Today’s PB and Honey Donuts are a love letter to the first sandwich I ever learned how to make myself – peanut butter and honey. My mom was always keen on independence, so I started making my own school lunches fairly early on. But because my repertoire was limited, whenever I brown-bagged it to school chances were there was a PB and honey sandwich in that bag. And yes, I am old enough to remember a time when peanut butter was allowed in schools. You’d think after years of eating the same sandwich I’d be sick of it but I’m not. I still love the combo to this day, so much so that I saw fit to immortalize it in donut form. And the result was pretty spectacular if I do say so myself. So let’s dive in!
Rhubarb Cream Tart with Strawberry Meringue
Today’s Rhubarb Cream Tart with Strawberry Meringue takes the stars of the classic pie filling combo and has a little fun with them. There are few pie flavors that are as beloved as strawberry rhubarb, so I know I’m playing with fire here. But how can you say no to a beauty like this? This is one of those effortlessly beautiful desserts. No fussy piping or decoration is required. The second you pop that strawberry meringue on top, you’ve got a showstopper on your hands. The final floral flourish of lilac blossoms is nice but completely optional. You’ll have a fairyland-worthy dessert with or without the blooms. So let’s get started.
Carrot Cake with Pineapple Curd – Overthinking Classics
Easter is fast approaching, so it only made good sense to do an Overthinking Classics on the unofficial dessert of Easter – the carrot cake. I have no idea why carrot cake has anything to do with Easter. Growing up we were far more likely to indulge in a lemon meringue pie and carrot cake was more of a birthday thing. But I suppose I do have an idea. It probably has everything to do with the Easter bunny. In the video below I do dip into the origins of the cake but I don’t talk about the more fanciful trappings of Easter. I really should’ve because this holiday is strange. Stranger than a portly guy shoving himself down a chimney? I would still say yes. A bunny, a mammal, who leaves eggs is hella weird. But that’s not why we’re here, let’s talk cake.
Irish Coffee Crème Brûlée
Do you go to the pub on St. Patrick’s Day? I never do. I think of March 17th in much the same way I think about December 31st, a big letdown. There are usually overpriced drinks, mind-numbing lines, and far too many people. I love a night out on the town but I do feel like a better one waits for me on the 18th. So what do I do instead? Well, I hang at home with my cats, a decent Irish whiskey (Writer’s Tears tonight), and something sweet. And this year that something sweet is this Irish Coffee Crème Brûlée. I feel very secure in my decisions.