey La