I’ve never been very successful with baking. Cooking’s not a problem. But me and flour, and sifting and whisking? Somehow, somewhere, something always gets lost in translation. With the exception of cheesecake, everything else I’ve ever tried baking either got burnt or became some kind of inedible. So when the work mates decided to sign up for a Swiss Roll & Macarons class at Sugar Inc, I jumped at the opportunity, hoping – with all fingers crossed – that I won’t fail under proper instruction.

We learnt how to make Swiss Rolls first. The very personable Chef Anna starts off with a table demonstration, before sending us to our stations.

We paired up and followed her directions to a T.

We were all happy with how it turned out. :)

Macarons were next, and boy, were we eager about it. Here, Chef Anna tells us about how we can’t compromise on the amount of icing sugar added, because it apparently makes all the difference.

The process seemed overwhelming, but we did our best and the shells came out looking really decent.

Then came the ganache and the buttercream. Alas, they were all premade. But it was understandably so, because there wasn’t quite enough time.

Then we started piping. Piping is fun (read: easy). ;)

Look at all the pretty colours!

I’m so proud to announce that I have officially made my first batch of macarons! :)

Unfortunately, I really don’t know if I can find it in me to make my own macarons again. There’s a lot of work involved and because it requires a lot more precision than cooking, I’m not confident that I’ll be able to replicate this. The Swiss Rolls were a lot simpler and I can see myself giving it another go. But oh macarons… Now I know why you’re that pricey.

Regardless, it was a very lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon and I really enjoyed myself. We all did. ;)

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CNY Day 2

January 24, 2012 · 6 comments

in Food, Life, Singapore

The second day of the Lunar New Year was all about FOOD.

Lunch at my uncle’s was gut-busting. My aunt cooks really, really well so you can imagine how tormenting it was to have to control my intake. It wasn’t the most elaborate of meals but everything tasted of perfection.

Naturally, we started off with Yusheng:

Following that, we indulged in a very delectable spread featuring Fried Bee Hoon (Vermicelli), Broccoli with Abalone & Mushrooms, Kong Bak Pau (Chinese Braised Pork with Buns) and Tom Yum Soup.

Bloated from all that, I lumbered through the next couple of houses and struggled to strike conversations. It wasn’t until the second last house that I regained my bearings and managed to stomach a few more snacks.

The buddies then came over for dinner and we finalised plans for Dia’s 30th. We realised how it wasn’t going to be a cheap affair, but neither were we going to scrimp on our own 30th birthday celebrations. As much as it’s just another number, there’s no denying (for us at least) that 30 is a landmark age. So we settled on a staycation at Capella (because the girl doesn’t do cheap) after plenty of deliberation. It may not exactly be a weekend getaway at a nearby resort, but it’s certainly fancy enough. ;)

And because it’s not a festive season without some alcohol (I think?), Min brought a bottle of Baileys to share with us:

A toast to all of us, and all our other girls who turn 30 this year!

Here’s to another 16 years of friendship, and even more to come!

*clinks*

. . . . .

Song of the Day

More Today Than Yesterday, by Goldfinger

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CNY Day 1

January 24, 2012 · 0 comments

in Food, Life, Singapore

Did everyone have a great first day of the Lunar New Year? I spent all day at home entertaining guests, discussing aquariums (I’m thinking of getting a new pet fish) and babysitting in between.

Lunch was a scrumptious bowl of Chicken Curry with 3 slices of bread.

The parents had Ayam Pongteh.

And that was my only meal of the day, no thanks to the incessant snacking while waiting for guests to arrive. Yikes.

When evening came, I immediately assumed babysitting duties, as I am wont to do each year. To my credit, I am a terrific babysitter. How do I know? My four-year-old nephew Elijah was extremely upset when it was time to leave. Everyone wondered if I had some kinda special game that got him so hooked. All I had was a Magna Doodle board and plenty of imagination as I played along in his constant “killing” and “reviving” of a certain Jango Fett. I know right. BOYS.

It also helps that the cheeky fella was adorable.

Dad was mesmerised by my other nephew, Rafel, and couldn’t stop cuddling him. But really, the kid was that huggable.

My family and I are heading out to visit the rellies tomorrow. That means more food, and more trouble for my waistline. The gym is gonna appear extra laborious this week.

. . . . .

Song of the Day

If This City Never Sleeps, by Rosie Thomas

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