By happy coincidence, I was party to a number of chocolate-centric events these last couple of weeks (or perhaps it was no coincidence – it would be a felicitous development indeed if everyone started embracing the joys of chocolate more!) The first was an invitation by the fabulous Marcia of Tablehopper to a chocolate tasting […]...
{Book Review} Dreaming of the Mediterranean
From Simple to Sublime: Hazelnut Cake with Roasted Glazed Peaches
A Little Sweet Talk?
What would the art of baking be without sugar? Yes, I know there are many other sweeteners and substitutes for sugar, but to me my kitchen isn’t complete with several bars of butter, a container of eggs, and a carton of cream in the refrigerator, bags of chocolate disks waiting to be melted, and canisters […]...
Daring Bakers Challenge: Strawberry Mirror Cake
Given my love for strawberries, it was with delight that I saw the challenge Peabody gave us Daring Bakers for July: the very classic and beautiful Strawberry Mirror Cake! This type of dessert is a mainstay of French pâtisserie: layers of light, airy genoise layered with smooth, creamy mousse – the European equivalent of America’s […]...
SHF #33: Passion Fruit Soufflé Glacé with Pineapple Fruit Soup
My homegirl Mary of Alpineberry is hosting this month’s Sugar High Friday, and she picked an appropriately summery theme: Tropical Paradise. It’s been lusciously sunny this weekend, but when the fog rolls in, especially on the western side of the city, San Francisco can seem a very chilly place to spend summer. So how better […]...
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. 
