Category Archives: Dessert

Chocolate Raspberry Tart

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chocolate raspberry tart

I must confess: I’m not a baker. I tend to think of myself as an amateur chef who occasionally dabbles in baking. When I do venture into the world of baking, I search for a truly delightful dessert. I particularly prefer ones with chocolate and raspberries—it’s a match made in heaven. In fact, I love that combination so much that I made a flourless chocolate cake with raspberries for my wedding! But that’s a story for another post.

I’ve had my eye on this chocolate raspberry tart since Everyday Food featured it in May 2010. Whenever I opened the magazine, the tart would tempt me. So why did I wait three years to make this beautiful chocolate raspberry tart? For one, I didn’t have a tart pan, though this is easily remedied. The real reason: I had fantasized about it for so long, I thought it could never live up to my expectations. Imagine my surprise when it surpassed them!Chocolate Raspberry Tart read more

Lemon Curd

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lemon curd, afternoon tea, lemon curd recipe

I’m typically not a lemon dessert fan; something about the lemony-tartness encroaching on the sweet flavors bothers me. Why intentionally ruin a good thing? But, in my culinary journeys I’m always willing to try new things, especially if they’re part of an authentic meal or cultural tradition. So, during my first afternoon tea, I dutifully tried lemon curd with my scones. Overwhelmed by all the sensual delights at the time, it didn’t strike a chord with me one way or the other. read more

Afternoon Tea with our Neighbors

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Strawberry Cake, Chocolate fudge frosting, strawberries, strawberry hearts, romantic cake

I’ve recently participated in several teas, first at The Drake Hotel in Chicago, then an afternoon tea in Florida. You can’t blame me for indulging my tea obsession; it’s quite addictive and fun! Last weekend, my neighbor Annie and I created a lovely afternoon tea menu, which featured:

Oolong Tea

Black Mango Tea

Orange Blossom Tea

Pagan Alms Tea

Egg Salad Sandwiches with Dill

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Ham Sandwiches with an Apricot-Mustard Spread

Cherry Chicken Salad Sandwiches read more

Afternoon Tea

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Afternoon tea, teapot, embroidered napkin

I had my first afternoon tea a few months ago at The Drake Hotel in Chicago, and words don’t do it justice–it truly is an event that needs to be experienced. A live harpist performs while you’re served traditional English tea fare, presented on gorgeous china and silver. Ever since going there, I’ve wanted to hold my own afternoon tea party.

Last week, I finally got to host an English afternoon tea. It was a wonderful day. Three generations—my sister and I, my mother, and my grandmother—worked together: my grandmother, the decorator of the family, set the table with china, hand-embroidered napkins, and Easter accoutrements, while the rest of us cooked. read more

Tres Leches Cake

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Tres Leche Cake, three milks cake, pastel de tres leches, cake, dessert, milk, whipped cream, fresh fruit,

Corey and I moved to Chicago from our native Florida last August. The adventurer in me loves the city—the restaurants and markets, the theatre, the art and culture—one could spend a lifetime here and never run out of places to explore! But there are times when I long for home and know part of my heart still resides in another state.

This has been especially true of late, as some family and friends have been going through rough times. Phone calls help bridge the distance, but nothing truly compares to being there in person. I’m going to Florida in less than a week, and I’m looking forward to it! I wish Corey could come along, but law school is demanding. In the meantime, I wanted to provide a tres leches cake recipe that I have fond memories of. May it bring joy to your day! read more