Drinks

My favorite part about studying abroad in London was definitely visiting the various tea houses for afternoon tea. There’s just something so classic about spending an overcast, rainy day with a hot cup of tea and cookies {preferably of the French variety, such as a macaron, Palmier, or a madeleine, though those are technically a cake}. After discovering that I could make Palmier cookies with only two ingredients required {sugar and puff pastry}, I knew that I would have to try my hand at making some. I paired it with a strawberry & chocolate flavored tea for an indulgent afternoon pick-me-up. The sweet, caramelized cookies, paired with the refreshing hot tea, was the perfect combination on a stormy afternoon, and felt like such a grown up way of having an adult approved tea party.

Ingredients:

1 sheet all-butter puff pastry

1/4 cup sugar {or to taste}

Recipe:

1. Sprinkle the granulated sugar through each layer of the puff pastry. Editor’s Note: A quarter cup of sugar went a long way for me, but I know many people may want a sweeter, more caramelized cookie. Please add more sugar as needed for your personal preference.

2. Allow the sugared puff pastry to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

3. Add some sugar around the tray to dip both sides of the cookie. Editor’s Note: Be careful as too much sugar can cause the cookie to get a bit over-caramelized/ burnt.

4. Slice the puff pastry and then shape them by hand into the classic heart shape.

5. Leave plenty of room for the cookies to expand as the bake or they will expand and stick to each other.

6. Bake for ~7-8 minutes at 425 degrees. This may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies as they are being made.

7. Enjoy!

x Paris

With hundred plus degree days, I find myself hiding in air conditioned comfort daily, trying my best to avoid stepping outside after 7 a.m. {aka, an impossible goal}. So, to keep us cool the other afternoon, I whipped up a batch of strawberry milkshakes, topped with strawberry whipped cream. While I rarely indulge in milkshakes, this homemade version has changed my mind on having this decadent drink so infrequently. The summer berry made the drink feel so seasonally appropriate, while the ice cream made it feel so indulgent for a weekday afternoon. And when topped with a strawberry whipped cream + garnished with a fresh berry, it makes for the prettiest petal pink drink.