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Vanilla and Salt

Baking, Cooking and Nursing

Blog and Activities

In addition to the recipes I share with you on this site, I also wanted to make a space to share about life and the things I love, as well as hear from you and highlight some parts of life that bring you joy and the things that you do to make the world a better place! I'm creating a book club with monthly reads here (and a connected video meeting for all interested), and you can click the Get In Touch button to contact me about being a part of the video meeting! Thanks for visiting, and I wish you health and happiness!

Toffee and Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies

3/4 cup heath toffee pieces or chopped homemade English toffee (my recipe at the bottom) 1 cup dark chocolate chunks 1 stick butter...

Hope Saxon

Jun 18, 20202 min read

Rainbow Cookies

These are a staple at Italian bakeries and Jewish delicatessens alike, and depending on where you live, they'll be called either a cake...

Hope Saxon

Jun 16, 20202 min read

Chimichurri, Steak and Burrata Salad

This is the perfect summer salad in my mind! Delicious grilled steak, creamy burrata, peppery arugula and tangy chimichurri complement...

Hope Saxon

Jun 11, 20201 min read

Chipas- Argentine Cheese Buns

I dreamt about these gooey, cheesy, chewy little buns when I came back from living in Argentina, and I thought they'd be so hard to make,...

Hope Saxon

Jun 11, 20201 min read

Cinnamon and Cardamom Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

A lot of my friends on instagram voted that I try to make cinnamon rolls, so I did just that on this long weekend! Because cardamom is...

Hope Saxon

May 24, 20202 min read

Homemade Banana Pudding

Whenever I visit New York City, I make a point to visit Magnolia Bakery and get their rich, sweet, creamy and dreamy banana pudding! They...

Hope Saxon

May 22, 20203 min read

Fresh Farmer's Market Vegetable Quiche

I love quiche, but I've been nervous to make it from scratch because I thought it would be so difficult! It turns out, making a delicious...

Hope Saxon

May 16, 20202 min read

Panzanella Salad with Burrata and Basil Oil

I knew what my mom wanted me to make for Mother's Day dinner without even asking--panzanella. This fresh, crunchy and flavorful Tuscan...

Hope Saxon

May 11, 20202 min read

Easy Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Let me preface this recipe by saying nothing will ever beat McConnell's (best ice cream in the world and my first employer ever), but...

Hope Saxon

May 8, 20202 min read

The Ultimate Fudgy Cinnamon and Coffee Brownies

In my house, we like really fudgy brownies, so I set out to create a brownie recipe that would satisfy our cravings and incorporate some...

Hope Saxon

May 8, 20201 min read

Chicken Tinga and Roasted Potato and Onion Tacos

Maks 12 large tacos For the flour tortillas: 2 cups all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 Tablespoons cubed...

Hope Saxon

May 6, 20202 min read

Veggie and Quinoa "Fried Rice"

When you're stuck at home and have a craving for fried rice, but you don't have any rice, you have to get creative! I have to say, I...

Hope Saxon

May 3, 20202 min read

Mini Mozartkugeln Cakes

When my dad and I traveled around Europe a couple of summers ago, we biked our way through the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria and...

Hope Saxon

May 1, 20203 min read

Homemade Mayo-Free Ranch Dressing

I have a hatred of mayonnaise so fervent that some people say it's verging on a phobia. Unfortunately, one of my favorite things to dip...

Hope Saxon

Apr 26, 20201 min read

Potato, Kale, Caramelized Onion and Bufala Mozzarella Pizza With an Herbed Garlic Buttery Crust

Those who know me have listened (most in shock and horror) as I tell them I don't love pizza. The closest I've ever come to loving pizza...

Hope Saxon

Apr 26, 20202 min read

Homemade Granola

One time, in my freshman year of college, my friend Ana let me try some of her favorite granola, and I accidentally ate the whole bag in...

Hope Saxon

Apr 24, 20202 min read

Light and Fresh Quinoa Salad with Feta and Jammy Eggs

This is a delicious and light weekday lunch or dinner, full of protein and flavor! Serves 4 Ingredients: For the Quinoa 1 cup quinoa...

Hope Saxon

Apr 19, 20202 min read

Sugar Cookie Birthday Cake

3 of my dear friends celebrated birthdays this week, so what better way to celebrate than with a little cake! This birthday cake is a...

Hope Saxon

Apr 17, 20202 min read

Homemade Fettuccine with Herbed Butter White Wine Sauce and Meatballs

The most delicious, comforting Sunday night dinner! Serves 4 Ingredients: For the Pasta (Bon Appetit's fresh pasta recipe): 2 cups all...

Hope Saxon

Apr 12, 20202 min read

Small Batch Cheesy Garlic Knots

These are the perfect buttery, cheesy and garlicky addition to any meal of pizza, salad or soup, and the hardest part about making them...

Hope Saxon

Apr 12, 20202 min read