Mini Lemon Cheesecakes

Bryan and I love cheesecakes. But for the two of us, making a 9-inch full size cheesecake means endless eating. It is not only too much for us. It is also very unhealthy. Therefore, I love this mini version. These mini lemon cheesecakes are perfect little bites. The ratio between the cheese filling and the crust is just right. I also love the hint of tartness and the fragrant from the lemon. It tasted lighter than regular cheesecake.

I originally wanted to make these cheesecakes with Meyer lemons. However I couldn’t find any in store, I used regular lemons this time. I have tried both lemons. Meyer lemon ones were more fragrant and less tart. But they were both fantastic. Use whatever you can find.

These cheesecakes are good for parties. They are pretty looking and easy to eat. And they travel really well.

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Pomegranate Gin Cocktail

As I mentioned last week, I made pomegranate syrup for this cocktail drink. With the dark concentrate syrup, the drink was ruby-red in color and you can barely see through the glass. With some of the floating pomegranate seeds, this drink would be perfect for the upcoming holiday parties. The drink was sweet and tart. It was a bit sweet from the orange juice and a bit tart from the pomegranate syrup and lemon. A great seasonal drink to impress your guests! Cheers!

Meyer Lemon Souffle

Mother’s Day is next Sunday. If you are thinking about a gift for mom, this Meyer lemon souffle will sure impress her. When it comes to desserts, my mom prefers tangy than sweet or chocolatey. Therefore, I always think about making some kind of lemon desserts for mom on Mother’s Day. This souffle has definitely become one of my favorite lemon desserts. It is warm, fluffy, tangy and fragrant. Even though my mom is in Hong Kong and we are miles away from each other, I will make her this when we see each other next time. Happy Mother’s Day, mom! 

Let’s talk about Meyer lemons. I have heard so much about Meyer lemons, but I never tried it until 2 weeks ago. I found a pack of Meyer lemons in Costco. After a week of exploring, I have tried at least 6 – 7 different recipes with Meyer lemons. When comparing Meyer lemon with lemon, I came to a conclusion that Meyer lemon is less acidic and it is more fragrant than a lemon. They are definitely great for desserts. The only problem is that they are seasonal and they are not easy to find all the time. I know that Meyer lemon season is coming to an end now. If you can find Meyer lemon, buy and try it. If you can’t, lemon will be fine as well.

Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli

After trying out this dish, you will fall in love with broccoli (even if you are a kid). The roasted broccoli is sweet and tender. Some freshness from the lemon juice and amazing fragrant from the zest. And who doesn’t like cheese? This is very simple and healthy. Just toss in the oven and wait for it. Perfect to go with any steak and pasta dishes.

Lemon Angel Food Cake with Strawberry Sauce

I made this lemon angel food cake with strawberry sauce for my in-laws Thanksgiving lunch. Since angel food cake doesn’t have any cream or butter, it is a pretty healthy dessert. Who doesn’t want dessert that is healthy? This cake was light and fluffy with the amazing lemon flavor. Serving the cake with a sweet and tart strawberry sauce can bring some moisture, balance and color. It is delicious and so good to look at! Enjoy!

Sweet Tea-Brined Chicken

Sweet tea is awesome! I fell in love with it once I tried it a few years ago. It is great for a summer day. But sweet tea and chicken? It sounds a bit scary and weird. No no no… Let me tell you. They are perfect together! The tea flavor was definitely not strong, just a hint. It was not overpowering. The flavors of the chicken was unexpected. It was absolutely delicious. This recipe turns out to be one of my all-time favorite. Give this a try! You will be happy you did.

Smoked Salmon Linguine with Lemon Cream Sauce

Bryan and I bought a few cans of smoked salmon from Salmon Etc. in Ketchikan, Alaska. I just couldn’t resist not to get anything from Alaska. Salmon seems to be the perfect thing. These canned salmon are pretty good. Very smokey. After getting the salmon, I was thinking how to cook with them. Salmon Etc. gave us a few recipe. I picked this pasta one with lemon cream sauce. This recipe may look heavy, but the lemon juice and zest definitely lightened it up. The sauce was creamy and smokey. Good to eat with a side salad. The most important is that this dish reminded me of the good times in Alaska.

Lemon Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce

I had my first panna cotta at the Passionfish restaurant in Pacific Grove, California. It was a lemon panna cotta with citrus. It was light and creamy. After that, I knew that I have to try making that at home. This recipe is very simple. The panna cotta was creamy and sweet with a hint of lemon flavor. It was perfect with the tangy raspberry sauce. And, the panna cotta looked amazing with the contrasting colors. This panna cotta can be made a day ahead, so there is little hassle. Making it even easier to enjoy a relaxing and romantic sweet dinner ending with your loved one.

Simple Lemon Cookies

It’s the baking season! I made tons of cookies yesterday. Other than the normal chocolate chip cookies, I also made many simple lemon cookies. These cookies were delicious. They  had the shortbread texture, but with a lemony taste. I love adding crystal sugar on top of the cookies to give some extra crunch. These cookies are beautiful and easy to make. They are perfect homemade gifts for your friends and neighbors.

Simple Lemon and Garlic Chicken

Have you always looking for a simple chicken recipe? I think you have found it! This recipe is very easy. Once the chicken is in the oven, you are free to go back to your kids or your facebook. The chicken is very moist, and the skins are very crispy. The sauce is also one of the best part. All the flavors sinks into the sauce. Bryan and I love to pour it over rice or couscous. It is absolutely delicious!