Showing posts with label brunch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brunch. Show all posts

Friday, May 22, 2026

Honey Roasted Rhubarb & Strawberry Labneh Plate - A Southern Meets Mediterranean Spring Breakfast


This Honey Roasted Rhubarb & Strawberry Labneh Plate is a fresh, elegant spring breakfast inspired by Southern and Mediterranean flavors.




Honey Roasted Rhubarb & Strawberry Labneh Plate - A Southern Meets Mediterranean Spring Breakfast


Somewhere between a Southern spring fruit plate and a Mediterranean breakfast spread, this Honey Roasted Rhubarb & Strawberry Labneh Plate became one of those slow-morning recipes we immediately wanted to make again.

Warm honey-roasted rhubarb, cool creamy labneh, fresh strawberries, and pistachios come together in a breakfast plate that feels both rustic and quietly elegant. The rhubarb softens in the oven with honey and orange zest until glossy and tender, while the strawberries stay fresh and bright for contrast.

I like to think it’s a fresh alternative to the usual yogurt parfait — lighter, more textured, and made for spring mornings when rhubarb finally starts appearing at the market.

Whether you serve it with coffee on the patio or as part of a relaxed weekend brunch, this is the kind of breakfast that makes spring feel like it has officially arrived.

Enjoy!













Ingredients

  • rhubarb - Fresh rhubarb becomes soft, jammy, and lightly caramelized in the oven while still holding its shape.
  • honey - adds floral sweetness that balances the rhubarb’s natural tartness.
  • zest of 1/2 orange - brightens the roasted fruit and adds a subtle citrus warmth that ties everything together.
  • labneh - creamy, tangy, and rich — labneh gives this breakfast its Mediterranean-inspired base and feels more luxurious than yogurt.
  • strawberries, hulled and sliced - keeping the strawberries fresh adds brightness, texture, and color contrast against the warm rhubarb.
  • pistachios - adds crunch and a slightly buttery, nutty finish. 

Equipment

  • Small baking dish
  • Mixing spoon
  • Citrus zester or microplane
  • Sharp knife
  • Small serving platter or shallow bowl

My Go-To’s




-- Let’s Make It Together

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Place the rhubarb into a small baking dish. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle over the orange zest, and toss gently to coat.

Roast for 18–22 minutes, or until the rhubarb is tender and glossy but still holding its shape.

While the rhubarb roasts, hull and slice the strawberries.

Spread the labneh onto a serving plate or shallow bowl, creating soft swoops with the back of a spoon. Top with the warm roasted rhubarb and fresh strawberries.

Finish with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.

Serve immediately with toasted bread, a side of scrambled eggs, or simply enjoy as-is.






-- Perfecting the Cooking Process

The key to this recipe is roasting the rhubarb just until tender while still holding its shape. Rhubarb can go from perfectly soft to completely collapsed very quickly, so begin checking around the 18-minute mark. Keeping the strawberries fresh also helps balance the warm roasted fruit with brightness and texture, making the entire plate feel lighter and more layered.





-- Add Your Touch

This breakfast plate is easy to adapt depending on what you have in season.

Try swapping the strawberries for cherries, blackberries, or fresh figs later in the year. You can also add granola for extra crunch, sprinkle over fresh mint, or serve everything on toast for a more substantial brunch.

If you prefer a sweeter finish, a little orange blossom honey works beautifully here.




Set the Mood

Meals taste even better when the table feels inviting. Here are a few simple ways to set the mood for this recipe.








If you love seasonal breakfasts that feel simple but elevated, this Honey Roasted Rhubarb & Strawberry Labneh Plate is one of those recipes that captures spring beautifully.

Warm roasted rhubarb, creamy labneh, fresh strawberries, honey, and pistachios come together in a breakfast that feels both relaxed and quietly elegant — perfect for slow mornings, spring brunches, or an easy café-style breakfast at home.

For more seasonal inspiration, you might also enjoy:
Bakery-Style Strawberry Almond Scones
Oven-Baked Dutch Baby Pancakes with Roasted Berries
Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas
Strawberry Balsamic Ricotta Toast







Before You Start


What is Labneh?

Labneh is a strained yogurt commonly used in Mediterranean cooking. It’s thicker, creamier, and tangier than traditional yogurt, making it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.

Can I make this ahead?

You can roast the rhubarb ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Assemble the plate just before serving for the freshest texture.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead?

Yes. Greek yogurt works well if you can’t find labneh, although the finished dish will be slightly less rich and creamy.

How do I know when rhubarb is done roasting?

The rhubarb should look glossy and softened while still holding its shape. If it begins falling apart when moved, it has cooked too long.


What should I serve with this?

This plate pairs beautifully with toasted bread, pastries, soft boiled eggs, or coffee for a relaxed spring brunch.



 

 

 






Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Bakery-Style Strawberry Almond Scones (Flaky & Buttery)


Bakery-style strawberry almond scones that are flaky, buttery, and perfect for Mother’s Day brunch. Easy to make with simple ingredients and fresh strawberries.




Bakery-Style Strawberry Almond Scones (Flaky & Buttery)


I love that a batch of freshly baked scones instantly makes a morning feel a little more special.

These strawberry almond scones have that bakery-style look and texture—tall, golden, and perfectly flaky—but they come together right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients.  This recipe builds on my go-to base scone method—the one I come back to again and again for that perfectly flaky, bakery-style texture.

They’re the kind of treat that feels just right for a slow weekend morning or a Mother’s Day brunch, where everything is meant to be a little softer, a little sweeter, and worth lingering over.  If you're planning on treating your mother or yourself give these scones a try.  They bring Spring flavor to you table and joy to your taste buds.

Enjoy!










Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Baking powder 
  • Butter  - Make sure your butter is cold.  This is key for flaky layers. 
  • Eggs
  • Whole milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Almond extract 
  • Fresh strawberries - Dice them small and toss with flour—this keeps them from bleeding into the dough and helps distribute them evenly.
  • Sliced almonds - for bakery style tops
  • Coarse or sparkling sugar - for adding sweetness and a little crunch to the tops


Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Pastry cutter or hands
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Biscuit cutter or knife

My Go-To Tools





-- Let’s Make It Together

Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss the diced strawberries with a little flour and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the grated cold butter and toss it into the flour until you still see small pieces throughout.  Gently fold in the strawberries.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla, and almond extract. Add to the dry ingredients and mix just until the dough comes together.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently bring it together. Pat into a rectangle, fold it like a letter, then repeat once more to create layers. Pat to about 2 separate round circles about 1–1¼ inches thick.  Cut each circle into 6 wedges and place on the baking sheet.

Brush the tops with milk, then sprinkle with sliced almonds and coarse sugar. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until tall, golden, and set.





-- Perfecting the Cooking Process

The secret to tall, flaky scones is cold butter and minimal handling. Keep the butter cold and avoid overmixing to preserve those layers.  Grating the cold butter is an easy way to work the butter into the flour.  A little less messy but more action when you cut the butter into the flour is using small cubes of butter and a pastry cutter. 




-- Add Your Touch

You can easily make these your own depending on what you have on hand.

Swap in blueberries or raspberries, add a light glaze for extra sweetness, or skip the almonds if you prefer a more classic scone. They’re just as good warm with a little butter or served alongside your favorite jam.




Set the Mood

Part of the joy of cooking is creating a little moment around the meal. Here are a few simple ways to set the mood when serving this dish.




If you’re building a cozy brunch or just love bakery-style treats, here are a few more recipes to try next:

Save these scones for your next slow morning or special gathering—they’re simple to make but feel like something truly special.




Before You Start 

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but keep them frozen and dice small to prevent excess moisture.

Why are my scones not flaky?
The butter may have been too warm or the dough overmixed.

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and refrigerate before baking.

Do I have to use almond extract?
No, but it adds a subtle bakery-style flavor.

How do I know when they’re done?
They should be golden on top and set in the center.


 

 

 




Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Blueberry Almond Honey Muffins (Soft, Moist & Bakery-Style)

 

Soft and moist blueberry almond honey muffins with a bakery-style dome. This small batch recipe is easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple sweet treat.





Blueberry Almond Honey Muffins (Soft, Moist & Bakery-Style)


These are the kind of muffins I make when I want something simple, a little cozy, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat without being over the top.

The combination of blueberries, almond, and honey is one I come back to again and again. It’s soft and lightly sweet, with just enough richness to make it feel special, but still easy enough for an everyday bake.

And because this is a small batch, it’s perfect for those moments when you want something fresh from the oven without committing to a full dozen.

Enjoy!










Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Egg
  • Granulated sugar
  • Honey - Adds a soft, natural sweetness and helps keep the muffins moist without being overly sugary.
  • Canola oil
  • Milk
  • Greek yogurt - Gives the muffins a tender crumb and a slight richness while keeping them light.
  • Vanilla and Almond extract - This combination creates a warm, bakery-style flavor that pairs perfectly with the blueberries.

Add-Ins

  • Blueberries - Fresh or frozen both work well—just toss them in a little flour to help prevent sinking.
  • Sliced almonds - just a small amount gives texture and almond flavor to the muffins.

Topping

  • Sliced almonds - creates visually pretty tops and adds texture.
  • Sanding sugar (optional)  - A light sprinkle on top gives the muffins a subtle crunch and that classic bakery-style finish.



Equipment

You don’t need anything fancy for these muffins—just a few basic kitchen tools:

  • Muffin tin (6 or 12 cup)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack


My Go-To Tools

  • 6 cup Muffin Tin — Tip: you want a light pan so the muffins don't brown too much.  
  • 12 cup Muffin Tin - Tip:  this will give you really tall muffins by using every other well so they don't touch each other.
  • Rubber Spatula — makes folding the batter easy without overmixing




-- Let’s Make It Together

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line or grease 6 muffin wells.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, sugar, and honey until smooth. Add the oil, milk, yogurt, vanilla, and almond extract and whisk until combined.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until no dry streaks remain. The batter will be thick—avoid overmixing.

Toss the blueberries with a teaspoon of flour, then fold them into the batter along with the sliced almonds.

Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups, filling nearly to the top. Sprinkle with almonds and a light dusting of sugar.

Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F and bake for another 12–14 minutes, until tall and golden.

Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Drizzle with a little warm honey if desired.





-- Perfecting the Cooking Process

Starting the muffins at a higher temperature gives them that tall, bakery-style dome. The quick burst of heat helps the batter rise fast before the structure sets—don’t skip this step.  One other important tips is to not overmix the batter.  Overmixing results in tough muffins, and no one wants those!  Mix just until all the flours is incorporated.





-- Add Your Touch

These muffins are easy to customize depending on what you have on hand.

You can swap the blueberries for raspberries or chopped strawberries, add a little lemon zest for brightness, or sprinkle a few extra almonds on top for more crunch. A light drizzle of honey or a simple glaze also works if you want to dress them up a bit.





Set the Mood

Food is about more than just the recipe—it’s about the moment around the table. Here are a few simple ideas to set the mood when you serve this dish.




If you loved these soft and simple muffins, here are a few more recipes from the kitchen to try next:

Save this one for when you want something quick, cozy, and just a little special.




Before You Start (FAQs)

Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes—use them straight from frozen and toss with flour before adding to the batter.

Why is my batter so thick?
That’s exactly what you want. A thicker batter helps create tall, bakery-style muffins.

Can I make this into 12 muffins?
You can, but they’ll be smaller and won’t have the same tall dome.

Can I substitute the oil?
Yes, melted butter or a neutral oil both work well.

How should I store these?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.


 

 

 






Saturday, April 11, 2026

Strawberry Almond Pancakes (Light, Fluffy & Perfect for Spring)


Fresh strawberry almond pancakes made with almond milk and a hint of vanilla. Light, fluffy, and perfect for a cozy spring breakfast or brunch.




Strawberry Almond Pancakes (Light, Fluffy & Perfect for Spring)


There’s something about bringing a little piece of a trip home with you—especially when it comes from a place as cozy and memorable as the Salish Lodge & Spa.  They are a beautiful lodge (previously named Snoqualmie Falls Lodge) located outside of Seattle, WA at the top of Snoqualmie Falls.

On a recent trip, I picked up their Old Fashioned Pancake & Waffle Mix and I knew exactly what I wanted to make first—something simple, comforting, and perfect for spring mornings.

These Strawberry Almond Pancakes are perfect for Spring. Light and fluffy, made with almond milk, and filled with fresh strawberries, they feel just a little bit special without being complicated.

It’s the kind of breakfast that feels a little special… without much effort.

Enjoy!








Ingredients

The Base

  • Pancake mix I used a lodge-style pancake mix here, but any good-quality mix—or even your favorite homemade version—will work beautifully.
  • Unsweetened Almond milk - keeps things light but still rich
  • Egg + melted butter - (structure + flavor)

Flavor Boosters

  • Vanilla extract -  warm, classic flavor
  • Almond extract -  just enough to pull in that almond flavor

The Star

  • Fresh strawberriestossed lightly with a little mix to prevent sinking


Ingredient Spotlight

If you want to recreate the exact flavor and texture I used, you can try the pancake mix from Snoqualmie Falls Lodge—it has that classic, slightly nostalgic pancake feel that works perfectly here.




-- Let's Make it Together 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together:
    • Almond milk
    • Egg
    • Melted butter
    • Vanilla + almond extract
  2. Add pancake mix and stir gently.
    (A few lumps are perfect—don’t overmix.)
  3. Let batter rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Toss strawberries with 1 teaspoon pancake mix, then gently fold into batter.
  5. Heat a greased skillet over medium heat.
  6. Scoop 1/4 cup batter per pancake.
  7. Cook until bubbles form across the surface, then flip and cook until golden.





-- Add Your Touch

  • Top with sliced almonds for crunch
  • Add extra strawberries on top
  • Drizzle with warm maple syrup
  • Dust lightly with powdered sugar




Set the Mood

Meals taste even better when the table feels inviting. Here are a few simple ways to set the mood for this recipe.







I hope you enjoyed this recipe.  I look forward to cooking with berries every year and this recipe is light and delicious.  

If you’re leaning into those cozy, seasonal flavors, there are plenty more ways to bring them into your kitchen. From fruit-filled breakfasts to easy desserts and weekend bakes, it’s the perfect time of year to keep things fresh, light, and full of flavor.

More Recipes to Try Next:



Before You Start

Can I use a different pancake mix?
Yes! Any good-quality pancake mix will work here. This recipe is flexible and designed to work with what you have.

Can I make these from scratch instead of using a mix?
Absolutely. If you have a favorite homemade pancake batter, you can use that as your base and follow the same method.

Why toss the strawberries in pancake mix first?
This helps keep them from sinking to the bottom and distributes them more evenly throughout the pancakes.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best for texture, but if using frozen: thaw first, pat dry well, and dice smaller to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, but you can mix the wet ingredients ahead and combine with the dry just before cooking.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster for the best texture.

Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in layers. Reheat in a toaster or oven until warmed through.


 

 

 





LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...