Monday, November 30, 2009

Patisserie of my own (Part 2)


When I read about Peggy Porschen, it daunt on me that if I ever decide to seriously have a life-changing path in my life.....that could be me. Pursuing my passion in becoming a Patisserie Chef :), opening my own Patisserie before I turn 30 years old, that's still at least a few years more to go, which would give me time to gain experience and exposure before I lead my own.


That would be a dream come true wouldn't it?

If you do not know Peggy Porschen, she studied her Pastry course at Le Cordon Bleu, London before opening her own. She has also published a books "Romantic Cakes" and "Pretty Party Cakes". She also created some beautiful pieces for celebrities like Elton John's wife, Stella McCartney, Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna. Not only that, her masterpiece have been featured in various magazines too.




You must be thinking how does she relate to what I am going on about...Because here I am, thinking of taking up a Patisserie course from Le Cordon Bleu. So I would have proper fundamentals and therefore hopefully would be on my way to becoming my own Pastry Chef.

Here are some of her masterpiece :)


Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy 1st Month Anniversary Blog!

Today marks the 1st Month Anniversary of my Blog ! :)

OMG, it is already 1 MONTH? It feels great.

Thanks for supporting my blog.

Do keep checking back to my site :)

Xoxoxo,
PassionateMae

Will leave you to some yummy snacks that I made last night!

Chocolate Puff & Sweet Tooth Fairy Tart





Tuesday, November 24, 2009

What are your thoughts?

So, today , I came across this article by Samantha Brett during my lunch break.

It was about rules and regulations between men and women in the dating scene.

My question is this, "Should men pay the bill on the first date?"

There is a lot of controversy on who should do this and that, if you do that, you're blah blah blah, and if you don't, you're blah blah blah...

As for me, I believe that especially on the first date, the guy should be the gentleman and pay for the bill, probably unless the woman was the one who asked the guy out, but yet again, I still believe that the guy should offer to pay it, and pay it. Call me old-fashioned, but I like to be swept of my feet and be the girl in the relationship. As well as there are other times, where the woman can chip in, like buying the pop corns and drinks/snacks when you watch a movie together, though, it doesn't sound as much but it still counts, and contribute to the relationship. I also do believe that there are other things that should be contributed equally between the couple.

I am not trying to start an arguement, but that's just my thoughts. Everyone is different, some women dont mind paying on the first date, some do. I'm not speaking for all women, just mine. As every relationship is different from one another.

I would love to hear your thoughts...

Happy loving :)

Monday, November 23, 2009

Happy Me :)

YAY...so excited..

Another 9 more days to Holiday!!

p/s: I will still be updating my bloggie :)

He, who cooked for me over the weekend :)


Seafood Cream Fettucini


Roast Maryland with Basil, Garlic, Lemon Juice

We also managed to catch a movie, The Time Traveller's Wife...so touching...it makes you feel so grateful to have a partner who doesn't just disappears just like that :)





Friday, November 20, 2009

Random Mumblings + Massive Throbbing Headache

Unfortunately for me, I'm having a massive throbbing headache at the moment, stucked in the office and I can't take a nap to let the pain go away... :(

OMG! Such a HOT day today...


Too hot to think of anything to post up at the moment...

And yes, I've not forgotten about the recipe and pictures of the "Guilt-free Cookies" :)

Please see previous post.



*random thoughts*
soo pretty the MacBook Pro :).......ahhhhhhhh




Thursday, November 19, 2009

Guilt-free Cookies + Recipe

Want to feel guilt-free when chomping down on cookies...then you should make some of these "Guilt-free Cookies" that I am about to tell you...

So here's the "Guilt-free Cookies" I was talking about.





It is so simple to bake this recipe. It has nuts, raisins and oats :), sounds like a healthy mix doesn't it.

However, if you're craving for some chocolate, you can simply add chocolate chips.

This Guilt-free cookies are crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle :)

Here's the recipe :)

"Guilt-free Cookies"
3/4 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla essence
1 egg
3/4 cups of plain/all-purpose flour (do not need to sift)
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 1/2 cups of rolled oats
1/2 cups of raisin roughly chopped
1/2 cups of chopped nuts - your favourite nuts would do

1) Beat butter and sugars till creamy and light.
2) Add in vanilla essense and egg - mix.
3) Fold in all other ingredients, firstly (flour & baking powder) then others - mix well till combine.
4) Drop teaspoonsful of cookies dough onto cookie sheets with parchment paper 2 inches apart.
5) Bake in pre-heated 180C oven for 8 minutes or until cookie is golden around the corners.
6) Remove and allow to cool.
7) Chomp chomp time :)

*tips: add 1/4 cups of chocolate chips in step#3, if you like. Cookie might look really soft when touched on top after 8 mins but it is done, just let it cool.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Happy 25th Anniversary Mummy and Daddy!

Today is Mummy and Daddy's special day..

It is their 25th Anniversary!

HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY MUMMY AND DADDY!

After 25 years, my parents are still so happily married to one another.

25 years is a very long time, but they are still very loving and they are just perfect for one another..yes, you might think I'm bias because they are my parents...but my parents are still so much in love with one another...and the bond and connection that they have is just AMAZING..

Their kind of relationship is the kind of relationship as well as parenting style that I want for myself..if not even better...

Being there for each other through thick and thin....and what more, they surely make great parents :)

With their love, care and ever so patient personality *yay*, we as their kids, we get to enjoy that GIFT!

They are so ever there to pass on and share their knowledge and experience with us, they always want to hear what our own thoughts are, they give guidance and support at the right amount. I'm so lucky to be their daughter.

I love you guys so much..can't wait to see you soon :)



To Healthy Living..

So, I've set my mind, to challenge myself to a 2 weeks healthy living...

As my lovely cousin's wedding is pretty much around the corner...I've not been a very good girl in keeping in shape...but rather..i've been gaining weight..

I will be cutting down on my baking..just for these 2 weeks, as I need to cut down on the sugary intake, you know, it is hard not to eat when I bake..how to resist :P, though Í have been cutting down on the intake already.

My plan is to ...

1) Eat well
2) Hopefully *exercise *, blah..the thought of it..
3) Bake less

Hahah...some might think, Exercise is the key...but...but....

We shall see in 2 weeks' time...

I need to fit in my dress :)

Oh, and I'm starting to drink Green Tea again...apparently it helps to speed up metabolism, not too sure how true is this..but what the heck...

Counting down 14 days...

This is what I'll be doing...*hopefully * hehehe




Then, I'll most probably revert back to "I live to eat, than I eat to live"  :)

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

What a Beauty!

Isnt she a beauty?

Whether it is the Cobalt Blue or the Empire Red one..

Will be using you someday :)

You must be wondering, what is she talking about...

Here, I am talking about this beauty below :)




The Artisan™ Mixer(5KSM150PSE) by KitchenAid.
and it comes in 12 colours

Monday, November 16, 2009

Durian Cravings

Suddenly, I'm craving for Durian Bom and Durian Tarts :)


Durian Bom


Patisserie of my own (Part 1)

From time to time, the thoughts of pursuing my passion to become a Pastry Chef floods my mind..

I am still thinking of taking up this Pastry Course in the US. But it is not easy for me to just drop everything...

So many things for me to consider, so many questions to answer..

Deep down inside, I have this feeling that I will pursue this path...when? that is the question...

Who knows, maybe next year? maybe a few years later?

I will get there soon...



Cream Puff with Icing

Friday, November 13, 2009

Amazon VS BetterWorldBooks

Everyone has heard of AMAZON but have you heard of BETTERWORLDBOOKS?

Better World Books (BWB) also funds Literacy Worldwide. So while you're spending money, you also donate to a good cause :)

So, I placed an order last night for 3 books, and I can't wait for them to arrive :) It'll be here within 7-21 days. Hooray *grins*

Their shipment is FREE of course only WITHIN the US, but it only cost USD$3.97 per item for International Shipment. This is pretty reasonable, as I've done my maths, if I were to use AMAZON to ship my books, no doubt AMAZON's books are slightly cheaper by a few $$ but their International Shipping is a killer, the amount it cost to only ship a book is equivalent to another book :(.

Below is a comparison chart between the two site. This is what I've come up with. If I am wrong, don't be afraid to tell me. But this is what I've experience with the two, it might differ for certain books.



For me, at the end of the day I decided to go with BWB because, despite the fact that Amazon sells cheaper books, but their International Shipping cost is crazy, and it adds to a higher total amount of cost compared to BWB. Where I pay slightly more for their books, while their International Shipping cost is fixed to USD$3.97 per item. That's the normal shipping 2-5 weeks (normally fastest to Australia, Western Europe, Mexico, and Canada).

If you require faster shipment, you just have to pay more, should be around USD$11.97 per item and you'll get it within 6-15 business days Please don't quote me on that, you can be sure by checking out this link.

Anyway, hop over to Better World Books to check it out if you've not already done so. :)

Unless you know a better/cheaper site to buy books, please Share :)




Thursday, November 12, 2009

Sweet Tooth Fairy

One of my readers wanted to know about Oreo's Cheesecake :)

So here's the recipe of the Baked Oreo cheesecake, I cannot remember where I took it from. I had to make some changes a little to the recipe.

Also, it says to sprinkle the rest of the chopped oreos on top after it is baked, I did this before I put it in the over, there are many ways you can do, because I love Oreos, I choose to have it IN and on TOP of the cake. It may look a little too brown, but it is still moist and yummy.
On the other note, I also tried making a NON-BAKED Oreo's Cheesecake, I prefer the baked one better, I think it is just the texture. That rich cream cheese that you taste when you bite. That's just me, but if you're also interested to know how to make the NON-Baked Oreo's Cheesecake, let me know. Though, I had to put it in the fridge longer, as the texture was better. I actually removed the side ring of the tin before it was 100% chilled, because I was too excited and just wanted to have a taste of it. No harm done, it just doesn't look as nice :)



Baked Oreo's Cheesecake

Non-baked Oreo's Cheesecake


Base
20cm spring form baking tin
22 Oreos finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter melted

Filling
500-600g cream cheese
almost 1 cup sugar
4 eggs
pinch of salt
1.5 teaspoons vanilla essence
225 g sour cream
5 or 6 oreos coarsely chopped

Topping
8 – 10 Oreos chopped

The process

1. Grease the bottom and sides of the 20cm baking tin well with a little butter or spray with spray and cook.
2. Mix melted butter with crushed oreos only without cream for base
3. Press into the bottom of the cake tin and set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl add the cream cheese and sugar, beat until creamy and well combined.
5. Add all of the eggs, pinch of salt, sour cream and the vanilla essence, beat well.
6. Add the coarsely chopped oreos and fold them into the mixture.
7. Pour the mixture into the baking tin and bake at 170 C for 50-1.10hrs or until firm to the touch.
8. Check on it after half and hour and if you see the top going too brown cover with tin foil.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely, then put in the fridge to cool for 2 hours or overnight in the pan
10. Remove from the tin by sliding a knife around the edge before removing the sides. Sprinkle the rest of the chopped oreos over the top on their own, or add a little whipped cream.

Boy oh BOY~!

ahhhhhh..my calves are hurting :(

I went for an hour of  Body Attack class with my brother on Tuesday...it was great, tiring but fun. How I laughed on and off about how un-coordinated my limbs were at times :P with the steps and movement I had to do.

I actually saw the wrong timetable and thought it was a Basic Steps class, but boy was I wrong. No wonder throughout the entire class, I was wondering, how come there are so many movements, doesn't seem like Basic Steps to me. Hehe.. Yea, silly me, I saw the WRONG DAY :)

Anyway, a day after the class, my calves did not feel that painful, but TODAY..I'm limp-ing like an old woman. haha ...*what to do, don't exercise of course will feel this way* :P

On the other hand, I had to be in the office before 8am today, I had a conference call with UK, so the time zone is making it a little difficult to do that, that's why I had to come in earlier. But all is good now :)

So it is only half past 9am...and I am only just eating my breakfast...just having some PBJ with bread (PBJ means Peanut Butter and Jam, if you din't know what it meant), *I think some say it as Peanut Butter and Jelly*, hehe, that reminded me of that cartoon show I used to watch on Cartoon Network or Disney Channel, where the characters names were Peanut, Butter and Jam...(I think :P).

I feel jolly today, maybe it is because of the lack of zzzzzzzz...

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Yumm Yumm...

Some Yummy food we had the other day :)


Chicken and Prawns Laksa


Char Kuey Teow



Caesar Salad with Chicken


Mosaic Seafood Trilogy


Waqyu Beef with Mashed Potatoes


Max Brenner's Waffles with Icecream and Chocolate Sauce


Yet again, sorry for the poor quality photos.. :( I cant wait to use my SLR from home when I get it next month..please hang in there for me at the moment .

Monday, November 9, 2009

Let's do the Twist

So, I've had a really busy week last week.

With birthday parties to plan, going to the movies (This is it - Michael Jackson), went on a Birthday date too at Westin and of course I made some yummy treats too.

Had some close friends over on Friday to celebrate a Surprise Birthday for dear. He was completely surprised!  *mission complete* :)

We had Birthday decorations around the house with Balloons , party hats, party poppers :) As for food, we had Pizzas and drinks :)

I also had the time to bake some Cupcakes Twist as desserts as well as his birthday cake.

We played 2 games after the Birthday song and cake.

The cupcakes are Vanilla and chocolate flavour with White Chocolate Cream Cheese icing.

Anyway, here are the pictures :)


Let's do the Twist Cupcakes

On another note, I tried out this Peanut Cookie recipe that I took from my sifu Aunty :)
It turned out really well, although not as round shaped as hers, but the cookies really melts in the mouth...It is really smooth and just YUM!


 
Melts in your mouth Peanut Cookies

Overall, what a great week! :)

Friday, November 6, 2009

I am so crazy over you......




I am trying to get my hands on this Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook (HardCover)

Doing some research in terms of the cheapest I can buy.

This is what I found out.

Kinokuniya KL - RM160
Kinokuniya AU - AU$76.56

Borders AU - AU$68.95
Dymocks AU - AU$57.95 (Paperback)

Amazon - US$26.40 + (About US$28? - Shipping)

Martha Stewart's Website - US$39.99

Does anyone else know where I can get cheaper than those prices, or advise me whether I am getting a fairly reasonable price from the prices above. Though, if the book is out of Australia, I would also need to take in to account the shipping cost of it.

Her other books that I am also looking at are

Martha Stewart's Cookies



Martha Stewart's Cupcakes



I've also got my eyes on "The Baking Answer Book" by Lauren Chattman





How nice if I got them for as my Christmas Presents  *hint**hint*

hehehe ;)

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Go Nutty for Nutella!

Yay, I received the thumbs up for my Nutella Cake :)


Dear brought it to work for his colleagues since it was his birthday, and I brought some to the office too.


The Nutella Cake was moist and not dry at all.


The dark chocolate complemented the sweetness of the Nutella which balanced the taste :)


Oh, it is a flourless cake too, just made from yummy chocolatey ingredients.


This recipe was adapted from Nigella Lawson.


I had a few complications along the way, especially when I first put in my cake, I had the greased paper in the tin before I poured the batter, and when I put it in the oven, it caught fire! I panicked, but I reacted quickly to save it. What happened was, my greased paper was too high up, heheh, and when I put it in the oven, it touched the touch of the heating element, and yea, it caught fire, but dont worry, no big dramas :)


I baked my cake longer than what the recipe stated, because I find that it was still watery, and wanted to make sure that it bakes properly. It was my darling's birthday, and I guess the pressure was on, because I really wanted to make it perfect :) What more, I've got to choose a cake that I've not done before..hehe..It's okay, he likes his Nutella, that's why :)


Enough of talking, I present to you my Nutella cake.



Look at the inside, all moist and chocolatey (I know, so much chocolate sauce :) )


Try this recipe, it is a lot of work, but if you're a Nutella fan, or a Chocolate fan, this is worth making :)

I've been trying to paste the recipe in here, but it keeps shutting down my browser.

I'll post it some other time or you could just google Nutella Cake recipe.

On another note, I feel like baking again tonight, as much as I'm so so extremely tired. Just thinking, what should I bake? Perhaps another cake? I bought Tim Tams, maybe a Tim Tam's cheesecake?

We shall see, update you on it later.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Missing in Action..

I miss my camera...Currently using only my mobile camera to take photos...so I am sorry for all the poor quality photos.

My Nikon SLR D60 is with my dad back home, will surely bring it back with me so I am able to take better looking quality photos :)


Oh, did I mention that I have a passion for photography as well, capturing beautiful sceneries, people and life through my camera lens.

I believe that it is important to capture memories in photos, because once the moment is gone, you cannot rewind and re-visit it, BUT if you've captured them on camera or video, you can always look back and think about all the moments in your life :)

Like they say, a picture can paint a thousand words.

Happy Birthday Dear! :)

Today is a special day for my Darling :) Happy Birthday Dear :)




Hugs and Kisses

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Are you handling it well?

Getting all stressed up can be very harmful for your body especially if it isn't handled properly . I for one, am a person who gets pretty stressed up about so many things. It might be things that it so not worth me getting stressed up about, but yet I still get stressed up.

I am still trying to manage my stress level because sometimes I can get really crazy. Feeling like my head is about to explode, I will get very irritated and agitated about everything, my head will feel so heavy and a massive head-throb to go with...Doesn't sound all too good right??!

Like this illustration below, doesn't it make you feel stressed up or sympathized on the things she needs to handle all at a time..Oh boy, that looks stressful.



Many people usually resort to smoking and drinking, or some even worst, losing themselves. This isn't a healthy or good way to manage your stress level.

The more you get stressed out, you're actually unable to focus or think rationally or logically.

Yes, I know, I'm not one to speak, but this is what I am trying to learn to manage.

One should take deep breaths, close your eyes till you stabilize first and able to hear your heart-beat. Then think, what is the issue here, how did it start, how am I going to solve this.

By putting things in perspective and managing your situation when you're in a calm and stable self will definitely help you solve your problem or at least it will help manage your stress level better.

But yes, we are all human, and sometimes when we're stressed up, we can't think properly and we tend to let it out on people that we love, and hurt them and saying things that we did not mean in the first place (That's bad, I know), and sometimes our family and friends are only there just because they are trying to help us with our situation but we snap at them.

Sometimes, to release stress, I occupy and do things that usually puts a smile on my face or something that is relaxing.

Such as

1) Listening to music :)
(aww soo cute, I miss my doggie)

2)  Playing with your pet















3) Dancing

4) Cooking/Baking











5) Shopping













(I know most girls would love this :) )


6) Reading a good book

7) Working out



I hope you're doing better now with your stress level :)

Monday, November 2, 2009

Melbourne Cup Day

So, it is a Public Holiday tomorrow in Melbourne because it is Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington. I think only Melbourne gets to be officially off.

How I wished tomorrow was also a Public holiday in Sydney :P

All glam and dressed up, pretty ladies and handsome looking men..

Megan Gale


Gosh, look at these. So many people!!

Melbourne Cup, Flemington



The forecast for tomorrow's weather will be slight showers and cloudy at the tops of 24 degrees. So do make sure to keep yourself warm enough.

If you do not know what is Melbourne Cup about, here is a short history lesson on for you, I took this from Wikipedia

The Melbourne Cup is Australia's major annual Thoroughbred horse race. Billed as The race that stops a nation, it is a race for three-year-olds and over, over a distance of 3,200 metres. It is the richest and most prestigious "two-mile" handicap in the world, and one of the richest turf races in the world. The event is held at around 3 pm on the first Tuesday in November by the Victoria Racing Club, on the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne.

If you would like to learn more about it, you can also visit Melbourne Cup's official site .

I'm not really into Horse racing or gambling anyway, but it is a big occasion/event in Melbourne.

Have fun!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

What a great weekend...

What a busy weekend :)

Had a really full day yesterday,an exhibition was on at the Entertainment Quarters. It wasn't too bad, it is way bigger than the one in Perth (duh....), but there were many of the same type of stores over and over again..

They had 2 stages, if i remembered correctly, 1 indoor and 1 outdoor. There were soooo many people. The shows were alright, did not really follow all of them. just wanted to walk around and see what was happening. Bought nothing, but I must say there were so many types of costumes and accessories. Some of the costume materials were not too bad while some was poor and cheap in quality. It was easy to judge by the price it was selling for. Plenty of ladies were looking at costumes, I guess it was Halloween yesterday as well, so maybe they were shopping for their Halloween party??

Then went out for a Halloween party at Verandah Bar in the city. They played really good music that night. Many were also the latest songs. It was a good mix.Two "Bride to Be"  having their hen's party there too, they were really partying and enjoying themselves and hmm, flirting with random guys. OH boy...maybe because it was their 'last night'? Hot saucy dancers were dancing on stage, hehe you could see the guys staring at them :P.

It was a great night, the club wasn't overly packed until we were sandwiched like sardines, so that's a good thing, it was just great music and great friends :)

Oh yea, I went as the devil :) I've not loaded up my pictures yet. So for now, no pictures at the moment.

Hope you had a great Trick or Treat night!

As for Sunday, a LAZY one absolutely, slept too late last night. Only thing I did which was productive, was I baked some cookies tonight :) Another batch of M&Ms, the last time was just too yummy. it is easy to make as well.


Anyway, that's all for now. It is almost midnight...and I've got to work tomorrow. Yea, it is Monday again tomorrow. Can't wait for the weekend already..hehe...

Overall I had a great weekend :)

So have a good night :)