Valentine’s Day happens to be one of my favorite days of the year. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not because it’s supposed to be a day for celebrating romance. As a matter of fact, while romance in the movies is adorable, it freaks me out in real life. Do people really want giant bears, and to be drowning in roses?! Sure it looks great in a styled Instagram photo. But let’s be practical here. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not be crammed in an overpriced restaurant with 50 other couples sitting one foot away from each other like ducks in a row listening to each other’s conversations. That’s not to say Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be acknowledged. I won’t say no to flowers on Valentine’s Day, or cheesily asking if I’d be your Valentine. However, I’d much rather have someone show love by randomly picking up my favorite snacks, or sending me relatable memes, or if you’re crafty or artsy, I’ll seriously appreciate something you made by hand. It’s the millennial in me, I guess. That’s me — but don’t think for a second that when friends ask me what they should be doing for their significant other, I don’t come up with cheesy elaborate schemes (something along the lines of romantic movie level showing affection). (more…)
Cake
No Such Thing as Too Much Chocolate Cake
This week is a chocolate cake kind of a week. One of those weeks, post vacation, where I feel like I just need another vacation. I just need to wrap my head around everything happening in my life. Tell me I’m not the only one who when you have no idea what to do, you do something completely unrelated to anything that needs resolution … you know, like baking an extravagant chocolate cake for no reason, and for no one. I’m not worried though, my brothers will happily inhale it. (more…)
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
This month, I’m super excited to announce that I’m collaborating with some fabulous food bloggers and food-stagramers to bring you recipes inspired by our favorite fall fruit, Apples!
Can I just say, I love caramel apples. Seriously love them. Not when they’re hard and borderline pull your teeth out. Not those caramel apples. No, I’m talking about the ones where with the perfect caramel to apple ratio, where the caramel only slightly sticks to your teeth and the apples are perfectly crisp. I did share one of my favorite caramel apple recipes in the past. (more…)
Spiced Cardamom Cake
I just can’t believe summer has come to an end already! It seems like it just wasn’t long enough this year. I mean, really … where did summer go? We’ve just crossed the Labor Day Weekend threshold (the Official End of Summer, at least that’s when all the swimming pools close), and my tan game slowly degraded as summer went on. In my defense, that’s because I was busing filling my weekends up with adventures of the non-culinary type. I had my fair share of BBQs, laying by the pool, and sitting outdoors basking the summer evenings, shisha in hand.
So for summer to end so abruptly (and yes, I will say abruptly since even Labor Day Weekend was rainy and cooled off so much it was almost too cold to swim) was such a disappointment. (more…)
Candied Orange Semolina Cake
The last month has been an absolute whirlwind. I went from planning and celebrating my 30th birthday – which was amazing, by the way – to hoping on a plane straight to Dubai for a week then Amman for a second week. I was able to spend just enough time in my own kitchen to whip up a not-too-sweet Candied Orange Semolina Cake, before jetting off to Lyon for a work trip filled with meetings (and lots of chocolate croissants). Unfortunately for me, I came down with the flu for the entirety of the trip, so I wasn’t able to fully appreciate the food capitol for all it has to offer. For those who follow Measuring Cups Optional on Instagram, my stories offer a first look at all my food and travel adventures. (more…)
Turkish Coffee Cake
I remember the first time I ever tried Turkish coffee. I don’t remember how old I was, but I remember being in the living room of our old townhouse. Both my parents were drinking Turkish coffee on a sunny afternoon and I wanted to get in on the action. After much begging, my mom let me have a sip. I’m pretty sure she regretted it instantly because it was so awful to my immature taste buds that I spit it out all over her and the couch. Many, many years later, I gave Turkish coffee another chance. My tastes must have matured because now I enjoy medium Turkish coffee with a side of something sweet.
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