One always hopes for nice weather on one's birthday – that's natural, don't you think? I imagine for those born in the months of winter, perhaps a picturesque fall of snow might be more appropriate, but since my birthday is in May, I always thought that sunny skies on my birthday wasn't too unreasonable a […]...
{Product Review} Meeting the Minds Behind Socola Chocolatier
I got the opportunity to attend the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon about a month ago – a day long festival celebrating all things chocolate. With over 50 chocolatiers and confectioners, many of them local artisans, the variety of truffles, bars, and other chocolatey delights on display was sugar-shock-inducing. It must have been unique challenge, […]...
Tweaking an Old Favorite: Meyer Lemon and Chocolate Tart
Whenever Meyer lemons come into season, I always get an irrepressible desire to make lemon tarts. They’ve always been one of my favorite things to make, and their sunny yellow hue is perfect reflection of the increasingly light-filled days. (We even had a mini-heat wave in San Francisco this weekend, with everyone scrambling to pull […]...
A Twist on the Familiar: Tonka Bean and Cocoa Nib Ice Cream
Do you ever wonder how just about everyone’s favorite ice cream flavor seems inextricably tied to his or her childhood? After divulging their #1 choice, people will nearly always follow up with, “This was the only flavor I ate when I was a child!” or some variant thereof. I am no exception. Strawberry ice cream […]...
Marshmallow Chicks, Just in Time for Easter
For any sweets aficionado, Easter is a can't-miss holiday; more candy is sold for Easter than any other holiday besides Halloween, so if you've been caught with a bag of jellybeans in your shopping cart, know you're not alone. Easter also boasts probably the largest variety of candy specifically created for celebrating the occasion: who […]...
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. 
