195: Vanilla Macarons

I wanted to do macarons again just so I could prove to myself that my first attempt was not a fluke. So, last weekend, I gave it another go. Look ma, no more visible bumps! 

Anyway, how are you? I’m on day 3 of my ‘healthy week’. My mother has been dropping hints that I’ve been looking a bit too round lately (in the loving way that mothers do.). I didn’t want to admit it at first, but I’ve recently come around to accept it: I gained the food blog 15. So, I vowed to start eating healthy starting Monday, which means I’m swapping my sweets for greens (Que horror!). By Tuesday, I spiked a fever (What?). I’m chalking that up to coincidence. Today is day 3. Third day hump day! There’s a bag of mini Reese’s in close proximity. I already ate one. It is taking all my self control to not devour the whole bag. God, help me.

(My, my, macarons can make me very chatty, no?)

191: Cake Pops

I will be honest. Sometimes, I could cook or bake things because I find them aesthetically pleasing. Yes, I can be shallow like that.

That is the case with cake pops. I have a sweet tooth, but even I have a limit. Cake + frosting + chocolate + sprinkles = too much sweetness for me. But I saw pictures on the internet and I got sucked in. SO. EFFING. CUTE.

Click here for instructions on how to make your own. Don’t worry if you don’t have foam to stick your cake pops on. A colander (or any kitchen tool with holes big enough to stick your pops on) would suffice. Enjoy!

185: Chocolate Macarons with Orange Ganache

I did it! I made macarons (albeit bumpy ones. Note to self: buy a proper sifter)! I think all home cooks dream of making one - even if it’s just for the sake of saying you’re made one, no? Personally, I love them. Primarily because I’ve always associated them with fond memories. One in particular involves my inability to pronounce it correctly. Macaron (like Ron Perlman) or macaroon (like Rooney Mara)?

My sister and I graduated at the same time - she, from high school and me, from college. My mom saw this as the perfect opportunity to redeem her miles (which she had saved for years and years) and take us both to Lourdes - for some spiritual awakening. Naturally, we made a stop over to Paris (whee!). I only had a semester’s worth of French lessons under my belt and was tasked with the responsibility of ordering at restaurants, buying tickets and anything that requires speaking the language. GULP.

Anyway, we were waiting at Gare Montparnasse for our train to Lourdes when my stomach started to grumble. Desperate for food, I approached a Paul Bakery. There was a line and I started observing how other people ordered. I started praying that someone would order a macaron or a quiche lorraine, hoping that I could at least get an affirmation on how they were pronounced. Everyone ordered coffee.

When it was my turn, I stuttered, “Un macaroooon de chocolat, un quiche lorraine et un croissant, s’il vous plait?” Never mind that I looked like I was ordering a meal good for three people for myself, I totally butchered the words and yes, I said the sentence as if I was asking a question. The girl behind the counter took pity on me and said, “A chocolate macaron, a quiche lorriane and a croissant, yes?” Relieved, I answered enthusiastically, “Oui!” She smiled and told me to wait while she heats my quiche - in perfect English, if I may add. (A side note: Contrary to popular belief, French people are nice! The taxi driver who drove us to the train station was very nice and helpful too.)

Suffice to say, it was the BEST. MACARON. EVER.

Make some now!

172: Earl Grey Choco Chip Cookies

Ever since my chance discovery of earl grey hot chocolate, I’ve been obsessed. Earl grey and chocolate is the ultimate food pairing for me. I think of it as a perfect marriage - earl grey being the floral feminine side while chocolate being the strong flavored masculine side. Does that make sense? Anyway…

Cookie recipe from here, add leaves of 2 earl grey tea bags to the mix.

139: Salted Caramel Brownie

This is so, so, so sinful, but oh so, so, so good. I try to refrain from browsing through The Pioneer Woman’s blog for this exact reason. But it was late at night and I was weak, okay.  Sigh. 

128: Profiteroles

I served this to friends. One of them said it was as good as the ones sold at a local bakeshop. I DIED. Recipe from here. It’s the same place I got my eclair recipe from.

119: Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

One day I woke up and I thought I had made this cake the night before. I walked to the kitchen, excited at the thought of having something sweet for breakfast and found an empty fridge. I dreamed it all! Naturally, I hauled my ass into the kitchen as soon as I had the time and made this cake. It was very satisfying. Quite literally a dream come true. (Hardy har har.)

Cake recipe from here, minus the soaking the tea bags in water part. the Frosting from Paula Deen (don’t judge me!). I used strawberry jam instead of the puree and omitted the strawberry extract. 

My sister thinks this looks like Pac Man. You see it too, no?

062: Peanut Butter Cups

How come I haven’t seen this video before? Like, are you serious? It’s been two months, man. And 2 + 2 equals…five. 

(You sneaky mom! How cute is that?)

Anyway, I started craving peanut butter cups and lo and behold, this recipe just presented itself to me. It’s fate, I tell you. 

057: Peanut Butter Cookies

Tried this out on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Emphasis on lazy. This recipe only has 3 ingredients. :)

056: Palmier

Palmier or as I prefer to call it, elephant ears, is a French German , Spanish, French, Italian, Jewish, and Portuguese treat made out of puff pastry. The Germans call it pig ears, how cute. They’re super quick to make, granted you have puff pastry on hand. See for yourself here.

Next time, I think I’ll brush them with maple syrup!