Author: Paul Arif

Banana muffins with a cooling rack and striped cloth
American, Baking Recipes, Cuisine, Dessert Recipes

Banana Muffins

Ever look at those sad, brown bananas on your counter and think, “I should have thrown those away a week ago”? I’ve been there. We all have. But what if I told you those mushy, overripe bananas are your secret weapon for making the best muffins ever? I’m a big […]

Traditional pineapple buns with characteristic golden crust
Bread Recipes, Chinese, Cuisine

Pineapple Buns (Bolo Bao)

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’m obsessed with Chinese bakeries. The smell of fresh bread, the sweet aroma of buns, and the vibrant displays of treats… it’s pure magic. And for me, that magic is all wrapped up in one thing: Pineapple Buns. You might know them […]

Homemade Pan de Muerto breads cooling on wire rack with torn piece showing crumb structure
Bread Recipes, Cuisine, Mexican

Pan de Muerto (Mexican Bread of the Dead)

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking. But for me, the smell of Pan de Muerto is something else entirely. It’s more than just a sweet treat—it’s an act of love. It’s a connection to the people I miss most. This beautiful, sugar-dusted bread is the centerpiece […]

Close-up of bee sting cake showing texture of honey almond topping and pastry cream
Cake Recipes, Cuisine, Dessert Recipes, German

Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich)

Hey, everyone! Today, we’re making something really special. It’s a German cake with a funny name: Bienenstich, which means Bee Sting Cake. The name is kind of a mystery. Some say it’s because the honey in the topping attracted bees. Others think the sweet, sharp taste is like a sting. […]

Cheesecake cookie cut in half showing cheese filling
American, Cookies, Cuisine, Dessert Recipes

Cheesecake Cookies

Hey there, fellow baker! Get ready to make a cookie that’s way more than just a cookie. We’re talking about a classic, chewy chocolate chip cookie with a gooey, decadent cheesecake center. It’s like the best of both worlds, all in one perfect bite. Seriously, it’s a game-changer. I wanted […]

Close-up Paris Brest texture with almonds and golden crust
Cuisine, Dessert Recipes, French

Paris Brest Recipe

Hey everyone! Today, we’re going to tackle something really special: the Paris Brest. I still remember the first time I saw one in a little Parisian bakery window. It looked so impressive, like a golden crown studded with almonds. I was sure it was way too complicated for a home […]

Baked cowboy cookies on white plate showing texture with chocolate chips and oats
American, Cookies, Cuisine, Dessert Recipes

Cowboy Cookies

Hey everyone! Today, I want to share a cookie recipe that is super close to my heart. It’s for cowboy cookies, and let me tell you, these aren’t your average cookies. They’re big, they’re bold, and they’re bursting with flavor. Basically, they’re everything a cookie lover dreams of. You know, […]

Overhead view of Mexican wedding cookies with heavy powdered sugar dusting
Cookies, Cuisine, Dessert Recipes, Mexican

Mexican Cookies

Greetings, my friend! Come on in, let’s get our hands into something special today. We’re going to make a classic: Mexican Cookies. They go by many names—Polvorones, Hojarascas, and maybe most famously, Mexican Wedding Cookies. These cookies are more than just a sweet treat. They’re a tradition, a taste of […]

Close-up of soft milk cookies showing texture
Cookies, Cuisine, Dessert Recipes, Indian

Milk Cookies

Hey friends, welcome to my kitchen! Today, we’re making something really special: condensed milk cookies that are so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner. These cookies are my take on the popular milk biscuits you find in bakeries, especially in places like India. We’ve just made them […]