I’m Ambreen & about 95% of the time I can be found with a cup of coffee in my hand
(and yes, I’m rounding down to not seem completely obsessed).
Let’s Talk Coffee:
My passion (sounds much better than obsession, right?) for craft coffee is a daily indulgence. I became a barista & learned all the deep dark secrets of the coffee trade– from the art of espresso extraction to proper milk steaming to various brewing methods to diverse latte art (little bears are my speciality).
It was a great experience. I met some of the most extraordinary people through the coffeeshop, plus I got to master new latte art designs & experiment different flavor concoctions (lavender & honey latte. try it. seriously guys.) Basically, I just want to warn you guys that my coffee love runs deep and I will either incorporate it into my baking or suggest serving a cup alongside your baked treats. You’ve been warned.
But, more importantly, Baking:
I have to preface this section with the fact that my family and I don’t eat sweets. [I know, I know- how am I writing a baking blog if I don’t eat sweets?] Let me try to explain- we think most American desserts are all about the sugar. I mean we adore the topped off frosting on cupcakes and colored icing on cakes. It’s gorgeous. But really… doesn’t it all taste like sugar?
When I started baking, I discovered a different side of baked treats. I realized I could bake a cake and have the coconut or cardamom pop out, with hints of almond, nutmeg, or pumpkin stay subtly in the background (not to mention with half the sugar that stores & restaurants use). There’s so many wonderful concoctions to try out, I can’t simply opt for a frosted vanilla cake when I can make a Rose Apple Pie right? Seriously. If you guys could come over and I could give you a warm slice with a fresh cup of coffee, you would see the world of potential behind baking recipes.
What is “Taste of Pakistan”?
I’m originally from Pakistan. So my mom cooks traditional Pakistani food and is actually well-known for making the best dishes in our extended family in Pakistan and in our own community in America. So I promise I’m not just biased when I say my mom cooks the best food! But because my mom cooks so wonderfully, I tend to not learn more of the complicated Pakistani dishes myself (why settle for my average food when I can just have my mom’s perfection, you know?)
But I’ve decided it’s time to try (and fail) and, then hopefully, succeed at cooking traditional food. I’m sure most of you guys know that mothers tend to explain recipes with “a little bit of X” and “just guesstimate how much Y you need”. I’m not about that life. So I’m actually super excited to get a hard recipe written out that mimics my mom’s dishes closely. [If you can’t tell, this section is as much for you guys as it is for me.] I hope you guys can join me in trying out Pakistani recipes– or feel free to judge my mishaps or celebrate my accomplishments along with me!
Oh, You Really Wanna Know More About Me?
I’m flattered!
I grew up in Texas, but relocated to NYC in 2021. I am a doctor, with a passion for decadent desserts and gorgeous food photography. I develop recipes, explore food photography, and (of course) eat every bake- uhh, solely for taste testing and quality assurance, obviously.
I also had the opportunity before medical school to widen my skill set. I learned coding and became a website developer, which is actually how I came to create and develop this site for myself! Overall I try to spend time on things that really bring me happiness. This blog & creating recipes for all of you is definitely it.
But let’s not make this a one-sided friendship, hit me up and let’s be friends: LET’S TALK!
