Author: Ellen

The Best Brioche: A Perfect Balance of Precision and Practicality

Brioche is often described as “a cake disguised as bread”, a luxurious balance of buttery richness and feathery softness. It straddles the line between pastry and bread, and when done right, it’s utterly divine—the kind of bread that melts on your tongue yet holds its shape, perfect for French toast, […]

The Best Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) Recipe

A Perfectly Balanced, Bakery-Level Dessert for the Home Kitchen This is Not an Easy Recipe. I want to start with that upfront because Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake) is not a beginner-friendly bake. This is an intermediate to expert-level recipe, and if you’re new to yeast doughs, custards, or laminated-style breads, […]

Hearty Pot Roast Beef and Barley Soup

You know those recipes that stick with you—not just because they’re delicious, but because they’re tied to people and memories? That’s exactly what this Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is for me. It’s inspired by my dear friend Diana’s incredible pot roast soup, a comforting, soul-warming dish that’s been living […]