It must have been like two months since I went to a "proper" baking supply shopping, as in major replenishment of supply. Mainly because the bakery supply shops only open weekday (maybe Saturday) and during working hours. So the most suitable time to go (for me lah) is actually lunch time. But it had been really busy at work lately and I had not been able to spare any lunch time for shopping.
So... gone a bit crazy today at the bakery supply shop. Too bad (luckily) I only had about an hour or less, otherwise, I could have been more "detailed" in my shopping. :p
I discovered a few new items which I had to say, is such a good idea!!! I'll take a picture of them later when I get home and will show you... And most of the stuff were seen to be more expensive, however, there were a few items which are now packaged differently (in smaller quantity) and naturally are priced slightly lower (though unit cost might still be the same or higher).
My shopping list at Bake With Yan:-
Perishable items
1) Walnut 500g
2) Pecan 250gm
3) Almond (whole) 500gm
4) Chocolate chips 1kg
5) Raisins 1kg
Packaging/ decorative items
6) Cookie bags
7) Brown paper bags
8) Piping bags 10pcs x 5
9) Cake boxes
single x 10
double x 10
quad x 10
9" (cupcake) x 10
7" (cake) x 4
10" (cake) x 2
11" (cake) x 4
10) Cake boards
7" (round) x 2
7" (square) x 2
10" (round) x 2
11" (round) x 2
11" (square) x 2
11) Mini cake trays (love this!)
12) Gift paper bags (about time it's being sold!)
13) Disposable glove (very hygienic you know...)
14) Paper cups
3 1/2" (loose - green) x 1
3 1/2" (loose - red) x 1
muffin (100s) x 2 (one is for Carebear!)
15) Paper doily
16) Colour (lining) paper (100s)
17) Baking tin (6" round)
The bill came up to RM167 ish. Not bad right? I'm sure my supply will last for at least 3 months or more.
Then I went over to Chang Tung to get some essence and the bill was RM13.00.
Time to get back to office then. And I better continue with work. :p
I'm now a very happy baker. ^_^
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Symbols of regular pumping
The skin areas on my knees and elbows are spotted with darker colours and they are rather dry and peeling. I am suspecting that it is due to regular pumping - need to kneel down and use the elbows to support very often in pump classes.
I find Thursday pump getting more boring. Still I went diligently for the sake of my waistline. But, I felt really bored and extremely sleepy and fatigue. Not sure if those were physical or mental. I was feeling okay when I arrived at gym, a bit hungry, but otherwise okay.
I was already sweating a lot even though my warm up on stepper was only 10 minutes. Little Bro was also puzzled with the reason of me drenched in sweat when I saw him at the gym just now. He was in his casual wear which I seldom see him in, and I told him the pants he was wearing accentuate the nice shape of his buttock. :p
I only notice the name of the replacement instructor just before entering the class. I was thinking, if I don't enter the class, what do I want to do? Free weights? It's going to be equally boring. Besides, the free weights area, even extended to the cardio machine, was smelling very heavy of sweat and the air was really stale there. Wouldn't really want to be enveloped in that kind of environment. So, class it was.
Wasn't sure which one was the instructor until he busied himself setting up at the front of the studio. He looked familiar, by the time I recall, I happened to passed by him and I acknowledged him with a smile. He was the guy who TT-ed with FI in his last class just before he left for his Dubai trip. Hmm... so long ago, and which reminded me, I haven't been attending FI's class for a long long time.
Boredom caught up with me as soon as I picked up my bar for the warm up. Followed by great weariness and total dull facial expression. I must have looked like I was in a foul mood and I own the gym type of look. I didn't feel like pushing myself and almost wanted to use only 5kg for the chest track. But decided against it lah. Waistline!
Okay... but half way through the chest track, I had a cramp on my right calf. Geezz... how to "cure" my calf while lying down on the bench? So didn't seem to be able to manage my bottom halves. The cramp got bad during lunges which didn't help at all adding to my declining mood and energy.
In short, I managed badly in class. Lucky the instructor didn't have funny accent or bad spoken English. Cueing wise, not perfect, but no major mess-up. But still, I was feeling really lifeless.
On the happy note. I got a present from my favorite guy today. :) Will miss him while he's away for a few days though.
Meanwhile, there's a birthday cake baking tomorrow for delivery on Saturday. Told SSB that I'll do the hokey pokey for her dad. And I'm really looking forward to catching up on a good gossip session with the gals on Sunday.
I find Thursday pump getting more boring. Still I went diligently for the sake of my waistline. But, I felt really bored and extremely sleepy and fatigue. Not sure if those were physical or mental. I was feeling okay when I arrived at gym, a bit hungry, but otherwise okay.
I was already sweating a lot even though my warm up on stepper was only 10 minutes. Little Bro was also puzzled with the reason of me drenched in sweat when I saw him at the gym just now. He was in his casual wear which I seldom see him in, and I told him the pants he was wearing accentuate the nice shape of his buttock. :p
I only notice the name of the replacement instructor just before entering the class. I was thinking, if I don't enter the class, what do I want to do? Free weights? It's going to be equally boring. Besides, the free weights area, even extended to the cardio machine, was smelling very heavy of sweat and the air was really stale there. Wouldn't really want to be enveloped in that kind of environment. So, class it was.
Wasn't sure which one was the instructor until he busied himself setting up at the front of the studio. He looked familiar, by the time I recall, I happened to passed by him and I acknowledged him with a smile. He was the guy who TT-ed with FI in his last class just before he left for his Dubai trip. Hmm... so long ago, and which reminded me, I haven't been attending FI's class for a long long time.
Boredom caught up with me as soon as I picked up my bar for the warm up. Followed by great weariness and total dull facial expression. I must have looked like I was in a foul mood and I own the gym type of look. I didn't feel like pushing myself and almost wanted to use only 5kg for the chest track. But decided against it lah. Waistline!
Okay... but half way through the chest track, I had a cramp on my right calf. Geezz... how to "cure" my calf while lying down on the bench? So didn't seem to be able to manage my bottom halves. The cramp got bad during lunges which didn't help at all adding to my declining mood and energy.
In short, I managed badly in class. Lucky the instructor didn't have funny accent or bad spoken English. Cueing wise, not perfect, but no major mess-up. But still, I was feeling really lifeless.
On the happy note. I got a present from my favorite guy today. :) Will miss him while he's away for a few days though.
Meanwhile, there's a birthday cake baking tomorrow for delivery on Saturday. Told SSB that I'll do the hokey pokey for her dad. And I'm really looking forward to catching up on a good gossip session with the gals on Sunday.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Growing The Feelings
Have you ever grew a plant? I remember growing something for experiments at school - red beans scattered on wet cottons placed inside a box with an opening - to prove that sunlight determines the direction of growth for the leaves...
Logically, a seed cannot grow into trees unless it's in good soil, along with water, fertilizer and warmth. Maybe same goes to the seed of love - the feelings can only grow with conditions of the right environment, along with the right amount of tender loving care.
But then again, we often "discover" growing feelings in the soil of our hearts, which seeds we might not have planted ourselves intentionally. It might not even be the right time, or right place, or right person. Perhaps the seeds had settled in softly without us knowing, just like the Dandelion seeds carried by the wind. The feelings might be able to grow without us paying much attention to it during the beginning. Maybe the special feelings will blossom into a full grown relationship. Maybe it won't.
So naturally, feelings, especially those which have not grown into a strong big tree will, I suppose, tend to die after a while if it's not nourished enough. We also often find our feelings diminished after a while of no response or single sided effort.
But perhaps the more worrying issue is when the feelings grew strong like stubborn roots to the soil. Because, how do we uproot a feeling that is not supposed to be growing in our hearts?
Perhaps only time is able to help.
Logically, a seed cannot grow into trees unless it's in good soil, along with water, fertilizer and warmth. Maybe same goes to the seed of love - the feelings can only grow with conditions of the right environment, along with the right amount of tender loving care.
But then again, we often "discover" growing feelings in the soil of our hearts, which seeds we might not have planted ourselves intentionally. It might not even be the right time, or right place, or right person. Perhaps the seeds had settled in softly without us knowing, just like the Dandelion seeds carried by the wind. The feelings might be able to grow without us paying much attention to it during the beginning. Maybe the special feelings will blossom into a full grown relationship. Maybe it won't.
So naturally, feelings, especially those which have not grown into a strong big tree will, I suppose, tend to die after a while if it's not nourished enough. We also often find our feelings diminished after a while of no response or single sided effort.
But perhaps the more worrying issue is when the feelings grew strong like stubborn roots to the soil. Because, how do we uproot a feeling that is not supposed to be growing in our hearts?
Perhaps only time is able to help.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
I realize...
It's June soon and I would be blogging for one year already. This is like how I used to write diary diligently, pouring all my secrets out to my non-existence reader, of course now I've got "real" readers. Not only that, I suppose I've got perhaps some silent readers (as suggested) as well, and a few anonymous (with or without nickname) readers.
I'm also a "heavy" blog reader myself. This is a fantastic way to keep up with my friends' life and feelings; and also a great way to be nosy about those whom I may not know in person. I think most of us when we read our friends' blogs, we will try to also check out the links provided. They are all related to my friends, aren't they? Hehe...
Sometimes I wonder if I should acknowledge the person whom I "know" when I pass by them. When I said "know" is because I only "know" them because I read their blogs, but they don't know me, kind of. Or maybe they do too. Would it be weird if I suddenly smile with you?
I wonder if my posts are sometimes too boring. I mean for instance, if I were to be blogging about last night, it would be my routine Monday pump with Carebear. Since I don't know, and can't remember song list, I would just be repeatedly telling you that the class was tough. How can Carebear's class be not tough? And occasionally, I can perhaps tell you that my favorite tracks had been selected! Like last night, though I hate biceps track, I love Pump It! I guess is because of the up beating music and although fast and furious, the track is relatively short. So feels like the torturing is shorter. Haha...
And do readers want to know like why I was rushing off but stayed at the juice bar clutching onto my handphone? (okay, I was talking to MC, before she flew off to Amsterdam last night).
Or, would readers actually skip this part about my ranting? - Last night I was leaving gym in a hurry because it was later than my usual time. Besides, need to get dinner (to munch while driving back). Of all the time and places, it had to be such coincidence that I bumped into Handphone Guy. Okay, didn't "bumped into" but I walked pass some guy and he waved me down, then I realized it was him. Humphh... and...
HG: Hey!
TTB: Oh (disappointed and tired Oh)
HG: Leaving?
TTB: Yes!
HG: You tired?
TTB: YES! (What? Am I even going to say "no, why?"?) Of course I am, try working out like me and you will know.
HG: Okay, I'll call you!
TTB: (PLEASE DON'T!!! - said this silently of course)
Sigh... please don't call. please don't call. please don't call.
I realize that some song lyrics is currently stuck in my head. For example, "Love changes, changes everything..." and "... I just wanna make you mine, oh, mine...".
I also realize that the person who used to make my heart skip a beat, is no longer making me feel so. I even realize that my favorite guy now is a different person.
By the way, I was late to step class today. Mainly because the traffic police was not directing the traffic that efficiently!! So I arrived at the studio like 15 minutes after the class started. I did consider giving up the class when I was still stuck in the jam. But, I thought, perhaps I should just stick to my plan even though it looked impossible. And so I interrupted the class. To my surprise, about 4 guys busied themselves adjusting their step board, with one of them helping me get a board, so that I could join in. How touching. Although only 45 minutes of workout, it was good enough workout. Thanks to the guys!
I realize that workout made easy when there are buddies around, someone that encourages you to be there for classes. :)
I'm also a "heavy" blog reader myself. This is a fantastic way to keep up with my friends' life and feelings; and also a great way to be nosy about those whom I may not know in person. I think most of us when we read our friends' blogs, we will try to also check out the links provided. They are all related to my friends, aren't they? Hehe...
Sometimes I wonder if I should acknowledge the person whom I "know" when I pass by them. When I said "know" is because I only "know" them because I read their blogs, but they don't know me, kind of. Or maybe they do too. Would it be weird if I suddenly smile with you?
I wonder if my posts are sometimes too boring. I mean for instance, if I were to be blogging about last night, it would be my routine Monday pump with Carebear. Since I don't know, and can't remember song list, I would just be repeatedly telling you that the class was tough. How can Carebear's class be not tough? And occasionally, I can perhaps tell you that my favorite tracks had been selected! Like last night, though I hate biceps track, I love Pump It! I guess is because of the up beating music and although fast and furious, the track is relatively short. So feels like the torturing is shorter. Haha...
And do readers want to know like why I was rushing off but stayed at the juice bar clutching onto my handphone? (okay, I was talking to MC, before she flew off to Amsterdam last night).
Or, would readers actually skip this part about my ranting? - Last night I was leaving gym in a hurry because it was later than my usual time. Besides, need to get dinner (to munch while driving back). Of all the time and places, it had to be such coincidence that I bumped into Handphone Guy. Okay, didn't "bumped into" but I walked pass some guy and he waved me down, then I realized it was him. Humphh... and...
HG: Hey!
TTB: Oh (disappointed and tired Oh)
HG: Leaving?
TTB: Yes!
HG: You tired?
TTB: YES! (What? Am I even going to say "no, why?"?) Of course I am, try working out like me and you will know.
HG: Okay, I'll call you!
TTB: (PLEASE DON'T!!! - said this silently of course)
Sigh... please don't call. please don't call. please don't call.
I realize that some song lyrics is currently stuck in my head. For example, "Love changes, changes everything..." and "... I just wanna make you mine, oh, mine...".
I also realize that the person who used to make my heart skip a beat, is no longer making me feel so. I even realize that my favorite guy now is a different person.
By the way, I was late to step class today. Mainly because the traffic police was not directing the traffic that efficiently!! So I arrived at the studio like 15 minutes after the class started. I did consider giving up the class when I was still stuck in the jam. But, I thought, perhaps I should just stick to my plan even though it looked impossible. And so I interrupted the class. To my surprise, about 4 guys busied themselves adjusting their step board, with one of them helping me get a board, so that I could join in. How touching. Although only 45 minutes of workout, it was good enough workout. Thanks to the guys!
I realize that workout made easy when there are buddies around, someone that encourages you to be there for classes. :)
Sunday, May 25, 2008
A satisfying weekend
This morning before my alarm went off, I thought I heard a tingling sound from my phone. Or perhaps it was my imagination, I thought. I told myself: It's weekend and you don't have to work, calm down and go back to sleep.
Okay, there was a tingling sound from my phone at about 8.30am, it was an sms from LadyNina:
"Mornin' babe. TD asked me to bring u to rpm today @ curve. :D"
My reply at 9.30am was:
"Hi hi... I jus woke up. Tdy?! Cant la. Need to help paint my aunt's new hse. U hav fun rpm-ing!"
Well, that reminded me, I did have to get up and quickly give my baby a bath so I could be over to my aunt's to help out. Sorry TD! Don't think I can make it to RPM quite soon. Next Sunday would most probably have tea to catch up with the gals (hopefully!). And LadyN, I sure look forward to an RPM session with you soon!
I wasn't sure how long I'd helped with the painting. Didn't feel like long. Actually, there were enough hands on the job - My uncle has always been painting their own house and he's very swift and is an expert. Together with auntie, the pair of children plus the boy's girl-friend, I almost felt like I was fighting for the painting brush. So, lets be useful and go get lunch. Besides, BIL was there also as a really big help.
MC and I went out to ta-pao for everyone. After lunch, I went over to make sure my "service" was not required, then came back to shower and prepare for baking.
Wanted to bake something chocolate-base, hence the sticky chocolate brownies. Based on the ingredients, the brownie should not yield a big serving, so chose another item to bake. Picked up the tea-time cake and biscuit recipe book (last year's birthday present from Shen), and decided to bake this butter-base cake with raisins. Raisin is my auntie's favorite, so it can't really go wrong right?
Everything was baked just in time for dinner. It was great having such a big crowd for dinner once a while. Everyone was so hungry after a day's hard work. MC who was already suffering from the muscle ache from Saturday pump is now really tired. Besides, she needs to leave for Amsterdam tomorrow, 12 hours flight. Geezz... I feel tired by just imagining all her travelling. Hope time will fly during the next one week and she will be back in no time.
Had dessert in the living room while everyone unwind and relax. Everyone loves today's bake and I'm a very happy baker. :)
Okay, there was a tingling sound from my phone at about 8.30am, it was an sms from LadyNina:
"Mornin' babe. TD asked me to bring u to rpm today @ curve. :D"
My reply at 9.30am was:
"Hi hi... I jus woke up. Tdy?! Cant la. Need to help paint my aunt's new hse. U hav fun rpm-ing!"
Well, that reminded me, I did have to get up and quickly give my baby a bath so I could be over to my aunt's to help out. Sorry TD! Don't think I can make it to RPM quite soon. Next Sunday would most probably have tea to catch up with the gals (hopefully!). And LadyN, I sure look forward to an RPM session with you soon!
I wasn't sure how long I'd helped with the painting. Didn't feel like long. Actually, there were enough hands on the job - My uncle has always been painting their own house and he's very swift and is an expert. Together with auntie, the pair of children plus the boy's girl-friend, I almost felt like I was fighting for the painting brush. So, lets be useful and go get lunch. Besides, BIL was there also as a really big help.
MC and I went out to ta-pao for everyone. After lunch, I went over to make sure my "service" was not required, then came back to shower and prepare for baking.
Wanted to bake something chocolate-base, hence the sticky chocolate brownies. Based on the ingredients, the brownie should not yield a big serving, so chose another item to bake. Picked up the tea-time cake and biscuit recipe book (last year's birthday present from Shen), and decided to bake this butter-base cake with raisins. Raisin is my auntie's favorite, so it can't really go wrong right?
Everything was baked just in time for dinner. It was great having such a big crowd for dinner once a while. Everyone was so hungry after a day's hard work. MC who was already suffering from the muscle ache from Saturday pump is now really tired. Besides, she needs to leave for Amsterdam tomorrow, 12 hours flight. Geezz... I feel tired by just imagining all her travelling. Hope time will fly during the next one week and she will be back in no time.
Had dessert in the living room while everyone unwind and relax. Everyone loves today's bake and I'm a very happy baker. :)
Sticky Chocolate Brownies
Decided to make this my weekend bake because I was reminded by Carebear about my own chocolate cake and have been feeling like baking something chocolate-base but not "the" chocolate cake. The other reason for baking this is because this would most probably make my other taster happy since this taster in question is a "chocoholic". :)
I think the last time I'd baked brownies was last year. That recipe was okay, but I thought I would like a stickier version. So this time I chose a recipe titled "sticky" chocolate brownies with the description of "gooey and delicious".
The brownies turned out to be really gooey indeed. Sticky and very "chewy" as well. This is a recipe for keep. My question was whether the thickness should be increased or not. I supposed if we want to serve this as a full portion of dessert with ice cream and sorts, it would be better if they are just slightly thicker and of course cut into bigger slices. However, if for munching, this cube size would be just nice - my aunt must have had like 5 pieces tonight. :)
Just baked
Stack them up to serve
Brandy Finger
The original recipe called for Whisky and the name was supposed to be "Whisky Finger". But I don't have Whisky, only have Brandy at home, so improvised. According to the recipe, I was supposed to soak the sultanas/ raisins overnight, but I wanted to serve this as tonight's after dinner dessert, hence only managed to soak the raisins for 1 hour plus, so some of the raisins were not that plump yet. I've also reduced about 10ml of brandy just in case it's too strong, but after trying them, I think it's fine to have the full amount in.
My Auntie who's a fan of raisins of course love this cake. Everyone tried this and I thought there was a fair amount of liking towards this butter based cake and the brownies I made. Packed some for aunt to bring back because she said she couldn't fit anymore in her stomach but was really liking them. Kept one slice for mum, 4 slices for tasters and the rest were all gone.
This would be a good recipe to turn into a Rum and Raisins cake. Had just asked MC to pick up a bottle of rum for me at the duty free when she travels to/ back from Amsterdam.
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