I am a self-proclaimed introvert. That means most people who know me personally heard me explain the following: I get my energy from solitude, as opposed to social interaction. Being around crowds for extended periods of time exert my energy. I prefer small groups and one-on-one interactions. As a general rule, I am more bored…

I’ve seen Overnight Oats trending on other food blogs and wondered why oats soaked into mush is a popular recipe. What’s the appeal? Yet, of course, a whole bunch of people on the Internet cannot possibly be wrong. Usually when you hear the words ‘trend’ and ‘in-style,’ you think of fashion. Stripes are in, 5-inch…

Recently, a friend was looking through my blog and commented, “You must really like peanut butter.” “Yup,” I replied. “How’d you guess?” “You have a lot of recipes with it.” “Yes, I do. In fact, the very first recipe I posted was with peanut butter,” I say as I recall several others including the Chunky…

When you order a burrito at your local fast food chain, you are well-aware that you are blowing off your diet. I’m not saying that is a bad thing; maybe it’s your birthday or any happy occasion, or you’ve had a really stressful week and in the mood for Mexican comfort food. I’m all for…

Birthdays are like wineglasses. They both give people positive assumptions. Allow me to explain: Have you ever drank soda out of a wine glass? It tastes better than in a can or cup. There’s something about fingering the stem and sipping delicately as if you are at some extravagant affair, even if you may be…

Sometimes to eat healthily, you have to become a detective. Food nowadays is processed to the point that G-d only knows what’s in them. The further down the ingredient list you go, the harder it becomes to pronounce the words: Soy lecithin, calcium peroxide, sodium stearoyl lactylate, azodicarbonamide, potassium bromate, ethoxylated mono- and diglycerides… Is this a bakery…

The first time I ordered shakshuka, I had no idea what I would be served. ‘Shakshuka’ ambiguously means ‘mixture’ or ‘to shake’ in Arabic, but I am not fluent in Arabic, and my friend wouldn’t tell me anything more than, “Just order it; it’s good.” The waitress was of the same opinion, so I took…

“You’re from Canada? Do you live in an igloo? And see penguins?” “Yeah. I ride my pet polar bear to school every day.” I replied to my new camp friend. “Really?” She said, eyes wide. “No… Do you seriously think we live in igloos? Those are Eskimos in Alaska, Americans, by the way. Plus penguins don’t live…

They say traveling is stressful. I disagree. I think airports are stressful. Sitting on a plane, trying to get comfortable, eating bland food, and finding ways to entertain yourself won’t induce anxiety (unless you are claustrophobic.) It’s the airports with their austere atmosphere, grim-faced personnel, and unintelligible voice over the loudspeaker. Here are the 12…

I must be honest here. You all know I am a baker and cook, and I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I told you this in the About the Palate section because I wasn’t sure if anyone would figure it if I didn’t explicitly say it… On that note, I must explain my…

There are three main reasons people travel: To see new sights To meet new people To taste new food *Note: I am using the word ‘travel,’ not ‘vacation,’ which is need to escape your current situation for a period of time. Vacation is about the escape. Travel is about the new. Since this is a…