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.
French 75 Panna Cotta with Candied Kumquats

We are only a couple of days away from bidding adieu to 2021 and from where I’m sitting, that is a very good thing. Sure, I had some good times this year but being the eternal optimist that I am, I’m inclined to believe the best is yet to come. And although I was decidedly wrong about 2020 and 2021. I live in hope that I will be right eventually. Even a broken watch, right? So in the spirit of carefully hoping for better things, I present you with this exuberant French 75 Panna Cotta for two complete with a candied kumquat halo. This is my final dish of 2021 and the closing sweet note of my brief but, I like to think, very romantic New Year’s at-home date menu.