Hi Reader! I wanted to send this recipe out on a Wednesday so you'd have time to get your madeleine pans for this weekend (if you don't already have some!). If you’ve ever struggled to get that iconic "hump" on your Madeleines, I have the 4-step solution for you: A cold batter, a hot oven, chilled madeleine pan and an overnight rest (not in this order!). Why these are fab: The "Moisture Seal": Half are dipped in dark chocolate and half in a fresh strawberry glaze. The coating traps the...
15 days ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader! 'Tis the season for the most fabulous cake we could ever ask for! Picture this: a breezy, one-bowl chocolate cake made with Guinness (or any malted beer). The crumb is light and bouncy, and the flavor is rich and chocolaty. This 9-inch (23-cm) round cake is mixed and baked in just 45 minutes (!!). Top it with my favorite 5-minute chocolate malt frosting, and it’s the perfect treat for March. Honestly, I make this cake year-round because it’s the perfect celebration cake—or simply a...
29 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader! The perfect, not-too-sweet chocolate cupcake that is THE BEST vehicle for your favorite frostings and buttercreams. Why you’ll love these: One Bowl & A Whisk: No mixer required. You can have the batter ready before the oven finishes preheating. Oil-Based Magic: Because there’s no butter, these stay incredibly moist and light for days. The "Puffy Crown" Rise: These don't spill over the sides like a muffin; they rise straight up into a gorgeous, bakery-style crown that is just...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader! I know, half of the country is currently buried under several feet of snow. But in California, Tuesday was truly magical. Sunny, 68 degrees, skies so blue they look filtered with white puffy clouds that looked manufactured they were so perfect. The day was so fabulous I couldn't resist the drive to Santa Barbara for my favorite smoothie (the Dune Crusher from Backyard Bowls...it's so good!). To those of you buried in snow, trust me, I'm jealous! I'm sharing the weather here only to...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader! This week it's been rainy, blustery and I slept right through a National Weather System alert telling me to seek an inner room because of a tornado watch (warning? alert?). I started taking magnesium glycinate (the dreams!). I made noodles with peanut sauce (I used this recipe from Ina Garten for the peanut dressing) for Chinese New Year 🧧 and I'm super excited that my cousin is coming to town and we're having a long boozy lunch on Friday. I dug out my old copy of 1984 and started...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader! Valentine's Day treats fall into three categories: Breakfast: because who doesn't want to wake up to something delicious?! Sweet Treats: Think cookies and truffles... Snacks, basically. Dessert: Like, proper dessert. The thing you're going to dive into after a really delicious meal. This year, these are my top contenders... Breakfast: Raspberry Scones, Strawberry Scones, Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls, Danishes (I would use this lemon curd recipe in place of the sweet plum filling) &...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! Not necessarily into sports but always up for a good time! Below are some of my favorite sweet and savory picks for this week(end)... If you'd like a wee more of an update, scroll below the photos! ♥️ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Brown Butter Blondies"These are the most delicious things ever. I have no self control with them. Lol. I normally loveee chocolate chips in things, but these are so good, I prefer to leave the chocolate chips out to fully taste the delicious bars. Pecans are also a delicious...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader! Here they are! My mom loves the lemon ricotta pancakes from Scarlett Begonia's, so I had it on the January agenda to make my own version of them. BUT, before I even got started I was completely pressed by having to go out and get ricotta. It's just not an ingredient I use much. Greek yogurt, on the other hand, is always in my fridge! I did a couple of things to make these Lemon Greek Yogurt Pancakes extra fabulous: One-bowl recipe. If you use a microwave-safe bowl, you could even...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader! I love muffins! All kinds of muffins. With fruit, with chocolate chips, with streusel or with a sprinkle of sugar and spices. I'm all in. Below you'll see some of my favorites (including these chocolate zucchini muffins pictured above!). My Favorite Muffin-Baking Tips Weigh your ingredients. The balance between liquids and solids is crucial. Using a scale ensures you get it right every time. This is my favorite scale if you're in the market! (New to scales? Just reply to this email...
2 months ago • 3 min read