Month: August 2017

Cottage Pie: Making Something I’ve Never Tasted

Cottage Pie: Making Something I’ve Never Tasted

Last month, I attempted to make some Shepherd’s Pie. But since I only had ground beef on hand (Shepherd’s Pie is with lamb), it turned into Cottage Pie. The only problem? I’d never eaten one before, so I didn’t quite know what it was supposed to…

Japanese Croquettes/コロッケ:You Can’t Say No to Fried Potato Patties

Japanese Croquettes/コロッケ:You Can’t Say No to Fried Potato Patties

Yesterday, le bf and I made korokke (croquettes)! I made the potato filling the night before, with a “regular” version (just potatoes, beef, onions) and a “curry” version with curry powder added to the “regular” mixture. Recipe (makes about 25 korokke): 4 Russet Potatoes 1.5…

Sundays are for Baking: Aya Kneads Dough for the Very First Time (Matcha-Azuki Twists!)

Sundays are for Baking: Aya Kneads Dough for the Very First Time (Matcha-Azuki Twists!)

Sundays are for baking! During (f)unemployment, I’m doing my best to create + learn new things. Today’s task was trying this recipe from Peaceful Cuisine. I had some koshian (mashed azuki/red bean paste) in the fridge and was looking for some recipes to try when…

Pasta for Two: Delicious Mushroom Linguine

Pasta for Two: Delicious Mushroom Linguine

In the past few weeks, I’ve been craving the buttery mushroom sautée that a friend made several years ago. So, today, I decided to make a buttery mushroom pasta for two. I enjoyed it and my mom did too (I think). It’s super easy, and…

Pain au Chocolat, Chocolatine, Chocolate Croissant: Whatever You Call It, I’ll Eat It

Pain au Chocolat, Chocolatine, Chocolate Croissant: Whatever You Call It, I’ll Eat It

I have many food weaknesses, but pain au chocolat is probably in the Top 10. A delicious, flaky pastry surrounding a rich strip of chocolate. Who can refuse? Not me. My addiction began while studying abroad in Paris. Although I’ve always been a fan of cakes,…

Painting Postcards

Painting Postcards

In another bout of summer creativity, I’ve taken to painting/penciling postcard versions of some of my favorite photo shots. So far, I’ve made cards featuring the sunset in Pinole and the lighthouse at Point Reyes.   I used to dislike the watercolor aesthetic for some…

Foggy San Francisco

Foggy San Francisco

I feel like whenever people find out I’m from California, they assume blue skies, warm beaches and sunshine all the time. I hate to disappoint, but I’m from NorCal and San Francisco, in particular, often looks like this: foggy, grey and windy. A few weeks…

Macaron Mania: Discovering the Secret

Macaron Mania: Discovering the Secret

After baking 4 batches of macarons in the span of 24 hours, I now know the ultimate macaron-baking secret! Okay, maybe I’m being a little too dramatic, but I do have some tips on how to make your homemade macarons bake well. My parents and I…