Spring Baking

Now that it's spring break, I finally have some time to relax and get around to testing some recipes the wonderfully dangerous StumbleUpon has found. 

 

Chinese New Year

I've always liked LA's Chinatown.  It isn't huge, but it's fun.

Chinese New Year there is crazy, with throngs of people every which way and Chinese lined up for long waits in front of casino booths.

Elysée

I have a soft spot for baked goods, pastries, sweets, crepes, and local businesses.


Elysée Bakery is a home run.

 Two cases full of delectable treats.

Vanilla

Normally, something vanilla is plain, boring, dull, unimaginative, and overdone.

This cannot be said, however, for Vanilla Bake Shop (512 Wilshire, Santa Monica, CA).

 Cupcake excitement.

Meyer Lemon Raspberry

Tart, flavorful curd inside,

balanced by the sweetness of the frosting.

Textural variety from the sugar crystals on the frosting.

The sweet bite of the raspberry completes an excellent flavor mix.