Garlic & Zest

Strawberry Rhubarb Galette with Homemade Pastry

This easy rhubarb recipe has a cheater’s version of homemade pastry and a foolproof fruit filling. You can even change out the filling for this strawberry rhubarb galette with any other juicy summer fruit for an easy tart recipe that will satisfy everyone.

Florida is not known for rhubarb. It’s not a crop here. In fact, it’s so rare that there have been years that I’ve actually missed seeing it in the stores. So when I see fresh rhubarb, I buy it. I buy it without even knowing what I’ll make with it. Could be a strawberry rhubarb pie or some other easy rhubarb recipe like this rhubarb sour cocktail. The point is, when I see rhubarb — it’s ON — hence this strawberry rhubarb galette with homemade pastry.

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Southern French Potato Salad

Not your average picnic potatoes, this no mayo potato salad is an easy cookout recipe. Southern French Potato Salad is tangy and delicious with a dijon mustard salad dressing. A yukon gold potato salad that will perk up your next barbecue or potluck.

When it comes to cookouts, picnics and potlucks — I usually cede the Weber to my husband or other worthy grillmaster while I tackle the sides. As far as cookout recipes go, a good potato salad still ranks in the top 10 in my book. My Southern French Potato Salad is probably in the top 5 because it’s a no mayo potato salad recipe… and ideal for summer alfresco dining.

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Rhubarb Ginger Simple Syrup

Want to jazz up your summer cocktail recipes? Start with a homemade simple syrup like this rhubarb ginger simple syrup. With a beautiful blush color and lively ginger buzz, it’s no ordinary flavored simple syrup.

“What is it?” you ask. Fruit punch? Cranberry cocktail? The juice from a maraschino cherry jar? Nope. It’s a revelation. Wait. REALLY. I know that every food blogger says it’s the “best”, the “most”… but in this case, it IS. So, what is IT? A homemade simple syrup. A surprisingly zingy, blushingly beautiful combination of rhubarb simple syrup and ginger simple syrup that will transform your cocktails, mocktails, and dessert table. This Rhubarb Ginger Simple Syrup is the jumping off point for your most eye-opening culinary creations.

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Sour Cream Bundt Cake with Spiced Apricot Pecan Filling

An easy bundt cake recipe with a tempting cinnamon spiced dried fruit and nut filling, this sour cream bundt cake is a family favorite. We like it for breakfast or brunch with a cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack. My glazed bundt cake is great for company too and travels well.

Everyone needs a good sour cream bundt cake in their repertoire and this easy bundt cake recipe is filled with a cinnamon-y fruit and nut center that can’t be beat. Best of all, it’s a glazed bundt cake, that’s equally good as a breakfast-time coffee cake, tasty afternoon snack or sweet finale to dinner with friends.

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Fancy Baked Sea Scallops

This easy scallop appetizer will “wow” your guests and be your go-to baked sea scallops recipe because it’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance. Baked sea scallops in their shell make an impressive starter to a special meal.

If you’ve spent any time poking around this site, you’ll know that I have an affinity for seafood. Fresh fish, shrimp, crab, conch, oysters, octopus, clams, crayfish, calamari, lobster — you name it. I’m ALL IN. And you’ll be all in for these fancy baked sea scallops. They’re easy to assemble and make an eye-popping scallop appetizer.

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