Mulberry Jam Recipe

Mulberries look similar to blackberries, but they taste totally different. They are a combination of sweet, tart and peppery flavors.  They are native to India, Pakistan and Iran.  I believe the leaves are used to cultivate silkworms.

Lulu's dad, who is from India, loves mulberries.  I think they remind him of his childhood.  We always catch him red-handed when he sneaks out to the garden to pick mulberries. Mulberries are very difficult to pick without their leaking a little bit of juice. His white shirt and hands get stained with the juice of the berries and he comes back to the house with a grin on his face.

The darker they are, the better they taste. Daddy gathered a bunch of the fruit but the girls ate a lot of them and left me about a quart. No ripe mulberries were left on the tree. But what was left was more than enough to make some jam for breakfast. I made the jam so that we could enjoy mulberries during the fall and winter, but I have a feeling they won't make it that far!

Sweet Mascarpone and Berries with Lemon Ganache

If you're looking for a fast and easy yet elegant dessert recipe, this one is for you. I usually make this dessert to please my little 9-year-old sister-in-law who is allergic to eggs.

The rich cinnamon-flavored mascarpone mixture with the refreshing combination of blackberries and blueberries makes a very festive sweet treat for little kids and big kids as well.

To give more body to the dessert, I sprinkle a layer of coarsely-crumbled Italian puff pastry and top with a layer of lemon ganache. The result is to die for!

Cherry and Berry Yogurt Granola Parfait

Granola parfait has the perfect components to start the day: the crunch of the granola, the creaminess of the yogurt and the sweetness of the fruits. Most important, this will keep you full until lunch time.

I've been married for almost five years, and I think that cooking is the best way to say 'I love you'. It might sound sappy but I love seeing my hubby's smile in the morning when I bring him breakfast in bed. Make this for someone special in your life, and I guarantee they will appreciate it.

Egg Free, No Bake, Berry Good Cheesecake

Ah, cheesecake! It's an amazingly rich (read unhealthy) dessert that is a favorite in our family. One of the girls is allergic to eggs, so she's never had one. She is the reason that I learned how to use xanthan gum and lecithin as a substitute for eggs. This seemed like a perfect application.

I'm pretty sure you won't miss the eggs, and I'm positive you won't miss having to bake the cheesecake. If you've ever had one curdle, this is the recipe for you.