Hi Reader! Friend! May is basically nature's way of saying bake something beautiful! The strawberries are popping off in the garden, the sun is staying longer and a leisurely weekend brunch feels practically mandatory. I've pulled together 10 of my favorite recipes (including the fluffy lemon yogurt pancakes above!) that are absolutely perfect for this moment — whether you're hosting a crowd, baking for someone you love or just treating yourself on a slow Sunday morning (which is to say, my...
12 days ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader! This Toasted Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookie is all the things we're looking for in a cookie...and then some: Crispy edges with a chewy, bendy center Loaded with brown sugar (and just a touch of granulated sugar) for heaps of caramel and toffee flavors Studded with crunchy, creamy macadamia nuts, chewy dried cherries and puddles of dark chocolate Ready in 30 minutes (a no-rest dough!) But also, a no-rest dough that can handle chill time (if you need it) and freezes like a dream...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader! Ten one-bowl bakes that go from a quick mix in the kitchen to satisfaction in no time...my favorite way to bake! Scroll down to see all of them! I made Lemon Blueberry Scones this past weekend, for Easter, and I can confirm they are fabulous! I didn't have any buttermilk and so I squeezed 2 tbsp (26 g) fresh lemon juice into a liquid measuring cup and then added 2% milk to 3/4 cup (180 g) total (milk + lemon juice) and it gave them even more lemon flavor! I highly recommend. 🍋 Just...
about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader! If you’re looking for the ultimate back pocket Easter dessert, stop here! These Malted Chocolate Brownies are everything a holiday treat should be: fudgy, chewy, beautiful and loaded with the perfect chocolate malt flavor. No fussy pastel frostings or complicated layers—just two bowls, a whisk, and a pile of malted eggs! I hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday! Let's Make Malted Brownies! Salted Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Peanut butter cup lovers unite! You're going to love this...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
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...
2 months 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...
3 months 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...
3 months 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...
3 months 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...
3 months ago • 3 min read