I’m a college student facing my last few weeks of the semester and C O L L E G E in general. It is definitely a happy time yet it is also a stressful time as well. There is a mix of emotions with graduation and final assignments. I wanted to share the perfect recipe for anyone who wants to bake an option for a snack while studying.

This week’s recipe are B R O W N I E S! These are not just any brownies. It offers a mix of a cake texture with the fudge aspect that differentiates brownies from a cake.

The “fudgy, chocolatey” concepts are found with the addition of chocolate chips and chopped up chocolate bar. If you prefer just fudge brownies, instead of four eggs- use two eggs!

Ingredients: What will you need?

ONLY 10 ingredients!

• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/2 sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 4 large eggs (room temp), for more of a fudgy taste- use 2 eggs!
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips + a chocolate bar of your choice to chop up for the top!

Tools: large mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups/spoons, rubber spatula, sifter

What are the steps to making these fudgy brownies?

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil an 8X8-inch pan and insert parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, oil, and both sugars. 3. Add the eggs & vanilla into the large bowl and beat together with the whisk.4. Using a sifter, place the flour, cocoa powder, & salt in the large bowl. You may want to use a spatula to mix in these ingredients since the batter will get thick quickly. Do not overmix which means to mix until the ingredients are all just mixed together.

5. Using the spatula, add in the chocolate chips & mix in!6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Chop up your chocolate bar and sprinkle it on top. 7. Bake for 18-25 minutes. I would recommend testing out the batter at 18 minutes and then go from there! The batter is ready when you insert a toothpick and the brownie has some crumbs on it.

Serve warm or cooled down!

Share this recipe with family & friends or yourself (no judgement here)!

This week’s recipe adds something special to the basic banana muffin. The *special* aspect is chocolate chips! For the banana muffins that I made, I chose milk chocolate chips. Of course, it is all up to you for what type of chocolate you would like or you can completely eliminate the chocolate!

I actually decided to experiment a bit for this recipe and used butter instead of oil–which resulted in dry muffins (as you might see in the pictures). Rest assure, this recipe works beautifully with an oil of your choice. Make sure your bananas are ripe! Try out this recipe which combines the most delicious aspects of moist bananas + rich chocolate–

Ingredients: What will you need?

Tools: two mixing bowls, stand mixer/hand mixer/or whisk, spatula, measuring cups/spoons, muffin pan, ice cream scoop or spoon

What are the steps to make these muffins?

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. To prepare, take the chocolate chips and put three spoons of flour, from your measured flour for the recipe, and mix them together. This is great for preventing the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom! Also take your bananas and mash them leaving some little chunks of banana- it will leave some bites of banana within the muffin. 2. Take a large bowl, place the oil, egg, sugar, mashed bananas, & vanilla! Mix these ingredients together. 3. Take another bowl, place the flour, baking powder, & salt! I actually placed a teaspoon of cinnamon- it doesn’t bring out a cinnamon flavor however it enhances the overall taste. Mix these dry ingredients together!4. Place the mixed dry ingredients in the large bowl with the wet ingredients. If you are using a whisk, it is probably best to pour a little in at a time. Combine these ingredients! 5. With your combined mixture, pour your chocolate chips (of choice) in the large bowl and mix! 6.  Now that the mixture is ready, oil a muffin pan. Use an ice cream scoop or spoon and scoop the dough on to the pan. 7. Bake for `15-18 minutes. Time may vary depending on the type of pan you use. Insert a toothpick to see whether it is finished, if the toothpick comes out clean- it is done!8. Serve warm or cool down! Enjoy!

Share these muffins with family & friends or yourself (no judgement here)!

It might be hard to believe but Winter is coming to an end which means S P R I N G is around the corner. With Spring, there are various associations that can be made with the season such as, fresh fruits, flowers, rain, color changes, and warmer weather!

In the inspiration and excitement of Spring, I wanted to share a recipe for a light & delicious, fresh-tasting tart. The crust for this tart is a sugar cookie similar taste and texture. The filling is light and airy with the freshness of the fruits atop. This is the perfect dessert for a lunch or picnic.

Fun fact: Making a tart requires a specific tart pan. It is not the same thing as a pie pan! Also for the crust you will need a food processor.

The great thing about making a tart is you’re able to be as creative as you want to be with the choice of fruits and design! For my fruit tart, I wanted to go with a flower by using cut strawberries for petals. Also slices of banana and whole blueberries for the inner texture of a flower. Of course, you are able to choose your favorite fruits and theme- so have fun with this recipe!

Ingredients: What will you need?

4 components & ONLY 8 ingredients!

tart crust:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Sprinkle of salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, chopped into pieces)

filling:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (not whipped cream)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  

  your choice of fruit topping:

This component is completely up to you! I used sliced strawberries, bananas, and whole blueberries!

& Glaze:

apricot jam + water

Tools: food processor, spatula, measuring cups/spoons, whisk/stand mixer/hand mixer, knife to slice fruits/butter, & tart pan

This recipe makes about 8 slices.

What are the steps to making this fresh, fruity tart?

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. The crust takes only minutes to make! Take your food processor. Put in the flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse these dry ingredients until incorporated.2. Add the pieces of cut butter into the food processor. Pulse until the butter is incorporated into the dry ingredients. While the ingredients of the crust are coming together, oil your tart pan. 3. The crust is complete! Using your fingers, take the crust dough and form it into the tart pan. Try to make it as even as possible on & around the pan. 4. Bake for 10-13 minutes. Depending on how thick or thin your crust is, the time can vary. It will be done baking when the crust appears golden. While waiting for the crust to bake, you can start making the tart filling. Place your cream cheese, whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla into a bowl. Mixing this will take about three to five minutes. At first it will appear milk-like, keep mixing until it looks similar to whipped cream. 5. When your crust is finished baking, let it cool down. While the crust is cooling, you can refrigerate the filling. Start to slice your fruits of choice. If you use bananas, it is better to cut it last since it can brown easily. 6. After slicing your fruits, the pie is almost ready to form. First we have to make the glaze that will be needed after the tart is formed. Place about three spoons of the apricot jam in a pan over the stove. Add one or two spoons of water. The glaze is complete when it looks similar to a juice. 7. Once the tart crust is cooled, fruits are sliced, filling is ready, and glaze is complete- you are ready to form your fruit tart! Using a rubber spatula, add your filling.      8. Once your finished filling your tart crust, next are the fruits! Feel free to be creative with this in your design/theme! 9. Once your fruits are placed, use a spoon or brush to apply your glaze. The glaze is going to be applied over the fruits.10. Serve now or refrigerate to serve for later in the day! Either way, enjoy a tart that we can assume is nutritious- I mean look at all those fruits (+ cream)!

Share these slices with family & friends or yourself (no judgement here)!

With the rise of the importance placed on the internet and various social media platforms, there are many people relying on these tools to go about their daily lives. There are millions of people around the world who spend hours a day scrolling online. Most companies are having to stretch their sales with the rise of digital adaptations. Newspapers, shopping, magazines, TV advertisements have been forced to adjust to reach this new audience of consumers.

So, what is an

I N F L U E N C E R?

An influencer is an individual who holds significance online or to audiences of thousands or more. The advertising world has acknowledged the transition from television/paper to the online age. Influencers are mainly found on YouTube and Instagram. These are not just individuals who carry significance in popularity however most importantly with their ability to INFLUENCE. There are different celebrities who are willing to promote a certain product or event for the money. Most of these celebrities are not fully aware of the brands they endorse. The Fyre Festival is an example where influencers such as Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, & Kanye West are just some of those who influenced individuals to spend thousands to be scammed. The extravagant festival that was promoted turned out to be a stranded island nightmare of simple tents, mediocre food, and no sign of the influencers that “hyped” the event.

For more information on this, check out : https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/01/221812/fyre-festival-celebrity-instagram-endorsements

On the other hand, there are influencers of certain products. In present day, I find myself looking at YouTube review videos rather than the endless comments on Amazon or other shopping websites. Of course with these videos, I don’t trust everyone to give the most accurate information. I’ll always make sure a YouTuber promoting a product has a background or relation with the product. I feel that I can place trust that they know what they are talking about. An example of a positive influencer is a 7-year old boy named Ryan who made 22-million dollars on toy reviews. Toy companies would send in their toys to Ryan and people would watch him play with these various toys. The views, sponsorships, and built-up fan base of young viewers and parents increased the level of trust that this kid was a guru of toys.

For more information on this, check out: https://www.forbes.com/sites/maddieberg/2018/12/03/how-this-seven-year-old-made-22-million-playing-with-toys-2/#487d3fa64459

With the new age of technology, influencers are just a category of the different methods that companies are taking to reach their audiences. It is important to be aware of this evolution of celebrities that are becoming powerful enough to shift their followers to certain ideas/brands/experiences.

Thinking about what to make for a memorable brunch or breakfast with friends or family? Why not try and make these D E L I C I O U S cinnamon rolls?

The first time I made this recipe was for my family’s SuperBowl party this year, so it doesn’t necessarily have to always be correlated with the morning. I prefer to bake these rolls in a large skillet, although you can make it in any large round pan! It’s definitely not a low-calorie, trending diet dish. However it’s an easy recipe that you can make anytime you’re craving some strong cinnamon flavor!

These cinnamon rolls are filled with the classic decadent tastes of cinnamon and cream cheese. Make sure you have about three hours of free time, since it does involve a significant amount of mixing, resting the dough, and various components that have to come together. It will be worth it though- as you will be left asking whether these are cinnamon or (sin)amon rolls!

Ingredients: What will you need?

3 components yet ONLY about 12 ingredients!

Dough:

• 1 cup warmed milk (not hot)
• 2 1/2 tsp yeast
• 2 eggs (room temp)
• 1/3 cup unsalted melted butter
• 4 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2  cup sugar

dough filling:

• 1/2 cup butter (not fully melted)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• if you would like, you can add raisins, nuts, or anything else to this mixture!
• 1/2 cup milk (not for the actual filling, but for later)

cream cheese top:

• 3/4 cup cream cheese (room temp)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Tools: large bowl, measuring cups/spoons, whisk/stand mixer (a dough whisk which looks like a hook), rubber spatula, rolling pin, towel, large round skillet or pan of your choice!

This recipe makes about 16 rolls.

What are the steps to make these gooey rolls?

1. Warm up your milk in a microwave or on a stove. Make sure the milk is not too hot. Put the warmed milk in a large bowl and then place your measured yeast on top of the milk.
2. In the same bowl, add the eggs, butter, salt, sugar, and flour. Now, start mixing these ingredients until they are just incorporated. This is a tough mixture, so I would strongly recommend using a stand mixer. After mixing, let your dough sit for about 5 minutes so the flavors can be absorbed.3. After allowing the dough to settle, put your mixer on medium speed for about 7 minutes until the dough appears smooth.

4. Take the mixed dough out of the large bowl (maybe hold it in your hand), spray or grease the sides of the bowl and then place the dough back in. Cover the large bowl with a towel. Place the covered bowl in a warm area, as it will need to double in size. This will take about 45 minutes.5. As your dough is rising, let’s make the most important aspect of any cinnamon roll- the filling! In a bowl, place the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon; mix these until combined. It may appear frothy!6. While you are waiting, grease your baking skillet/pan & flour a clean area/board. After the dough has risen, place your dough on this area/board. Take your rolling pin & sprinkle some flour on the top of this pin and dough.7. Roll out the floured dough into a 12 inch width and 15 inch height rectangular shape. Feel free to use a measuring tool to get the correct measurements.

It is time for your filling! Take the frothy mixture and spread it on the rolled out dough with a rubber spatula. If you would like to add any additional fillings (raisins, nuts, etc), you can sprinkle them on the filled dough. 8. With your hands, roll up the dough in a tight multiple circular layer shape. Once the dough is rolled into a log, cut it into 1 inch sections. You should be able to cut this into around 16 pieces. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be perfectly measured! 9. Place all of the cut pieces into the greased pan/skillet. Cover this pan with a towel until it has risen to double in size. This can take about 30-45 minutes. While it is rising, set your oven temperature to 375 degrees.

10. Once the dough has risen, warm up the milk. Pour the warmed milk over the risen cinnamon rolls. Allow the milk to sit with the rolls for about a minute or two before placing the pan into the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

11. As the rolls are baking, let’s make the cream cheese topping! In a bowl, place the room temperature cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix this until it is velvet smooth. 12. Once the time is complete, take the rolls out of the oven. You will know the rolls are baked thoroughly when it is a golden brown color. Spread the cream cheese topping mixture over the warm rolls. 13. Serve warm! Enjoy alone or with a drink of your choice. I will say it always pairs well with a hot cup of coffee!

Share these rolls with family & friends or yourself (no judgement here)!

Anyone that starts baking or is an experienced baker should know the classics. Since this is my first blog post, I want to set the foundation of what the basic baker should know. This basic yet classic recipe, that I love is the chocolate chip cookie (CCC). Fun fact- the CCC is actually the first baked good that I learned to make, which goes back to my food science class in middle school!

I believe there are two types of cookie lovers out there. One that loves a crunchy, biscuit-like cookie versus one that appreciates a soft, chewy cookie. If you are the second type, you will love this recipe.

This recipe will leave you mouth-watering for more and asking ‘what is cheat day?”

Ingredients: What will you need?

ONLY 9 ingredients!

• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 & 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Tools: large bowl, measuring cups/spoons, whisk/ or stand mixer, sifter, rubber spatula, ice cream scoop, parchment paper, baking sheet(s)

This recipe makes about 20 cookies.

What are the steps to make this delicious classic?

ONLY 10 steps!

1. Take a large bowl and mix the sugars, salt, and melted butter until it looks like a toothpaste consistency.
2. In the same bowl, add in the egg & vanilla. Whisk these ingredients until it looks like the consistency of a thick milkshake.
3. Now comes the dry ingredients! Take your sifting tool and have it above your creamed mixture. Place the flour & baking soda within this item. Using your sifter, shake the dry ingredients into the bowl until it looks like a pile of snow resting on your mixture.
4. This is where your rubber spatula will be helpful. Take your spatula and fold the flour into the mixture until it has just been incorporated. (Do not overmix or your cookie will end up being similar to cake)
5. The LAST & most important ingredient is of course- the chocolate chips. Pour your chocolate chips into your mixing bowl. Using your spatula, take your chocolate chips and fold it into your mixture.
6. You might assume that your dough is now ready to be baked-wrong. Take your bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Place your covered bowl into the fridge for at least 30 minutes.Why refrigerate? It creates a greater depth of flavor. Basically, the longer it is chilling -> the better the flavor. Use this time to clean your area/tools used. If you leave it in overnight, maybe clean & sleep?
7. NOW, we are ready to bake! Set your oven temperature to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Take baking sheet(s) and cover them with parchment paper.
8. Take out your refrigerated dough. With an ice cream scooping tool, scoop up your dough. With your hands, round your scooped dough into circles. I would recommend placing 6 cookies per tray- these cookies can get big!
9. BAKE for around 12 minutes or until the edges of the cookie are a golden brown color.
10. Cool your cookies or serve warm! Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or in my case some almond milk!
    

    Share these cookies with family & friends or yourself (no judgement here)!