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A Traveller’s Food Guide to Osaka

April 25, 2016/in Travel /by Nicole Lian

A Complete Food Guide to Osaka

‘First we eat, then we do everything else’ – M.F.K. Fisher. And that is what you should do in Osaka!

Known as ‘tenka no daidokoro’ or “Nation’s Kitchen’ in the olden days, Osaka was a thriving port with access to goods from all over the world. With a nickname like that you know why foodies from all around the world pay Osaka a visit when they are in Japan. And you can rest assured that every meal you have in Osaka will pretty much be a good one.

While typical Japanese foods that come to mind would include sushi, ramen and udon, you will soon realise that you have barely scratched the surface. From the ingredients to the ancient techniques Japanese chefs use, Osaka has so much more to offer the tourist and traveler seeking an authentic dining experience.

With countless of restaurants and street stalls, this guide aims to present you with the top picks of the entire city that you HAVE to try on your first trip to Osaka!

1. Okonomiyaki – Houzenji SanPei
Okonomiyaki is one of the most famous dishes in Osaka and definitely a must-try. It is a savoury Japanese pancake made with egg, flour and a variety of other ingredients, which can range from shredded cabbage to sliced meats. ‘Okonomi’ stands for ‘what you like’ or ‘what you want’ and ‘yaki’ means ‘grilled’ or ‘cooked’. Houzenji SanPei serves one of the most authentic versions of Okonomiyaki in Osaka and is where all the locals head to get their fix. The Okonomiyaki served there tastes amazing. You will just have to go and try it for yourself!

takoyaki

2. Takoyaki Wanaka @ Kuromon Ichiba Market
Takoyaki is known to be one of the most favourite Japanese street foods, especially in Osaka. You can go almost anywhere along the streets of Japan to get some good Takoyaki and they almost never fail. However, Takoyaki Wanaka always has rows of queues in front of its stall.. So what’s so good about it?

In case you aren’t familiar with takoyaki, it is basically octopus covered in a flour batter and cooked till the exterior is nice and crispy – the resulting bite-sized balls are both great in taste as well as texture. They sprinkle an abundant amount of bonito flakes, which just takes this snack to another level of goodness. Do not be afraid of the long queues: they come and go pretty fast, as the service is superb. Waiting time is kept to a minimum but satisfaction is always at the maximum.

3. Takoyaki – Dotonbori Konamon Museum
But hold up! There is another Takoyaki place that you should visit! They not only sell Takoyaki but there is a museum on the level above where you will be able to learn more about the culture and history of Dotonbori and learn about the roots of “konamon”, or flour-based foods.

4. Handmade Udon – Sanshu Udon
Udon is probably one of the most versatile dishes in Japan. It can be cooked and eaten in so many different ways – Zaru Udon which is eaten cold, Kake Udon which is plain clear udon with broth eaten hot, Kitsune Udon served in hot broth and so much more.

In Osaka, you will find the Kansai version, where the udon is served in a lighter broth than the Kanto version in Tokyo. For that, you can check out Sanshu Udon. They use natural ingredients and make their udon fresh every day by hand. If you are game to try something new, they also have a flavoursome Japanese curry udon on the menu.

kushikatsu-daruma

5. Kushikatsu – Kushikatsu Daruma
Kushikatasu is a must-try in Osaka. These delectable bite-sized portions of vegetables or meat are skewered, battered and deep fried to a crispy golden brown. Said to have originated from Shinsekai in Osaka, you can now find lots of kushikatsu restaurants all over Osaka.

One of the most popular places for Kushikatsu will be the famous Kushikatsu Daruma chain of restaurants in Osaka – they have been serving kushikatsu since 1929. The outlets are small, with counter seating only. There are over 30 different types of tasty morsels on sticks here, which includes beef, white fish and asparagus. You can dip the skewers in a special sauce (the dipping sauce that is meant for sharing, so do note not to double dip!) for maximum flavour.

oden

6. Oden at Kuromon Market
I am sure all of you have some sort of impression that all Japanese food is always nicely presented and colourful…but not when it comes to this dull and not-very-pretty dish that is very well loved by all the Japanese. A dish that the Japanese will consume during winter to keep themselves warm, it includes a combination of radish, tofu, fish cake rolls and so many more! Despite the aesthetics of the dish, do not worry for it will definitely not disappoint.

7. Sushi – Tokisushi
If there is any place you should go for sushi, it’s Tokisushi. The real deal conveyor belt sushi is priced very reasonably at Tokisushi. Enter the restaurant and sit at the counter tables to order your sushi just like the locals do. You can eat to your heart’s content as each plate of sushi is priced at only 158 yen each! Serving dishes such as the Toki Yaki, Toro, Uni, and the amazing Torigai (Japanese egg cockle).

ramen

8. Ramen – Ramen Yashichi
Aside from sushi, Ramen is the next most quintessentially Japanese dish, and something that the Japanese take very seriously. Stop any Japanese along the road and ask them which shop is their favourite and e will bet that Ramen Yashichi will certainly be mentioned. It is ranked 39 on review website Tabelog’s top 50 ramen restaurants for 2016.

At Ramen Yashichi, there are three main ramen options on the menu that you can choose from – Shoyu (soy sauce), she (salt) or tsukemen. You will have to go to a vending machine, and then get a ticket- Although a foreign concept for many visitors to Japan, you’ll look like a local in no time if you know how it works beforehand. It is a small restaurant that serves quality and flavourful ramen that will definitely wow you! Definitely worth waiting in line for.

9. Ghar Curry
Japan is known for having some of the best international restaurants in the world. Ghar curry is a restaurant that serves one of the best traditional Indian dishes with a contemporary, Japanese twist to its food. A fun way to discover the fusion cuisine scene in Osaka! Great food, great reviews with a great atmosphere..

10. Tayutayu Nambasennichimaeten
So, you’ve got a great list of places to check off your list to enjoy authentic cuisine in Osaka already, but there is more! You may already be familiar with the word izakaya, if not then it is often translated as a sort of informal Japanese gastropub. Tayutayu Nambasennichimaeten is an izakaya that specialises in grilled pork known as yakiton and is often served with more unnusual cuts of pork. Rest assured it is a very flavourful stick that has an impeccable smoky taste to it. Come and squeeze in to the small space and rub shoulders with the locals to experience this unique Japanese cuisine as well as culture.

11. BonAppetour Dinner

If you are really looking for an off-the-beaten path experience that gives you an insight into local life, this is one to try. Organised by BonAppetour, you will be given the opportunity to go to a local’s home and dine at their place, eating lovely home cooked food, sharing stories about Japan, introducing must-eat restaurants and much more. The possibilities are endless! Head over now, to subscribe as well as sign up and book the next meal that you are going to have with your hosts.

If you know of other must-eat dishes in Osaka, leave a comment in the section below! We would love to hear about them!

Image Credits: banner / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

Where to Find the Best Steakhouses in Japan

April 13, 2016/in Travel /by Nicole Lian

Where to Find the Best Steakhouses in Japan

To find out why Japan has become one of the top culinary hotspots for beef, we would have to go back in time to the history of how wagyu beef came about. Japanese beef has been coined ‘the caviar of beef in Japan' by CNN.

It was known that in the past, in Japanese culture, because of the Buddhist leaders during the Edo period who put a ban on the consumption of meat, no one bothered to over feed or stuff their cattle with food. However after when Japan was no longer under shogunate, during the Meji restoration period, people started to eat the cattle in their farms. This cattle was not made for slaughter, stuffed with milk and food in order to grow fat in 22 months (like western beef), the cattle was genuine working cattle since birth and hence the taste, texture and marbling of the beef was different – who knew it would taste so delicious?

Other than the way that the cattle is raised and later slaughtered, what makes the wagyu beef so significantly different from beef in the west is its pervasive marbling.

Wagyu Japanese beef has a smooth velvety texture and its rich yet delicate juicy flavour will linger on the palate. The Japanese categorise their beef into 4 different categories: Japanese Black, Seed Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn and Japanese Polled.

The Japanese Black beef accounts for 80% of all the wagyu beef in Japan and has a grade of A5, the highest possible grade given only to the finest beef. The standards of grading beef is very precise and of utmost quality. The A of A5 refers to the yield and the 5 of A5 refers to the quality grade. Unlike the yield grade, the quality grade has several components to it – marbling, meat color and brightness, firmness and texture of the meat and color, cluster and quality of the fat.

You must be thinking ‘WHAT?’ so much goes into the selection of wagyu beef. This is why it is also very easy to differentiate the good restaurants from the bad ones – if you plan to eat wagyu beef in Japan, go for the best! They say go big or go home, right?

1. Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511

Expect to be treated as a king or queen when you enter Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511. Located in a rather private and intimate setting away from all the business districts of Tokyo, it is a very lovely place to bring your lover, friend or family. The name 511 stands for grade 5 beef and 11 is the marbling value.

Using nothing lower than the highest A-5 grade beef that is carefully handpicked by the head executive chef – the wagyu picked scores 11 out of 12 on the BMS (beef marbling score) all the time.

A famous saying by Masaharu Morimoto goes ‘’Japanese Chefs believe our soul goes into our knives once we start using them. You wouldn’t put your soul into dishwater’’

The wagyu beef grilled in a pot that is heated over 1000 degrees with Japanese binchotan charcoal, in order to enrapture the delicious flavours the wagyu A5 beef has to offer. As the restaurant's belief goes, with handpicked ingredients cultivated with passion, time and devotion, Kobe Beef Kaiseki not only brings to the table a dish of culinary excellence but also, simply put, a plate of happiness.

2. Dons de la Nature

A Michelin starred restaurant that offers only one choice: steak. Choosing either a filet from Yonezawa in Yamagata or a highly marbled sirloin from saga, the end result is that you will leave the restaurant feeling satisfied and appeased that you have probably tasted one of the best wagyu in Japan.

Anyone knows that the mark of a successful restaurant would be being able to excel in not only the food but atmosphere and service. Safe to say, Dons de la Nature satisfy all the requirements. The chef – who you can tell, lives and breathes steak – will run through with you the process in which he picks the beef from the auction and ages the beef for over 2 months for it taste as sublime as it does.

The wagyu is dry-aged for the first month in order to increase the natural umami in the meat and the second month it is wet-aged, to turn the fats into amino acids. Dons de la Nature serves up steak that is nothing short of amazing.

3. Yakiniku Steak Atsushi

Yakiniku Steak Atsushi provides Japanese meat with a Korean twist. Walking into the restaurant you will be highly impressed by the interior design. It is a very 21st century restaurant with sleek designs and dark wall linings, often making customers feel like they are eating straight out of a black bento box. With a wide variety of a la carte food choices to pick from, you definitely should not miss out on the prime marbled cuts as well as the more lean cuts. If you are an oenophile, you will be extremely impressed by the collection of wines that Yakiniku has at their restaurant.

4. Kawamura

Many rave online about how this beef steakhouse is the most brilliant beef steak that they have ever tried before. Coming first to other steakhouses in US, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Italy, it makes you wonder what is so good about the beef. A tepenyaki steakhouse that serves only the best beef. Though a marbling level less than the kobe beef 511, of 10 out of 12, the atmosphere of the restaurant is amazing and a contemporary interior design. It is said that when the chef will come in and explain to you how they rear the beef – pictures of the cow that you are eating will be shown to you! So will the cows birth certificate and family line. Truly an amazing education experience.

Have a favourite beef steakhouse not mentioned above? Leave a comment below! We would love to hear about it! 🙂

Image Credits: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

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A Complete Guide to Kyoto: Food, Attractions and Experiences

April 13, 2016/in Travel /by Nicole Lian

A Complete Guide to Kyoto: Food, Attractions and Experiences

Kyoto is the 7th largest city in Japan, with a population of 1.4 million people. A city that has held an undeniable role in Japan’s politics and culture for over 1000 years, it used to be the capital of Japan in the 8th Century during the Edo Period.

Fun fact: Did you know that Kyoto is so heavy with historic value that it was one of the cities dropped from the list of cities to target for the atomic bomb and saved from air raids during the world war? As such, many temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survived in the city.

A city so rich in culture, tradition, and way of life, going to kyoto would be like taking a stroll through history books. Bask in the sweet and fresh-smelling air, with majestic wooden buildings that surround you everywhere, and watch geishas that scurry along the streets and kaiseki’s – no wonder it's one of the destinations you should visit when you go to Japan. As Japan continues to grow, becoming more and more modern, and in turn abandoning its old ways, it is refreshing to see that Kyoto still hangs on to its traditional roots.

With the myraid of shrines, temples, and museums that you can visit, it can be tough to pick which ones to visit during your stay in Japan, so here are the top 5 BonAppetour attraction picks that you should visit:

1. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

We are sure that whilst you were searching for things to do and places to visit in Kyoto, you will have come across a picture similar to the one above. The Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine was dedicated to the gods of rice and sake, Inari, by the Hata family in the 8th century. There are thousands of shrines that are dedicated to Inari. This is because rice and sake was seen as the patron of business, but Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is the most important shrine of them all. As you walk around the shrine you would realise many fox (kitsune) statues across the area, that is because foxes were believed to be the messengers of Inari.

The most iconic aspect of this attraction is the seemingly endless arcade of orange torii gates that spread across the mountain. Put on your hiking shoes and arm yourself with a bottle full of water, as this hiking trail up the Sebon Torii (thousands of tore gates) will take you at least 2 to 3 hours depending on how slow or fast you are. Half way through the hike, you will reach the Yotsutsuji intersection and here is where you can take a break on the benches and whip out your cameras to capture the beautiful scenery.

Fun fact: these torii gates are donated by individuals and companies; names of those who donated are inscribed on the torii gates and prices start from 40,000yen for a small gate to over a million dollars for a large gate.

2. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walking along a path where bamboos soar above the ground beneath you – like entering another world – is a sight only to be seen in Japan. A sight captured by many, but there has never been a photographer who has succeeded in conveying the feeling you get whilst standing amongst these bamboos – being completely entranced by the swaying trees, rustling of leaves and movie-like soft and faded lighting, creating both a serene and magical atmosphere. Being on the list of ‘places to see before you die’,’100 Soundscapes of Japan’, and much more, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is definitely one of the must-see places to put on your itinerary for your trip to Japan.

While you are there, do take the time to explore the rest of Arashiyama. There are many other attractions within Arashiyama such as the Togetsukyo bridge which is the iconic landmark of Arashiyama. Kochi Sanso Villa, a home that used to be patronised by popular actor Okochi Denjiro. Monkey Park Iwatayama, located in the Arashiyama mountains, south of the Togetsukyo bridge is a place photographed by many! These attractions only scratch the surface! Go explore one of Japan’s most charming destination on foot and armed with a camera to capture the most beautiful sights.

3. Kinkaku-ji

During the Muromachi Period the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu acquired the Kinkaku-ji as his retirement villa. The passing of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu turned the Kinkaku-ji, a gold leaf covered temple, into a Zen temple.

The Kinkaku-ji’s golden reflection shimmering across the rippled surface of the pond is one of the most symbolic view of Kyoto – no amount of tourists will draw away the Kinkaku-ji’s grandeur. In the past, the Kinkakuji (also known as the Golden Pavillion) was burnt down several times. Twice during the Onin war (a civil war) and once more again in 1950 by a ultraist monk. The current structure was rebuilt in 1955.

Why is the building designed that way? The pavilion functions as a place to house relics of Buddhas. It consists of 3 levels and on each level, it is designed distinctly different from the other – the shinden, samurai and zen.

The first floor, called The Chamer of Dharma Waters, was rendered in the shinden style. The second floor, called The Tower of Sound Waves is built to emulate the style of a samurais. The third floor, called The Cupola of the Ultimate was built to depict a religious ambiance. Last but not least, the pavillion is topped with a bronze phoenix ornament. The elements of nature, death, and religion are formed together in this 3 story pavilion to evince the connection between the pavilion and structures built outside of the structure.

4. Nishiki Market

The Nishiki Market is one of Japan’s most iconic markets, and is more fondly known as the ‘Kyoto Kitchen’. It is easily the best traditional food market in the city. An indoor arcade full of bustling store vendors, tourists, cheap little restaurants, and stores selling both dry and preserved goods. This long, narrow, covered market occupies six short blocks at the heart of the city, just a few minutes stroll from the famous Gion District.

Despite not being the largest nor the most ostentatious market in Kyoto, the things that you will find there are paragons of the best and freshest foods in Kyoto. Selling stuff such as freshly harvested, locally grown carrots to knives and cookware. If this is not enough for you, the Nishiki Market is also a great place to find some of Kyoto’s specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and (of course) sushi.

5. Gion District

At the heart of Kyoto, lies one of the most famous and popular entertainment district and also home to Kyoto’s traditional art. If you have read or watched the movie ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ you would probably be as enchanted by this place as we are. An assortment of streets defined by its old wooden machiya buildings and 17th century teahouses for Geisha entertainment, Gion is a nice place to take a stroll in and take many pictures that capture the Japan of olden times.

I recommend visiting Gion District in the night for that is when it comes alive with people and lights. You could patronise an onchaya (teahouse) and be entertained by a maiko or geiko. The Geishas will ensure a night of fun by engaging in conversation, serving drinks, playing drinking games and performing traditional music and dance for you. The services of a geisha are expensive and usually exclusive, so save up if you want to experience something so quintessential of Japan’s culutre.

Note: If you happen to see a Geisha on the street, act respectfully. Do not behave like ruthless paparazzi and shove your camera in their faces.

For those of you who do not know, Kyoto was Japan's capital for over 1200 years. It served as the imperial courts kitchen and that is why overtime, Kyoto has inherited its own cuisine such as “Kyo-kaiseki-ryori,” vegetarian-friendly “Shojin-ryori”, and “Obanzai”. Want to know where to get the best eats? Here are BonAppetour's top 5 best eats:

1. Kane-yo

Kane-yo is the place to go if you want to try the most sublime of Japanese dishes, Unagi. Due to its architecture and design, the restaurant overflows with sentiments of olden time Kyoto. Established during the Taisho period, the restaurant has been in business for over 100 years. This must be how they have perfected the art of cooking Unagi. The Unagi (boneless and melts in the mouth) is grilled over charcoal and paired with semi-sweet teriyaki sauce, served over rice.

The Japanese have a belief that by eating unagi, they will be able to better endure the summer heat. Maybe that is why it is so expensive because of the powers the people claim it has! Despite being expensive in general, in Kane-yo, the Unagi are priced remarkably reasonably. Head on down to taste the wonderfully made Unagi and leave a comment below for us to know how much you loved it!

2. Omen

It is known that the moment a restaurant gains traction and starts branching out, the quality of the food drops but Omen must be an exception to this rule. Having over 3 restaurants in Kyoto, and even one in New York City, they have continuously maintained an impressive high standard over the years.

Omen’s signature dish is called ‘omen’. It is a bowl of handmade udon noodles that you can consume either hot or cold, a bowl of tusyu (broth) and a meticulously picked out array of seasonal Vegetables that are either boiled or pickled. To complete the dish, just sprinkle a little coarse ground sesame and you will have in front of you, an amazing dish. The restaurant also has a huge à la carte menu where you can order other delectable dishes to go with your noodles.

Note: During the Cherry Blossom Period, it tends to get very busy and the queues will extend to outside the restaurants, along the roads!

3. Izutsuya

Wagyu is one of the best meats out there. Fresh, succulent and full of juices. Izutsuya is a carnivores delight. From the moment you enter the restaurant, you will be treated with the utmost royalty. It is said that the chef rears his own cows – you get what you pay for, the diamond grade beef. The beef is served together with one of the most flavourful and fragrant garlic rice and vegetables. If there is ever a time you would want to taste some of the famous wagyu beef in Kyoto, this is the place you have to visit.

4.Yoshikawa

Located within one of Kyoto’s most famous ryokan inns, Yoshikawa Ryokan serves up one of the best tempura cuisine. If you happen to visit the restaurant during lunch time, you will be able to witness the chefs drudging over the huge black cauldrons of oil but when it is served to you, you will be shock to find that the tempura at Yoshikawa is so light and free of grease. During dinner time, food is served in private, traditional tatami mat rooms that look over an amazing little garden.

5. Gion Karyo

Rated as one of Kyoto’s Top 10 Culture Restaurants, the Gion Karyo serves one of the best Kaiseki’s in town – a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. The Gion Karyo ensures that each dish, staying true to the kaiseki tradition, is paid meticulous attention and beautifully-presented. You will be pleased to find out that the menu changes every season in order to introduce variety. Located in Gion, one of the most atmospheric districts in Kyoto, the restaurant stands out from the rest. The old wooden machiya that used to stand in its place, was renovated into a beautiful Japanese house.

Other than visiting attractions and eating some of the best food in Kyoto, you also have to try these rather off-the-beaten-path experiences in Kyoto. Why? Just because they are that good!

1. Truck Train

Japan is not just about temples, shrines and old ryokans turned into restaurants. Japan also has one of the most scenic landscapes – some include Lake Towada, Kegon Falls and Kiso River. The Truck Train otherwise known as the Sagano Romantic Train, is a train that runs along the Hozugawa River between Kemeoka and Arashiyama.

it is one of the greatest way to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto. Looking at the incredible views of foliage on the ground beneath, and flowering trees in the autumn, and cherry blossoms in spring! In winter, and on every other wednesday, the train does not run. Charge your cameras and be ready to capture the near breathtaking views!

2. Hot Springs for your feet

Ashiyu otherwise known as the ‘footbath’ is becoming popular in Japan. Unlike usual hot springs where you would have to strip bare and enter the pool, the Ashiyu allows you to be completely clothed as it bathes only your feet. One of the most famousfoot baths is said to be located at the Arashiyama station. The great news is that it is only 150 yen per person! If you want to relieve your aching legs from a whole day of walking around, 10 minutes of soaking time will do your feet the world of good.

3. Uzumasa eigamura (Toei Kyoto Studio Park)

If you google this place, you might probably think "Oh no tourist trap!" But, there is something about dressing up as a geisha or a samurai, watching live studio performances and walking through film sets as seen on TV, that charms and attracts tourists and travelers alike to this place still.

Replicas of the old Nihonbashi bridge, the traditional court house, and Yoshiwara red light district, where live studio performances take place, usually draws most of the crowd's attention. From melodramatic lines, facial expressions and body language to over-the-top sword fights, there is fun to be had for everyone! A great place to bring your children to battle it out and play make believe for a day. For parents, you could also be spontaneous and join in the fun.

4. Cycling in Kyoto

Kyoto is mostly flat, with well-maintained roads, therefore it is very regularly voted as one of the best cities to rent a bike and cycle around. Though riding a bike may seem cumbersome, you will be surprised that it is quite the opposite. It saves time on travelling and with that time you can go and explore more of Japan!

Note: If you cycle on sidewalks, cycle with a bell and slowly. If you plan to cycle in the night, rent a bicycle light as it is illegal to ride without one. & Take note of places to park your bike! You can go down to the Kyoto Cycling Tour Project. They will equip you with all the knowledge you could possibly need to cycle the streets of Kyoto.

5. Bonappetour

If you are really looking for a off-the-beaten path experience that gives you an insight into local life, this is one to try. Organised by BonAppetour, you will be given the opportunity to go to a local's home and dine at their place, eating lovely home-cooked food, sharing stories about Japan, and learning about the best things to do in the city. The possibilities are endless! Sign up and book your next meal with a local from Kyoto.

Are there other places that you believe are the top 5 foods, attractions or experiences in Kyoto? Leave a comment below! We would love to take a look!

Image Credits: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18

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Gluten-free dessert recipes

April 7, 2016/in Food Bites /by Genevieve Chan

Gluten-free dessert recipes

Being on a gluten-free diet does not mean that you can never satisfy your sweet tooth. In fact, there are plenty of gluten-free sweet treats around and you can make them yourself! That way you will never have to hunt high and low for your favourite gluten-free sweets.

Here are some recipes to try!

1. Carrot cake