Like this video? Catch the Madrid vlog here!
February 26, 2017
February 22, 2017
Madrid 2017 VLOG
I came home this past long weekend; I had only been at school for 26 days, but man was I ready to come home! I had a big organic chemistry exam last week, and once I finished it, I couldn't stop thinking about the weekend!
To say that this weekend was rejuvenating would be an understatement. A lot has happened to my family over the past two years, and it was a real blessing to be able to be together, the four of us, like the old days, before everything happened. That's not to say that everything's back to normal, but we're finally moving towards the future, towards healing, and it's been a long time coming. Plus, the beautiful 60-degree weather was a graciously welcomed bonus.
I took a bit of that extra time to play around with new editing software - this video is a little rough around the edges, but I'm excited to share what I've been able to do so far! Hope you like it ;)
February 19, 2017
No Knead, Dutch Oven Bread
Though I love making homemade bread, it can easily go stale in a few days. Freezing immediately after cooling and later toasting to reheat is one solution, but this bread doesn't go stale! It stays soft and chewy, and best of all, it's a great recipe for beginners. No kneading, just a longer proofing time!
Word to the wise - I used a glass Corning pot (that was oven safe), but I decided to cool the lid of the pot quickly by setting it in the sink and running cold water over it...there was a pop, and suddenly, I was looking at large, brown glass shards. Fortunately, I was unscathed, but I'd definitely recommend using a heavier duty Dutch oven and allowing all parts to cool slowly at room temperature.
Why did I choose to use the glass pot? Short answer, I don't have a Dutch oven (I don't have that glass Corning pot anymore, either). If you don't have Dutch oven like me (which acts to trap steam, which contributes to the rising of the dough and formation of the crust), you can try the baking method that Chef Jon uses in his French baguette recipe. I've made his French baguettes a few times, and the method works really well. I'll be trying it out with this recipe next time ;)
January 25, 2017
Ginger Sesame Sweet Potatoes + Healthy Lunch Ideas for the New Year
January 22, 2017
El Río Tajo
Can you believe that view? Is it Ireland? England?
We took a day trip out to Toledo, which is about 1 hour south of Madrid by bus (30 minutes if you take the high speed train). It was frigid out, and we were shivering as we walked around the city with our tour guide. The tour ended by El Greco's museum (El Museo del Greco), not too far from this view. Behind me was a park - the ground was completely covered by sand, bare trees stood in a line on the left side, leading up to a playground. What's more important, though, is what's in front of me: el río Tajo (Tajo river), which divides parts of the city from each other.
January 18, 2017
Hello, Spain
It's been a little over a week since my parents and I returned from Spain, and I still can't shake off my desire to go back. It's easy to say that about a lot of places (i.e. Disney World), but this time, it's different: I can really imagine myself living there.
To introduce the many more travel writing (city guides, what we ate, little journal entries, travel tips) and photos to come, I'm sharing a few of the photos I took, today. I hope you're excited for the content that I'll be sharing soon, and if you want sneak peeks, visit me on Instagram!
January 15, 2017
Christmas in the City
As I have over 6k photos and videos from Spain to edit, I'm going to stall with a few photos from Christmas Day 2016 :)
January 11, 2017
Slow Cooker Korean Shortrib Sandwiches
What better way to serve homemade pretzel buns than with Korean shortrib? I seldom eat beef, but when I do, it's gotta be good - and this is ;)
January 8, 2017
Homemade Pretzel Rolls
Have you ever tried Amish soft pretzels? I'm telling you, they're even better than your regular soft pretzel. They're not as dense and tough on the outside, and even more fluffy and soft on the inside.
One of the first recipes I shared was a homemade soft pretzel recipe, but I'm going to replace that with this one - it's that good! The original recipe is Alton Brown's (that's why it's so good!), but I've adjusted it slightly after getting feedback from my family.
January 4, 2017
Lighter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (Vegan + Unsweetened)
Last week, I alluded to a special Christmas Eve morning breakfast that I had planned, and these were it!
Cinnamon rolls/buns are generally very rich and indulgent, and there's nothing wrong with that - just don't eat them too often! I did, however, want to lighten them up to cater to a wider variety of diets. This specific recipe is vegan, lower in fat, and free of any added sugar. Anyone who wants to sweeten them up can do so to their liking with any toppings (maple syrup, icing, caramel sauce). This way, the rolls aren't too sweet or not sweet enough. They're just right.
January 1, 2017
Travel Light: Packing for a European Winter in a Duffel + Backpack
What can I say? I prefer to be safe than sorry, because regret is one of my least favorite feelings.
On the other hand, it's a pain to lug around heavy luggage, especially when you're traveling around quite a bit.
As you're reading this, I'll have just landed in Spain for a 9 day trip with my parents. I haven't traveled out of the country in a few years, but I have learned to be more realistic with my packing after having moved to a school on the other side of the country for a year. I'm no extreme minimalist or packing aficionado, but I've managed to bring everything I need in a medium sized duffel and backpack.
Here's what I packed, and a few tips I have for any chronic overpackers like me:
December 25, 2016
December 21, 2016
Gingerbread Pancakes
Traditionally, I've always tried to make a special Christmas morning breakfast, but this year, we'll be heading out to the city a little bit earlier than usual - that means the special recipe I have in mind will have to be eaten on Saturday instead. I don't mind, though, because I can hardly wait to make it! Any ideas as to what I'm thinking about?
December 11, 2016
Winter Spiced Oatmeal with Persimmons
Don't knock it until you try it - really.
I didn't know what to call this recipe, but the deep, earthy flavors of the black pepper, rosemary, and cinnamon screamed "winter" to me.
I've grown up eating persimmons, but I realized a few years ago that my dad always cut them up when they weren't ripe enough. Persimmons that haven't reached their peak ripeness (i.e. the point at which they're super mushy -- and sweet!) just aren't that good - they have a funny odor (not bad, but not good, either) and are crunchy (not in a good way).
If you take a look at my video (below!), you'll see how ripe and mushy my persimmon was. You might think it went bad, but trust me - it was perfect.
November 9, 2016
Cornell Botanic Gardens
This is long overdue, but I just haven't had the opportunity to share these photos from early September!
November 6, 2016
November 2, 2016
Liberty Hyde Greenhouse
I pass by this greenhouse nearly everyday on my way to class, and I finally got a chance to swing by one day, after class. The greenhouse was about to close, but the guy closing it encouraged me to take a look -- he even showed me the titan arum, "Wee Stinky".
October 31, 2016
September 24, 2016
Kickoff : Homecoming 2016
My first college football game!
I came from a high school with a not so great football team, and a family who doesn't love football all that much, so I've never really been that interested in football. I do think that the game is entertaining though, and I was pleasantly surprised by how engaged I was at today's game (Cornell vs. Yale (27-13) ). In all honesty, however, my favorite part about the game wasn't the actual football game -- the people watching was great. And just for the record, I wasn't sitting there staring people down ;) It's just that there's so many different people at a football game, from outrageously passionate frat guys to little girls climbing up and down the bleachers. Every now and then, you'll hear the crowd roar with pride, and you can't help but get excited with them.
September 23, 2016
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