The Chopping Block Cooking Blog

How to Make and Use Preserved Lemons

My first exposure to preserved lemons was when I worked at Café du Midi some 25 years ago. Café du Midi was a very special place to work, not just because of its amazing Mediterranean-influenced ...

Citrus is my Main Squeeze

Most of us are fortunate to be able to enjoy all types of citrus all year long. You may not know this, but citrus season is actually during winter. Citrus is the perfect little pick me up to get ...

The Great Lemony Escape

From time to time a nice change up or escape is always nice, and due to current events, travel is not the best choice in my opinion. My lovely wife got the baking bug this weekend, and she found a ...

When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Frozen Lemon Mousse

It’s been a pretty tough year. We went from winter to hot summer with barely a notice of spring in Chicagoland, all the while sheltering in place. But to use a very worn saying, “When life gives ...

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes are Full of Surprises

Cupcakes are my favorite dessert to make for parties and now that we are living in COVID-19 times, they are even more perfect for your small gatherings. You don't have to share utensils from cutting ...

Lemon Blueberry Streusel Muffins

These fluffy and moist muffins are sure to become a family favorite. The pairing of bright lemon and sweet blueberry is a quintessential Spring/Summer flavor combination – and one of my personal ...

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes for Easter Breakfast

First, I was called the quick-bread queen for all my blogs related to the subject, but these days, pancake princess seems more fitting. Last month, I shared my copy cat recipe for the Original House ...

Lemon Liquidation: How to Make Lemon Vodka

Although the holidays are over, I have a fun gifting concept that could be used anytime for special occasions. I have been growing a dwarf Meyer lemon tree for a few years now. This fall, my first ...

Lemon Macarons with White Chocolate-Lemon Ganache

Vibrant macarons can now be found in a variety of stores. The idea of making macarons yourself can be a daunting task at first, however, macarons are easier to make than you think! There are not ...

Transform Lemon Curd to Elegant Mousse

Whenever we have a dinner party, I'm typically in charge of preparing the dessert. Sometimes when I'm feeling really ambitious, I'll make a pie or cake, but time wasn't on my side recently so I ...