Spicy shrimps with saffron rice

Over the past few days we had both hot summer days and thunder storms with heavy rain. As I am writing, the sky is slowly becoming dark with clouds but only a few moments ago, the sun was smiling at me through the wine leaves. So yes, we had some pretty unpredictable weather this week.

Since summer is here, we are all looking for light meals and spicy shrimps with saffron rice was on my list today. For the shrimps you need (besides the shrimps of course) a few cloves of garlic, olive oil, chili flakes and a splash of white wine to complete the assembly. To go with the shrimps, some saffron rice cooked as you like it. As a personal touch, I added some garlic and chili to mine. For all of you who like summer rain!

Lemon curd and panna cotta

This is my first try of panna cotta, a dessert made with simple ingredients like milk and heavy cream. But, like most things in life, the simpler they are the most likely we are to enjoy them. So, there are endless possibilities to create your own perfect version of panna cotta. For this one, I chose a beautiful lemon curd to go on top of it and add some zing to the whole dish. I think the acidity of the lemon curd compliments the panna cotta layer very well and it's so refreshing that I'll be making this one again and soon.

Cereal Tiramisu

This is my favorite version of the well known Italian dessert Tiramisu. Why? because instead of the Savoiardi lady finger biscuits this has two layers of crunchy chocolate cereal cake. It's not that I don't like the original recipe but this one has a lot more texture to it bringing the whole cake to another level of awesomeness. Also, sometimes I use to make the filling by mixing mascarpone together with ricotta cheese, just to make it a little bit lighter and why not, healthier.

Spring baking

Yes, I know it does not show, but I've been spending quite some time in the kitchen. However, by the time I get around setting up my camera there is nothing left to capture :). In my opinion, this is always a good thing, don't you agree?.

So, these are some of my latest baked goods. First, a walnut and coffee caramel Pavlova. This one is highly addictive and has become my favorite from all the Pavlova family :).

Then, a very special orange chocolate cake for a good friend's birthday. It's a combination of dark chocolate cake and orange mousse which was born from his idea of something sweet. I wish everyone a beautiful spring!

Tropical kiwi muffins

Well, I can say that these pretty muffins moved to the number one position in my all time muffins chart! The buttery flavor goes perfectly with the kiwi and the result is an incredible airy muffin!

Kiwi Tiramisu

I think kiwi is usually underrated when it comes at baking this gorgeous little fruit. So, this weekend I bought lots of kiwis and thought to experiment some new found recipes. However, the first recipe on my list featured fresh kiwi, which of course I don't mind..I am totally pro fresh fruit in cakes! This being said, nothing new here..same Tiramisu ingredients: mascarpone, cream, Savoiardi biscuits with the addition of kiwi puree. And yes, it came out a little bit tangy so if you like sweet cakes this is probably not for you. This Tiramisu makes me feel like spring is on the way :)!

Sweet & Savoury

Sundays are days usually spent as far away from the kitchen as possible.. or at least I try :). This being said, today I went along with a very easy yet satisfying dish, the renowned Hasselback potatoes, spiced my way with lots of coriander seeds. To serve, I recommend some very creamy cheese, a pinch of chili powder and that's about all you need for a big hearty lunch.



For dessert, since lately I am in a healthy eating state of mind, I made some carrot and coconut cake. It's packed full of all my favorite spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger. The carrots keep it moist and it's not only that, but it's getting tastier with each day. That is, if you can contain yourself from eating it out from the oven!

Sacher Torte

What's better than a slice of this chocolate Austrian staple dessert to help you face the cold outside? There are many recipes of which to be inspired but I chose a simple one..just because, sometimes, simplicity tastes divine. All you need is just some good quality dark chocolate, favourite jam (in my case, grandma's apricot jam- which also helps temper the sweetness of this cake) and you are good to go.

Upside down warm apple cake

Since the cold season is nowhere near the end, I still feel like using cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg when baking. So, why not marry this flavours with their beloved apples?! Yup, I did it and there you have it..a warm apple toffee cake. Did I mention the toffee?! Crazy, crazy delicious! Best topped with some vanilla icecream when still hot from the oven!