Since the age of 11, she’s been experimenting with recipes for the foods she craved, like pancakes and cheesecake. Of course, she would make enough to share with the whole family when she prepared her favorite comfort foods. Today she shares those crave-worthy creations with thousands of followers on Orchids + Sweet Tea, a blog that combines her design sensibility (orchids) with her southern upbringing (sweet tea).
“In the South,” she says, “food is major, especially big breakfasts and all those decadent desserts.”
A scroll through her Instagram reveals pictures of golden waffles, baked oatmeal dotted with fresh fruit, and syrupy sticky buns—enough to work up anyone’s appetite. In the spring, Shanika loves to put her zippy Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Doughnuts on the breakfast table.
The word vegan in front of doughnut shouldn’t be discouraging; it’s nearly impossible to tell that these delightful baked and glazed confections contain no dairy or eggs. Shanika has taken years to perfect her vegan recipes to keep them light, sweet and fluffy—and downright delicious no matter what your diet.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
VIP TREATMENT
Experience Hollywood at home with an awards-show blowout. Tune in for a night of posh noshes, fun games and glam embellishments.
Copycat Zuppa Toscana
Get your unlimited soup fix without leaving your kitchen. This Olive Garden copycat is just as good as the real deal.
Tasty 10 - THE TRUFFLE SHUFFLE
This Valentine's Day, treat your sweetie-or your sweet tooth-to these ever-so-clever confections
PETITE PERFECTION
Wondering if you can make these patisserie standouts in your kitchen? We say oui! Here's how to master these French favorites.
Theme-Night Delights
Clear the calendar for your favorite dishes every weekday. The what's-for-dinner dilemma is solved with these ready-made menu ideas.
Cream of the Crop
A throwback supper-starter gets a modern makeover with these comforting dinners made on the quick
Three Decades of Delicious
Cue the confetti! Taste of Home is officially 30. Serve yourself a thick slice of this spectacular masterpiece, published in our first-ever issue, and celebrate right alongside us.
FISH FRY, USA
Join in the Friday night tradition- whichever shore is yours! Seasoned fillets and signature sides inspired by staples from the West Coast, South and Midwest are tasty enough to lure any seafood fan.
GRIDDLE ME THIS
Whether you're wild for waffles or passionate about pancakes, wake up to the best of both worlds with this sunshine-y spread that's stacked with deliciousness
We're Stuffed!
No matter where you roam, dumplings are a comfort food every culture craves. These hearty parcels can be steamed, baked or fried. However they’re made, they feel like home.
The Year of the Nepo Baby - An Investigation
Hollywood has always loved the children of famous people. In 2022, the internet reduced them to two little words.
FOR THE BIRDS
Ornithologist Ann Sutton helps birders add Jamaica’s many winged wonders to their life list.
Going Back in Time
With its charming old-world atmosphere and hip urban centers, the province of Quebec is our northern neighbor's true hotel capital
A Park for All
Brooklyn Bridge Park provides a natural respite for city folk and wildlife alike
MARK LAGUË - Stimulating Cityscapes
UPCOMING SHOW PREVIEW/PRINCIPLE GALLERY
GH: CHASE ADMITS HIS FEELINGS
To the “Chalynn” supporters who’ve been chomping at the bit to see Brook Lynn and Chase finally get together, Chase’s portrayer, Josh Swickard, has a message for you:
Current mood: Pressley Hosbach
She's fun, she's fashionable, she keeps it real. And she just became your new school year BFF.
[ Three Ways ] Tropical Punch
Of African origin, hibiscus or Jamaican sorrel, is an important staple in West Indian and Mexican cooking. Hibiscus is sour enough to make you pucker and tropical enough to evoke the islands. Popularly brewed as a tea, the dried petals play well in savory or sweet recipes, too.
General hospital
At the club, Curtis is forced to introduce TJ to Selina. TJ senses that Curtis is trying to get rid of him.
The Words Will Come to Me
A novelist on deadline seeks solitude in a vacation rental but finds she can't keep it all to herself for long.