We have a tradition of baking something with my friend's daughter when we visit them in California. It started when she was young - cupcakes for a Mother's Day brunch or a batch (or three) of her mother's favorite cookies. During my last visit, Shivani wanted to make...
In Hawaii we love mochi in all forms. From traditional forms like ozoni (mochi soup served on New Year's Day to bring luck) and daifuku (filled mochi, usually sweetened red bean paste). To more modern versions like butter mochi, mochi ice cream, and chocolate filled...
Okinawan Doughnuts The Okinawan Festival is held in Honolulu as a celebration of the culture and foods of Okinawa. Held annually over the Labor Day weekend, the festival is sponsored by the Hawaii United Okinawa Association. In celebration of this annual tradition,...
I always need a little something sweet to end a meal, especially dinner. These individual gâteaux are Jacques Pépin's version of an icebox cake and make the perfect post-meal treat. There is no cooking involved which makes it ideal for the summer when you're avoiding...
My sister is one of my biggest supporters. She is my sous chef, taste tester, and photography hand model. She is also a recipe developer in her own right - I hope to feature some of her recipes in the near future. Unfortunately for her, her birthday is often a...
When I lived in Boston I made the classic icebox cake - layers of Famous Chocolate Wafers and sweetened whipped cream. It was the perfect summer cake requiring no baking, just assembly. When I moved back to Hawaii, I was surprised that Famous Chocolate Wafers were...
It is officially spring and we are celebrating with these sweet little springtime fairy cakes. What are fairy cakes? Unlike their American cupcake counterparts, fairy cakes in the UK are smaller and lighter - like a delicate little fairy. The cakes themselves are a...
When I was looking for a cake to make for my sister's birthday, I wanted something fun and festive. It also had to be something my nephew would enjoy making with me but not overly complicated as his attention span only goes so far. And finally, given the price of...
Black Bottom Cupcakes are a heavenly combination of chocolate cake and cheesecake. These humble little treats are proof that a cupcake doesn't need to be hidden under piles of buttercream to be delicious. For me, these cupcakes evoke memories of my mom in the kitchen...
I am the first to admit that while I claim my Chinese ethnicity, I am far removed from the language and culture of my ancestors. My main connection to cultural celebrations is food. As we approach Chinese New Year (February 1st this year), I started thinking...
In bakeries in Hawaii you will often find Dobash cake in the display case. This Hawaii-born cake layers chocolate chiffon with a pudding-like frosting. It is a favorite in the islands, but many, including my co-worker, will be quick to tell you that despite its...
This week I reimagined another family cookbook favorite, transforming a bundt cake into festive Easter cupcakes. This is one of those old-fashioned recipes that many families, including ours, shared through the years. And with some small differences, the recipe has...
Fresh figs are in season and I'm loving it. It's funny because as a child I had access to my neighbor's fig tree and had no interest in eating them. I thought they were an odd fruit. It's nice that I can get them in the local grocery store but I find that they don't...
For me, the month of July means one thing, Le Tour de France. I'm not a cyclist and never will be. In fact, the last time I was on a bike that wasn't stationary I ran directly into a hedge. I started watching the Tour years ago and look forward to it each year. In...
It's early enough in the summer that I don't mind using that oven. In another week or two that will change I'm sure. I came across a recipe on Natasha's Kitchen for Blueberry Lemon Cake and it's perfect for this time of the year - blueberries are...
I have always maintained that I am not a baker. I can bake things but not very well and my nature is somewhat averse to the required precision. However, recently and perhaps it's the weather, I've been in the mood to bake. Whatever the reason, I've been inspired but...