Raspberry Buttermilk Cake

I realize the rest of America is currently baking in the hot weather but here in Seattle we're having thunder storms. Boo. But we did get some beautiful weather this weekend, sunshine and 80 degrees and it finally felt a bit like summer.

Strawberries and Yogurt

This isn't really a recipe, more like a serving suggestion but it was so delicious that I had to share it. I didn't actually measure very carefully when I was making it, so these are approximates. Play with the proportions until it tastes good to you. I was lucky in that I had fresh, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth strawberries from my CSA which makes this even more amazing. I think substituting vanilla ice cream for the yogurt or using these strawberries to fill some strawberry shortcakes would also be amazing.

Beet Risotto with Greens

I am doing a CSA (community supported agriculture) share again this year. The idea behind a CSA is you buy a share in a farm (for the season) upfront, which gives farmers money they need and reduces their overhead. Then each week, you get a share in what the farm produces. The weekly box is so abundant I often have trouble getting through it all and it is definitely worth it. Plus you get to try a lot of different vegetables.

Peanut Butter Cookies

These peanut butter cookies are totally amazing.  I love peanut butter.  I used to eat it out of the jar with a spoon.  Okay, I still eat it out of the jar with a spoon.  But did you know that if  you mix peanut butter with maple syrup it is even better.  I mean, it seems pretty obvious once I say it because maple syrup is also awesome, but it had never occurred to me.  If you have never had maple syrup and peanut butter mixed together and baked into chewy deliciousness, you should probably make these cookies because you, my friend, are missing out.

Rhubarb Streusel Muffins

I have to confess that I love pretty much anything with streusel.  I suppose this isn't surprising considering that it is a combination of butter, sugar, cinnamon (and sometimes nuts) all some of my favorite things.  So when I see a recipe that has streusel in the name, I have to try it and with these muffins it was definitely the right choice.

Devil's Food White Out Cake

I made this cake for a charity dessert auction.  The charity supports local and global efforts to enable everyone to have access to healthy, sustainable and local food.  Mostly though, I just wanted an excuse to make this cake.  This cake has a lot of chocolate in it, so if you're a fan of the it may be the right choice for you.