Strawberry Almond Muffins

Strawberry Almond Muffins combine the vibrant tartness of just-picked strawberries with the delicate sweetness of almonds.  Whip these up in the morning and you'll have a lovely breakfast treat in under 45 minutes!

Lemon Macarons with Lime Curd

Light and airy lemon macarons encompass a tart and creamy lime curd filling.  This small batch recipe yields the perfect amount: just six elegant Lemon Macarons with Lime Curd.

Funfetti Macaroons

Need a quick and easy treat?  These Funfetti Macaroons will remind you of eating birthday cake.  Even better, these sprinkle-filled cookies are ready in just 30 minutes!  

ABC (Almond Butter & Coconut) Breakfast Cookies

ABC Breakfast Cookies may look simple and unassuming.  But with a protein-packed combination of almond butter and rolled oats, these little cookies are a tasty and satisfying way to start your day. 

Chocolate-Drizzled Almond Biscotti

When I was in elementary school, I relished going to Starbucks with my dad.  It was the mid 1990s, and Starbucks hadn't yet taken off in the area where we lived.  The nearest shop was at least an hour round trip from our house.  But I didn't mind the long drive; I just loved the father-daughter time.  And, to be completely honest, I knew that if I came along for the ride, there would be a chocolate-covered biscotti and kid-sized hot chocolate with my name on it.   Both the time with my dad and the chocolate-y treats made the entire experience feel like a special occasion.

Fig, Almond, and Peach Breakfast Cake

  

Growing up, there was one snack food in particular that simply didn't appeal to me: Fig Newtons.  As a kid, I didn't like the texture of dried fruit and I couldn't understand how something as mildly sweet as a Fig Newton could be called a "cookie."  That just seemed like false advertising to me.  I can't have been the only one, right?  Fig Newtons just weren't as exciting as chocolate chip cookies, or graham crackers, or even 'Nilla Wafers. 

I still dislike Fig Newtons, but I've come to appreciate figs themselves in their dried form.  And just recently, I've started to enjoy fresh figs, as well.  This was the first year that I remembered fig season early enough to get my hands on some fresh figs.  I was not disappointed.  Fresh figs are both beautiful and delicious.  The exterior is a deep purple, almost black.  And when you cut into them? The fruit is the color of wine, rimmed in creamy ivory and studded with golden-hued seeds.  I really can't think of another fruit that is quite as pretty.  And if the figs are at the peak of ripeness, they will be exquisitely juicy and flavorful.