Today was baking day. And for the first time, I decided to bake muffins. Its not too surprisingly after all, since I am not that big a fan of muffin, its just cake in a cup, and I am not that fond of sponge cakes. But today, I just wanted to try something new. And after searching through all the recipes online and looking at all the delectable pictures, I was all ready to get cracking. Its unbelievable how many different recipes there are just for a simple muffin and so many different variations. One can use sour cream, cream, milk, veg oil, buttermilk to make it. And since I wanted to make a relatively healthy but tasty muffin, I opted for buttermilk and plain yoghurt.

The process was quite a breeze and because I just bought a new measuring cup, I didnt have to use scales, which was far for convenient. The batter was nice and deliciously creamy, and those who know me know I have a history of eating batters before they are even done..hahah.. I divided the batter into half and made walnut raisin for one, and chocolate chip raisin for the other. I was so excited thoughout the baking process, waiting anxiously for them to become done.
And while it was still in the oven..

25mins later...Nice and golden and relatively dome shaped muffin was ready. The aroma was enough to make me faint with joy. I ate it while it was still warm, with milk, of course. On the whole, I was pretty satisfied with it, for a first time. The muffin was moist and soft inside, which is the most important thing. But the top wasnt as crispy I would have liked them to be, as I was afraid it would be burnt if I left it in the oven for too long. And while it tasted good, it wasnt memorable, just a normal chocolate chip walnut muffin. Oh well, It would be better after a few more tries, after I play around with it..which i definitely will..

While I was waiting for the muffin to bake, i whipped up a batch of oatmeal cookies, using a new recipe yet again, which I got from a nestle cookbook from the library a long time ago, and copied it into my little recipe book. I halfed the recipe as I didnt want to make so much as I wasnt sure how it would turn out. It was a basic oatmeal recipe to which I halved the batter again, and added a pinch of cinnamon powder and raisins to one,making cinnamon and raisin cookies, and walnuts and chocolate chips to the other batter. The cookie turned out really different from my previous tries, and I was pretty disappointed with it. Firstly, it lacked the crunch and 'oomp' and it was crumbly and hollow and spreaded too much. I don't know if its the addition of milk or what. Hmm, I guess its what you can when you try a new recipe, the uncertainty, which is why I have always stuck to my old trusty recipe. But I actually rather liked the cinnamon raisin cookie, certainly a departure from the chocolate chip that I have always favoured, and the aroma wafting out from the oven was very tantalizing and had a homely feel to it.

And since I have quite a bit of buttermilk left, I am thinking of making more muffins soon, or pancakes for breakfast..Now,thats a thought..hah

The puddings turned out really really good. Though they didnt quite have the springy texture of puddings sold in restaurants, I don't know how to describe, but somehow its not quite right. The taste is awesome though. They were rich and flavourful and very very delicious. I couldnt help but tuck into the durian one before it had even soldified, but the texture of it was like durian custard...pure ecstasy.

I brought 2 small cups to school to let steph try. It was bliss for him when he caught the first whiff of the durian. When he took his first bite, he looked like he had died and gone to heaven. It was almost comical to watch him enjoy it so much, truly a kodak moment..hahah..guess I look like that sometimes when I bite into a chocolate cake which oozes out warm chocolate. Think Max Brenner's souffle and Beard Papa's chocolate fondant.

Thinking of baking soon...perhaps over the weekends,something new which I havent done before...right now, time to study for my test tmr..

yummmy egg tarts  

Mango puddings are delicious, arent they? More so for durian puddings. All rich and sinful stuff. I am a lucky girl, cos mum made them today, albeit for her cell group, but nontheless, I get to help out too, to make and also to eat. But did you know that puddings actually consist of milk,cream and ice-cream? Gosh, the fat content of all 3 is anough to kill. I never knew that it was THAT rich..oh maybe somewhere inside me, I did know, but I chose to ignore it,selective knowledge, I call it. It is super easy to make too,though I mostly pinched her durian puree and ate her amazingly sweet and juicy and somewhat overipe thai mangoes(if I am not mistaken). I am not complaining though...I think she got that recipe from a waitress in Tunglok restaurant,whom she knew quite well, cos we used to eat there regularly..

And just to digress, Hang Hueng is now at great world city,for a limited time,till 19th sept, I think. And meanwhile, I have been eating a lot of their egg tarts. The taste is really awesome. Flaky and tender and light pastry crust with a with a thick layer of egg custard. The egg custard is great too, I liked that its so soft and wobbly. You know how some egg tarts are overbaked and so the custard layer is kind of hard, and the crust is too thick as well. Well, this egg tart sure ranks high up there in my dictionary, together with Crystal jade's one. And its warm when you buy it, which is the optimum temperature for consumption..yummm

It is the mugging period again. For all you people who need a break from studying and a hearty laugh, go check out this website,

http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0508/video/george_bush_spindoctor.mov

It features the many faux pas in the speech of America's 'beloved' president George W Bush. It was shown in one of my lectures during the break and had all of us cracking up. Enjoy!

Greeneries galore 

3 cute monkeys. Look closely, the one in the middle is carrying a baby...so sweeet 

Me looking kind of dazed...high from the fresh air?  

Steph and me...perspiring profusely 

Yummmy sesame and almond paste...Wish I can have more of it 

the blogging session.From left, mr brown, cory, xia xue and mr myagi 

Had a great climb up the Bukit Timah nature reserve. I was feeling kind of dubious about it intially as the weather was super hot, and both steph and I were already perspiring profusely even before we embarked on the climb. We took the easiest route...hahah...and it was a pretty gruelling climb as the slopes were pretty steep, but became gentler as we neared the summit, which we reached in less than half and hour and thought with disbelief, thats it? Yeah, apparently so. After taking some pics, we proceeded downhill, this time via another route,something like a jungle trail. I actually found the downhill climb harder than the uphill climb. All in all, I enjoyed out little fieldtrip, love the smell of nature and fresh air and the 'mountain' climbing was a good start out of our pretty sedentary lifestyle.

After that was makan, of course, at Beauty world centre, a rather secluded place which brings forth nostalgic memories with those mama-shops and all. After a cursory look around the hawker centre, we decided on this little stall right at the corner, which is noticeable only to the most discerning of eyes. We ordered a bowl of sesame and almond paste each and I have got to say, its the best I have ever eaten, no contest. I had the almond paste, which was the thickest, smoothest and yummiest among all the other almost paste I have ever eaten(restaurants included), and best of all, it was not too sweet as well. I was so amazed at how viscous it was and the taste was so rich with all the goodness of almonds. It sure beats the other runny and sweet almond paste that I have had. And the lady who sold it with her ready smile and apple cheeks reminded me greatly of my grandmother. For people who wants to try, its at 144 upper bukit timah road, #04-25, beauty world centre. They also have other stuff like freshly baked cream puff,agar agar and jellies and other assorted pastries.

Went home for dinner,nothing like a mountain climb to work up an appetite eh? There was a sumptuous spread of food today. With soup, stewed pigs trotters, fried chicken wings, fried fish and bean sprouts. Why? Cost she invited 2 of her friends over for dinner, which she does with increasing frequency these days. Even going to the trouble of cooking the food and bringing over to their house. Well, I am not complaining, at least I get to eat good food. But well, I know I am not in a position to, but I am not really comfortable with them around. Somehow, I feel that mum is going all out to gain their approval, especially cooking food that they like, and doing all sort of things for them. And for what? Is that what friendship is all about. And she is so accommodating with them, and she has got to be the least accomomodating person I know. She isnt even so nice to her own sisters, much less her daughter. Even my maid commented that she treats them better than she treats me. And I told her that I noticed too, but was not too bothered by it. I suppose they are perfectly nice people, it might be just biasness on my part, but I always feel that there is a sort of unsoken disapproval, just because I am from New creation church and they are not? So I fee like I always have to be on my 'best behaviour' when they are around. Everything is just so contrived.And I betcha mum tells tham all her woes about me..how rude I am, how I always go out, how I rather spend time with my boyfriend than her...blah blah..and all half-truths. Ok, I shall stop it already...

back to studying..

Lunch was just a simple affair of ham and cheese sandwich made by myself. Simple though it may be,it was no less delicious, and I have always been a sandwich and bread person. It is also super easy to make. I used a long abandoned sandwich press that I found in the cupboard. Buttered two slices of gardenia milk bread, with honey-baked ham and a slice of cheese, and putting the buttered side facing the heat source. Voila! It was done in 5mins, no frills, but plain yummy, especially with the cheese oozing out from the sides and the nicely browned and flattened bread. I wolfed it down in less than 5mins too...hahah..sorry, no pics..the aroma of the sandwich was simply to irresistable. Pity they don't taste as nice when its cold, if not I would love to bring it to school to eat.....

Alas, Miss clarity cafe outing has been postponed to next week. Never mind, I shall practise healthy living this week to indulge without guilt next week.Going to climb hills later...only bukit timah hill, but nontheless still a hill...hah

bustling business 

tucking in happily... 

the chicken looks delectable..no?? Pity I don't eat the skin...hah.. 

Today was a great day...no studying the whole day..but i suppose i didnt do any studying the whole weekend as well...so...hahah..oh well, all work and no play makes me a dull girl...anyway,here's a summary of my sunday..

Went for a talk held by Mr brown, mr myagi and xiaxue called Creating Online Communities Through Blogging. It was pretty interesting, to hear about a topic so close to the heart of many people,something that is relevant to the new media courses that I am taking this semester, and also because I am a blogger myself. Blogging is becoming so increasingly common nowadays that I wonder if people are just jumping on the bandwagon because its 'in' to blog or because they genuinely want to do so. Or maybe its really all about being able to air their views 'freely'. One issue that was discussed was the privacy of blogs, that you can say whatever you want in your blog just because its your own private space. How wrong is that. If you want to blog, you have to accept that it would be public, and that anybody can read it and that if they want to give negative comments, or use that information against you(eg, work related blogging), thats too bad. You's be surprised by how innocuous blogging can get you into hot soup, and be prepared to face any consequences, if any, of doing so..

After that, went for a church service which was good cos I seldom have the chance to go for the sunday service cos of dad..

After that was dinner...at the famed Chin Chin chicken rice at purvis street. I must say I havent chicken rice in years,serious, cos I used to think its calorie and fat laden. But I suppose if one really has to eat, we must eat the best of course...hah..It was super crowded when we went. And steph and I were so super ravenous and impatient for our food to arrive. And man, were we not disappointed. The chicken that arrived was tender and glistening with all the goodness and really succulent. The rice was fragrant and delicious plus with the liberal condiments that I added like the chili,the ginger and the dark soy sauce,it was way yummy, and I actually finished my rice,though I am not a rice person. And speaking of the chili, it was really kick-ass...hahah..just the right amount of spiciness and garlic. I heaped lots of it on my chicken and the rice...

After such a hearty dinner, a walk was in order..and we took a long leisurely stroll to clark quay, a place that holds fond memories...heh....very enjoyabe night we had too..

I should go on a diet soon..all the food I have been eating, is surely not good for my waistline...hahh..not go on diet, just eat less of the stuff that I normally eat. Hmm, maybe I will procrastinate to next week instead. Why? Because I am going to miss clarity cafe on tues which have nice and cheap food, and DESSERTS..so looking forward to that..heh..I am going with a fellow foodie,so whoever wants to tag along,just tell me,the more the merrier, cos it means we can sample more food..hah..cant wait for tues to come..good way to destress after a whole day of school..

I am blogging about food again..but I really cannot help it. Looking at all the endless pics and recipes in the food blogs has made me all fired up about baking and food again..a great blog is http://www.thebakerwhocooks.blogspot.com/ . She is simply amazing, loves food as much as me, maybe more so, is excellent with words, and is a great baker and chef..Man, I am so envious of her talents. And she is from NUS arts as well...wonder where she gets so much time to blog...hmm.

Lunch was mushroom and chicken spaghetti where I helped to cook it as well, using Domio's mushroom and cream sauce plus button mushrooms and chicken,it was deliciously creamy, thouigh somewhat lacking in taste, as compared to the cream based pastas that are served in restaurants, which isnt surprising, given that they use fresh cream and fresh ingredients to cook. Hmm, maybe I should try that one day..thinking of the endless possibilities now, and I have always adored pastas and other italian dishes..

After a great lunch, I ended it with a cup of hot chocolate. Who needs hot chocolate outside when I can whip up my own yummy one, made with fresh milk and hershey's semi-sweet chocolate,it was really decadent, and very easy to make...

hahah...think I am on a roll...

I think that I am stuck on the food blogging thingy, one site leads to another and another and so on, its pretty much never ending. The temptation to click on is just simply to irresistable. And the blogs are very interesting, with lots of pictures and also reciples. Guess I am not the only mad person around who likes taking pics of my food..

Sometimes I do fear that I would one day just balloon cos I love eating so much. Each day is like a minefield of choice and temptations, not so much of choice, cos I simply eat anything that I want.. I like this book by Mireille Guiliano called French women don't get fat. Here is a brief intro of the book that I got from some website:

Stylish, convincing, wise, funny–and just in time: the ultimate non-diet book, which could radically change the way you think and live.French women don't get fat, but they do eat bread and pastry, drink wine, and regularly enjoy three-course meals. In her delightful tale, Mireille Guiliano unlocks the simple secrets of this "French paradox"–how to enjoy food and stay slim and healthy. Hers is a charming, sensible, and powerfully life-affirming view of health and eating for our times.As a typically slender French girl, Mireille (Meer-ray) went to America as an exchange student and came back fat. That shock sent her into an adolescent tailspin, until her kindly family physician, "Dr. Miracle," came to the rescue. Reintroducing her to classic principles of French gastronomy plus time-honored secrets of the local women, he helped her restore her shape and gave her a whole new understanding of food, drink, and life. The key? Not guilt or deprivation but learning to get the most from the things you most enjoy. Following her own version of this traditional wisdom, she has ever since relished a life of indulgence without bulge, satisfying yen without yo-yo on three meals a day.Now in simple but potent strategies and dozens of recipes you'd swear were fattening, Mireille reveals the ingredients for a lifetime of weight control–from the emergency weekend remedy of Magical Leek Soup to everyday tricks like fooling yourself into contentment and painless new physical exertions to save you from the StairMaster. Emphasizing the virtues of freshness, variety, balance, and always pleasure, Mireille shows how virtually anyone can learn to eat, drink, and move like a French woman.A natural raconteur, Mireille illustrates her philosophy through the experiences that have shaped her life–a six-year-old's first taste of Champagne, treks in search of tiny blueberries (called myrtilles) in the woods near her grandmother's house, a near-spiritual rendezvous with oysters at a seaside restaurant in Brittany, to name but a few. She also shows us other women discovering the wonders of "French in action," drawing examples from dozens of friends and associates she has advised over the years to eat and drink smarter and more joyfully.Here are a culture's most cherished and time-honored secrets recast for the twenty-first century. For anyone who has slipped out of her zone, missed the flight to South Beach, or accidentally let a carb pass her lips, here is a buoyant, positive way to stay trim. A life of wine, bread–even chocolate–without girth or guilt? Pourquoi pas?

I think that this book is pretty cool, teaches you to enjoy your food. Keeping slim doesnt necessarily mean food deprivation. Of course, its all about choices and control. I am very tempted to buy this book, though I have already sped read through it one lazy afternoon in Borders.But at the price of $39 for the hardcover, guess I have to think twice..haha

Once again, its the end of the week..hooray..but as usual, I feel like I have one million other things to be done,shouting for my attention. Lets see, readings for my 4 modules,as usual. Study for test which is next fri(yah,so soon, sian half), but the lecturer practically told us the questions that would appear, and of course the text is mcq format, so its not that bad. For my principles of communication management modules, we are supposed to do a issue tracking thingy,where we are supposed to find a issue(eg nkf, plane crash,katrina...) and find about 14 articles on it, write a summary for them and present to the class. I have cut out many articles, but have not read them yet, so I have got to sort it out soon, and decide on the topic that I would be doing. I also have to do my NM1101e tutorial and also project for my complementary med and health modules...oh gosh....i feel faint now...hahah..

So far, I havent started on anything yet, cos I stumbled onto a food blog,and one thing led to another, and soon I had many links to food bloggers in singapore and as well as overseas, and of course I couldnt resist checking them out, being the foodie I am. Its so cool..hahah..maybe I shd start a food blog, and be part of the sg food blogger. Talking about food, me and steph stuffed overselves silly today..hahah.. after lecture at 3, we went to clementi, the initial plan was to eat tang yuan, but we were distracted by other stuff, and changed our mind. I tried the supposedly famous Tan's tutu kueh(i think)..and the stupid uncle gave us coldl tutu kueh, when of course the best way to eat it is when it is piping hot. But I suppose the filling is pretty good la. Then we had rojak, which I had not had in ages, nor had the inclination to. But it was so yummy that I changed my mind about it, the prawn paste was very good,tangy and just the right spiciness plus the generous sprinkling of nuts. After that, we went to Mac's for twister fries,which they no longer have =( , and we ended up eating macnuggets cos of the new sauces.. Grand finale was roti prata at the coffee shop outside my house. Steph who was going home for dinner, kept insisting that he was not going to eat anything. So we ordered 2 teh tariks and I ordered the paper prata and a cheese prata(my dinner la) and he kept 'pinching' off my plate, while I gave him the i-told-u-so look...hahah... I love the prata, the paper prata, crispy and paper thing,drizzled with honey was like dessert while the cheese prata was satisfyingly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside and the melted cheese makes it supremely orgasmic, and of course,there is always the curry which is thick and spicy...had a very satisying day today...hahah..(disclaimer: We did not eat everything in one go,it was spaced out...hahah)..what a calorie filled day..sigh..going gym tomorrow