As we slowly inch into Spring and the temperatures rising and we are finally starting to see the beautiful blossoms in nature and baskets of strawberries at the market, I can’t help but get excited about what’s ahead in the coming weeks when it comes to recipe possibilities and outdoor adventures. But as we wait for the berries to sweeten up a bit more, I wanted to share this rich and luxurious Lemon Curd.
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I think most people could agree they hold a special place in their hearts for soft, pillowy tortillas. Whether it be corn or flour, tiny or big, delicately wrapped around a mound of tender carne asada, or smothered in a decadent mole- tortillas, good ones, can make the simplest meal perfect or steal the show in a festive feast. For me, tortillas as crazy as it sounds are “home” and such a big part of who I am.
Growing up in a family of 6 kids, often with teammates or neighbors at our table, a bean burrito was an easy and nutritious dinner my mom could get on the table fast and still put smiles on the faces of hungry kids with so many different likes and dislikes. Or a few dozen tacos picked up from King Taco and some horchata and we were really happy campers. Chorizo and egg burritos so often fit the bill for many mornings we were running out the door to various weekend practices and tournaments. Or one of my favorite ways to enjoy them, learned from my dad, is heated up directly over a gas flame with a schmear of butter or avocado. (You just can’t get that flavor heating it in a pan or skillet.)
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Valentine’s Day is almost here. What comes to mind when you think of February 14th? For me, the answer is easy, treats. Generally, I might think of something of the chocolate variety but anything sweet and pretty is welcomed and greatly appreciated, especially if it’s something I didn’t have to make. I mean it really is just the perfect excuse for a day devoted solely to showing those you love just how much you love them and what better way than with a wow-tastic dessert or a special meal? Flowers are great and all, don’t get me wrong, but food is love after all, isn’t it?
This year, I have something special up my sleeve I plan to make for my valentines that I hope to share with you soon, but in the meantime, I want to show you these super easy, beautiful Marbled Valentine Heart Cookies I made ahead of time and froze for my son to take to school with his cards on Thursday. I used the same shortbread dough I previously shared in this post.
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It’s January and I should probably be doing nothing but healthy recipes to start the new year. And while I am doing plenty of that too, sort of, I also wanted to make this Meyer Lemon & Ricotta Loaf Cake while we’re still in the heart of Meyer lemon season. This is the cake, after all, I have spoken of and promised to share that makes me think of my dad with a smile and a chuckle. I had previously blogged about it back when I was doing, Auntie Treats, and after that my dad always referred to Meyer Lemons as Meyers Lemons. Not much of a difference, I know, but it sounded funny and no matter how many times I corrected him, he still preferred to say Meyers. For this reason, this cake will always have a special place in my heart. Sitting here and writing this now, I’m can re-play his voicemail in my head asking to send him “some of that Meyers Lemon cake to LA.” This one’s for you, dad.
If you have never tried this particular kind of lemon, you’re missing out. They are in fact, one of the few things I actually love about winter. Meyer lemons have this incredible aroma and a dark yellow, golden skin. The flavor is a combination between a mandarin orange and a regular lemon which gives them a unique sweetness. The rind is thin and edible and they are much juicier than the average lemon. They are wonderful in desserts, savory dishes as well as cocktails and make a stunning centerpiece piled in a bowl or jar. I just can’t get enough of them in the wintertime. Story is they were imported to the U.S. from China in 1908 by a man named Frank Meyer, which is how they got their name.
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This year we spent Christmas in Zagreb, Croatia. Now if you had asked me a year ago where I thought would be a fun destination in Europe for the holidays, Croatia definitely wouldn’t have come up. I had heard about it as a great summer beach vacation but it wasn’t until moving to Istanbul that a few people told me how amazing the Christmas Market is there. So amazing in fact, they were voted Best Christmas Market in Europe the last three years in a row. I don’t think this year would have been any different except, after winning three times, they can’t be included in the voting anymore.
The whole European Christmas Market concept is something relatively new to me. There was one in NYC’s Bryant Park that was always fun, but nothing like what we saw in Croatia. The tradition apparently dates all the way back to 1296 in Vienna when the first Dezembermarkt (December Market) was held and shopkeepers would sell various supplies to the townspeople to last through the winter. Then in the early 1300’s in Germany, the winter market, turned into the Christmas Market, beginning and lasting through Advent, the four week period leading up to Christmas. Beautifully lit and decorated stalls lined the streets selling items such as baskets, toys, almonds, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread to be given as gifts for Christmas. The idea spread throughout Europe and has become quite a spectacle, making many European cities magical destinations during the holidays. Many of the traditional foods are still offered in addition to grilled Bratwurst, hot-mulled wine, handmade ornaments and decorations as well as many other local specialties and treats.
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