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Sunday 28 December 2014

My Japanese Styled Lunch



I was scrolling down my posts, and they seemed to be getting a bit long and tiresome.... I will update more often :P and keep it at a manageable length. 

I have always been intrigued by the Japanese way of food styling. From my observation what makes it unique is its cuteness , edibility, combined with a  messy factor. The bowls are petit, bright and colourful.   The presence of fork, spoons, makes it edible. Sometimes they will place a plant of some home grown fresh herb in the back ground. The meal itself doesn't need to be of a complicated nature, but looking at it gives you such irresistible happiness, that all troubles seemed to slip your mind.  It is physically and emotionally calming. 

Today I improvised an recipe again ~ I based it on a biscotti recipe found on epicurious. The rosewater extract really adds the sweet romantic note. 


Rosewater & Cranberry Chocolate Biscotti

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons brandy
  • 2 teaspoon rose water extract
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup 70% dark chocolate chip
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Stir together sugar, butter, brandy, and extracts in a large bowl, then stir in chocolate chips, cranberries and eggs. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. 
Chill dough, covered, 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.
Using moistened hands, halve dough and form 2 (16-by 2-inch) loaves on an ungreased large baking sheet.
Bake until pale golden, about 30 minutes. Carefully transfer loaves to a rack and cool 15 minutes.
Cut loaves into 3/4-inch slices with a serrated knife.
Arrange biscotti, with a cut side down, on a clean baking sheet and bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to rack to cool completely.

Enjoy ~~~



Sunday 7 December 2014

10 Days to go



As 2014 draws to a close here is a note to myself..... 

Recently heard a comment that life is a series of  "U" when you are at the top , things almost certainly will slide down hill. It is important though not to be discourage, when you are at the bottom, because soon you will find yourself at the top again. But as you look back you will realize each U is a little higher than the last U.
For me stability is just as important as growth. After the pain,  tears, and frustration, you are wiser, kinder, and happier. Next time although still suffering, maybe even a little more , you are almost eager to face it, knowing that it is temporary, and the reward is great~  


My goal for myself by the end of the year is to finish editing London and Paris. Yet with only half a month left, the task become ever more daunting. 

One sign that tells me I am mentally back from my trip is when I start cooking again. This time I tried  to bring Paris back by attempting some french recipes. Milk chicken, pumpkin gouache, carrot and parsnip soup, to name a few.



  Sometimes there is nothing to say, sometimes there is so much to say I don't know where to begin. I was reading my post on  Winter of 2013, and laughed at how hopelessly positive I was. If I could only know what will happen a month or two later. But I have learned that positive is always the way to go.... at the very least you are happy. I don't know how, why and what happened, but somehow things are so promising once again ~~ I will be moving soon to a new home, new congregation, trips are already planned, and I can't wait to meet you in 2015 ~ 

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