Tonka beans combine a several familiar aromas and flavors into something familiar, yet unique—like if cherry, vanilla bean, nutmeg, hay, and tobacco all mixed together into a single flavor. I ought to note tonka beans are illegal in the United…
dessert
Strawberry Lychee Shortcake
This Chinese-American take on the classic strawberry shortcake is the perfect not-too-sweet summer dessert. Fluffy biscuits and lightly sweetened cream pair with juicy, macerated strawberries and lychees. In this recipe, strawberries meet lychees, my favorite tropical fruit that hits peak…
Vegan Ice Cream Base
This plant-based ice cream base has the same satisfying creaminess and a texture that holds up in the freezer. If you just want the base recipe you’re welcome to skip to the bottom, my R&D notes are included for the…
Bastani Sonnati (Persian Saffron Ice Cream)
If you’re Persian, this flavor needs no introduction. For everyone else: welcome to a dreamy trio of saffron, rosewater, and pistachio—a combination known as Bastani Sonnati Zafrani. Bastani sonnati means traditional Persian saffron ice cream and zafrani means saffron. What’s…
Pandan Ice Cream
What is pandan? Pandan is a tropical leaf with a unique flavor that originates from Southeast Asia. The key question here is what does pandan taste like? To me, pandan tastes like coconut and sweet corn with someone mowing their…
Buckwheat Black Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies get an upgrade with the addition of buckwheat flour and black sugar, creating a perfectly balanced treat that’s rich, nutty, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a more nutrient-dense cookie or simply want to experiment with…
Black Pepper Blueberry Crisp
This Black Pepper Blueberry Crisp is an intriguing twist on a classic dessert. Juicy blueberries meet a toasty oat topping with a subtle kick of black pepper for a complex yet easy-to-love dessert. Easy to make and even better with…
Bamboo Toasted Rice Ice Cream
This bamboo and toasted rice ice cream is a nutty, creamy, earthy dream perfumed with subtle woody notes from the bamboo and a popcorn-like warmth from the toasted rice. Ingredients + Sourcing Tips Want more ice cream recipes? Check out…
Black Sugar Ginger Hot Chocolate
A cozy twist on hot chocolate, this 5-ingredient recipe features the warmth of black sugar and ginger. Dark chocolate and a pinch of salt balance the flavors, creating a rich yet not-too-sweet treat. Inspired by black sugar and ginger tea,…
Apricot Kernel (Chinese Almond) Ice Cream
All about apricot kernels! Plus a custard-based ice cream with an intoxicating nutty almond aroma.
Bay Leaf Chip Ice Cream
Bay leaf chip is mint chip’s sophisticated cousin from the back of the pantry. Bay leaf’s minty and woodsy fragrance meets dark chocolate in a nod to the nostalgia of mint chip ice cream. It’s my direct response to people…
Spiced Caramel Poached Pears
This 5-ingredient recipe comes together in one pot, and can be made up to 5 days ahead. This recipe pairs juicy pears with the warm flavors of cinnamon, star anise, and a rich caramel poaching liquid that doubles as a…

