Mint Juleps and Other Signs of Spring.

The month of April flew by! It seems like the weeks of May are progressing at a similar pace. A few notable things happened, thus far into Spring:

1. I discovered mint juleps. Why have I not been drinking these?! They are the perfect warm-weather whiskey drink! Love 'em.

2. One evening, Jimmy returned from a grocery run with a surprise ranunculus/tulip bouquet and dijon mustard for my tart. So picture perfect that I had to take a picture. Swooooon.

3. I made a berry and citrus-custard tart for a friend's birthday. I cannot think of anything I love to bake more than fruit tarts. It's a dessert that maintains this perfect balance of simplicity and decadence!

Asparagus Gruyere Tart

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart and Donna Hay

Spring Break

After my very last final, marking the commencement of my undergraduate college education, Jimmy and I were able to have a little day-date in Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood. Jimmy isn't the biggest fan of this locale, but I am in love with all of the three-and-a-half blocks that are Georgetown. The Corson Buildling (one of Seattle's dreamiest restaurants), All City Coffee, Smarty Pants, and kitschy antique shops-- what's not to love?! 

Cherry Pie

I have never been a fan of cherry pie. To me, cherry pie always seemed too sweet and syrupy. I made this one, upon request, and discovered that I have been eating the wrong kind of cherry pie! Fresh cherries are rather scarce, this time of year, so I used frozen, pitted pie cherries. The filling tasted fantastic-- it was tangy, citrus-y, sour and sooooo good! This pie surprised me in the most pleasant of ways. Definitely will be making this again, during the Summer months!

Recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen

Wine Weekend

For Jimmy's birthday, we went to Willamette Valley to tour and taste our way through all the wonderful wineries in the area. The Willamette wine country was breathtaking and we encountered so many wonderful locals during our little trip. Highlight: Driving through the gorgeous terrain with Jimmy. Lowlight: Not utilizing the spit-bucket, thus learning its preventative purpose.