Guides

Need maple extract for a recipe? No problem! I show you where you can buy it, how to make it at home, and 10 substitutions.

These simple baking tips will help you level up your international dessert making and baking skills!

All of your fudge FAQ (and a recipe) are in this guide!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! If you’re looking for gift ideas bakers will love, this article has some of the best gift ideas on the internet.

Looking for a delicious low caf or decaf coffee or espresso for drinking or dessert-making? Read my review of my favorite craft beans!

The best advent calendars to buy or DIY at home!

If you’re part of my International Baking Club you’ve heard me declare my love for German Quark. So I thought I’d share seven ways I use Quark in both sweet and savory meals and snacks – often as a healthier substitute for things like mayo, sour cream, and cheese…

If you’re shopping for meaningful, affordable, and useful gifts, you’re in the right place! All of the items below are things I’ve purchased or received myself this year and have used and loved. I’ve even got some special discounts for you if you order through my links — take a look below! Gift Idea #1: …

Is a Universal Yums box worth it? Read my review of a box my family sent to us for our anniversary!

When I ask International Baking Club members about their biggest baking challenges, the topic of ingredients is always first to come up. Can I make recipes using ingredients I already have in my pantry? Do I need to buy a bunch of fancy or unfamiliar ingredients? Where can I find the ingredients I do need? …

You don’t need a lot of kitchen tools to make amazing international desserts, sweets, and snacks! But certain tools really do help you bake better. I’m more of a minimalist when it comes to kitchen tools and rarely buy anything that won’t get a lot of use. During the years I moved around a lot, …

If you want to Christmas like a German this year, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re planning a trip to Germany at Christmastime, are interested in how Christmas is celebrated in Germany or want to incorporate German Christmas traditions, decorations, and recipes into your own celebrations at home, this is for you! How to …

Cake decorating is something that seems like it would be difficult to do but really isn’t. And it can be so much fun. As long as you have the right tools and some creativity, decorating your own cake can be easy. No more need to rely on grocery stores to provide special occasion cakes! I …

It’s just not Christmas without a big plate of cookies! Give one, two or all of these easy cookies a go this holiday season!

When you’re traveling, sometimes you want to carry everything in a backpack or travel purse. Other times, you’d rather keep certain items close to you, whether out of safety concerns or because you’d simply rather not carry a purse or bag. You could wear a money belt — but money belts can get bulky, make …

All over Colombia, there are unique sweets and desserts. Here are 10 of the best!

These 10 must-try Hungarian desserts and sweets will certainly leave you happy and satisfied.

Christmas markets are a holiday staple in Germany, and one of the best reasons to visit in December. Here are 17 you’ve got to see!

  After nearly 30 years of travel, I’ve come to realize that the best travel clothes are the ones you feel the most you in. For me, that means clothes that combine flexibility, comfort, and style. I’m not super fashion conscious but I do like to balance fashion with comfort. And since I almost always …

  One thing I always look forward to when I go to Germany? Cake! Germany has the best cakes. So many different and while I prefer some over others, they’re all basically delicious. And different from many of the cakes that are typical in the US. So I thought I’d share some cakes with you …

Germany has some of the BEST desserts and sweet treats! When I lived there I enjoyed many of them, and now I make them at home in the US. There’s no need to wait until you can visit Germany…you can make them at home, too! Each of the German desserts below are not only delicious …

These are some of the best German pastries to try when you visit Germany!

Since making my first paletas a couple summers ago, I’ve been experimenting with turning some of my favorite desserts and sweets into delicious ice pops. Here are four of my new favorites!

10 authentic and traditional German desserts you must try while traveling in Germany. You can also make these easy classic recipes at home!

If you’ve ever lived or traveled in Germany, one of the things you probably miss the most is the food. I sure do – that’s one reason I make so many German desserts! But there are certain German food items you just can’t make from scratch at home.  Over the years I’ve been back in …

Traveling to Germany? Check out these delicious German street food ideas! Whether for a quick snack, lunch or dinner, you’ll love these sweet, savory & traditional German foods!

What I pack when I go to Germany.

Ah, Europe…full of beautiful castles, romantic cobblestone streets, and ah-mazing desserts! So many desserts! To help you plan the sweet side of your next trip to Europe (or find mouthwatering recipes to make right now), I put together this list of must-try European desserts. Pastries, cakes, ice cream, cookies, tarts, candy – and more – …

If you’re looking for authentic German Christmas treats, or other German food items throughout the year, Aldi – a store with German roots – is a great place to shop for German goodies at low prices.

Are you traveling soon? Or maybe you know someone who’s heading off on a vacation, cruise, road trip, service trip or even study abroad? Don’t forget your travel journal! I keep a journal every time I travel. I’ve done so since I was a teenager. I love keeping track of little notes, lists, and details …

  Raise your hand if you’re a fan of the Great British Bake-Off (aka Great British Baking Show)!  Or maybe someone on your gift giving list is a fan? My husband and I love the show. Well, I love the show, and he enjoys watching it with me. It’s my favorite baking shows and the only …

Looking for an easy yet unique foodie holiday gift? Tired of the same old cake/brownie/hot chocolate DIY gifts in jars recipes? Like the idea of international gifts or homemade gifts with mason jars — but need new ideas? Look no further! I’ve got five easy and delicious homemade food gifts in jars ideas that your foodie …

What’s one of the most important things to buy for your international trip?  Your travel purse! Why? Because it’s one of the few things that you’ll use every single day while traveling. And you’ll enjoy your trip SO much more if you find the best travel purse to suit your needs. Take it from me, …

Our neighbors are hosting a Halloween potluck party for our neighborhood next week and my husband and I just realized that we can go! So I’ve been scouring the internet looking for quick and easy last minute Halloween food and treat ideas. I’m looking something yummy that I can whip up at the last minute, …

Looking for the perfect gift for the baker in your life who also loves cats (maybe that’s you)? I’m both a baker and a cat mom (my cat is sitting on me as I type this), so I researched the best cat inspired gifts for bakers and people who love to spend time in the …

If you’re a fan of retro baking you’ll love these recipes!

Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in Europe, with so many awesome Dutch sweet treats to try. So I created a sweet walking tour for you! Now you’ll know where to find the best after dinner desserts and anytime of day sweet treats in Amsterdam while seeing the sights. Click Here to Pin this for …

Here are the best types of chocolate bars to try (or avoid) during your trip in Reykjavik or elsewhere in Iceland. Don’t blow your budget on bad desserts and be sure to try these traditional chocolate bars!

Are you considering a stopover in Iceland? If you’re short on time (or cash – let’s face it, Iceland is expensive), a long layover on your way to or from Europe can be the best way to see Iceland. Whether you’ve got 24, 48 or 72 hours for your stopover, you’ll find helpful tips and …

Looking for great gifts for bakers? Here are 21 gifts for the cookie baker, cake maker, cupcake lover, tart enthusiast or pie baker in your life! These gift ideas are perfect for the beginning baker, the baker who wants to level up their baking game, and the dessert lover who’s more into eating cookies than …