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Lemon Blueberry Muffins
Bursting with molten blueberries, these muffins have bakery style tops with tender middles made even more delicious with the use of lemon sugar, granulated sugar rubbed with lemon zest. I love the way the citrus shines in each muffin but still allows the blueberry flavor to take center stage. For a bit of added texture on top, I sprinkle homemade blueberry muffins with turbinado sugar before baking though this step is optional. The flavored sugar is a step I would not skip when making lemon blueberry muffins, since it introduces a bright and complex flavor that is quite different from lemon juice. There are many ways to make a delicious…
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Fruitcake Blondies
Fruitcake blondies made with brown butter, nuts, and dried fruit soaked in brandy are inspired by the classic cake while having a flavor all their own. Packed with festive ingredients, these bars have the toastiness of butter that has developed deep color and rich flavor similar to hazelnut, one of the nuts I recommend adding to your batter. Once you begin making brown butter, you will find uses for it in plenty of sweet and savory dishes. This season I have been sharing cookie recipes during my holiday baking classes in which we make festive shortbreads, linzer cookies filled with jewel-like jams, and plenty of others. Alongside these festive treats…
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Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin bread made with sweetness, spice, and olive oil satisfies the need for simple and delicious baked goods that can be enjoyed throughout the day. A thick slice is perfect with morning tea or coffee and even with a seasonal lunchtime salad, which is how I have been eating it lately. While I won’t be ready for pumpkin pie (or rather my strawberry pumpkin tart) until Thanksgiving, this pumpkin loaf recipe keeps me inspired with cinnamon, nutmeg, and all the cozy spices. Olive oil lends both moisture and a lovely, nuanced flavor to the bread, but feel free to spread some butter on top for extra deliciousness. When selecting an…
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Plum Custard Tart
Slice through the deep purple exterior of a black plum, and you find a center whose sweetness intensifies in the oven. Combine that sweetness with vanilla crème fraîche custard and a tender, cookie-like crust, and you have what could easily be my favorite fruit tart. This recipe made me fall in love with plums all over again, and it is a glorious way to enjoy late summer fruit. As with many of my dessert tarts, a slice rivals the best breakfast pastry. In the middle of the plum custard tart sits a half-round that becomes glazed with its own juice – no jam topping here. A generous sprinkle of raw…
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Strawberry Season Recipes
As the days grow longer, dishes get brighter with red bursts of strawberry and brilliant yellow slices of heirloom tomato. This is the time to linger over a meal and let the berries of the season carry you into eventual summer. Since strawberries are a featured ingredient throughout Thirsty Radish, I gathered a few of my favorite strawberry recipes along with some new ones and tips. They are the foundation for beautiful meals that are worthy of gathering over but also perfect for weeknights. Grilled Strawberry and Heirloom Tomato Salad After a brief stay in the grill pan, strawberries become even juicier, which makes them the ideal salad addition. This…
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