walnuts Archives -

April 18, 2016

Walnut Torte with Coffee Coconut Cream

It had been a rough day, the kids were finally in bed, the house was quiet, and Ryan and I wearily sat down for a quiet moment to ourselves. All of my earlier efforts making dessert were paying off now that we could sit in peace and ease into uninterrupted conversation. After reading Ashley’s Date Night In book, we’ve been trying to be more deliberate about the time we spend together, and one evening a week we put everything aside to focus on each other. Sometimes it’s dinner together after the kids are in bed, other times it’s just dessert. It’s requires a bit of extra thought and preparation, but the investment has been worth it. In the midst sibling squabbles, the constant flurry of after-school activities, and now homeschooling, I often forget what Ryan and I were before we had kids. Going out is always fun, but dating in the calmness of your own home is also fun and intimate in a different sort of way.

March 30, 2016

Raw Key Lime Tart

This was the recipe I had planned on posting before the Easter weekend because I thought it would be such a lovely and refreshing end to a springtime brunch, but you can see I failed miserably. There is a reason for my delay, however, and although I’ve been hesitant to share about it here, I think it’s best to offer some explanation as to why I’ve been so slow at posting and also in responding to emails and comments. We recently made the decision to homeschool my youngest for some very personal reasons and though it’s already been a couple of weeks, I’m still very much adjusting to the new schedule and daily rhythms. I am barely holding it together with one, so I’m completely baffled as to how homeschooling moms manage to teach multiple kids. Right now the plan is to homeschool for just the remainder of the year and I’m doing my best to soak up every precious moment with my girl. I was so apprehensive about homeschooling, but in a few short weeks, the moments of joy and delight have far outweighed the overwhelming and frustrating moments. I’m so thankful. My heart is also so grateful for all of the friends and connections I’ve made through this space, and I hope you will understand if I’m a little slower these days.

[Read more…] about Raw Key Lime Tart

January 20, 2016

Spicy Honey Crostini with Pears and Walnuts

Crostini is almost always my appetizer of choice for bringing along to share at suppers and gatherings because I find little toasts with toppings irresistible and the variations are endless. I recently discovered Bees Knees Spicy Honey through the Hatchery and it makes the most outstanding crostini. For those of you not yet familiar with the Hatchery, they are a company that focuses on bringing small and independent artisans together in one online marketplace. In addition to purchasing full size products through their marketplace, each month you can also sample various ingredients from these makers through their unique tasting boxes. I’ve been receiving Hatchery tasting boxes for the past few months and each month I feel inspired to incorporate new flavors and spices into my cooking that I might not have otherwise tried. And just in case you need some ideas, each box comes with a guide which introduces each of the makers and provides pairing suggestions for each ingredient. Their marketplace sells jams, honeys, nut butters, spice blends, cooking sauces, oils, vinegars, and so much more. Almost anything you could want to make your time in the kitchen just a little more interesting and exciting is sold at the Hatchery. This spicy honey is one that I’ve been particularly smitten with. It’s infused with chili peppers and has just enough bite to spark a curiosity and leave you wanting more. Here it’s drizzled over juicy fresh pears and toasty walnuts layered on a spread of whipped fresh ricotta and creamy goat cheese. The combination is heavenly.

Right now the Hatchery is kindly offering Gather & Dine readers an opportunity to try their first tasting box for just $10 when you use the code GATHERANDDINE at checkout. And for this week only, they are offering G&D readers 15% off all marketplace purchases when you use the code HATCHGD15 at checkout. (Disclaimer: Discount may not be used in conjunction with any other discounts.) They currently have a new batch of Bees Knees in stock, but I’ve seen this honey sell out on numerous occasions so get some while you can!