Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

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Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

I once made the driest pancake in the world.

I can see you sitting at home, staring at your computer screen, and scoffing at my bold statement. Driest pancake in the world? Yeah, right. How would you even know? But this is the truth, my friends. I really did make the driest pancake in the world.

Let me share my story with you.

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

A few years back, I made chocolate chip pancakes. The process to create them was normal and they tasted all right. They weren't bad and they weren't good; I ate them in peace. There were a few leftovers so I stashed them in the refrigerator for breakfast the next day.

Quickly flash to the next morning. It's 6 am. I was tired. I had to get to class early and barely had enough brain power to microwave the leftover pancakes from the day before. I don't know about you, but my brain doesn't begin to work properly until at least 8 am. After a minute on high, I took them out and proceeded to take a bite. The texture seemed off and they were ice cold, as if the microwave hadn't heated them at all. I put them back in for another minute. I was too sleepy to question this strange occurrence; it was 6 am, no high school student can be expected to reason at this obscene hour of the day. After the minute was up, I pulled them back out.

Still cold.

Confusion.

Was the microwave broken? I warmed up a piece of bread to test my theory. In 20 seconds, the bread was piping hot. Why wasn't my pancake?

I got angry, as one will when they want food and want it now. I stuck them back in the microwave for 5 minutes. I remember feeling very clever—I was going to beat the pancake at its own game.

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

When I took it out, the pancake was slightly less cool. Not warm, not hot, and definitely not enough heat to burn my mouth. In fact, it was probably only warmer because it had been out of the fridge for 10 minutes. What was wrong with this pancake? Did it develop magical superpowers overnight? I trashed the pancake and ate the warm slice of plain bread while running out the door.

It took me a few hours to realize what had happened. Microwaves work by hitting food with, well, microwaves; the energy from the waves are then absorbed by water or fats in the food. This process heats up the food quickly, making microwaves a quick way to cook or warm up food.

It only stands to reason that my pancake was so utterly dry that there wasn't enough water in it to be absorbed by the microwaves. I've seen plastics with a higher water content!

Thus, the world's driest pancake was born.

And to think I took a bite...

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

Luckily, this Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread is definitely not dry. The loaf is made of small pieces of dough rolled in a garlic herb butter and sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before heading to the oven to bake. When it emerges, the bread is so soft, tender, and packed with flavor. The bread pulls apart effortlessly, turning a solid loaf of bread into bite-sized pieces. This bread is best served with a side of marinara or tomato sauce.

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Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

At times, I can be very domestic. I spend more time in the kitchen than anyone really should. Baking, cooking, eating, I love it all. I am a part of the rare breed that actually enjoys grocery shopping. If you catch me in the right mood, I don't even mind cleaning.

But, I will never be a true domestic because I am awful at laundry.

First off, I hate laundry. I normally don't use the word "hate" but for laundry I'm making an exception. In the past, I have strategically arranged my clothing so I can go as long as humanly possible without doing laundry. My record is 5 weeks. Everything in my entire wardrobe was worn. Old shirts from high school band, free over-sized t-shirts from radio stations and organizations I know nothing about, the horribly outdated pants I bought 8 years ago that still fit so I can't justify getting rid of them—nothing is safe.

I have gone out in public looking like a far less fashionable Kelly Kapowski from Saved by the Bell. Now, that is just how much I hate laundry.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

Since ironing is an extra step in the laundry process, it's a skill I've avoided learning. I don't iron. If I happen to buy clothes that wrinkle more than a Shar Pei puppy, I wear my wrinkled clothing in stride. I try to convince the world that wrinkled dresses are the new black (though I'm not sure it's quite working).

Nevertheless, last week I tried to teach myself the art of the iron. I received a fancy (expensive) pair of shorts for my birthday, but they were wrinkled past the point where even I wouldn't consider wearing them. So, I sucked it up, took out the iron, and went to work. Well, I melted the shorts. Literally, melted a hole straight through the fabric. That definitely didn't help my loathing for laundry.

From now on, I should just stick to what I do best—baking cookies.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies are one good cookie. Even though they are made with whole wheat flour, you might not guess it when eating them. These cookies are a little heartier than your average chocolate chip cookie, with a subtle boost from oats and sliced almonds. You can optionally add a touch of orange zest to spice up the flavor (chocolate and orange will always be one of my favorite flavor combinations). The hint of orange adds a unique touch and brings something new to the classic chocolate chip cookie.

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Honey Peach Bubble Tea

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Honey Peach Bubble Tea

Honey Peach Bubble Tea

I was first introduced to bubble tea two years ago. A friend had taken me to a tea house specifically to try it after finding out I was a bubble tea virgin. You've never tried bubble tea before? What's wrong with you? I was initially very wary of it, wondering why anyone would ever want to drink tapioca pearls through a straw. Weren't tapioca pearls supposed to be reserved for puddings? Nevertheless, I gathered up my courage and ordered myself a drink.

One sip changed my mind. I suddenly wanted to put tapioca pearls in every drink imaginable. The pearls gave the bubble tea a texture that was unique and addicting.

Since then, whenever I pass a shop that sells them, I can't resist buying myself a treat. Some people are addicted to coffee shops; I'm addicted to bubble tea houses. Luckily for my bank account (and unfortunately for everyone else), bubble tea houses are nearly impossible to find in the Midwest. However, as I've shown you before, they are very easy (and cheap!) to make at home.

Honey Peach Bubble Tea

Regrettably, large tapioca pearls are one of those ingredients that are hard to find in supermarkets. You may spot them in the international aisle (very rarely the baking aisle), but, more often then not, they will elude you and your searching eyes. Luckily, bubble tea tapioca can be found in abundance at your local Asian market. If you can't find it there, or if you don't have a local Asian market, bubble tea tapioca can be found easily with a quick search on the internet.

I've also seen the large tapioca pearls substituted for small jelly candies. Bubble teas are traditionally a low calorie drink but, if you don't mind upping the sugar content just a bit, you could easily chop up some fruit snacks or gummy bears and use those in place of the tapioca pearls. It is definitely a way to play around with multiple flavors in one drink.

Though, if you're like me, you might just agree that the original is the best way to enjoy it.

Honey Peach Bubble Tea

This Honey Peach Bubble Tea is very light, refreshing, and fruity. Honey and peach are two of those flavors that were meant to be together—they complement each other well. The black tea is actually quite hidden in this drink, making it taste more like rich smoothie than a tea (all while keeping the calories down!). The tapioca pearls are perfect in a drink like this, giving it an interesting texture and a twist on the traditional beverage.

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