Unless you’re one of the lucky few who have succeeded in dodging this modern age of social media, you’ve probably seen Dubai chocolate swirling around the web. You know, those giant chocolate bars filled with a crunchy, yet creamy pistachio filling that have taken over our screens and just about every other gas station checkout counter? Yep, that’d be the one. After succumbing to peer pressure, I finally tried this very chocolate bar in question, and—after setting me back a whopping $18—I had to admit that it was pretty darn delicious.

I’ve always had a soft spot for recipes that feel a little extra without actually being complicated. Just like any good relationship, there’s something comforting about knowing you can create something special without overthinking every step or ingredient. This very sentiment is what inspired Every Rose Has Its Hawthorn—a Valentine’s Day mocktail crafted to encapsulate love in all its layered, often messy, yet simplistic nature at heart.

Scent is all around us. Sometimes it takes center stage in obvious ways, like when coffee is brewing or fresh bread is baking. In other instances, it’s in the background, subtly setting the tone for the environment. Whether we are actively paying attention or not, scent is a constant companion, with the ability to influence mood and our perception of life experiences. Throughout human history, aromatic plants have been used intentionally to shape the atmosphere of the places we inhabit and impact the nervous systems of the people within.

Just as we witness the turning of the seasons in the world around us, I have come to realize that we experience changing seasons within us as well. In nature, winter is a time of retreat and rest. In this part of the world, everything becomes darker, colder, and less colorful. Though life is still bustling all around me, it becomes quieter and more subdued (just as I do). While I welcome the rest and reflection that winter invites, there are times when I feel like the cold darkness weighs on me, and feelings of hopelessness can ensnare me.* And though I understand that it is important to give yourself space to feel your feelings and not run away from discomfort, it is also important to give yourself some extra self-care during these times.

These days more and more folks are participating in Dry January. Whether it be a New Years resolution, a health reset after holiday indulgence, or a lifestyle shift, a month without alcohol can feel like a sacrifice of sorts. But does it have to? With the holidays now over and months to go before the return of the sun, it’s important to find ways of bringing celebration into our lives. Which is why we like to think of Dry January as a celebration. And what better way to celebrate then by making copious amounts of delicious mocktails to replace the boozy beverages we might be missing?

This blog is final recipe of the 6-part series on recipes featuring our new line of organic flavor extracts.

Well, it’s official folks. My 6-part recipe series showcasing Mountain Rose Herbs’ new line of organic flavor extracts is coming to a bittersweet close. Dusting off my flour-drenched apron and reflecting on the recipe rabbit holes I have fallen down since beginning this journey, I’ve found myself filled with gratitude for each and every uniquely delicious experiment we’ve explored together. Starting off simple yet strong, we began with vanilla crème brûlée, then onto notes of sweet and sour with my hazelnut pear tart and lemon poppyseed Bundt cake, followed by the chocolatey wonderland of peppermint mocha and orange chocolate. For our final stop, I wanted to challenge myself and bring us full circle with the last flavor extract on the list: almond extract.

This blog is part of a 6-part series on recipes featuring our new line of organic flavor extracts. Stay tuned for more flavor inspiration coming soon!

Maybe this is just me and my sweet tooth, but the candies I enjoyed as a child have stuck in my brain like hard candy sticks to molars. From distinctly wrapped strawberry bonbons, saltwater taffy from the Oregon coast, to orange-shaped chocolate spheres covered in gold foil, each sugary morsel shaped many of my earliest memories. In particular, the latter takes me back to (literal) sweet moments spent carefully breaking off each chocolate orange slice one by one, and letting the rich, citrusy flavors melt onto my tongue. With this mouthwatering memory in mind, I set out on a mission to recreate this nostalgic treat in my own kitchen.

Lately, I’ve been really inspired by the trending “Pinterest perfect” aesthetic of dried orange slices used for home décor. It speaks to both my personal style and my low-waste way of living. Since I have been drying citrus slices for cocktails/mocktails, it was only a matter of time before I got crafty with them in other ways. With the holidays coming up, I began dreaming of a way to make some orange slice garland and sun catchers with an herbal twist.

This blog is part of a 6-part series on recipes featuring our new line of organic flavor extracts. Stay tuned for more flavor inspiration coming soon!

With each added layer of clothing marking the days leading up to winter, there is little my bundled-up self wants to do besides sip on a piping hot beverage. Once my taste buds tire from drinking gallons of spiced apple cider and homemade chai, I tend to gravitate towards the famed and festive beverage synonymous with the holiday season: the one and only, peppermint mocha.

Each year, I formulate a lip balm recipe to make as small gifts and stocking stuffers. From Cookies and Cream to Coffee Cardamom blends, each year features a new theme, and provides a fun challenge for me to outdo the previous year. This year, after much deliberation, I decided to theme it after one of my favorite sweet treats—macaroons!

This blog is part of a 6-part series on recipes featuring our new line of organic flavor extracts. Stay tuned for more flavor inspiration coming soon!

Long before I learned how to read, much of my time as a young girl was spent perched in a particularly sunny window, staring wide-eyed at vibrantly illustrated picture books. My fascination with eye-catching imagery quickly evolved from kids’ books to another type of illustrative literature that my mom kept an impressive collection of: cookbooks! Something about flipping through page after page of appealing images woven with thoughtfully crafted recipes has always filled my empty stomach with inspiration, and is what I credit to leading me to be the culinarian I am today.