After living in Southeast Asia almost seven years, I go by the golden rule: If you see pandan on a menu, order it ...

Her lighter-than-air king cakes and milk buns are perfectly colored for Carnival season with deep purple ube and bright green pandan flavors. "People fall in love with it," she said.

An easy cherry loaf cake that's moist and tender with ground almonds that just needs a cup of tea. Remember to coat the cherries in a little flour so they don't all sink to the bottom of the cake.

Check, Please! Bay Area, season 19, episode 13, airs Thursday, February 6, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other television airtimes.