Meyer Lemon Ricotta Cookies

After a recent visit to my brother's house I brought home a bagful of delicious meyer lemons, one of my favorite citrus fruits.  The dilemma now was what to make with them.  I've done lemon bars and mini tarts numerous times so I was looking for something new.

I remembered seeing these lemon ricotta cookies on an episode of Giade De Laurentiis' Everyday Italian.  The addition of ricotta cheese to a cookie intrigued me enough to give the recipe a try. 

The cookies baked up flatter than I was hoping for but were still quite good.  Actually, the taste and shape of the baked rounds reminded me a little of whoopie pies.  The lemon glaze topping gave the cookies a hit of tart sweetness, perfect with a cup of tea.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares

Ever since my kitchen was out of commission for a few months last year I've been particularly interested in easy, no-bake recipes.  If the "big one" ever hits and I can't use my oven at least I can make these delicious treats.   Can you tell where my priorities lie...lol?

I asked a co-worker for some baking recommendations and they had fond memories of these No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares.  Chocolate - Peanut Butter - no-bake AND I've never made them before?  Ding, ding, ding...I sense a winner!  If you're like me and love the combo of chocolate and peanut butter these squares are right up your alley.    

Alfajores

I'll start off by saying these alfajores aren't the most authentic but they are quite delicious nonetheless. I had my first encounter with these cookies many years ago when I visited Buenos Aires.  One taste of the little sandwich filled with dulce de leche and I was hooked.  

My alfajores use shortbread but the true version that you'll find in Argentina uses a softer cookie made with cornstarch.  The real star though, in my opinion, is the delicious dulce de leche.  Sure, you can make your own milk jam but since I had a jar in my fridge I took the easy route.