A carpaccio of bright watermelon radishes, plus vanilla malted cookies and strawberry oatmeal bars in today's Delicious Links. 

I made a spontaneous purchase during an IKEA trip last week. The place kind of has that effect on people.

Sadly, though, I was struck with a bit of regret when I got it home.

Kentucky mint juleps, strawberry clafoutis, and a delicious French toast in today's Delicious links...

Leek and pancetta quiche, hippie crispie treats, spicy chocolate popsicles and more in today's Delicious Links.

Chocolate-dipped fortune cookies, creamy coconut lemon squares, and lemon-roasted asparagus in today's Delicious Links. 

A favorite way for me to be in the kitchen is also the simplest way: no recipes, no special ingredients, no plan. It starts with hunger, a tugging in my belly that eventually takes over all my thinking so that I have to stop what I'm doing and wander around to see what's on hand.

This morning I found a ripe avocado, a lemon, and a single piece of stale flatbread on the counter. In the garden, some mint and parsley, and a handful of wee lettuces just poking up. In the fridge a half of a cucumber, a few scallions, some peas, and a few radishes that were just barely on this side of fresh. It's clear that a springtime salad, something close to but not quite a fattoush, is what's for lunch today.

At our house we entertain — a lot. Asian-inspired dishes like Thai curry, Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwiches, and sushi are often on the menu.  Sriracha is our condiment of choice, and while we enjoy cold beer to tame its heat, the search for the perfect cocktail to pair with it has finally come to a very happy ending with this week's drink.

A cocktail for the Dragon Lady of Game of Thrones, bourbon-spiked banana bread, and a quiche with shallot, mushrooms, and smoked sausage. 

Don't be scared off by the word "bitter" here. This ESB is a seductive, honey-sweet brew with just enough of a bitter edge to keep things interesting. It's a classic British ale and for a good reason: it's just that good. 

Baked salmon, creamy broccoli salad, and a chickpea panzanella in today's Delicious Links...