Tuesdays On The Riviera

Its been a while since the stars have aligned where I've had both time off and disposable income. Unemployment checks don't cut it when it comes to international travel so for now all my adventures will have to be lived vicariously- my cousins 3 month trip to Europe, the Today Show in Ireland, and this week's TWD, Riviera Yogurt Cake.


I couldn't resist trying this exotic sounding variation although I frugally utilized what I had on hand- one lime, one meyer lemon and some thyme from my herb garden. The aroma was intoxicating. And as I savored my first bite of this cake which I topped with homemade lemon curd and fresh strawberries, I pictured myself not in my tiny kitchen but in a seaside cafe in Nice- sipping a glass of wine and looking oh so chic with my sunglasses and silk scarf and...a girl can dream can't she?

Looks Aren't Everything

What's that old addage, "If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all." I can't very well leave this post blank but I'm struggling to come up with positive comments about this week's Tuesdays With Dorie, Lemon Cup Custard. On the plus side, it's pretty, easy to make, and has a lovely velvety texture. However, I found it severely lacking in the flavor department. I made the original lemon recipe, steeped the milk with extra lemon zest for over an hour but the end result was rather bland. Fresh raspberries and powdered sugar helped a bit but when it came time for dessert I opted for gingersnaps instead.
Hopefully my fellow TWD'ers had fared better than I- check out the blogroll and see.

Lemon Ginger Sugar Cookies

It's not that I'm lacking in holiday spirit- in fact I have a garage full of decorations waiting to be put up, and a boxful of Christmas cookie cutters ready to go. It's just that I'm headed to Florida this week so I'm putting the holiday frenzy on hold until I get back. Instead of wreaths or snowmen decorated with sprinkles and red hots (which I can't wait to make upon my return) for this weeks' TWD, Grandma's All Occasion Sugar Cookies, I give you Lemon Ginger Slice And Bakes. I added lemon zest to the sugar and a teaspoon of ginger to the flour mixture before chilling, slicing and baking these little lovelies. They are topped with icing made from lemon juice and powdered sugar, and some multicolored sugar crystals. Light and fragrant, the are the perfect cookie to munch while packing for the Sunshine State.