Creme of the Crop

Coeur a la Creme with a Raspberry Grand Marnier Sauce

I'm ahead of the game!

Typically, I'm barely on top of it all, or just about maintaining things, let alone ahead. But, finally, I'm about a week early, or at least a few days early for those that will celebrate Valentine's Day this coming weekend.

If you do plan on making something special, this grand, creamy heart-shaped dessert has become a favorite of mine, especially at this time of year. The appeal is in the lovely presentation, no doubt, along with the flecks of vanilla bean seeds and lemon zest throughout the milky white cream, but its luscious, refreshing qualities cannot be denied. Drizzled with a grand marnier raspberry sauce, this Coeur a la Creme is a beautiful addition to any table.

Oodles of Noodles

Kale Kugel "Cake" Topped with Lemon Butter Crumbs

During those quick grocery trips just before Christmas, when picking up a few exciting cans of tuna to tear into, I also picked up some egg noodles and a few odds and ends in the dairy section. I had these grandiose ideas of cooking, writing about and celebrating both Christmas and Hannukah with everyone. Then it just became a Christmas dish I hoped to cook and write about, and then I thought New Years would be fine, and then, well, I figured just a quick post that detailed my good friend Lauren's recipes for household cleaning supplies would have to do. Finally, after everything came and went, I just closed my eyes and told myself everyone was probably sick of eating, no one feels like cleaning anymore, and next year was a brand new start...