Violet Lemon Curd

Every year I try to make something really special with the first spring violets. For the last few years I have attempted to make a violet curd but it always failed, losing its amethyst color and turning gray when I heated it. And since there are a limited number of violets in my yard/neighborhood, I really only get one shot at it a year!

Continue reading “Violet Lemon Curd”

Lilac and Violet Panna Cotta Tart

Every year I make violet jelly just like my mom taught me when I was a girl. But because the season is so brief and the color of the violet tea is so divine, I’m always looking to make something new and different with the foraged flowers. Last year it was Violet Lemonade, the year before that was Violet and Elderflower Gummies.

Continue reading “Lilac and Violet Panna Cotta Tart”

Bourbon Butterscotch Pie with Molasses Whipped Cream

Thanksgiving Pie Perfection

My quest for the perfect Thanksgiving pie is over. This Bourbon Butterscotch Pie with Molasses Whipped Cream is going to make you a dessert table hero. Rich and buttery with deep butterscotch flavor, the brown sugar and molasses help cut the sweetness and a crust sturdy enough to resist sogginess. If you’re looking for a non-pie Thanksgiving dessert check out this Cranberry Curd Tart with White Chocolate Mousse, but if you want pie, this is your new best friend.

Continue reading “Bourbon Butterscotch Pie with Molasses Whipped Cream”

Rice Pudding with Chocolate-Tahini Sauce and Black Sesame Praline

My younger sister Eva, who I adore, has been living with us for four months and just returned to Olympia last week.  It was so lovely to spend all that time together and have an extra set of hands around to help with the kids. But one of THE BEST things about having Eva around was having a new chef in the house.  I’m pretty handcuffed when it comes to family dinners.  The kids seem to eat only things from two food groups:  beige and tube-shaped.   Continue reading “Rice Pudding with Chocolate-Tahini Sauce and Black Sesame Praline”

Pawpaw Ice Cream

 

Pawpaw Ice Cream

Pawpaw is the super-yummy native fruit most people have never heard of.  It is the largest fruit native to North America and grows abundantly in midwestern forests.  It’s the only fruit in its family that grows in our temperate climate.  The rest, like the custard apple, are tropical.  And the best, most delicious way to enjoy pawpaw is Pawpaw Ice Cream.

Continue reading “Pawpaw Ice Cream”