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 … More Whipped Body Butter – 4 ingredients
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 … More Exploring California Part 7: Mount Diablo + Rosemary Cupcakes with Honey-Brown Butter Frosting
“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 … More On being loud and Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Banana Caramel
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 … More Orange Blossom Brioche Pull Apart Rolls
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 … More Exploring California 4: Coyote Hills Regional Park + Coconut Curry Soup-Salad
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 … More Israel Part 1: What we packed and Caramel Cornflake Crunch
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, … More Lemon, Orange-Blossom Semolina Cookies
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? … More One of the best things I’ve made: Celebration Puff
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 … More Exploring California Part 3: Roaring Camp + Madras Cafe
I am lucky to still have my weekends to myself. I have two days to decompress, read, walk the dogs, and explore my new home. We have spent the last few months venturing out and making this place home, finding our favorite place to eat, where we get our groceries, a local dog parks. We … More Exploring California Part 2: Half Moon Bay and Mamacita’s Food Truck
