It was bound to happen. My blog is two years old today, and I have no idea what to write. Not for lack of feelings - I'm feeling all kinds of proud and happy and grateful -, but simply because my mind is all over the place. [...]
Read Morenuts
cranberry curd tartlets w/ pecan crust
Thomas and I went walking through Bruges this weekend. The sun was out, the sky was blue and the air was frosty ... the perfect day for wandering feet and a meandering mind. One that couldn't help but wonder how this came to be my city, and if it would ever really feel that way.
Read Morepear cranberry hazelnut tart
In the summer of 2007, I took my brand new orange backpack to the airport and boarded a plane to New York. I was beyond excited. Nervous, too, because this would be a trip of many firsts. My first time making such a long journey by myself, my first time traveling with a group of strangers, my first road trip through the US, my first time camping.
Read Morewhole wheat walnut cake
Das Zwischen.
I think this was one of the first architectural concepts our professor taught us. Das Zwischen - the in-between - the transitional space between two spaces - neither one, nor the other. Ever since I learned about the concept 12 years ago and even as I ventured away from straight up architecture, Das Zwischen has stuck with me. Partly because I love saying it, strongly emphasizing the 'ts' sound of the German 'Z'; but mostly because its undefined nature intrigues and soothes me [...]
Read Morewalnut & cacao nib granola
Paralysis.
Paralysis is what I experienced through most of my PhD. Paralysis is what I've fought so hard to overcome. And paralysis is what struck me again this weekend. Unexpectedly, but undeniably [...]
Read Morebrown butter coffee hazelnut cake
It was my mother's birthday last week. The woman who gave me wide hips and an imperfect nose, but also, and much more importantly, a curiosity about life and an eagerness to learn. The woman who endured my teenage years and expressed her frustrations mostly in French curses. The woman who taught me how to make pancakes and meringues, who showed me how to separate eggs and carefully fold in egg whites, who introduced me to beurre noisette and other wonderful flavors. The woman who's baked me at least 30 birthday cakes and even more for my brothers [...]
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