2 Weeks more to go

What will be coming up in 2 weeks time? Clues? Hints?
*Drums Roll...* It's Chinese New Year! I'm seriously getting anxious and excited about it.
I've always likes Chinese New Year, mainly because of the good festive foods, other than that it is probably given the privilege to buy new clothes without being nagged ;)

I have been getting ready with Chinese New Year - Spring cleanings (not entirely done though) and some bakings. Like last year, I baked Pineapple Tarts. It was sort of tedious because I only baked them once a year so you can imagine the mess I've done to my kitchen :(

After slogging in the Kitchen for 3 consecutive days, I only manged to baked 3.5 tubs. 4 more tubs to go! Gambate! I know I am really slow but what can I do? I'm a amature baker!

My cutest and sweetest :)

My sister has been complaining that I have over-pampered my niece and whenever I'm with her, she'll turn into a big bully! Oh my, I don't think she's a big bully, she just a little mischievous baby trying to play with everyone :P

Tsk tsk tsk, I seriously don't think I am giving in too much to my niece. Even if I do, how can I resists! The moment my eyes set on her, my heart melts. Awwwwwwwww...

TELL ME, how can I not give my full attention to her

when she is such a darling!!

Say ONEeeeeeeeeeee

Tee Hee Heeeee

Classic Butter Cake

Makes an 8" cake
Ingredients	Amounts
Plain flour	210g
Butter	250g
Sugar	20g + 170g
Baking powder	1/2 tsp
Egg yolks	5
Egg whites	5

1. In a bowl, cream butter and 20g sugar till smooth. Add in the egg yolks slowly and combine into a pale and smooth mixture.
   
   
2. In another clean bowl, whip the egg whites till foamy and add in 170g of sugar and beat till stiff peaks are formed.
   
   
3. Combine the egg whites into the butter mixture and blend well.
   
   
4. Sift the baking powder and flour and fold it into the batter above. Make sure that there are no clumps.
   
   
5. Pour the cake batter into a cake pan and bring to bake at 180 degree Celsius for 45~50 mins.

Happy New Year! Although I've been starting to blog more recently, I know it is still not fast enough to catch up with everyone in the flogging world. I'm still trying hard though, to juggle between work and kitchen. Give me more time okay ;)

This Classic Butter cake was prepared to celebrate my very 1st post for 2009! How time flies, it looks like I was only learning how to bake the day before and boom it has been almost 1.5 years since I started my culinary path. It was indeed an enjoyable hobby and through my flogging, I got to know many friends who share the same interest as I am.

I am wishing that 2009 will be a smooth and fruitful year for everyone out there!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009~

Merry Christmas 2008

On every Christmas day, my whole bunch of friends will meet out for our Christmas dinner followed by a Gift Exchange program. This year, everything remains except that we have moved our destination out of downtown area to a more heartland environment!

The change was started by me, because I was the coordinator for this year's Christmas program. Every year the downtown area will be flooded with people and it is really hard to get a reservation at any place. Furthermore, we have 2 little kids and it will definitely be a tough chores for both mums to struggle carrying their babies amongst the crowd.

I had a hard time looking for a dinning place because I wanted a place that has a nice ambience and is really cozy. It was such a blessing when I came across this cafe while on a trip and they were featured on the TV as well. I hurriedly called them up for reservations and was really thrilled when we finally visited them!

The whole cafe is really really comfortable and they have vibrant colors that brighten up your mood. Best of all, the owner - Priscilla is such a gorgeous and friendly lady. The whole cafe brings out a very cheery atmosphere and I'm sure kids and adults will love to stay inside for a long long time and yes, they have a nice and interesting name - With a Pinch of Salt by Kyra.

I think I'll save my words and let the pictures tour you around.


The entrance


Nice windows ;)


The Menu stand


Very colorful environment


Kyra the host with her slogan


Besides the usual dinning area, they have a side corner for games and it's quite spacious


I told you it's spacious!


They have very cute and innovative name cards.
We "grabbed" many many of them :P


I have not tried the cakes but they looked pretty delicious


Turkey Caesar Salad
Nice salad! I love the dressings very much~


One of the Christmas course - Teriyaki Salmon set
Very yummy sauce and the fish was cooked nicely. The potatoes were nice!


One of the Christmas course - Beef Tenderloin set
The beef was tender although the sides were a little dry so it was on the average range


French Caramel Pudding
Very milky and delicious! The choco balls around them were really cripsy!

The whole Christmas menu cost $30 nett. (comes with a Salad, Main course, dessert and a cup of red/white wine). Yes NETT, no GST, no Service Charge! How cool can that be!


With a Pinch of Salt by Kyra
297 Tanjong Katong Road
Tel: 6348 2297

Christmas Cookies

Christmas is going to tip at my toes in another 15 days and I'm so excited! It's a season for family and friends and this truly perks up my mood :)

Last year, I wanted to make some Christmas cookies but they failed terribly. I could not even lift up the shaped dough not to say baked them! I guess it's either the recipe or otherwise my skills. I believe it's the latter.

This time round, I bucked up enough courage to try it out again.
IT works and I frosted them with some icings. Though they may not looked as nice as Evan's ones but I'm happy that at least they can be shown to the public now. Hurray!

On a side note, I'm looking for a nice and cozy place for Christmas Dinner.
It'll be good if it's buffet but Ala carte is fine - Not too expensive because you know Christmas is a month of spending! Let me know okay?


Santa Claus is coming to town.!