Buckwheat Gingerbread Cookies

“O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.”

Hello, friend.

‘O Holy Night’ is arguably my favorite Christmas carol. There is something about the combination of the words, music, and the emotion weaved throughout that song that makes me teary-eyed every time I hear it. Much like music, baking possesses those same blending of flavors and notes that create this symphony of deliciousness. I think that’s why music and food go hand in hand so well. It just makes sense. So, Christmas is two days away. WAT. Where has, the time gone?! And more importantly, how on earth did I get three blog posts out in one week?! It’s a Christmas miracle, people! With last minute holiday prep, I don’t have much time to write so I will make this post brief. Key points you should know: learning to pipe royal icing is tough and Hodgson Mill’s Buckwheat Flour makes for incredible gingerbread cookies. The flavor of the buckwheat is subtle, but you can notice it. It really makes for a perfectly warm, spiced-filled cookie. 

Brandy, Pear & Buckwheat Pound Cake + a Spiced Pear Brandy Sidecar

Hello, friend.

Thanksgiving is just a few days away. In my last post I talked all about what to make for the perfect holiday feast, everything from the sides, to the entrée, and even the dessert. Though I forgot one VERY important part of any great gathering: the cocktail! But fear not, I have swooped in to save the day with another cocktail + dessert pairing using another mixer from Powell & Mahoney. With autumn slowly coming to an end I wanted to highlight the seasonality of one of its great fruits, the Bosc pear. I also wanting to snag the chance at baking with/drink some brandy (because it’s my favorite of any hard liquor. So good!). The holidays are a hectic, crazy, stressful, but ultimately fun time of year me. Plus, with final exams in the next couple of weeks, I think I'm in need of a cake and cocktail break.  Who here is up for that??

Spiced Grapefruit Sponge Cake with Candied Orange Slices

Hello, friend

The citrus fruit season is almost behind us. Before it leaves and the flavors of autumn begin to drown us in their apple spiced goodness, you need to get your hands on some oranges and a bottle (or two!) of this Spiced Grapefruit Tonic mixer from Powell & Mahoney and make this sponge cake. The cake is warm with hints of autumn from the honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The spiced grapefruit tonic mixer adds a hint of allspice and a subtle tartness to this simply sweet cake. The cake is light and almost cloud-like. Couldn’t you image it? Instead of clouds we had little flying sponge cakes in the air. Actually, scratch that idea, that sounds terrifying. Clouds belong in the sky and cake belongs on my plate. You should put that saying on a t-shirt.

baked vanilla custards with poached spiced apples, Oatmeal, & the Oh Hellos

Hello, friend.

This past Wednesday night, a group of friends and I went to the Canopy Club, a local music venue, to see the band The Oh Hellos. I wasn’t familiar with the band’s work before the show, so I didn’t quite know what to expect. I knew they had a folk, alternative vibe with a bit of bluegrass mixed in, but that was the extent of my knowledge. As we entered the theatre, the speaker’s blared loud pop music and the stage glowed a soft ocean blue from the spotlights . The ceiling seemed to stretch on forever in the darkness above. The theatre was packed with flannel wearing 20-somethings, all drinking fancy sounding beers and cocktails. I knew I was with my people.

Beignets with Orange Spiced Wildflower Honey + speaking of baking

Hello, friend.

Baking. The science of culinary perfection. Exact measurements and proper conditions dictate the outcome. Mix up sugar for salt or forget to temper the chocolate and disaster will surely strike. Baking is an exact science, a process that requires extreme precision and execution while also demonstrating grace and simplicity. It’s a balancing act. Understanding the processes before you step off on your baking endeavors will support a greater chance of a positive outcome. Like the old saying goes, “Measure twice, bake once” (or something like that! I’m a little fuzzy on the exact phrasing). Baking is a process that requires preparation, training, and a willingness to make mistakes and learn from them, much like speaking.

Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls with Gingerbread Spiced Icing + It's Been One Year

Hello, friend.

It is 2016!! What?!

In even more exciting news, we’re celebrating a birthday today. TermiNatetor Kitchen just turned one-years-old *confetti cannon is heard*! 

On January 3^rd, 2015, the blog was officially launched, with little knowledge of how impactful this site would be on my life.  When originally thinking of how I was going to celebrate, I thought I would make a Funfetti cake or a stack of buttermilk pancakes just dripping in sweet maple syrup, though it just didn’t seem to fit. I wanted something festive, warm, and delicious. Around the holiday season, I enjoy dining on two things; cinnamon rolls and eggnog. My decision was finalized. Eggnog cinnamon rolls.

Grilled-Roasted Peaches with Autumn Spiced Butter & Maple Crème + The Fear of Speaking

Hello, friends.

So it’s been a while since we last chatted. It feels like years since we sat down, sipped on osome pumpkin spice lattes, and caught each other up on what our lives have become. What is my excuse? Higher education. I recently survived midterm week and I couldn't be more excited that it's over with. The weight of textbooks and grownup responsibility pulls my tired body downward. I find it harder and harder to get up in the morning and out the door before my 8 am microbiology class. In the midst of late night study sessions and early morning practicals, I rather sleep my worries away than take another step out into the chilly cornfield jungle that is the Midwest. If I'm being honest with you, I’ve just been in an emotional lump.