Cranberry Scones with Orange Zest and a Hint of Rosemary

Ingredients 2 sticks unsalted butter 3 cups flour 1/2 cup sugar 5 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup heavy cream 1 egg 1 teaspoon orange zest a pinch of fresh rosemary, minced 3/4 cup fresh cranberries Directions Chop the butter into small chunks and keep it in the freezer until ready to use. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and keep in the…

Saffron Aioli

Saffron Aioli

When my lovely neighbor brought me back saffron from her recent trip to Spain I decided to make this silky saffron aioli to bring to mah jong night at here place. I blanched some seasonal veggies for dipping, along with some cucumbers, pea shooters, and white-wine poached shrimp. Thanks to Food & Wine for the inspiration and recipe that I adapted.

Lemon Cake With Coconut Glaze

Another knockout NYT recipe from Melissa Clark. “With a poundcake-like texture and zippy lemon flavor, this tender treat is loaded with grated citrus zest and topped with a sweet, mellow coconut frosting.”

Cannoli Dip

Even better than a cannoli in my opinion. The lemon shines through in this dip that is less sweet than your average bakery cannoli. The anise flavor in the pizzelle is the perfect complement.

Sunset on the Porch Mocktail

A dear friend of mine, Charles, dubbed this mocktail “Sunset on the Porch” after I concocted it on a beautiful, Spring evening and served it to him to enjoy with conversation with good friends on the front porch around sunset in New England.