Lemon Coriander Cookies

  » By Keith Prickett

June 23rd, 2008 - Posted in Cookies, Dessert | Leave a comment (0)

Elise and Garrett posted a recipe for making Orange Poppy Seed Cookies and I thought they sounded good and was about to make them when I read the end of the post.  Garrett mentioned that a “novel option” was to switch out the poppy seeds for some ground coriander and replace the orange with lemon.  I did just that!  The result was a happy mouth.  They weren’t as “savory” as I thought they might be, but they were good nonetheless.

I doubled his suggested coriander, but I think that caused too much of a salty flavor.  Next time I think I’ll just use 1 teaspoon as he suggests.  I love using lemon zest in recipes so naturally the strong lemon flavor was a selling point for me.  I got the wife’s approval on these too — we ate almost half of them right after they baked!!!!  Here’s what I did:

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup of butter at room temperature
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

Directions:

1. Beat the sugar and butter until fluffy
2. Add the egg and lemon zest
3. Mix in the flour, coriander, salt and baking soda just until combined
4. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper
5. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 minutes (or just until it starts to turn golden around the bottom/edge.

I hope you enjoy them!

Strawberry Chiffon Shortcake

  » By Keith Prickett

June 12th, 2008 - Posted in Cake, Dessert | Leave/read a comment (3)

Rachel has an obsession with this food blog, so naturally she always wants to try out recipes.  I don’t blame her, the photos and ideas look so perfect.  So my sister-in-law had her 21st birthday a few days ago so Rachel set out to make her the strawberry chiffon shortcake from the blog for her.  I love strawberries and whipped cream (who doesn’t?) so I was sold on this cake the instant I saw the photo.  When she finished it last night we sliced into the tall, beautiful, 3-layer treat and enjoyed it with the birthday girl.  The cake was light and fluffy and the lemon zest did indeed offset the missing flavor of butter (as is suggested in the blog).  The whipped cream and fresh strawberries added to the flavor and texture to create a delicate and delicious cake.  We decided the only think we’d do different is put whipped cream around the sides next time.

I can’t wait until tonight when we get to eat another piece (leftovers!).  I don’t think I’ll post the directions here because Smitten Kitchen’s are so complete (and Rachel doesn’t change recipes like I do), so check out our photos and then make it for yourself by clicking the link above.

I hope you enjoy it!