Sweet Hearts

{I Love New York - via IrenaS}

As a sentimentalist, I jump at pretty much any opportunity to get mushy, and February 14th is no exception. Chris and I have an ongoing tradition of cooking together at home on Valentine's Day. We surprise each other with new recipes each year - he's in charge of dinner, and I always take care of dessert. We've encountered lobster attacks, burnt fingers, and lots of rock-hard cookies over the past 6 years. Surprisingly, it's those simple and genuine moments that I cherish the most. Love doesn't have to be perfect. You just need to share it.

Do you have any good V-day stories to share? How do you define/celebrate romance?

Domestic Endeavors

 

Truth? I'm domestically challenged. I can hardly keep plants alive longer than a week, and I buy kitchen things mainly because they're pretty. Chris could tell you countless stories about insanely burnt/salty/soggy meals sent tearfully down our garbage chute. I'm ready to learn! Thankfully, I've got plenty of wonderful teachers around me to impart wisdom and advice, including my mother and my sister-in-law, Talida. Check out her fantastic baking blog here! As I strive to conquer my domestic anxieties, I thought it would be amusing to document my trials, triumphs, and tribulations along the way.

What better way to start exploring than with dessert? I found this adaptation of Momofuku's Cereal Milk Ice Cream on Cafe Fernando's blog, and decided to give it a go as a Valentine's treat for Chris. Although I got distracted by its pretty pink label and accidentally purchased almond extract instead of vanilla, the ice cream turned out pretty darn delicious, if I do say so myself! I think I'll let the custard churn and thicken in the ice cream mixer for a little while longer next time. This is the perfect excuse to have ice cream for breakfast :)