Daring Bakers' Challenge: Quick Bread

The Daring Bakers’ February 2012 host was - Lis!  Lisa stepped in last minute and challenged us to create a quick bread we could call our own.  She supplied us with a base recipe and shared some recipes she loves from various websites and encouraged us to build upon them and create new flavor profiles.

Spring is in the air in my part of the world so I wanted to choose flavors that complimented the season and would be appropriate for an Easter Brunch.  I chose to make a pineapple coconut quick bread.  I love this combination of flavors because they always remind me of summers on some tropical beach.

Ice Cream Brownie Tarts

Mr. RK loves chocolate.  His favorite dessert is something chocolate with some chocolate on top, covered in chocolate.  When it came to making a special Valentines Day treat, I wanted to make a dessert with all of his favorite ingredients.  I started with some chocolate brownies, which I covered with chocolate ice cream and topped with chocolate chips, chopped almonds and raspberries.  Then, just to be sure I had enough chocolate, I drizzled the top with fudge sauce.  I think I got it all in there. 

First Signs of Spring

The first signs of spring come in February in Northern California.  It starts with the asparagus. They begin to pop their tender little heads out of the ground, teasing you with the promise of grilled garlic spears.  I also keep an eye on the blueberry plants, watching for the first blooms.