Gen's Recipe Book – A Creative Nonfiction Short Story by Sophia Par

Blueberry Muffins to get what you want

This recipe book will log my recipes, and how well they come out! Growing up a vegetarian, I always felt left out in discussions of my passion, but I have learned that cuisine is for everyone, and this book will one day be passed down to anyone who enjoys baking as much as I do. This recipe guarantees not only warm, delicious, and addictive bites, but also provides an aroma no one can resist. Each blueberry perfectly stained the golden muffin surrounding it with the perfect color, and the softest texture. These muffins are empowering, so use them wisely. Maybe even get that cute guy from the office to ask for one.

2 cups of all-purpose flour1 cup of granulated sugar2 teaspoons baking powder½ a teaspoon baking powder½ a teaspoon of salt2 large eggs½ a cup of melted butter½ a cup of milk1 teaspoon of vanilla2 cups of perfectly ripe blueberries

Notes: These were a smashing success! Everyone in the office loved them. Particularly that guy, Clark. Not only could Clark hardly resist the muffins, and he also asked me what my name is! If all goes well, I may have a shot. We make so much sense together, we both love food and traveling. We even made a deal- one day we can travel to Paris and get inspiration for my future bakery. It’s just a joke, but who knows, honestly.

1/19/23

Cupid’s Brownies

The only thing richer than these gooey brownies, is love. These mouthwatering brownies are best served with powdered sugar, a cold glass of milk, and on Valentine’s Day!

10 tablespoons (145g) unsalted butter1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder, spooned and leveled1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt2 large cold eggs1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled2/3 cup (80g) chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, optional

Notes: These brownies are even better than the muffins. Clark and I got assigned cubicles next to each other, and he kept complimenting my “baking expertise”. We talked for what felt like an hour, and by the time we almost exchanged numbers, his phone abruptly interrupted. Good news is, I found out his birthday is next week. This is my opportunity to impress him even more. I need another recipe, the most perfect recipe, so I can give it to him on his birthday next week!

2/14/23

Beloved Birthday Cake

Now this, is a true masterpiece. I stalked Clark's Instagram last night, and I made some conclusions. He loves quality, rich things, like that car he was posting that was obviously not his. This information has lead me to believe his perfect cake, is Devil's chocolate cake. But I am calling this "Beloved Birthday Cake" for other reasons.

2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon salt2 teaspoons baking powder2 teaspoons of baking soda¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder sifted2 cups granulated sugar1 cup prepared hot coffee1 cup of oil1 cup buttermilk2 eggs (room temperature)1 teaspoon vanilla extract4 cups of sugar16 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Notes: It's official, we have a date set for our date. 2/25. This feels like a dream come true, I always knew I deserved love, and now it's my turn to experience it.

2/20/23

Romantic as Italian's Lasagna

¾ pound lean ground beef½ cup minced onion2 cloves garlic1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste½ cup water2 tablespoons white sugar4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste1 teaspoon Italian seasoning½ teaspoon fennel seeds¼ teaspoon ground black pepper12 lasagna noodles16 ounces ricotta cheese1 egg¾ pound mozzarella cheese, sliced1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Notes: Ever since those silly brownies, Clark and I have been spending so much time together! I know this was supposed to be a vegetarian baking book, but I want Clark to enjoy a good meal. Today, he mentioned that being a vegetarian can make your bones brittle, and I'm considering just trying meat. maybe just fish? He says when I do, he'll take me to the best steakhouse in the city. Anyway, he asked me to make him dinner tonight, and he is coming to my house at 7. This should come out good.

3/1/23

Tomato Soup

4 tablespoons of unsalted butter2 yellow onions3 cloves of garlicTwo cans of crushed tomatoes2 cups of chicken stock¼ a cup of fresh basil1 tablespoon of sugar½ a teaspoon of black pepper½ a cup heavy whipping cream⅓ a cup of parmesan cheese

Notes:

Clark said he’s tired of pasta, and it’s our 2-month anniversary, so I am trying something new. I told him take out sounds way better, but he said it’s time for me to be more mature, and to cook more for us. I offered cookies but he said he’s trying to cut sugar. I like baking though, not cooking.

4/25/23

Spicy Beef Sliders

1 pound of ground beef1 tablespoon seasoned salt1 tablespoon of salt1 tablespoon of mayonnaise2 jalapenosblack pepper to tasteA handful a shredded cheddarSlider buns

Notes:

Clark was not a fan of this, and I am so tired, I didn’t even bother listening to his rant. I've been in the kitchen all fucking day and this is how he thanks me. I'm scared. I need to try something else. Maybe steak? If these meals don’t come out good, I'm going to make him stressed again and that is the last night I need right now. This has to come out good.

5/9/23

Bruise Covering

E.l.f. Color corrector (get yellow because bruise is purple?)L’oreal concealer

Notes:

It won’t happen again, but just in case.

5/18/23

__________________

Notes:

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