Posted by Lucy Baker, July 4, 2008 at 12:30 PM
The brilliant red color of this Raspberry Margarita brings to mind cherry-hued Cosmopolitans, though the drinks couldn't be more different. Whereas Cosmos rely on vodka and bottled cranberry juice, Margaritas, Mojitos, & More author Jessica Strand uses fresh raspberry purée and a combination of tequila and Chambord to create a sweet, refreshing cocktail that is the perfect expression of summer.
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Posted by Lucy Baker, July 3, 2008 at 4:50 PM
This week for my magazine recipe review I wanted to tackle a classic, American summer dessert perfect for the 4th of July. Initially, I had my heart set on baking the Red, White, and Blueberry Shortcakes from the July issue of Bon Appétit. What could be more festive or color-appropriate? But after careful consideration I decided against it. While the recipe seems spectacular, it also looks time-consuming and a bit labor-intensive when it comes to assembling and serving the shortcakes. The 4th is all about spending time outside with family and friends, not indoors in a hot kitchen. I wanted to make something as quick and easy as it was delicious.
Nectarine-Raspberry Crisp with Spiced-Oatmeal Crumb Topping, also from the July Bon Appétit, fit the bill. The ingredient list was short and the preparation simple—even the nectarines are left unpeeled. Fruit crisps and crumbles are incredibly homey, comforting, and honest. They also travel well, so if you’re a party guest as opposed to host this Independence Day, a crisp would make a perfect pot-luck dish.
This version turned out unbelievably juicy and syrupy, with just the right balance of sweet and tart flavors. The cardamom in the crumb topping provided an unexpected note of spicy complexity, enlivening the standard cinnamon-oatmeal combination. While it may not consist of flag-inspired hues, this crisp will definitely dazzle—especially when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Posted by Lucy Baker, March 6, 2008 at 3:30 PM
Photograph from gargoylesoftware on Flickr
Forget budding daffodils, lingering twilight, and afternoon rain showers. For me, the surest sign of spring is the return of street corner fruit stands. So I was thrilled last week to see them beginning to pop up around Brooklyn, some beneath umbrellas, others off the back of pick-up trucks, all overflowing with pineapples, papayas, and pints of strawberries.
It was cause for celebration. And celebrations are cause for ice cream.
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