springtime

Making a quick fix strawberry shortcake is as simple as layering angel food cake (which they conveniently place next to the strawberries), strawberries, and cool whip to create a super easy, rapid dessert. However, if you have the time and patience, I highly recommend making your own homemade version. Doughy warm shortcakes with juicy strawberries and a fluffy whipped cream will instantly melt in your mouth for a show-stopping, unbelievably delicious dessert.

Whether it's semi-homemade or fresh from your oven, strawberry shortcake is an excellent springtime dessert. To encourage that everyone give this dessert a go, I've found 2 recipes: one for the beginning cook and one for the expert - you'll find both after the break. Make which one fits your needs best, read more

I know it's still a few weekends away, but I'm a planner and not a procrastinator, and I've already got Easter dinner on my mind. Asparagus is an excellent, seasonal option to pair with grilled lamb, roast duck or any meat option. It works well as an appetizer, but I like to chop it up, lightly sauté it and serve it as a vegetable component to round out a meat and potatoes menu. The best thing about a side like this is that it can be ready in ten minutes with minimal chopping and cooking. If it's still not in season in your area, hold on to this recipe. When you find it at your local farmer's market, pack it up in a disposal plastic container for an alternative side to potato salad for a picnic. A good quality olive oil, lemon zest, and a tiny bit of Parmesan cheese highlight the vegetable's delectable flavor. For the recipe, read more

If you ever thought you had allergies, I bet you've been through the awful skin test at the Allergist's office. The test includes about 40 pricks on your back, injecting you with tiny amounts of certain allergens such as dust, cat dander, and pollen. Then they wait about 20 minutes to see how your body reacts. If your skin creates a swollen bump, much like a mosquito bite, then the doctor knows what you are allergic to. If your skin doesn't react, the doctor would proceed to give you 12 more pricks containing more potent formulas of the same allergens - 6 on each arm. These allergens are injected deeper into you arms, than the pricks on your back. OUCH!!

I can tell you from firsthand experience, that the test is NO FUN. The appointment can take upwards of 3 hours. The skin test definitely isn't ideal by any means, but for a while, it was the only test available.
There's actually another much less traumatic test that can be used. It is a blood test - 1 prick - looking for immunoglobulin E, or IgE.

I wish I knew about this when I was going through my allergy testing. Want to know why I didn't? Then read more