The Year in Books: November

The Year in Books, November, Cod by Mark Kurlansky, Kiku Corner

In November, I`m reading Cod: A Biography Of The Fish That Changed The World by Mark Kurlansky. Several years ago, I borrowed a copy of Salt: A World History from a cousin, and devoured it (pun intended). Reading the history of salt was so enlightening, since we tend to overlook this cheap and everyday spice/flavouring. Salt is not only […]

Chinese Ginger Green Onion Sauce

For the longest time, I thought this was a Japanese condiment. My Gichan (grandfather) would prepare it, my mom would make it, and now Tomiko and I make it. My cousins on the Japanese side of our family also make it, so I thought it was only natural that it was Japanese. I actually learned about […]

Cinnamon Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Apple Streusel Coffee Cake, Kiku Corner

I love coffee cakes. There’s something that’s so casual, comforting, and homey about them – like a warm hug. Even better when they have a crunchy streusel topping. This cake is adapted from a recipe I used to make as a tween, something quick to whip up when my parents had guests over for coffee (a […]

Happy Hour: Cinnamon Bourbon Apple Cider

Cinnamon Bourbon Apple Cider, Kiku Corner

Autumn is a time for apple cider. It is lovely to drink cold when in cool autumn sunshine, but it is equally delicious warmed up on chilly evening. Even better when flavoured with cinnamon and enboldened with a shot of bourbon! Here I use the cinnamon bourbon that I made earlier. You can drink this […]

Decadently Dense Walnut Brownies

Decadently Dense Walnut Brownies, Kiku Corner

If you have ever searched for the perfect dense, squidgy brownie, this is it. I can’t abide by cakey brownies – just eat a bloody chocolate sheet cake! The texture of these brownies are accurately reflected in the title – they are indeed decadently dense, squidgy and gooey. These brownies are immensely chocolatey because they […]