Be Your Own Lover (and Kitchen Tape!)

A recipe for romancing yourself and those you love. Some favorites. AND THE LAUNCH OF KITCHEN TAPE PODCAST with Kassie Mendieta.

“All we really want is love’s confusing joy” - Rumi

Did you know Valentines use to be celebrated for a week? That the holiday originated when Claudius the Cruel in Ancient Rome forbid marriages for his soldiers so they wouldn’t be distracted from war, but a priest named Valentine married them in secret regardless? That the first valentines love poem is thought to be written by Emily Dickinson and it’s a roast? It’s more than just roses, chocolates and flowers. I think the best Valentines traditions are the newer ones - like Galentines or just loving your-damn-self. This last one being the most revolutionary. Most of capitalism is run on you thinking you need “something” to be made whole or fixed. But your imperfections make you perfect - your vulnerability, your enthusiasm, your semi clueless awe - dare I say, they are your super powers. I hope you find ways to celebrate yourself in all your magic this year. And then once your cup is full you let it overflow like a river to everyone around you. Recipe for Strawberry Buckwheat Ice Box recipe at the end of the post for paid subscribers.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. HUUUUUUGE. A new podcast has launched on SPOTIFY today! Hosted by me and Kassie Mendieta of (@ibakemistakes and Bake Chats) called Kitchen Tape. The first episode is available to stream now. We will be posting new episodes every other Tuesday. It is edited and produced by Casey Shea (@caseyannshea). Our theme music was created by Dan Crabtree (@crabbymusic). If you would like to be a guest on a future episode, email us at kitchentapepod@gmail.com.

“Love is the bridge between you and everything.” - Rumi

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Recent Publications: The loveliest Nicola Lamb who runs the Substack Kitchen Projects, asked me and some other all star Pastry Chefs to write love letters to ingredients. I wrote an Ode to Eggs, about my mother, my chickens and my love of baking - especially buttercream. There are also letters to Pomegranates, Vinegar and Muscat Beaumes du Venise. All of them swoon worthy. Also check out this recent article in New York Times Magazine about how SHEETCAKES have humbly taken over as the best option for your party. Also find me chatting on This is Taste Episode 353.

Obsessed with: Recently discovered this compostable plastic company that makes plastic wrap, storage bags, and more. Called Composite. Plastic wrap is the most difficult thing to get rid of in a kitchen if you are trying to reduce waste in an effort to be sustainable. There just hasn’t been another option - like ever - until NOW! I can not recommend them enough if you LOVE the Earth. I was also recently gifted the most beautiful set of wooden kitchen utensils. Rather than traditional spoons, these hand carved designs are minimal and dare I say more logical for your kitchen use. Check out Earlywoods stunning basic set.

Listening to: I love the podcast Not Past It. It’s a podcast about things that happened in the past on todays date. They recently did a Valentines Podcast that covered love from people like Emily Dickinson to the whole universe. Listen to the episode We Found Love in a Historical Place.

Streaming:  For the week of love, not ashamed to say I am watching lots of the heart filled stuff. Like classic Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown. Intense pick Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Period piece Persuasion. A 1990s classic My Best Friends Wedding. For Galentine’s Booksmart. Or indulge in food with Chocolat.

Reading:  I love poetry. This links to a good starter pack if you will. Even if it isn’t your bag, it’s hard to say no on Valentines. Send one to your sweetheart or draw yourself a bath, fill it with bubbles, light candles, and read all the short ones to warm your heart.

Just for fun: Don’t Go Breaking My Heart Sweatshirt in pink a tribute to Elton John from Target. I got myself one. I want to get them for all my favorite people.

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Strawberry Buckwheat Ice Box Recipe

A take on one of my all time favorite desserts - strawberry shortcake! But with Ice Cream and Crumble. This comes together very quickly, because its just crumble and no churn strawberry ice cream. Make your own strawberry jam or use your favorite store bought. Heck in a pinch you can even skip the crumble and just bust up your favorite cookie. Whatever means love to you this season! I do LOVE the crumble as the grassy buckwheat really compliments the strawberries and makes it all sing together.