Binny's Blog

It is the beginning of summer and the long-awaited return of strawberry season in the Midwest, which is reason enough to celebrate. If you feel the need for another excuse to make this perfectly rustic summer dessert, June 14 is National Strawberry Shortcake Day. But who needs excuses when it comes to strawberry shortcake? It is THE dessert you should be serving to put an exclamation point on every June cookout and picnic you host.

Crème brûlée is not simply about intensely satisfying vanilla notes. The joy of crème brûlée is tasting the contrasts - the hot/savory note of burnt sugar and the cool/sweet interior, and above all the the audible crack of its hard shell giving way to the luxuriantly velvet-textured custard underneath.

Though this decadent recipe is a study in simplicity, be sure to use quality ingredients. Your better half will appreciate your efforts.

Everyone knows the classic cocktail Kir. It's a mix of sparkling wine and raspberry liquor such as Chambord. Use Champagne and you have a Kir Royale. We are taking it a step further with the inclusion of one of our favorite herbal liquors, St. Germain Elderflower.