Know Thy Bread: Banana Bread, the Humble Loaf

Thank you for trying my banana bread! Last year, I went beast mode making banana bread. I probably baked at least 50 loaves, all just for fun. I donated a few at church for fundraising events, during volunteer work, and gifted them for the holidays. I experimented with different add-ons, toppings, and techniques, trying to […]

5 Must-Have Baking Tools for Beginners: Simple, Budget-Friendly Essentials

Hello, my sweet friends and Happy New Year!  If you’re like me, the start of the year is a time for reflection and goal-setting. January is also perfect for resetting—decluttering, saving, and setting the tone for the months ahead. I like to believe that less is more, whether it’s living frugally or simplifying the tools […]

Baking Pastel de Nata in Lisbon

Hello, my baking besties! I just returned from a fun-filled adventure in Portugal and I can’t wait to share my experience with you all. Recently, I discovered a fun cultural activity to add to my travels — joining baking classes. So yes, my first activity in Portugal was a baking class. When a baker thinks about […]

Challah and Cinnamon Rolls

Weaving Creativity and Flavors in Challah This was the first time I heard of Challah bread, and goodness, it was delicious – the tender crumb and touch of sweetness made each bite a mouthwatering experience.  Challah is a traditional Jewish bread enriched with eggs, butter, and sugar.  From the previous module, I learned how to […]

Lean Yeast Dough

I recently completed the Lean Yeast Dough module, which was a game changer. My previous attempts at French bread were nothing short of a sticky mess that frustrated me. I just learned how to handle this type of dough, and I can’t wait to share it with you! Let’s experience Europe through our taste buds […]

Basic Enriched Dough

Hello, baking besties! I am excited to share my experience during our first practical assessment. After two months of theoretical – by the way, we do the classes at our own pace, so with a full-time job and other gazillion projects, it felt like forever for me, but I am finally baking! Here’s the scoop […]

Syrup, Snow, and Sips: My First Maple Syrup Making Experience

I am always on the lookout for new experiences, and I recently had an adventure in the Midwest that I have to share with you. It involved syrup, snow, and sips (of beer, of course). It’s maple syrup making time! My friend’s family has a tradition of making maple syrup in their backyard, and I […]