• Jam swirl brownies on heart decorated plate
    Baking

    Jam Swirl Brownies

    Valentine’s Day has always been my favorite holiday for the meaningful and sweet ways we can celebrate. Below you’ll find a list of my favorites from volunteer efforts to sending beautiful language into the world. Maybe you’ll share a little love with the pollinators who keep our gardens plentiful by planning a spring garden full of their favorite perennials. Perhaps you’ll gift a packet of flower seeds to a friend. There are so many ways to enjoy the day, including chocolate indulgences such as these jam swirl brownies that can be made with berry jam or even cherry preserves. If you’ve participated in my Sweet and Savory Sides of Chocolate…

  • Chocolate tart with Biscoff crust
    Baking

    Chocolate Tart with Biscoff Crust

    Decadent chocolate ganache fills a press-in crust with deep caramel flavor, making this tart a delicious alternative to a box of chocolates for your loves, yourself, and everyone else you will be treating on Valentine’s Day. While this tart can be made any time of year, we find ourselves in midwinter, when citrus practically demands to be included in sweets.  The richness of the ganache pairs perfectly with candied blood orange and mandarin slices, plus a few pieces of pizzelles, though the choice of topping is completely up to you. The combination of chocolate, caramel notes, and citrus I find absolutely irresistible. Making ganache involves pouring hot cream over plenty…

  • Raspberry white chocolate chip cookies
    Baking

    Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies

    With rustic texture, white chocolate chips, and sweet-tart fresh raspberries, these cookies have so many reasons to be loved.  I was inspired to create them as a seasonal Valentine’s Day update to my traditional chocolate chip cookies. Admittedly, I indulge in a deep dark chocolate brownie on a regular basis, but I also appreciate the sweetness and texture of white chocolate, which melts perfectly in a cookie.  I even drizzle some on my heart-shaped pistachio cookies.  The raspberries add brightness to the brown sugar and oat flavors already laced throughout the cookie for a downright delicious way to celebrate the season of love and loveliness. Each day leading up to…

  • Heart shaped Valentine's Day cookies
    Baking

    Pistachio Cookies with Chocolate and Strawberry

    Dressed up with white and dark chocolate drizzles plus crushed dried strawberries, these pistachio cookies incorporate the classic trio of Neapolitan dessert flavors.  The cookies are delicious on their own, but if you’re in the mood for pistachio plus a little extra, consider adding the drizzle and the naturally bright and tangy bits of strawberry.   The melted chocolate helps the strawberries adhere and lend their vibrant color while keeping the ingredients natural. If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day ideas, offer a plate of festive homemade cookies instead of traditional chocolates.  Cut them into hearts as seen here or pick another shape that speaks to you or your loved ones on…

  • Botticelli Birth of Venus
    Living

    Recipe for Romance

    Image: Sandro Botticelli / Birth of Venus Food and love are intertwined in beautiful and surprising ways. Leading up to Valentine’s Day, I’ll be talking about just that in a series of Recipe for Romance classes. Join me in person to learn about historic aphrodisiacs, food myths and facts, and inspiration for intimate gatherings as we explore the art and science of romantic meals. Dates are listed on the Thirsty Radish Facebook page, and if you don’t see a location near you, I can set up a private class for your group or even kitchen coaching for yourself. Please contact me to discuss all the class options that are available.…