The suitcase is packed, the oven is shut off, the lights are dimmed, and I’m off to Hong Kong! It’s been quite a flurry of Christmas card writing and holiday baking, and I’m looking forward to a little rest and relaxation halfway across the world. I’ve got a few posts tucked away, though, so do […]...
Menu for Hope IV
I’m happy to announce that Dessert First is participating in the 4th annual Menu for Hope, a global fundraising effort to support the UN World Food Programme. Hosted by the marvelous Pim of Chez Pim, Menu for Hope has grown into a hugely successful yearly event on the blogosphere – last year the effort raised […]...
‘Tis the Season
I love December, the gentle melancholy as we tiptoe to the end of the year, juxtaposed with the swirling joyousness of the holidays. I always smile when I realize the approach of things that suffuse me with the warm, fuzzy holiday spirit: gaily colored Christmas cards in the mail; children running about in puffy, scarf […]...
Meeting Elizabeth Falkner and Other Tidbits
One of the great things about living in the Bay Area is, of course, the vibrant culinary scene. It’s amazing to think that I am tootling around the same area as people like Alice Medrich or Michael Recchiuti or a host of other gastronomic luminaries. Case in point: last night, I attended a book signing […]...
Daring Bakers Challenge: Tender Potato Foccacia
It’s been a busy November for me, with various projects I’ve been working on, and preparations for the upcoming holidays. I almost thought I wouldn’t have time to participate in the Daring Bakers Challenge, but when I saw that we could make foccacia out of the base recipe, I knew I had to do it […]...
Eat My Words
I like to think that the desserts I create my kitchen tell a story. Maybe they say that I like trying new and unusual recipes. Or that I like making the classics too. That sometimes I get obsessed with perfecting a recipe. Or that I get obsessed with certain French pastry geniuses. Maybe this says, […]...
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. 
