Spiced hot chocolate with cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper

#becauseitsnotstudying: Spiced hot chocolate with cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper

For many, a cup of hot chocolate conjures childhood memories of warming up during a snow day. Even now, when I was trapped in my apartment last week because of the snow and forced to *gasp* study for an upcoming exam, hot chocolate brought the same sort of comfort. However, as much as I loved Swiss Miss and mini-marshmallows, my palate has matured a bit – I wanted something a little more grown up.

Spiced hot chocolate

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#becauseitsnotstudying: Tamago Kake Gohan (Japanese-style rice and eggs)

The food addict that I am, most of my time is spent thinking about what I am going to eat or cook next (if my parents are reading this, don’t worry, I study for school also). Every Sunday, I make it a goal of mine to be a grandpa by finishing my work and getting for bed before 9:00 PM s I can listen to The Splendid Table. It’s described as a podcast that is “public radio’s culinary culture and lifestyle program that celebrates food and its ability to touch the lives and feed the souls of everyone.” I don’t care if I sound lame, but this is actually a highlight of my weekend.

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Matcha swiss roll cake | Coffee jelly with milk pudding and kinako | black sesame shortbread cookie

Hanamizuki Cafe

After a fruitless search for matcha cafes to grab a quick sip before dinner, my cousin, brother, and I stumbled upon Hanamizuki Cafe. The venue itself is beautifully decorated; distressed furniture, menus on chalkboards, murals and wall art interspersed with greenery and succulents all made for a wonderful atmosphere. The restaurant is on the smaller side with regard to seating, with tables that sit only 2-4 at a time. However, there are high-top chairs with bar seating on the side of the cafe.

Hanamizuki Cafe

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Salmon burgers on avocado flatbread toast with a kale salad

#becauseitsnotstudying: Salmon Burgers

Salmon burgers on avocado toast with a kale salad
Salmon burgers on avocado flatbread toast with a kale salad

A dilemma that I’m sure has plagued many a college student: It’s the last week of break and you barely have anything in the fridge. You also don’t want to buy any groceries because you’ll be home soon and it won’t be worth it. What is a poor soul like you going to do? What you’re going to do is put down the menu of that pizza place and keep driving past Chipotle because today you’re going to learn how to adult.

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#becauseitsnotstudying: Sausage, Kale, and Lentil Stew with Roasted Carrots

With autumn in full swing and the temperature dropping (except for this past week), it’s the perfect time to make what I consider a staple for a chilly fall day – a hearty bowl of stew.

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New York Coffee Festival 

School will always be the reason that I never post on time! Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go to the New York Coffee Festival with a group of friends and it was super fun. We had a chance to learn about different types of roasts, beans, and even upcycled products made of coffee. Take a peak at some of my favorite shots below:

Jackie waiting in line for a pie from Tuck Shop.

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