Plus, the perfect recipe and baking tips to celebrate Valentines Day your way.
She even tends to develop some super-convenient recipes for those who want just one or two servings.
That way, you’ve got the option to make something celebratory without a ton of leftovers.
Photo:Courtesy Photo
Plus, we also have her recipe for a mouthwatering Single-Serve Blueberry Crisp thatll knock your socks off.
EatingWell: What does eating well mean to you?
Fennel:I think eating well means eating a variety.
Courtesy Photo
I think that being able to incorporate sugar and butter into a diet can still be very balanced.
The more you have that variety, the more joy you’re able to bring into your life.
EatingWell: Whats a surprising ingredient you wish people would use more often in baking?
Fennel:I think tahini is amazing in baking, and it doesn’t get enough play.
People use it for savory food all the time, but tahini is great.
It’s like a mild peanut butter, so it doesn’t overwhelm whatever you put it into.
It just adds a nice, almost umami-like richness to your baked goods.
Recipe to Try:Air-Fryer Chewy Oatmeal-Raisin Tahini Cookies
EatingWell: Do you have any baking hot takes?
Fennel:People don’t put enough salt into their baked goods.
Salt is so important as a flavor enhancer just like vanilla.
If a recipe calls for a quarter-teaspoon or less of salt, I will always double it.
It just makes it taste so much better.
EatingWell: Whats one ingredient that you always keep in your kitchen?
Fennel:Ialwayskeep vanilla extract in my kitchen.
I like to think of vanilla extract as the salt of the baking world.
It really enhances every other flavor in your baked goods.
EatingWell: Whats a common mistake you see people make when baking?
Fennel:The first thing is measuring properly.
Because most Americans do volume measurements, there’s a lot of room for error.
And the biggest mistake is with flour.
When your flour comes in a bag, it’s super compacted from shipping.
When you scoop out that flour, you might end up with 50% more than you need.
What I always do is use a fork, spoon or knife to fluff it up in the bag.
Then, I’ll spoon it into my measuring cup.
The second thing is baking time.
Ovens are notoriously finicky.
Theyll display one temperature and actually be at a different temperature.
I highly recommend getting an oven thermometer.
That is such a good safeguard for making sure you’re not overbaking your baked goods.
EatingWell: You make a lot of chocolate desserts.
Whats your go-to baking chocolate brand?
Fennel:For the budget choice, Trader Joe’s chocolate chips are fantastic.
They’re really flavorful.
They don’t have that cakey, chalky taste that a lot of store brands have.
For medium [price], I love Ghirardelli.
Ghirardelli does such a phenomenal job both with their baking chocolate bars and chocolate chips.
Then, if you’re going high-end, you’ve got the option to’t beat Valrhona.
The flavor is so deep and pronounced.
The chocolate is so velvety.
It tastes like heavenalmost caramelized.
EatingWell: Whats your favorite fruit to use when baking?
Fennel:Generally, I love berries in baking, maybe specifically blueberries.
Berries are really fun to use in baking, because they don’t require any extra prep.
You just throw them in, and they’re ready to go.
you’re able to also put them in cookies or into a scone.
There’s just so many different ways to use them.
you could have it be the centerpiece and be in a pie.
I just absolutely love berries.
EatingWell: What does an everyday meal look like for you?
Fennel:My everyday meals are quite healthy, because I do eat a lot of sweets between meals.
I love baking with a ton of vegetables and protein.
I also love makinghomemade Crunchwraps.
So, I usually just make easy, but healthy-ish home meals.
EatingWell: Whats your favorite way to stay active?
In the winter, it’s hard, but I love going on walks and hikes.
It also is really nice mentally to have that space throughout the day when you’re focusing on yourself.
Fennel shared that the walking shoe that helps her stay fit is the HOKA Clifton series.
EatingWell: What snack do you keep on hand in your food studio at all times for filming days?
I am obsessed with Cheetos.
I have Cheetos every single day.
I love having that sort of salty balance to the sweetness.
I just love them.
EatingWell: What one dessert would you want to be your Valentine every year?
Fennel:Without a doubt, brownies.
If we want to get holiday-specific, I love adding fresh raspberries into brownies.
Try this:Chocolate Raspberry Tofu Pie
EatingWell: What’s your husband and your ideal Valentines Day date?
Fennel:We love staying in for Valentine’s Day.
This year, we’ll probably do a huge spread of sushimaybe on the couch.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Step 2
Mix frozen blueberries, 1 teaspoon flour and sugar in a ramekin.
Crumble the mixture over the blueberries in the ramekin.
Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
