Lemony Sugar Cookies

As often as I like to return to familiar settings, my bucket list of the places I would like to see in my lifetime continues to increase weekly. This usually happen after I spend time looking at, or rather drooling over, some of the breathtaking landscape and nature photos posted by both friends and strangers. I, for one, am grateful when others post their travel photos. Especially the ones showcasing architecture, landmarks, naturescapes in all of their seasonal glories, cityscapes, as well as flora and fauna. Yet, whether I ever travel everywhere on my list or not (but probably not), having the ability to live vicariously through the lenses others see the world sparks joy in my enviable heart. In addition to and equally important to my travel bucket list, is my baking bucket list. One growing at an even faster rate. Between my massive cookbook and cooking magazine collections, recipe recommendations from friends, and social media food photo overload, I would have needed to started baking daily starting somewhere back in my youth. In other words, choices are going to have to be made. Making choices isn't one of my favorite things to do.

Sometimes when I want to make a new recipe I send out a query to some of my friends. This week it was 'Do you like lemon cookies?'. After receiving a surprisingly overwhelming positive response from my chocolate and peanut butter loving friends, the recipe for these Lemony Sugar Cookies went to the top of the want to make, have to make baking list. 

These are refreshingly light, crispy, and lemony bites of cookie deliciousness. A perfect cookie for the spring and summer months. If you happen to be a huge fan of lemony confections, you will definitely want to make these cookies year round.

On a scale of 1 (easy) to 10 (tedious) on the cookie baking scale, these are a 2. No unusual ingredients or special baking tools are necessary. While I like using a standing mixer, they can also be made with a handheld mixer. 

More than likely you have everything in your cupboards and refrigerator to make them today.  For those of you who are lucky enough to have a lemon tree growing in your yard, you wouldn't even need to make a trip to the grocery store. 

Because the dough for these cookies is on the soft side, it needs to be chilled for at least an hour (and not a minute less) before they are scooped into perfect mounds of dough. Spacing the balls of dough at least 2 inches apart is important as they have a fairly large spread to them. I like my sugar cookies on the larger size so I used an ice cream scoop about 1 3/4" in diameter (think large golf ball if you spooning out and rolling the dough into a ball). The baking time for these Lemony Sugar Cookies ranges from 8 minutes to 14 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies. And if you like really crispy sugar cookies, bake the 1 or 2 minutes longer. 

Once the cookies are cooled completely, the are ready to be iced. While I used both lemon juice and lemon zest in the cookie dough, I only used lemon juice in the icing. If you aren't topping the cookies with sprinkles, you might want to consider adding in the zest to your icing. 

For the smoothest icing, sift your confectionary sugar. The lemon juice to confectionary sugar ratio is 1 Tablespoon to 1 half-cup. However, if for some reason your icing is too thick and you cannot dip your cookies into it, add some additional lemon juice to loosen it up a bit. If by any chance your icing is too thin, add in a bit more confectionary sugar whisking until you get the right consistency.

You can either spoon the icing over the cooled lemon cookies or you can dip them into it. I prefer dipping the cookies. If using sprinkles, make sure not to let the icing harden (it sets up pretty quickly). However, even though the surface of the icing sets up quickly, let the iced cookies rest at least an hour before stacking or packaging them up.

Because these Lemony Sugar Cookies have just the right tart and sweet balance to them along with a perfect crispy texture, they are incredibly refreshing light and satisfying cookies. Hopefully you have friends and family who not only love lemon flavored confections, but love having their hearts sparked with joy when you share some homemade love with them. 

Recipe
Lemony Sugar Cookies (slightly adapted recipe from Rebecca Rather in her"The Pastry Queen" cookbook)
Makes 18-20  3" cookies (or makes 2 1/2 - 3 dozen smaller cookies)

Ingredients
Cookies
1/2 cup (4 ounces, 114 g) unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup Canola or vegetable oil (but suggest using Canola oil)
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (63 g) confectionary sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of one small lemon
2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Icing
Freshly squeezed lemon juice from one large lemon or 4 Tablespoons
2 cups (252 g) confectionary sugar, sifted
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Zest from one small lemon (optional)

Optional finishing touches: Sanding or sparkling sugar and/or sprinkles

Directions
Cookies
1. In a mixer fitted with a paddle attaching, cream butter for approximately 1 minute.
2. Add each of the ingredient separately, beating on medium speed after each addition: canola oil, granulated sugar, confectionary sugar, egg, and lemon juice/lemon zest.
3. Add the flour, baking soda and salt to the mixing bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined.
4. Refrigerate dough (covering the bowl) for at least an hour in order for the dough to firm up slightly. Note: Your chill time can be longer, but it needs to be at least 1 hour in order for the dough to set up.
5. Form cookies using an ice cream scoop. For 4 inch cookies, use a 2 inch ice cream scoop; for 3 inch cookies use a 1 3/4 inch ice cream scoop and for 2 inch cookies use a tablespoon sized scoop. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Press cookies to a 1/4 inch thickness. Space cookies at least 2 inches apart.
6. In a preheated 350 degree (F) oven, bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes (for small 2 inch cookies); for 10-14 minutes for 3 inch cookies); or for 12-15 minutes for 4 inch cookies. (If you like crisper cookies add 1 to 2 minutes onto baking time.)
7. Cookies are done when edges are lightly golden and bottoms are lightly browned. Keep cookies on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooking rack to cool completely.

Icing and Finishing
1. In a small-medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and the confectionary sugar. Stir in lemon zest, if using.
2. Dip cookies into the icing and/or spoon icing over the cookies. Place on a cooling rack or piece of parchment paper to let dry.
3. Sprinkle still wet cookies with sparkling/sanding sugar and/or sprinkles if using.
4. Allow cookies to dry completely before storing or stacking.
5. Serve immediately or store in a tightly sealed container. Cookies will be good for up to 3 days.

Vanilla Cream Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Vanilla Cream Shortbread Sandwich Cookies. Not exactly the catchiest name for a cookie. An Oreo-like cream sandwiched between shortbread cookies, topped with milk chocolate stripes, and finished with a Cadbury mini egg. Not exactly the Reader's Digest version of a cookie description. Yet, they are the most heavenly, divine, scrumptious, mouthwatering, flavorful, yummiest cookies. They also happen to be the cutest cookies ever! Wordy titled cookies deserve the wordiest commentaries. 

While I gave these insanely delicious cookies what appears to be a bit of an Easter whimsy finish, they are not holiday only confections. But seriously, aren't they just the most adorable Easter basket destined cookies? 

The story behind the inspiration for these cookies is a bit convoluted but stay with me. Game of Thrones fans who like complicated stories will get me. After making the swoonworthy Alfajores (the Dulce de Leche filled sandwich cookies) a few weeks back, I was reminded how much I love both shortbread and sandwich cookies. Give me a cookie with a cream filling and I am your friend for life. They don't even have to be homemade. A package of Oreos would do just fine. However, it was in my search (and score) late one night this week for packages of the limited release Game of Thrones Oreo cookies that got me thinking. Why not combine my love of shortbread and cream filled sandwich cookies with my obsession with Game of Thrones into a cookie having a whimsical finishing touch? Those mini Easter eggs look a little like dinosaur eggs, don't they? For good measure, I thought a milk chocolate drizzle would make them epic. Like the anticipated last season of Game of Thrones. And so now you know, how Vanilla Cream Shortbread Sandwich Cookies were conceived. 

I have a lot of favorite cookie recipes posted to the blog, but these, well these cookies are definitely in my top five. I am obsessed with them.

When making the dough for the cookies, I used a high quality European butter (see Notes below). In addition to adding a more nuanced, richer flavor the dough came together ever better than when I made the Alfajores. Meaning this time the dough need did not need any refrigerator before being rolled out. However, if your dough doesn't have a consistency ready for rolling out immediately, refrigerate it for 30 to 60 minutes.

When I made these cookies, I melted too much chocolate and over-filled my pastry bag. With my pastry bag a little unwieldy, my stripes weren't as straight as I had intended them to be. However, these slightly squiggly lines added even more whimsy to the cookies. Or at least I have convinced myself there is beauty in squiggly lines. But if you want your cookies to have more of a bakery finish and even stripes, don't overfill your pastry bag. Less is more.

The cream filling sandwiched between the shortbread rounds is even better than the filling found in Oreos. It's creamier and made with real butter. Isn't everything better made with butter?

I piped some additional warm chocolate into the center of each cookie before placing the mini Cadbury egg on to ensure it would adhere. 

Seriously, these are insanely delicious cookies. 

I used some of my vintage cookie cutters, but any round 2" cookie cutter will work. Square and oval shaped cookies would be equally beautiful. 

Vanilla Cream Shortbread Sandwich Cookies might be a name you can commit to memory, but I guarantee you will not forget how flavorfully addictive they these cookies are. And, if by chance, any of you Game of Thrones fans can't find the limited release Oreo cookies or aren't willing to pay the outrageous prices they are being sold on Ebay for, you could always make these. Honestly, I think these are so much better!

Recipe
Vanilla Cream Shortbread Sandwich Cookies (Cookie Filling inspired by Stella Park's Homemade Oreo Cookie Filling recipe in her cookbook "Bravetart: Iconic American Desserts"
Makes 30 sandwich cookies (2" sized)

Ingredients
Shortbread Cookies
1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (Recommend using a European and/or European Style butter, see Notes below)1 1/4 cups (156 g) confectionary sugar1 large egg yolk, room temperature2 teaspoons good quality vanilla1 teaspoon kosher salt2 3/4 cups (358 g) unbleached all-purpose flour

Vanilla Cream Filling
10 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups confectionary sugar, sifted
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Chocolate 
4-6 ounces milk chocolate, divided

Optional
Mini Cadbury eggs or other chocolate candy

Directions
Shortbread Cookies
1. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter for 10-15 seconds. Scrape sides of the bowl.
2. Add in confectionary sugar and beat until light and fluffy (approximately 2 minutes).
3. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla. Beat only until incorporated.
4. Add in flour and salt. Mix until dough comes together and begins to form a ball.
5. Scrape dough onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten and shape into a 6" x 8" rectangle. Divide dough in half, shaped into a rectangle and wrap tightly in cellophane. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.  Note: If dough is ready to roll out immediately, there is no need for refrigeration. Use of a European butter may not necessitate the chilling step.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degree (F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
7. Remove the one of the chilled doughs from the refrigerator. 
8. Lightly flour a surface. Roll out the piece of dough to a thickness of approximately 1/6" or 1/8".
9. Using a 2" round cookie cutter, cut out circles and place cookie rounds on a prepared baking sheet. Using a smaller cookie cutter, cut out round circles in the center of half of the cookies as the base of the cookie will be solid.
11. Form scrapes of dough back into a ball to roll out to continue cutting out circles. If your dough is soft, chill your cookies in the refrigerator while you are rolling out the other half of the dough. 
12. Rotating the pan midway through the baking process, bake the cookies for 12-13 minutes or until they are very lightly browned on the edges. Immediately transfer cookies to a cooling rack. Continue baking your cookies, again transferring the baked cookies to a cooling rack. Allow the cookies to cool completely before drizzling with chocolate or topping them with the cream filling.

Chocolate
1. Melt 4 ounces of milk chocolate in the microwave or in a glass bowl hovering over simmering water. When chocolate has melted allow to cool for approximately 3 minutes.
2. Pour 2/3 of the chocolate into a pastry bag fitted with a small plain round tip. Once chocolate has been poured allow to sit for 2 minutes before you begin piping it onto the cookies.
3. Lay out the cookie tops onto a large working surface or board covered in parchment paper.
4. Working carefully, pipe 4 or 5 stripes onto the tops of the cookies. 
5. Allow the chocolate to set before assembling the cookies.

Vanilla Cream Filling
1. Melt butter in a medium sized saucepan over medium-low heat. Remove from heat and allow to cool for two minutes.
2. Pour ever so slightly cooled butter into the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
3. Add in vanilla and kosher salt, followed by the confectionary sugar.
4. Mix on low speed to moisten, then increase speed to medium and beat until creamy and soft (approximately 5 minutes)>
5. Transfer cream filling to a pastry bag fitted with a round plain tip. 
6. Turn the cookie bottoms upside down (baked bottom facing up) onto a board covered in parchment paper.
7. Pipe icing, leaving about a 1/4" of the edge clean, onto the base of each cookie.

Chocolate and Assembly
1. Place a chocolate striped cookie onto the cookie bottom topped with icing. Press down slightly.
2. Using the remainder of the melted chocolate (you may have to reheat slightly), pipe a small amount into the center of the cookie if topping each cookie with a mini Cadbury egg or other candy.
3. Allow the cookies to set.
4. Serve immediately or store in a tightly covered container. Cookies will remain fresh for up to one week kept at room temperature.

Notes: (1) These cookies would be delicious even without the milk chocolate striping and/or mini Cadbury eggs. (2) I used a fluted cookie cutter, but a round and/or square 2" cookie cutter would also work well. (3) Using a high quality European or European-style butter makes for a much richer cookie. Additionally the dough may not require any refrigeration prior to rolling it out. I used Kerrygold (unsalted) butter for both the shortbread cookies and cream filling. (4) If you don't have a pastry bag or pastry tips, use a quart sized plastic sandwich bag to pipe the chocolate and the filling. Just cut a small tip at one end of the bag.

Lemon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

I have been on a bit of a Brussels Sprouts binge as of late. But even I, the person who ate a bologna sandwich pretty much everyday from first grade through high school, can sometimes get tired of eating the same thing, the same way day after day. I have consumed massive quantities of the Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Dried Cranberries over the last several months. Yet, as much as I have loved each and every morsel of the slaw, my palate was begging me to make a completely different Brussels Sprouts dish. With already two other roasted brussels sprouts recipes on the blog (this one and this one), it may seem like a bit of overkill to add yet one more. If, by chance, you are someone who believes there is such a thing as too much, well you would. I, on the other hand believe there is no such thing as too much of a good thing. And Brussels Sprouts happen to be on the list of good things.

There is restaurant nearby serving up some of the best pork chops you have ever seen or eaten in your life. But it's their roasted brussels sprouts that I find irresistible. These Lemon Roasted Brussel Sprouts aren't exactly like theirs, but they are pretty gosh darn delicious. So delicious in fact that I couldn't stop eating them, even though my stomach was wondering when I was going to quit. There is something rather addictive to eating uber-crispy brussels sprouts leaves. 

For those of you not the biggest fans of brussels sprouts, I would encourage you to give them another try. The combination of the roasted lemon slices and splash of fresh lemon juice on the roasted brussels sprouts adds an amazing flavor dimension to them.

Fortunately brussels sprouts can still be found in the grocery stores. While their peak season is generally from September through February, you can find them year round. For those of who love Brussels Sprouts this is a good thing!

After trimming the ends of the brussels sprouts, they are cut in half lengthwise. If some of your brussels sprouts are really large, cut them in quarters. Having as many uniformed-sized sprouts as possible will yield the most consistent roasted results. Tossed in olive oil on a roasting pan and generously sprinkled with some kosher salt and black pepper is all you need to do before putting them in a preheated 450 degree (F) oven. After the first fifteen (15) minutes of roasting, you toss them with a spatula add the lemon slices and return back to the oven for another fifteen (15) minutes of roasting. In the final ten minutes of roasting time, the almost ready to eat brussels sprouts are tossed again, then sprinkled with juice from half of a fresh lemon. In about forty (40) minutes of roasting, you will have the most beautiful, crispiest, most tender brussels sprouts.

To serve with or without the roasted lemon slices is the only decision you need to make before transferring all of this roasted deliciousness to a serving platter. My choice is always to serve them with the lemon slices along with a garnish of some additional lemon wedges.

For a finishing touch I sprinkled the Lemon Roasted Brussel Sprouts with some flaky sea salt. However, you could season them with some additional kosher salt. 

With the weather turning warmer (finally), you might be wondering why on earth I would now be sharing a recipe for a vegetable dish requiring forty minutes of roasting in a 450 degree (F) oven. The answer to that question is this. It's because I am someone who cannot contain their enthusiasm or excitement over something crazy good. As I have shared before, patience isn't high up on there on my list of virtues. With brussels sprouts still in the grocery stores along with the modern day convenience of air-conditioning, it seemed like as good as time as any to share this incredibly healthy, beyond addictively delicious recipe with you. Besides, if one is going to binge on anything it is always good to have others join in the fun! The more the merrier!

Recipe

Lemon Roasted Brussels Sprouts (an ever so slight adaptation to What's Cooking by Gaby's Crispy Lemon Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe)

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

2 pounds brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and cut in half

4-5 Tablespoons olive oil

1 generous teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 lemons, divided (one lemon cut into thin slices, one lemon cut and in half)

Flaky sea salt for finishing (or additional kosher salt)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees (F).

2. Spread prepared brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet pan. Drizzle olive oil. Using your hands, toss the brussels sprouts until well coated with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Place baking sheet in oven. After 15 minutes of roasting time, use a spatula to turn the brussels sprouts. 

4. Place lemon slices on top of the brussels sprouts and return to oven. Continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven, toss the brussels sprouts and lemon slices with a spatula and then squeeze juice from one lemon half evenly over the brussels sprouts. Return to oven.

5. Continue roasting for an additional 10 minutes or until edges of the brussels sprouts are crisp and tender when a knife is inserted into them. Note: Total roasting time approximately 40 minutes.

6. Transfer the lemon roasted brussels sprouts to a serving platter. Season with sea salt (or additional kosher salt). Cut the remaining lemon half into wedges and use to garnish the platter. (Note: I like serving the roasted brussels sprouts with the roasted lemon slices. However, some may prefer to remove them before serving the dish.)

7. Serve immediately. 

Notes: (1) Try looking for brussels sprouts of similar size. If some are too large, cut into quarters instead of halves. (2) Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. They reheat well in the microwave (although they will lose their crispness but are still delicious).

Roasted Salmon with Homemade Tartar Sauce

Considering how much I have been obsessing over salmon lately my spirit animal should probably be a bear. Bear in mind (pun intended) I grew up thinking salmon only came out of a can and could only be made into patties. As much as I love salmon prepared in a variety of ways, I am currently enamored with roasting it at a very high temperature for a relatively short period of time. If you search out roasted salmon recipes you will definitely find there are two preparation camps. While many claim salmon made in the slow and low temperature roasting method yields the best results, I am here to say you can have mouthwatering, melt in your mouth, moist salmon using the short and high temperature roasting technique. Without going down the rabbit hole of debating which method is better or even best. I genuinely believe once you taste this Roasted Salmon with Homemade Tartar Sauce, you will begin to show a strong(er) preference toward roasting salmon at a high temperature for a short period of time. You might even decide it's the only way to make it!

It isn't often my favorite recipes are both weeknight and dinner party worthy. So when I make something capable of being either, I am ecstatic. This Roasted Salmon with Homemade Tartar Sauce is one of those recipes guaranteed to permanently endear you to your family while giving your friends reason enough to elevate you to Food Network Star status.

When buying fresh fish, I strongly suggest you develop a relationship with the fish monger working behind the counter at your favorite grocery or speciality store. He/she would be a good friend to have. In addition to being knowledgeable, they can honestly tell you when the fish was delivered to the store as well as share the fish delivery schedule (yes, sometimes fish is delivered on the weekend). If you are really lucky, they will willingly cut you a piece of just delivered fish rather than taking one out of the case. And if you want to get a schooled into buying salmon at the grocery store read this article shared by Cooking Light. It contains some very useful information.

I prefer to buy a large piece of skin-on salmon and cut it into fillets when I get home. More often than not, I am buying farm raised Atlantic Salmon. Not only because it is available year round, but because it has a softer, buttery texture than wild salmon. 

Drizzling some olive oil on the pan before placing the salmon fillets skin side down on the baking pan will prevent sticking. Use just enough olive so the entire bottom of the fillets are touching it. I prefer roasting the salmon directly on a baking sheet versus using an aluminum foil lined baking sheet. Not only does placement directly on the baking sheet help to sear the salmon skin, you don't have to worry about picking out any pieces of aluminum foil in the event you have some sticking.

Brush the top of the salmon fillets with olive oil before rubbing in the Old Bay Seasoning and sugar mixture into the fillets. Generously seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper and they are ready to be go into the oven. The fillets bake in pre-heated 450 degree (F) oven (center rack) for 14-16 minutes until slightly firm to the touch, or until it easily flakes. Note: Having a smaller piece of salmon is great for testing doneness without having to mess with your perfectly sized fillets.

The high oven temperature helps to melt and caramelize the Old Bay Seasoning/sugar mixture, giving your roasted salmon a gorgeous finished look. 

Given the choice between store bought and homemade tartar sauce, I go with homemade every time. This quick and easy tartar sauce is made with mayonnaise, fresh herbs, dill pickle relish, onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Most importantly this creamy sauce has incredible flavor and texture.

Placed on a bed of dill and served with some lemon wedges makes for a stunning presentation of the Roasted Salmon with Homemade Tartar Sauce. Even before anyone at the table takes a bite, their eyes will have already been mesmerized. The flavor the Old Bay Seasoning and sugar imparts onto the roasted salmon is incredible. Combined with the creaminess of the tartar sauce (even the tiniest amount) your taste buds will be deliriously happy.

I could seriously eat this Roasted Salmon every day. Selfishly I call dibs on any of the leftovers. And it's one of the best excuses you can have for inviting friends and/or family over for dinner. Pair it with the Roasted Broccolini with Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, your favorite salad, and a great bottle of wine for one epic, elegant dinner!

In between obsessing over this Roasted Salmon, I have been completely taken in by the book "If You Leave Me" by Crystal Hana Kim; am now waiting for the arrival of the book "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo; cannot seem to stop listening to the music of Billie Eilish (especially this song); and, relishing the arrival of sunny days with temperatures in the 50s. If you haven't read any of those books or listened to this artist, I would encourage you to check them out before you start planning your next dinner party!

Recipe
Roasted Salmon with Homemade Tartar Sauce
Serves 4

Ingredients
Tartar Sauce
1 cup good quality mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
2 Tablespoons yellow onion, finely minced
1/3 cup dill pickle relish
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Salmon
2 pounds Atlantic Salmon with skin on bottom, cut into 4 or 5 2"-21/2" fillets (with a thickness of approximately 1 inch)
Extra-virgin Olive oil
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 Tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
Kosher salt and black pepper

Optional: Fresh dill sprigs, lemon wedges

Directions
Tartar Sauce
1. Mix all ingredients together in a medium sized bowl. Stir well to combine. 
2. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Can be made several hours or the night before serving the roasted salmon.

Salmon and Assembly
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees (F). Lightly drizzle some olive oil on a large baking sheet. Set aside.
2. Mix together the Old Bay Seasoning and the sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Lay salmon fillets, skin side down, on the baking tray. Lightly rub olive oil on top of each of the fillets.
4. Sprinkle and rub the Old Bay Seasoning/Sugar mixture onto the top of the fillets. Season generously with salt and pepper.
5. Roast salmon for 14-16 minutes or until salmon feels slightly firm to the touch. Let rest on the baking tray for 2 minutes before transferring to a serving platter.
6. Garnish the roasted salmon fillets with fresh dill springs and lemon wedges.
7. Serve immediately with the Homemade Tartar Sauce.

Notes: (1) I used Vlasic's Dill Relish when making the Tartar Sauce. (2) The Roasted Salmon is phenomenal all its' own. While I wouldn't tell you not to make the Tartar Sauce, it's not a deal breaker. More like a flavor enhancer.

No Bake Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with Lemon Curd and Fresh Berries

Let me preface this posting by saying I am not someone who subscribes to the foolery associated with April Fool's Day. I can be as wickedly clever as the next person but practical jokes are just not my thing. Knowing this little tidbit about me will quickly become relevant. Way back when I was working on my doctoral degree I had wanted to get a tattoo to commemorate both the journey and the achievement. As hard as I tried I couldn't convince anyone else in my cohort to get one with me. Lacking the courage to do it alone along with my irrational fears surrounding the cleanliness (or lack thereof) of the needles (because of course I was going to be the one to get the infected needle), I put the desire aside for almost twenty years. The idea of getting inked resurfaced about a year ago when one of my friends shared her desire to get a tattoo to immortalize the achievement of a significant, but very specific running goal. Technically the goal was achieved, but not to the level worthy of marking it with a tattoo (at least from her perspective). As much as I felt I had needed a partner in this crime, I realized I was ready to do this tattoo thing all on my own. 

When getting a tattoo, the "what" and "where" are first couple of questions others ask. The inspiration for my tattoo came in part from my yoga practice. It was important that my tattoo having deep symbolic meaning. One I could related to on multiple levels. Ultimately I choose a design incorporating both an unfolding lotus flower and an unalome. The lotus flower is a symbol having different meanings across both religions and cultures. In accordance with the Buddhist religion, a lotus defines the purity and piousness of the soul. An unfolding lotus flower (or padma) is the symbol of spiritual awakening. In Western culture, the lotus has been linked with the search for the true meaning of life. The unalome is a symbol for the journey to enlightenment. A reminder that our path in life isn't always straight, perfect or even going in the right direction. Rather our paths are filled with missteps, lessons to learn, and yes, a bit of suffering. At this moment in my life, nothing could describe the state as well as evolution of me better than a lotus flower with a connecting unalome. 

Choosing the exact design was slightly more difficult than choosing the symbols themselves. Although I knew I wanted something relatively simple. Partly to reflect my belief in the value and importance of simplicity. A value my life hasn't always reflected. The 'where' decision was the easiest. In the spirit of too much information isn't always a good thing, I am going to keep this part of the story to myself. What I will say is my tattoo is not in the most visible place. If you met me for the first time, you wouldn't see it. Nor would you probably suspect I was someone who decided in very late adulthood to get a tattoo. For those of you who had ever considered getting one, going to the dentist is a much more painful experience than having a tattoo permanently inked into your skin. In other words, I didn't cry. Maybe I winced a couple of times. While I am not yet ready to get another one, I now understand why one isn't enough for some. But honestly, I am still processing the surrealness of the whole tattoo experience. And this is the place where I would like my head to stay for awhile. 

In the spirit of simplicity, nothing may be simpler to make than a No Bake Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with Lemon Curd and Fresh Berries. Remember when I said I don't subscribe to April Fool's pranks. When you read the recipe below and see the crust for this cheesecake is baked, you might be thinking 'no bake' was a misnomer. Technically, it is. But personally, I like not only how baking deepens the flavor of a graham cracker crust, but how much better it holds together. You could certainly make it with an unbaked crust (see notes below).

Aside from its' simplicity, the No Bake Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with Lemon Curd and Fresh Berries is an incredibly beautiful, feast for the eyes dessert. Creamy, light, and having the right amount of tartness, it defines deliciousness. While I adorned the cheesecake with some homemade lemon curd and fresh berries (remember I am still on the simplicity journey), you could serve it plain, top only with fresh fruit or maybe some Luxardo cherries, or top only with some freshly whipped cream. Additionally, you could also use store bought instead of homemade lemon curd. The options for finishing this cheesecake aren't exactly endless, but there are many of them.

In the past when I have shared recipes having a graham cracker crust, I have been remiss in telling you the importance of firmly pressing them into the bottom of your springform pan. Going forward I promise not to forget this important step in any future graham cracker crumb pie/bar recipes.

I used a vanilla bean paste because I love the look of the specks of vanilla in a cheesecake. Consider these specks the cheesecake's tattoo. If you don't have vanilla bean paste, use a good quality vanilla. There will be no difference in taste, only in appearance.

Room temperature cream cheese is critical to achieving the creamiest, lump free cheesecake. I generally take my cream cheese out the night before I plan on baking. For the best results, use a full fat cream cheese (I like the Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese) rather than a light version of cream cheese.

In order to give the cheesecake time to set up, I strongly encourage you to allow it to rest (without any toppings) in the refrigerator overnight.

I love making Lemon Curd, but I don't like making it often as someone in the house inhales it like it's a cold glass of water on a sweltering hot day. I have linked the recipe for the Lemon Curd below. If making Lemon Curd isn't your thing, there are a number of high quality jarred Lemon Curds available in grocery or specialty stores.

For me, blueberries and blackberries compliment anything having a lemony flavor. But again, serve this cheesecake without berries or with other fruit options.

With warmer weather days, holidays, and summer gatherings on the horizon, this No Bake Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with Lemon Curd and Fresh Berries is absolutely the most perfect dessert to serve to your family and friends. Cool, creamy, luscious, and sweet tooth satisfying desserts are the best!

It is possible you will be seeing different versions of this No Bake Cheesecake in the year ahead. It's a recipe amenable to many different variations. The more simple recipes we can have in our lives, the more time we have doing some of other things we love. Or maybe doing something you had pondered for years but kept putting on hiatus. Always remember, life is short. Eat cheesecake. Get the tattoo.

Recipe
No Bake Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with Lemon Curd and Fresh Berries
Serves 8-12

Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
1 3/4 cups (193 g) freshly crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Generous pinch of kosher salt

Cheesecake
24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (recommend Philadelphia Cream Cheese)
1 1/2 cups confectionary sugar, sifted
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or good quality vanilla
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup chilled heavy whipping cream (having a fat content of at least 18%)

Lemon Curd (use this recipe) or use a high quality jarred Lemon Curd
Fresh blueberries and blackberries (or any combination of fresh berries) 
Other finishing options: Fresh strawberries, Luxardo cherries, freshly whipped cream

Directions
Graham Cracker Crust
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Line a 9" springform pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a medium sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter and kosher salt. Stir until well blended.
3. Pour the crust mixture into the prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly along the sides and bottom of the pan.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.

Cheesecake and Assembly
1. In a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Approximately 3 minutes.
2. Add in confectionary sugar, cornstarch, and kosher salt. Beat at low speed until the sugar starts to get incorporated. Then increase speed to medium for approximately 2 minutes.
3. Add in vanilla and lemon juice. Beat just to thoroughly combine.
4. Change out the paddle attachment to the whisk attachment. Add in cold whipping cream. With mixer initially on low, begin beating until the cream begins to incorporated into the cheese/sugar mixture. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until the mixture has increased in volume, has thickened, and becomes stiff. Approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Pour cheesecake batter into the cooled graham cracker crust. Smooth the top of the cheesecake with an offset spatula.
6. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. Note: Keep in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
7. Unmold the cheesecake from the pan and transfer to a serving platter or cake stand.
8. Finish with a thin layer of homemade or store-bought lemon curd and top with fresh berries. Serve immediately and/or return to the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes: (1) If you want this to be a completely unbaked cheesecake, make the crust according to the directions. Instead of baking, place in freezer and let it sit in there for 15-30 minutes before pouring in the filling. (2) I am partial to crushing whole graham crackers rather than using boxed graham cracker crumbs as I truly believe they make a more flavorful crust.
Update: Instead of making the cheesecake in a 9" springform pan, make it in an 11" springform pan. Increase the amount of graham cracker crumbs to 278 g and increase the butter to 8 Tablespoons but leave all of the other crust ingredients in the same amounts.