All Posts By Olivia

  Is it really fall if you haven’t sprinkled a little (okay, a LOT) of pumpkin spice on everything in sight? My love affair with this cozy, sweet mix started way back with my grandma’s kitchen, where the swirling scent of cinnamon and nutmeg meant two things: autumn had officially landed, and something delicious was about to pop out of the oven. These days, whether I’m tucking a warm loaf of pumpkin bread into the oven or just jazzing up my morning oats, a homemade pumpkin spice mix is honestly my secret to making everything feel a little more special—even …

  I can still remember the first time I tried Pignoli cookies. It was a chilly December evening at my Italian neighbor’s house, and every inch of her kitchen smelled like toasted almonds and sweet vanilla. She pressed a delicate little biscuit into my hand—golden, studded with pine nuts, and almost too pretty to eat. I’m not saying I immediately ate three more… but I am also not denying it! These classic Italian Pignoli cookies have been a family favorite ever since. Whenever I pull a baking sheet of these beauties out of the oven, my whole family comes running—nobody …

  You know that feeling when you’re craving something sweet and light, but not too fussy or heavy? Well, that’s exactly how I discovered strawberry sago. I was tinkering around with some leftover coconut milk (because who really ever uses up the whole can for one recipe?) and spotted a pint of fresh strawberries waiting patiently for their time in the sun. Next thing you know—voilà—this dreamy, coconutty, strawberry sago was bubbling away on my stovetop, perfuming the whole kitchen with summery, tropical vibes. If you haven’t tried this classic Asian dessert, ohhh friend, today’s your lucky day! Why You’ll …

  Let’s just admit it: sometimes, you just need a little dessert magic to brighten up an ordinary day (or a Monday, if you ask me). Well, this Matcha Tiramisu recipe was born out of one of those “I need something sweet and fun, but I’m not turning on my oven” kind of moments. I love a classic Italian tiramisu just as much as the next gal, but there’s something so fresh and intriguing about the earthy kick of matcha mingling with creamy mascarpone and soft, coffee-less ladyfingers. Trust me, it’s a treat that’ll make you want to invite your …

  I’ll be honest: I never thought I’d fall head-over-heels in love with a green tea drink. But the first time I tried a Strawberry Matcha Latte—one of those simple pleasures I spotted at a cute local cafe—well, let’s just say it was the kind of sweet, refreshing, just-a-little-fancy beverage that instantly brightened my day. Since then, whipping up homemade Strawberry Matcha Lattes has become a happy ritual, especially when I want a treat that tastes special but doesn’t take much fuss (and, hey, still feels pretty healthy). If you’re a big fan of cozy coffee shop drinks or on …

  You ever get that feeling where you stumble across something so adorable, so unexpectedly delightful, that you have to pause and smile (and, let’s be honest, maybe squeal just a bit)? That was me, wandering the aisles while hunting down my nephew’s birthday gift, when I spotted the famous Jellycat Birthday Cake stuffed animal. I just about melted right there between the tea towels and the dog toys. And who could blame me? It’s a plush dessert, for goodness’ sake! Perfect for topping a homemade cake, as a snuggly bedtime companion, or even as the centerpiece of a cheerful …

  I’ll never forget the first chilly October evening I kicked off my slippers, wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket, and sipped the most magical pumpkin spice White Russian I’d ever put together. You know those moments when it’s dark by 6pm, the porch smells like fallen leaves, and you just NEED something cozy in a glass? That was it. (My husband wandered in, tried a sip, and grinned, “Tastes like fall in a mug—and I don’t even like pumpkin.”) Now it’s our go-to fall cocktail, right when we swap iced coffees for cinnamony lattes and start plotting our Thanksgiving …

  Let’s chat about that Soju Yakult Cocktail I can’t stop making lately. (Trust me, it’s equal parts zippy and refreshing, and wildly easy.) I first fell in love with the whole soju-and-Yakult mix on a sticky summer night when, out of pure curiosity, I tried it at my favorite Korean spot here in town. You know how sometimes you just need something fizzy and a little nostalgic? This absolutely delivered. Since then, I’ve probably shared this recipe with half my neighbors and a couple old college friends — it’s the summer cocktail everyone wants a sip of, even my …

  The first time I made these mini lemon meringue tarts, my oldest was elbow-deep in sprinkles, my husband was asking (again) if they’d be “that lemony,” and the kitchen smelled like pure sunshine. There’s something so inviting about a batch of bite-sized tarts cooling on the counter—almost guarantees you’ll have a few disappear before the tray ever hits the table. These little beauties are the perfect citrus dessert, with a bright, zippy filling piled high with fluffy meringue, all tucked into a buttery, hand-held crust. They’re basically summer in a cup! Whether you’re planning a backyard get-together or just …

  You know those times when a single bite of something can launch you straight into “happy dance in the kitchen” territory? That’s exactly what happened the first time I made these pistachio cream cookies. I’d promised to bring dessert for a book club, and (bonus points for me) managed to whip these up using odds and ends from my pantry. There’s just something magical about the creaminess of pistachio, tucked into a soft, chewy cookie. My husband grabbed two the second he walked in the door—and threatened to “test for quality assurance” on the rest before dinner. Ha! Trust …