Every year for my in-laws birthdays, when I can, I try to make a cake. I make the same cake. One that I came across a few years back, first called a "Persian Love Cake." I'm a bit uncomfortable as I'm not 100% sure where the name cake from. I've read that it was made … Continue reading The most delicious of cakes, a Love Cake
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Whipped Body Butter – 4 ingredients
I've used coconut oil for years: as a moisturizer, a makeup remover, in hair, as a lip balm, in cooking. It's wonderful, and it's even more wonderful when it's easy to spread as a body butter. Pretty simple to make really -- the key is that you need a "butter" that is softer at room … Continue reading Whipped Body Butter – 4 ingredients
Exploring California Part 7: Mount Diablo + Rosemary Cupcakes with Honey-Brown Butter Frosting
We've been doing local hikes in the South and North Bay recently, but for our anniversary hike, Tyler and I decide to venture to the other side, the East Bay, and head toward Mount Diablo. It sits tall at 3,849ft above the ground in Mount Diablo State Park. We hiked to the North Peak via … Continue reading Exploring California Part 7: Mount Diablo + Rosemary Cupcakes with Honey-Brown Butter Frosting
On being loud and Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Banana Caramel
"35,000 units of heparin are in." "1/3 of the protamine is in." Recently, in the OR, I was jokingly told that I have a "trumpet voice," meaning I make sure what I'm saying is heard. It's true, I have my teacher-voice. Not the, oh why are you on the table dancing around? voice, but the … Continue reading On being loud and Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Banana Caramel
Orange Blossom Brioche Pull Apart Rolls
I'm in a bread phase. I'm enjoying making and baking bread, which is a new thing for me. I usually shy away from the yeast - rest and proof - beat back - second proof - roll into something - and finally bake. It just...seems like a lot. And it is, but boy, fresh bread...it … Continue reading Orange Blossom Brioche Pull Apart Rolls
Exploring California 4: Coyote Hills Regional Park + Coconut Curry Soup-Salad
When we moved to California, I promised myself we would spend as much time outside as possible. We would hike, camp, walk, run, and bike (if I ever re-learn, it's definitely NOT like riding a bike, you CAN forget) our way across Northern California. Apparently I forgot I was in residency -- it's a slow … Continue reading Exploring California 4: Coyote Hills Regional Park + Coconut Curry Soup-Salad
Israel Part 1: What we packed and Caramel Cornflake Crunch
We went to Israel! It was so much fun -- the food, the weather, the people, the places. It's our last international trip for awhile, and I'm happy we pick Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, there was a lot to experience. Though...I won't recommend going over a 7 day period -- switching our internal clock around … Continue reading Israel Part 1: What we packed and Caramel Cornflake Crunch
Lemon, Orange-Blossom Semolina Cookies
Things are happening. Tyler's finals are around the corner, vacation is around the corner, I'm reading books, the dogs are happy, and we bought a small table for the porch outside. I've taken to baking a lot more again, whether I post about it or not. Allowing myself to be absolutely present with the dough, … Continue reading Lemon, Orange-Blossom Semolina Cookies
One of the best things I’ve made: Celebration Puff
This is definitely one of the best things I've ever made. It's flaky, slightly sweet and perfectly savory. I'm at the VA right now, and I've had a little bit of time to let my mind wander on my off-call days and as it frequently does, my mind goes to food. What spices? What flavors? … Continue reading One of the best things I’ve made: Celebration Puff
Exploring California Part 3: Roaring Camp + Madras Cafe
The smells of South Indian food make me smile. It's not naan, it's not palak paneer, it's something different. It's rice, it's lentils, it's sambar and rasaam, and memories. It's memories of my mom making Uttapam at home with coconut chutney. It's cilantro everywhere. I've been disappointed by South Indian food restaurants generally -- thick … Continue reading Exploring California Part 3: Roaring Camp + Madras Cafe
The Clumsy Cook 