Christmas 2008 BBQ Party

We had a BBQ party last weekend. Some of these savory stuff can potentially be modified and become part of TeaRoom's menu in the future. We didn't use any instant or ready to eat food stuff, all were marinated with fresh produce. MC handled the whole event, I only made dessert - trifle - which didn't really turn out great, and marinated the port ribs.

Here are some highlights...

We served some hard rolls for the dipping

These are the three dipping MC prepared... The following captions from MC.

This is aubergine dipping (roasted then mashed the "meat" of the aubergine with cumin, freshly ground black pepper, lemon juice and salt to taste)

This is avocado with tomatoes

Chickpea dipping with paprika, lemon, cumin and salt to taste

Later, BIL turned the bread into "roti bakar" and it has instantly became a hit! The guests finished the whole roll of bread - spread with butter and grilled over the charcoal stove

Now this was the only item I sort of prepared. BBQ ribs marinated with hoi sin sauce and seasoning to taste

Looks okay right? And didn't over-cook and still very juicy

The other highlight and super star of the night was the roast lamb, patiently grilled to perfection


The other items. Pork skewers marinated with Coca Cola


Sotong

Guest brought chicken wing. There were more pork skewer marinated with herbs and mushrooms.

Delicious right? Don't forget to include us in your list if you are organizing a BBQ party, we can contribute to one or two items perhaps. :)

Happy new year everyone. Hope you've had a great feast as well.

New year wishes from KG

Sweet words are easy to say;
Sweet things are easy to buy;
But sweet people are difficult to find.

Life ends when you stop dreaming;
Hope ends when you stop believing;
Love ends when you stop crying;
Friendship ends when you stop sharing.

To love without condition, to talk without intention, to give without reason and to care without expectation.

Happy New Year.

May the new year brings betterment to ourselves and greater success to our life.

Thanks babe. It's a comfort to have you around all these years. I wish I'll have you for many years to come. Let's keep believing in our dreams!

It's always difficult to think of a post title

I know that pump instructor apparently, and yeah lor Carebear, he's definitely not a "kid" hahaha...

As I just told Blog Ed, I had just worsen my muscle aches by attending another pump class. Still haven't increased back my weights because I still don't have the strength, plus I have been nursing a terrible muscle ache today. Class today was not so bad. I've got MC to company me, she skipped shoulder track so that she wouldn't threw up in class. That's what happen ah when you don't attend class frequently and diligently. The instructor wasn't so bad, cueing was in order but not as fun as the class last night by Carebear & Co. That was one of the best team-teaching classes I've joined. Can't they do that more?

Tomorrow is New Year eve, looking forward to the break although I'm not taking leave on Friday. It's year end and I just want to unwind and relax. Put all worries behind, although I do have a very big worry. I've found solution to settle half of my problem, just need to get solution for the other half.

Okay, sinus attack. Or maybe flu! Better sleep early.

Guys, enjoy the last day of the year!!! Chat soon...

Disclaimer of a "babysitter"

I finally found my little guinea pig a care taker when I'm away for my trip. When replying my email to say okay to the dates. I was also told to read this disclaimer:

Disclaimer : The Temporary ownership and safekeeping of the said animal will be well taken care of accordingly to the instructions laid by the sole owner and the so called referred Temporary Owner / Safe keeper are indemnified against any unforeseen circumstances or perpetual health complications that may leads fatality of the said animal during the custody from the period 13 Jan to 19 Jan 2009.

So funny right this guy? Haha...

You Actually Gain When You Lose

Woke up early (earlier than the passed few days) today to make full use of the time for this one more day left of holiday (I know, I know, some of you are still on holiday). What do we always say? Holidays always seem so short, too short. So 5 days had whooshed passed and now feeling extremely lazy to get back to work. Looking forward to another day of public holiday. And no, I didn't take leave for coming Friday.

First thing first. Gym.

The last time I went to gym (for workout) was the Tuesday before last week. Bad right? And needless to say, you can imagine how I coped in this morning's pump class. I was already showing Carebear how much I was suffering (by sticking out my tongue) during warm up track. Yup, it was THAT bad. Cut down weights for squats (8.5kg), chest (5kg) and back (7kg) tracks.

It's the new release and don't ask me. I've no idea whether the new release is tough or not because walking up the stairs to the locker room alone, was tough.

The new release, I thought, has quite a lot of surprise elements. The triceps track for example, does not require the use of bar - just plates for kick backs and seated triceps presses. I find that very effective. In other words, ouch... my triceps muscles are in pain. Okay, not just the triceps muscles, the chest and my upper back and I'm sure I will discover more tomorrow.

The 4 clean and presses in a row is back so luckily I've reduced the weights I normally carry. Opss, I missed one clean and presses. Oh, now I remember, the biceps track was tough. I know I am not the best person to comment about biceps track since I actually dislike biceps tracks to start with, but 40 bottom halves? Though not all in a row, but still!!!

I hope I'm able to resume my normal weights before the end of the new release. So while I gain some muscle pains, I hope I will lose those weights I've gained during the passed few days. :p

After gym I debated whether to have lunch, or to get home and make myself a glass of fruit juice, and call that my lunch. Before I even left the mall, I decided that I was having one of my usual caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Haha... So headed to the green place for my caramel macchiato and chicken finger sandwich. We (MC, BIL and me) actually had developed a habit and had grew particular fond of the sandwich and this chocolate cake. We also discovered that the outlet at Gardens, inside Borders, to be one of our favorite for the cosiness and view.

Yeah, we were also there yesterday, at the one near our neighbourhood. Coffee and book, a perfect way to unwind and relax. Since I didn't bring my book today, I browsed one of the magazines provided. There were many write-ups related to year end and new year resolutions etc etc... this particular message from the editor was actually very interesting and I kind really felt for what she said.

For how many years have we been looking back during the end of the years and said, geezz... I've not achieved much. But instead of always looking back for what we've or we've not done, perhaps it's more productive to plan and look forward to the new year.

We often recall the things and people that we've lost but seldom realize what we gain WHEN we lose it. If we change our point of view just slightly, we will discover that we have gain so much more than we've lost over those several thousands days we've lived. And I do always believe that everything happen for a reason, and I would also like to stay positive all the time by believing that it's for a good reason.

Certain things and some people are just part of our lives but not part of the end of our stories. Though loosing is always painful and usually takes a lot of time to heal, we should also be grateful that they have been part of our stories weaving in many interesting episodes and beautiful memories. That's why we always hear people saying, enjoy the moments. That's about the few things we can control.

Later in the afternoon, I went over to girl-friend's to pay her little one a visit. The box of sweet little indulgence was a big hit among her elder two boys. And the baker was extremely delighted to get compliment from a 5 year old boy. Awww... so sweet, and isn't it true that kids don't lie? Haha...

A very beautiful family. Wish you all the best and may the new year brings you loads of laughter, joy and love.

What was the post title?

MC, BIL and I were at Starbucks for our usual hang out. We were on a certain topic and I told MC, "that" was going to be my blog title/ subject today. Geezz... I can't remember what it was.

I have been very busy for the passed two weeks and wished I can do TeaRoom full time. It's actually very hectic having to manage a busy work (official one) life and baking orders, AND trying hard (but failed) to also go to gym as frequent as I want. I love doing all three things mentioned, just wish that I have more time. Okay, I remember telling MC to be careful of what she wished for when she said she wished for time to pass quickly (was it because she wanted weekend to come faster?). Imagine if time actually went fast forward and before you know it, it's 20 years passed by and some people we love might not be around anymore then. Imagine also if I wished for more time and I actually live a 36 hour/day life. No. That would be too torturing especially when I need to put more days behind me so that time can heal and patch me up.

I also felt that my life is still in a mess. I guess when one is not financially stable, one will be extremely worried and troubled. I actually got some new clothes and shoes for, so called, the new year, which I shouldn't have. I got to stop spending unnecessarily. Perhaps I should wish for more orders for TeaRoom, need more pocket money to survive.

With these miserable thoughts and truth, the TeaRoom dream seems to be fading away by the minute. It's actually true when they say it's easier to keep dreaming about your dream than really doing what you dream for. Will stop spending help? Uh oh... I've got an overseas trip coming up next month. In three weeks' time in fact.

Okay, okay... let's stay positive. I can do this...

And I still can't remember what was my original post topic and title.

End of Season

I'm hungry... but I don't think I want to eat something at 2 o'clock in the morning and then go to bed. Very fattening, won't it?

There were many unexpected issues that had arose today causing me to be behind schedule big time and had to cancel some plans. First thing first, I needed to fix my car alarm. It has not been working since beginning of the week. While I was waiting for the mechanic to find out the problem, I had several phone calls from the office. At the end, decided that I really need to get hold of my laptop. Since I was supposed to meeting MC and BIL for lunch, I had asked BIL to bring my laptop. But miscommunication, I didn't actually made it clear for him that I would get the laptop from him when we met at Mid Valley for lunch, in fact, he sent my laptop all the way to the workshop! So sorry BIL! But thanks a lot, it had been most helpful. I managed to sort out a few work matters.

Later, I actually left the workshop without getting anything fixed for my car. Humph... no parts. Instead of waiting at the workshop, I told them to call me when the parts arrived and I would go back later. Because of this that, I was late for lunch.

Shopping time had to be cut short too in order for me to get back to the workshop to fix the alarm AND I had to get home to bake - cupcake deliveries and uncle's birthday cake. So I thought lah.

Spent more time than I'd expected at the workshop again. Was planning to go to the gym after I've done with my shopping, but because of this, I missed gym. Geezz... the last time I worked out was actually last Tuesday!!

I later had to cancel baking my uncle's birthday cake as well, seriously behind schedule and didn't have time to bake more stuff even if I don't sleep tonight. Anyways, I wasn't confident with making this cake, best not to attempt at midnight and when I was so pressing for time. Luckily uncle's birthday is not tomorrow, it's actually Monday, but at first we thought of celebrating his birthday tomorrow night because we are having a BBQ party tomorrow. We shall have another celebration on Monday then.

I do wonder sometimes if I should allow myself such busy schedule. I don't think I've been helping at all in the preparation of tomorrow's party. Maybe I can help with the decorations, and cleaning up. Thanks MC and BIL for preparing all the food. Sorry I've been too busy.

I've finished off my last three boxes of Christmas cupcakes for this season, so till next year. Tomorrow is our Christmas party, so officially end of Christmas season after tomorrow night

I better go sleep before I get too hungry.

SSB's

TD's

MC's

Present to one of TeaRoom's big supporters

Chocolate Moist Cake - Yellow Flowers

Though many of you like this chocolate cake, I still think that it can be erm... improved further. The milk chocolate icing is very indulging but also sweeter compared with dark chocolate icing. I tried using double cream to create a richer icing instead of using milk but it didn't turn out right. So back to milk. The icing looks a bit dry after a while which doesn't give the cake the appeal.

Made this for a birthday at the office and I made everyone wait till after I microwaved it back before eating the cake. Definitely much better when eaten warm.

Okay, if I have the time, I will experiment with a different method of making the glacing. I want to add something to the cake as well. So, tasters, I hope you have not had enough of this cake yet. :)

All I want for Christmas...

is to get enough sleep.

And my wish has been granted!

Boss let us off at 3.00pm today, considering we need to prepare and get ready for the Christmas eve celebration. Me? I desperately needed sleep. Have been extremely busy for the passed one week. Looking at the amount and rate of my baking posts, you can imagine how much baking I had recently. A bit hectic due to lack of sleeping hours, but it's all worth it and very satisfying. Wish I can do this full time.

Christmas is such a sentimental time of the year. It's when I start to feel more about things and people around me. Many little gestures can just warm my heart and well up my eyes. Thanks for the virtual hug, and the actual hug. Added so much warmth to Christmas.

Didn't go anywhere tonight. Was watching some Christmas movie when the clock struck 12. Had MC and BIL with me and their wishes were so heartwarming. I actually like Christmas this way, warm, peaceful and relaxing.

I also feel very blessed this Christmas with so much supports from customers of TeaRoom. And thanks to all my very dear friends for promoting TeaRoom. Also very grateful to the blog readers and followers, you've given me much encouragement to continue with my story telling.

Merry Christmas to everyone, may you be blessed with health, happiness and love.

Pistachio and Cranberry Biscotti

Came across this recipe in the BBC Good Food magazine and planned to bake this for my Christmas present.

I just love the colour of these biscotti. Green from the pistachios, red from the cranberries. Very christmasy. Recipe also includes raisins and almond.

This is sort of an experiment since I have no time to perfect it yet. The handling of the dough can be improved, the size and baking time needs to be improved too. But overall, I love the taste, MC had quite a few pieces so I'm sure it's quite acceptable.

Gave one pack out today as a Christmas present along with a small box of Christmas cupcake. I wish you a very blessed Christmas.

When cupcakes are more "serious" - Part 2

It has been a long time. Nearly forgotten to post this. I've got an order from Karen after she'd came across my previous post on a "serious" cupcake design. I've prepared a small box previously as special present and so far am not selling cupcakes with these toppers.

These are imported chocolate coated coffee beans, very precious and, I'm running out of stock. And I don't think you were able to differentiate the white colour coated coffee beans from the white colour marshmallows.

Thanks for ordering Karen, hope you liked the cupcakes.

Cupcake Birthday Message

Cheeky Gal said birthday boy favorite colour is blue. Got her cupcake message and she said, not too cute. Haha... I suppose that left me with chocolates and marshmallows (non flower shaped)?

I'm sure raisins go very well with the cupcakes, just that they are not exactly decorative.

Anyways, Happy birthday Simon. Hope you guys had have a great celebration.

Best wishes from The TeaRoom Baker.

It's Christmas!

Christmas is just around the corner. :) Gave this box of cupcake to the organizer who had invited me to a Christmas party today.

Just Flowers

BIL's order for a farewell party. This was about how much creativity I've got left at midnight.

Yellow tulip

Yellow and violet wild flowers

Violet tulips in pairs

The flower puzzle

Gingernuts

I am actually not a fan of ginger. I do like the aroma and taste of ginger but won't eat ginger per se. I remember there was this one time where I got a few free pieces of free sample of Crabtree & Evelyn's ginger cookies and it was like wow, very tasty! Love it but only thought of baking some myself now. Also recently got to know that gingernuts are BIL's favorite.

So this is basically the inspiration and story behind TeaRoom's gingernut.

I would most probably bake this again, not only because I quite like the taste, also because I need to perfect the baking time. The cookies are a bit hard I thought but would be quite perfect for coffee dipping. As I've told SSB.

Chocolate Fruit Cake

An early presentation of a Christmas cake, which was actually for a birthday. The choice of this birthday cake as requested by the birthday gal.

The ingredients: Since I don't like mix peel, I've chosen this recipe where you can pick and match the type of dried fruit to include. So I had plums, dates (though okay but the taste did not blend in that perfectly), cherries and raisins. In addition, chocolate chips had been added to intensify the chocolate aroma of this already chocolate based cake. Ground almond was also added hence giving a very solid texture.

The decoration: With brandy butter icing (though originally I planned to get the ready to roll icing, but didn't have time and more inclined to the butter icing taste than fondant icing) and a few Christmasy ornaments.