Showing posts with label Edible Gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edible Gifts. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide For Foodies


Have you started your Holiday shopping yet?  Honestly, I do most of my shopping online these days.  After all, circling around the shopping mall parking lot looking for a parking spot and lining up long queues at the cashiers aren’t exactly my favorite things to do around the holidays!  I would rather spend the time with my family or bake up a batch of holiday cookies like these and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa!  If you love shopping online like I do, I have a few wonderful picks for you to surprise the foodies in your life (or if you want to treat yourself to a wonderful gift this holiday)!  Just a quick note, I do own most of the products that I listed here and love their quality.  These products either make my life easier, or they’re just simply cool!  For your convenience, simply click on the title or the image and it'll take you to the product page.    

1) Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin
Perfect for the OCD baker in your life who wants everything perfect and in precision!  After all, it’s much nicer if your sugar cookies come out in even thickness than lop-sided!  I totally understand the frustration.





2) Anova Sous Vide Precision Cooker

It’s the latest trend for the home cook who is a restaurant chef “wanna be”!  Well, pretty much anyone who wants to produce restaurant quality food without paying the high price or dining out!  I got this as a birthday gift and totally love it!   After all, I think my brother knows me well!  I love that you can connect to the app on your phone to control the settings and browse for hundreds of recipes that go along with it! 



For the foodie who owns every single piece of small appliances in the kitchen!  This is a wonderful gift for the Asian cuisines lovers!  I use it almost every single day.  You can program it to cook regular rice, brown rice, sushi rice, mixed rice, porridge, etc.  Never have to burn another pot of rice on the stove or wash up the sticky pot!  The bowl of this rice cooker is super non-stick!  Perfect for someone who loves rice but hate washing dishes!

This stylish and unique Cast Iron Teapot set is perfect for the clumsy tea lover!  I used to have many sets of ceramic and glass teapots and somehow, they don’t last long in my kitchen!  I have a cast iron teapot since my college year and I still use it until now!  Beside being unbreakable, I also love the heat retention of the cast iron. 




For the sophisticate whisky and cocktail sipper who like to keep their drinks perfectly chilled without diluting it too quickly, you’ve come to the right place.  I personally love these ice molds and use them all the time.  Check out this cocktail, it’s perfect for the holiday too!



A fine gift for the adventurous foodies!  Take them to experience the Japanese tea ceremony without a plane ticket!  There are many benefit of drinking matcha green tea.  I found that the tea ceremony is very therapeutic as well. 


For the serious cupcake bakers who love taking their cupcakes to the next level but hate fondant decorations (a.k.a.: ME)!  This complete Russian Piping Tips Set has everything you need, and then some.  I’ve tried a few of these piping tips and totally love them.  So easy to use and the result are gorgeous.  You can check out my recipe and tutorial here: Chocolate Cupcakes with Swiss Meringue Buttercream Flowers


These Bubble Waffle are one of the latest trend on snacks!  You can serve them as is, turn them into a cone for ice cream, or break them apart and add to other desserts.  No matter how you serve them, they are fun to eat and very delicious.  Plus, who needs boring regular shaped waffles when you can eat Bubble waffles? Check out my recipes here: Chocolate Bubble Waffle Cone Ice Cream and Classic Hong Kong Bubble Waffle 


French Mille Crepe Cakes are the most gorgeous and most fascinating (probably most time consuming too) cake trend in the baking world.  That’s why the infamous crepe cake bakery can sell their cake at almost USD$100 and people still line up for it!  I like to make my own as I can control the flavor and ingredients that I use.  With this Crepe Maker, it’ll make the whole process much easier!  Check out my Mille Crepe Cake creations here: Unicorn Rainbow Mille Crepe Cake, Mango Mille Crepe Cake, and Vanilla Mille Crepe Cake


We all can use a little bit more flavor in life!  This Himalayan Salt Plate is so much fun to use and add so much flavors to your food!  You can cook it on the stove, in the oven, or even on the grill!  You can serve your food directly on the salt plate as well.  It’ll be a nice conversation starter to any party! 



11) French Pastry Cookbooks: Modern French Pastry, Patisserie French Pastry Master Class, Bachour The Baker
For the baker who is ready to take the next challenge!  You’ve got to check out these cook books and cook along!  You might be the lucky taste tester someday when you give these cookbooks as a gift!   Not a bad return, right?

                                











It’s a perfect starter kit for someone who loves science and loves to ask why all the time!  Just kidding!  This is a fun starter kit to get into the molecular cooking.  It sure is fascinating and exciting to get your hands on these fun tools!  A perfect starter kit to cook with the curious kiddos as well.



I love my infrared thermometer and I do use it quite often.  I use it when I temper chocolate, make my ice cream base, or when I make candies (yes, ditch the candy thermometer, that thing is a pain to wash!) or when I want to look cool and professional in the kitchen.  But seriously, it’s so convenience that you won’t go back to the traditional thermometer!


You might not think much of kitchen scales (unlike their cousins, a.k.a. bathroom scales), but it is a must-have in my kitchen.  There are quite a few recipes that calls for weighting ingredients (especially in baking) rather than using measuring cups for precision.  I measure all my ingredients when I make the French Macarons!  When I need to divide batters for multi-layer cakes, or bread dough for buns, having a kitchen scales will make your life much easier.  If you know someone who loves baking or getting serious about baking, this will make a wonderful gift!






If you want to make someone really happy, you can’t go wrong with gifting a KitchenAid mixer!  I use mine often and they truly last for a long time, definitely worth the investment, in my humble opinion.  Since it’ll probably be sitting/residing on your (or the lucky someone’s) kitchen counter (it’s way too heavy and bulky to store in the pantry or move around), I suggest that you pick a color that matches the rest of your/their kitchen appliances.  I tested out both the Bowl-Lift style (Professional Series) and the Tilt-Head style (Artisan Series), I would definitely recommend the Professional Series.  Not only it is more powerful, it's also more steady compared to the Artisan series.  Best of all, it has a bigger capacity on the Professional Series.        




I hope you enjoy my recommendations.  They are all unique and fun gifts that foodies will enjoy!  Which one is your favorite so far?  Leave me a comment below and happy shopping!


Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Friday, June 9, 2017

Tea Flavor Cookies - 4 Ways (Original, Matcha Green Tea, Earl Grey, and Rose)



My Little Girl and I love tea parties.  We often host our own “party” at home for afternoon tea.  From savory sandwiches, petit fours, French Macaron, hot chocolate, to classic English tea, you name it and we’ve tried them all!  One of our favorites got to be these Tea Flavor Cookies!  Not only they are quite easy to prepare, they are also very delicious!  The bonus is that they are super adorable, don’t you agree? 

How to Make Tea Flavor Cookies - 4 Ways (Original, Matcha Green Tea, Earl Grey, and Rose)    http://uTry.it

Today, I’m going to show you how to make them, not just 1, but all 4 flavors.  I’ll show you how to turn 1 basic cookie dough into 4 different flavors: the Original flavor, Matcha Japanese Green  Tea, Earl Grey, and Rose.  If you have some other tea that you enjoy more other than those that I listed,  by all means, substitute with the tea or tea bags of your choice.

How to Make Tea Flavor Cookies - 4 Ways (Original, Matcha Green Tea, Earl Grey, and Rose)    http://uTry.it

If you haven’t check out my video tutorial yet, go ahead and watch it.  I’ll show you step-by-step on how to turn your cookies into these cute little tea bags shapes.  Best of all, there’s no special cookie cutters required!   But of course, you can use your favorite cookie cutters to stamp out the dough as well.   

How to Make Tea Flavor Cookies - 4 Ways (Original, Matcha Green Tea, Earl Grey, and Rose)    http://uTry.it



How to Make Tea Flavor Cookies - 4 Ways (Original, Matcha Green Tea, Earl Grey, and Rose)    http://uTry.it

These Tea Flavor Cookies are crispy, buttery, and elevated with a hint of tea flavor.  I kept the tea flavor to the mild side because that’s how My Girl likes them.  If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, check out my recipe notes below and I’ll show you how to do that as well.

How to Make Tea Flavor Cookies - 4 Ways (Original, Matcha Green Tea, Earl Grey, and Rose)    http://uTry.it


How to Make Tea Flavor Cookies - 4 Ways (Original, Matcha Green Tea, Earl Grey, and Rose)    http://uTry.it

Out of the 4 flavors, I have to say, my favorite one is the Rose Tea flavor cookie!  The floral tone is simply beautiful and elegant in these tea cookies!  You’ve got to give these a try to see for yourself.  So, what is your favorite tea to enjoy?  Have you tried other treats that are also in tea flavors?  I can’t wait to hear from you!  Stay tuned for another yummy recipe next week!   



Ingredients and Tools used:

Rose Tea Buds (Click here for more information)
Rose Extract 
(Click here for more information)

Matcha Powder (Clickhere for more information)

Cookie Stamp Set (Click here for more information)

Stand Mixer (Click here for more information)

Kerrygold Salted Butter (Click here for more information)

Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)

Organic Vanilla Extract 
(Click here for more information)
Measuring Spoons Set 
(Click here for more information)
Powdered Sugar (Click here for more information)

Rolling Mat (Click here for more information)

Pizza Wheel (Click here for more information)

Rolling Pin 
(Click here for more information)
Silpat 
(Click here for more information)
Heat Proof Measuring Cups 
(Click here for more information)







Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.


Friday, February 3, 2017

“Surprise Inside” Chocolate Bundt Cake With Strawberry Glaze - Valentine’s Day Dessert




Do you like surprises?  I think it’s a lot of fun and quite exciting to get a pleasant surprise from family and loved ones.  This Valentine’s Day, why not give your significant other a sweet surprise?  Let me present to you this gorgeous and delicious “Surprise Inside” Chocolate Bundt Cake With Strawberry Glaze! 

“Surprise Inside” Chocolate Bundt Cake With Strawberry Glaze -  Valentine’s Day Dessert   http://uTry.it

I’m not sure why, but chocolate and strawberries always make me think of Valentine’s Day!  In my humble opinion, I think they compliment each other really well.  To me, they are both romantic and sexy ingredients!  So, why not combine the two together for Valentine’s Day desserts, right? 

“Surprise Inside” Chocolate Bundt Cake With Strawberry Glaze -  Valentine’s Day Dessert   http://uTry.it

Check out my video tutorial above and I’ll walk you through step-by-step on how to make this amazing cake.  First, I started working on the “surprise” part of the cake, which consists of 2 sheets of strawberry cakes.  I added my homemade beet root natural food coloring to (try to) turn the cake pink.  However, the pink hue slightly faded after the first round of baking.  And the coloring mysteriously disappeared completely after the 2nd round of baking inside the bundt cake!  Oh well!  So, you might want to add more coloring than I did.  I’ll post the details and suggestions in the recipe below for your reference.

“Surprise Inside” Chocolate Bundt Cake With Strawberry Glaze -  Valentine’s Day Dessert   http://uTry.it

Even though the heart shaped cake inside didn’t stay pink as I intended it to be, it’s still a gorgeous and stunning cake to serve and enjoy.  And it’s really a surprise when you slice into the cake to reveal the heart shape inside!  Just keep in mind that when you add the heart shaped cake into the bundt pan, make sure to put it up-side down as it’ll be the right direction after you flip the bundt cake over.    

“Surprise Inside” Chocolate Bundt Cake With Strawberry Glaze -  Valentine’s Day Dessert   http://uTry.it

This chocolate bundt cake is rich in chocolate flavor and really moist!  I’m using my favorite Valrhona cocoa powder in the cake batter.  I’ve tried so many different brands of cocoa powder in the past, but seriously, Valrhona is the best!  In case if you’re wondering, no, this is NOT a sponsored post.  I just love this product and wanted to share with you.  So you don’t have to waste your hard-earned money on ingredients that don’t work as great!  I’ll list the ingredients below this post for your convenience.  The fresh strawberry glaze on top of this cake is really refreshing and delightful.  As I said, chocolate and strawberry really compliment each other well.

“Surprise Inside” Chocolate Bundt Cake With Strawberry Glaze -  Valentine’s Day Dessert   http://uTry.it

I hope you’ll try out this recipe and make this “Surprise Inside” Chocolate Bundt Cake for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day!  Stay tuned for more fun and yummy recipe!  Have a wonderful weekend ahead!


Ingredients and Tools used:
10-Inch Ribbon Cake Stand (Click her for more information)
Nordic Ware Bundt Pan (
Click here for more information)
10X15 Baking pan (
Click here for more information)
Organic Heavy Cream (
Click here for more information)
KitchenAid Stand Mixer (
Click here for more information)
Heart Shape Cookie Cutter (Click here for more information)
Cake/Pie Server (
Click here for more information)
Small Forks for Dessert (
See similar product here)
Valrhona Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (
Click here for more information)
Freeze Dried Strawberries (
Click here for more information)
Cream of Tartar (Click here for more information)
Cake Flour (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (Click here for more information)

Cooling Rack (
Click here for more information)
Silicone Spatula for Folding Ingredients (Click here for more information)



Saturday, December 3, 2016

How to Make Christmas Wreath and Christmas Tree Shortbread Cookies



How’s your holiday shopping so far?  I’m just glad that I did most of mine online these days.  I simply do not like the shopping malls' crowded parking lot nor the long lines at the check outs!  Are you the same?  Or do you think that’s part of the fun from holiday shopping?  Fortunately, some of my holiday gifts are going to be homemade edible gifts and DIYs that don’t require a trip to the mall. Gifts such as these adorable Classic Shortbread Cookies.      

Classic Shortbread Cookies – Christmas Wreath and Christmas Tree  http://uTry.it

As you can see, I decorated them as Christmas Wreaths and Christmas Trees for a more festive look.  I’ll list the cookie cutters and other tools that I used in this recipe, at the bottom of the post for your convenience.  These cookies are quite simple to make and lots of fun to decorate.  My kids had a blast decorating and eating their own creations. 

Classic Shortbread Cookies – Christmas Wreath and Christmas Tree  http://uTry.it

If you haven’t done so, please check out my video tutorial above.  You’ll see how easy it is to make these adorable cookies.  Best of all, I mostly just used chopped pistachios and dried cranberries for the decorations.  I simply love these natural and festive colors for the holidays!  Not to mention, they add some wonderful flavors and textures to the cookies.

Classic Shortbread Cookies – Christmas Wreath and Christmas Tree  http://uTry.it

There are only a few simple ingredients for this classic shortbread cookie recipe.  The key to a wonderful shortbread cookie is the butter!  Therefore, please use the best quality of butter that you can get your hands on.  They make a huge difference in the end product.  Also for your reference, you will find the butter that I trust and love... right below this post.

Classic Shortbread Cookies – Christmas Wreath and Christmas Tree  http://uTry.it

Baking and decorating cookies have became one of our holiday traditions.  We also bake and build gingerbread houses together.  If you haven’t check out my classic gingerbread cookie recipe from last week, simple click here.  You sure don’t want to miss that one!  What are some of your holiday traditions?  Share in the comment session below.  I can’t wait to hear from you. 

Classic Shortbread Cookies – Christmas Wreath and Christmas Tree  http://uTry.it

I have been baking these Classic Shortbread Cookies all year round and not just for the holidays because they are so delicious.  They are super buttery and a little crunchy, thanks to the pistachio nuts on top.  The pistachio adds a nice and subtle nutty flavor to these cookies.  Definitely a fun treat for holiday and everyday afternoon tea.  I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and add it to your holiday baking list.  Stay tuned for more festive holiday treats next week!  

Classic Shortbread Cookies – Christmas Wreath and Christmas Tree  http://uTry.it




Tools and Ingredients Used:
Scalloped Edges Round Cookie Cutter Set (Click here for more information)
Holiday Mini Cookie Cutter Set (
Click here for more information)
Star Shaped Sprinkles
(Click here for more information)
Silver Dragees (
Click here for more information)
Candy Cane Sprinkles (
Click here for more information)
Red Heart Sprinkle for Bowtie (
Click here for more information)
Multi Color Dragees as Ornamens (
Click here for more information)
Wilton #2 Small Round Piping Tip for Icing (
Click here for more information)
Silpat (
Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (
Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets
(Click here for more information)
Food Decorating Tongs/Tweezers (
Click here for more information)
Meringue Powder (
Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (
Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (
Click here for more information)
Pistachios (
Click here for more information)
Dried Cranberries (
Click here for more information)
Powdered Sugar (
Click here for more information)

Current Giveaways:
1) Perfect Gift Wrapping Ideas Craft Book and Wrapping Paper (Open till December 4th, 2016)

2) Origami Zoo Kit (Open till December 18th, 2016)


Friday, March 11, 2016

Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bars–Healthy and All Natural Toppings





Next Thursday, March 17th, is St. Patrick’s Day.  I love special occasions because they give me reasons to indulge, without feeling too guilty.  That’s the only time of the year when I prepare Corned Beef and cabbage for my family.  Yes, only once a year.  How about you?  Do you serve Corned Beef more often than once a year?  Speaking of celebration and indulgence without guilt, this Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bar definitely fits these categories!  Click on the YouTube video tutorial above to check out how to make it.  It’s super easy and fun!
 
Check out how to make Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bars–Healthy and All Natural Toppings with video tutorial!  Perfect for St. Patrick's Day. Or, any day treat and edible homemade gifts!  http://uTry.it

My Daughter and I were working on her school project “Trap the Leprechaun” for St. Patrick’s Day.  She decorated her project with a hugh 3D rainbow across a shoebox (a.k.a. the trap).  My Daughter’s plan was to put gold pots at the end of the rainbow and doubled sided tapes inside the shoebox to “trap” the Leprechaun.  Will this trap work?  I am not sure.  But one thing I know for sure is that the colorful rainbow makes me feel happy and its so pleasant to look at!  That inspired me to create these Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bars.

Check out how to make Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bars–Healthy and All Natural Toppings with video tutorial!  Perfect for St. Patrick's Day. Or, any day treat and edible homemade gifts!  http://uTry.it

These Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bars are topped with colorful and all natural toppings that are healthy and good for you.  You can use any ingredients that you like to create the rainbow color pattern.  I simply used whatever I had on hand.  Also, I tempered the dark chocolate to make the chocolate bars, click here to read more about tempering chocolate if you’re interested.    Did you know that there are many health benefits of eating dark chocolate?  It’s packed with antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure.  Of course, moderation is the key to any treats.  You can read more here if you’re interested.  

Check out how to make Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bars–Healthy and All Natural Toppings with video tutorial!  Perfect for St. Patrick's Day. Or, any day treat and edible homemade gifts!  http://uTry.it

Here are the ingredients that I used to create the rainbow pattern; freeze dried strawberries for the red; orange zest for the orangelemon zest for the yellow; Matcha (Japanese green tea powder) for the green; dried Blue Mallow for the blue; and dried lavender buds for the purple!  Also, be sure to use organic oranges and lemons especially when you’re using the zest.  As for the dried blue mallow, I got them from a tea shop.  It creates the most beautiful and dreamical blue colored tea!  You can read more about its benefits here if you’re interested.  The flavor is subtle and slightly floral.  I’ll list all the ingredients and tools that I used at the end of the post for your reference.

Check out how to make Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bars–Healthy and All Natural Toppings with video tutorial!  Perfect for St. Patrick's Day. Or, any day treat and edible homemade gifts!  http://uTry.it

I hope you enjoy today’s recipe and video tutorial.  Thank you for reading and stopping by!  Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Tools and ingredients used:
Chocolate bar mold (Click here for more information)
Dried Lavender Buds (Click here for more information)
Dried Blue Mallow Tea (Click here for more information)
Freeze Dried Strawberries (Click here for more information)
Matcha Powder  (Click here for more information)
Dark Chocolate (Click here for more information)





Disclaimer: Health and General
No information, ingredient or product mentioned on this site is meant to diagnose, treat or replace professional medical advice.  They are my experience, my journey, and my opinions.  Please consult with your doctor before using any of the ingredients or products mentioned here. 

Friday, February 12, 2016

Home Sweet Home 3D Sugar Cookies – For Valentine’s Day!




Another Valentine’s Day treat?  Why not?  Especially when they are as adorable as these Home Sweet Home 3D Sugar Cookies!  Check out the step-by-step video tutorial above and find out how to make them. They are super easy and you can decorate them however you like it.  I’ll list the tools that I used at the bottom of this post for your reference.

Check out how to make these adorable Home Sweet Home 3D Sugar Cookies for Valentine's Day with step-by-step video tutorial!  http://uTry.it


This post is actually a dedication to my Hubby for Valentine’s Day!  I might not have said it often enough, but I sure hope that he knows how much I appreciate and feel grateful for everything that he did for the family.  He is always very supportive and encouraging, especially when it comes to my work.  He taught me by example to be patience and have faith with the kids.  He works hard to provide for the family so I can work part-time from home and do what I love.  Because of him, we have this place that we feel loved and secured, a place that we can called home….a Home Sweet Home, in deed!  Now, you see why I created these cookies for Valentine’s Day! 



Check out how to make these adorable Home Sweet Home 3D Sugar Cookies for Valentine's Day with step-by-step video tutorial!  http://uTry.it


I actually used a 3D gingerbread house cookie cutter for these sugar cookies.  But who said I have to make gingerbread cookies in February, right?  I love that I can use the cookie cutter for more than just one thing!  


Check out how to make these adorable Home Sweet Home 3D Sugar Cookies for Valentine's Day with step-by-step video tutorial!  http://uTry.it   



There are many ways you can decorate these cookies too.  Besides using the 3D gingerbread house cookie cutter, I also used a mini flower and heart shaped cookie cutters to decorate these houses.  You can also use sprinkles (see the 1st picture above), or colored sugar to garnish them as well.



Check out how to make this adorable Home Sweet Home 3D Sugar Cookie with step-by-step video tutorial!  http://uTry.it


Serve it hanging over the tea cup (see the picture above) with rich and smooth hot chocolate and you're all set for a great afternoon tea!  (Click here for an easy and decadent homemade cocoa mix recipe.)


Check out how to make these adorable Home Sweet Home 3D Sugar Cookies for Valentine's Day with step-by-step video tutorial!  http://uTry.it

And of course, you can put them in treat bags and give them out to your Valentines!  They made wonderful homemade treats for sure.  Be prepared to hear oohs and aahs when you hand them out.


Check out how to make these adorable Home Sweet Home 3D Sugar Cookies for Valentine's Day with step-by-step video tutorial!  http://uTry.it



Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you enjoy today’s post, recipe and video tutorial.  Stay tuned for more fun recipes in the near future.


Check out how to make these adorable Home Sweet Home 3D Sugar Cookies for Valentine's Day with step-by-step video tutorial!  http://uTry.it



Tools and Ingredients List:

3D Gingerbread House Cookie Cutter (Click Here for more information)

Mini Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter (Click Here for more information)
Mini Flower Shaped Cookie Cutter (Click Here for more information)
10-Inch Ribbon Cake Stand (Click her for more information)

Pastry Bag (Click Here for more information)
Wilton Decorating Tip No.2 Round (Click Here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click Here for more information)
Silpat (Click Here for more information)
Stand Mixer (Click Here for more information)
Cooling Rack (Click Here for more information)
Vanilla Extract (Click Here for more information)