Guest Post MadeByGirl: Lemon, Ricotta and Almond Cake

Head on over to check out my guest post this month for MadeByGirl! I am sharing a recipe for a Lemon, Ricotta and Almond Flourless Cake.  I am on somewhat of a lemon kick and I am hoping to inspire you to include this wonderful fruit into your next dessert.  

Chicken & Dumpling Soup & Skin Owl Oil Winner

I want to thank everyone for their kind wishes yesterday, you guys are seriously the best.  When something like that happens it makes you take a step back and realize how precious and short life can sometimes be - something I think that I take for granted at times.

I wanted to share my final guest post for Meg Biram's blog  that posted last week where I featured one of my favorite winter soups - Chicken and Dumplings.  In case you guys missed it, here it is. Continue for recipe.

Guest Post:: Cocoa Brownies

I am super excited to be guest-posting over on Holly's blog today, Glamourmash! I am sharing a recipe for the most incredibly rich brownies (not to mention easy) you will ever make and taste.  Hop on over to see the post!  

Ricotta with Rosemary Infused Honey and Pears

 For the longest time I was not a fan of combining fruit and cheese. I am not sure why; I think I was afraid that these two flavor combinations just would not work together.  However, this quickly changed during college when I tried the combination of baked brie and raspberry jam - I thought I had died and gone to heaven.  I was surprised how the sweetness of the raspberries brought out the saltiness of the brie and from that moment on I was hooked.  The other weekend I met a friend for brunch at The Smile on Bond Street, and we decided to split a dish that inspired me to make this recipe for Ricotta with Rosemary Infused Honey and Pears.  Continue for recipe...

Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake

I could not be happier that it is Meyer lemon season.  The Meyer lemon is the friendlier version of it's traditional lemon counterpart that lingers on store shelves throughout the year, until each winter, it's slightly sweeter and less bitter cousin greets us with its sunny presence.  I love this variety because it is a cross between an orange and a lemon and it is the perfect compliment to your water or better yet an addition to a dessert.  As you might have noticed, I have an affinity for traditional Italian food, which is why I decided to make a Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake, the perfect post-holiday indulgence.  This cake is incredibly light and fluffy and has a slightly salty/sweet crunchy top, thanks to the sprinkling of turbinado sugar and sea salt just before baking.  This cake serves perfectly alongside an afternoon cup of tea or a demitasse of espresso.  Continue for recipe...

Winter Citrus Salad

I hope that everyone had a fabulous and safe New Years! It was nice to take a bit of a break from blogging, but it feels good to be back.  I am not sure about you, but there is only one thing that I have been craving since Christmas - healthy and refreshing meals.  Right now, I have been in the mood for anything citrus, as I love how when added to a meal  they bring a bit a sunshine, especially during the winter months.  Today I am sharing with you one of my favorite side dishes during the winter, a Winter Citrus Salad with Orange Vinaigrette.  It is so light and healthy (not to mention a heavy dose of vitamin C) - you will feel as if you negated all of those sweets during the holidays, if only!

A Thanksgiving Appetizer:: Fig and Ricotta Crostini with Honey & Thyme

It is only Tuesday, but my mind and stomach has switched to full-on food mode, after all Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I have an idea of what desserts I am going to make - I am thinking about a chocolate ganache tart and a classic pumpkin pie.  But for starters, if you are looking for a simple yet delicious appetizer, I recommend you make this Fig and Ricotta Crostini with Honey and Thyme. It is incredibly simple, but delivers a heavy dose of flavor for your guests to munch on before the Thanksgiving table is set.  Continue for recipe...