DIY: How To Make Vanilla Sugar

DIY Vanilla Sugar, Kiku Corner

Once you have a vanilla bean, it is really simple to make your own vanilla sugar. When we lived in Saudi Arabia, it was impossible to buy vanilla extract since it was made with alcohol – and alcohol was illegal. Instead, I would bring Dr. Oetker vanilla sugar from Germany every summer to use in my […]

DIY: How to Make Lavender Sugar

DIY Lavender Sugar, Kiku Corner

This is a lovely way to lightly scent sugar with the floral essence of lavender. I like to use it in place of regular white sugar in some baking (excellent in shortbreads), sprinkled on some sugar cookies, or even as a sweetener in a cup of tea. It takes a few days to ‘steep,’ but […]

First Time Baker: Almond Blondies

Donatello is a great cook, but he doesn’t know how to bake. This would not be a problem, except that he is also a cookie monster. He quickly devours every batch of cookies I, Meinhilde, and Ryan bake and none of us can keep up. I decided to show him how to bake his own treats. To make it easier […]

Cinnamon Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Apple Streusel Coffee Cake, Kiku Corner

I love coffee cakes. There’s something that’s so casual, comforting, and homey about them – like a warm hug. Even better when they have a crunchy streusel topping. This cake is adapted from a recipe I used to make as a tween, something quick to whip up when my parents had guests over for coffee (a […]

Decadently Dense Walnut Brownies

Decadently Dense Walnut Brownies, Kiku Corner

If you have ever searched for the perfect dense, squidgy brownie, this is it. I can’t abide by cakey brownies – just eat a bloody chocolate sheet cake! The texture of these brownies are accurately reflected in the title – they are indeed decadently dense, squidgy and gooey. These brownies are immensely chocolatey because they […]