How is it nearly the night before Christmas already? I hope you all are enjoying the end to another year. It's been a full, exciting one for me – I moved to a new home, gained a new kitchen, and wrote a second book, among other things. I think 2010 may have some more adventures […]...
Shades of Pale: Brown Butter Vanilla Cake with Caramel Buttercream
Giving Thanks: Frozen Cranberry Nougats
Happy Thanksgiving to all! This is just a short update since I'm in Kansas about to celebrate the holiday with the family of the boyfriend. I just wanted to share a little concoction I whipped up before I left, while I was getting into the holiday mood. Cranberries are inextricably linked to the holiday […]...
Gingerbread Cupcakes for a Special Birthday
Does anyone else have a noticeable uptick in friends’ birthdays around this time of the year? November to me is not just the month that marks the beginning of the holidays, but also the beginning of the birthday onslaught. I have my theories as to why (consider that Valentine’s Day occurs 9 months earlier…hmm…) but […]...
Vanilla, Mocha, Walnuts: Memories of Bundt Cake
A Clafouti For Chilly Days: Apples, Cranberries, and Vanilla Bean
A dear friend of mine just returned from Africa and brought me a wonderful gift: a literal bag of whole vanilla beans! Apparently vanilla beans are much less expensive in Africa (no doubt due to the vanilla bean powerhouse Madagascar) so thanks to my friend R I now own more vanilla beans that I thought […]...
Anita Chu, also known as pastrygirl, is a baker, writer, and photographer with a passion for pastry. She trained at Tante Marie's Cooking School and is the author of Field Guide to Cookies, Field Guide to Candy, and Lollipop Love. Anita lives in San Francisco with her husband, daughter, and dog Max. 
