Random Thoughts of a Quirky Blogger
  • ~ Home ~
  • ~ What I Think ~
  • ~ What I See ~
    • Events
    • Food
    • People
    • Places
  • ~ What I Make ~
  • Blog Series
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Disclaimer

Out & About #695 | Week #50 Quarantine Update Feat. Curry + Cocoa Bread

2/28/2021

0 Comments

 
​Every winter, without fail, I suffer from dry, cracked skin and peeling cuticles. The parched status of my hands only worsens with COVID's mandatory sanitization processes at every store entrance.

Shovelling soreness have more or less remained stagnant, as I'd rarely bother to suit up for the occasion had I nowhere to go.
Picture
​In spite of longer hours spent indoors, involuntarily stationed at my desk for hours upon hours, dryness prevails as my lifelong seasonal worriment. Much like rain boots, I contemplate their acquisition of a humidifier, only to banish such thoughts in the name of economic efficiency. Instead, I resort to constant hydration: water of all temperatures and soothing Chinese almond date tea (杏仁蜜棗茶).
Picture
​A clear driveway paved the way for our regular grocery and takeout runs, in quite the literal sense. Roasted Duck, Cha Siu, Roast Pork, Braised Pig's Tongue, and Roasted Ribs were obtained from Sam Woo's successor of Magic BBQ for familial commemoration.
Picture
Picture
Pizza subscriptions emerged as another alternative to food delivery. Extended to include GTA addresses, I opted to test the theory of General Assembly's monthly service with a four-pack selection: Pineapple Crush (Pizza of the Month), Mila Margherita, Truffle Queen, and Loving Cup.
Picture
Picture
​Six- and eight-pack options were also offered to cater towards larger families (or more frequent pizza cravings). Meat-containing varieties were exceptionally few; many were either vegetarian or "plant-based". 
​My package arrived as promised between the hours of 9 AM and 6 PM, with the vacuum-sealed pizzas nestled snugly between insulating ice packs.
Picture
Picture
​Instructions were straightforward: Bake at 475 F, then broil to finish. Yet, the results didn't entirely align with the image in mind. Adhering precisely to the steps made for a soggy centre, while adding extra time lead to sheer burntness. The crusts were frankly far thinner than anticipated, and toppings exceptionally few.

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #694 | Week #49 Quarantine Update Feat. Ssamjang-Honey Drumsticks + Almond Cookies

2/21/2021

0 Comments

 
​Upon entering a New Year, we are often graced with words of advice, usually centred around the common themes of being humble, selfless, and considerate. Yet, too soon are these concepts forgotten by majority of the population.

To merely be alive, healthy and breathing, is a blessing in itself, yet time and time again am I reminded of innate human greed. For what reason(s) does a hollow longing draw benefit? Why is reality so clear, and so obscure at the same time?
Picture
Picture
The GTA has received two heavy rounds of snowfall this past week, accounting for a grand total of 50 cm (and more in the norther regions); more is anticipated, unsurprisingly.
My body regrets engaging in the arduous manual labour, with sprained wrists and and aching muscles reminding me of my physical limitations. However, avoidance is not an option, especially not when access to food is on the line. It is with gratefulness that I regard the climate thus far, for any conditions above -30 degrees is a delight to my cracking fingers.
Picture
​Creations of the week included:

1) Steamed Taro and Black Sesame Buns
Picture
Picture
Using previously made taro-coconut milk paste and plain ground toasted black sesame seeds, two variations of steamed baos were born. The dough was sought from Bake for Happy Kids, naturally, and emerged perfectly plush: they were absolutely fluffy, even with my unscripted addition of coconut milk.
Picture
​To replicate the material properties of a bamboo steamer, a tea towel was secured about the lid to maintain smooth, plump surfaces free from condensation. This additional step also assisted in keeping wrinkly, greyish surface tints at bay.
Picture
​Due to inept wrapping skills - tangyuan déjà vu - the fillings were enclosed in the upper third of the bun, causing crack propagation during the steaming process. In hindsight, considering the path of heat permeation, I should have opted to situate the filling within the lower third instead. The sesame filling, unaltered with the exception of softened butter, was far too crumbly and bland, though the taro paste - too sweet on its own - served nicely in this composition.
Picture
2) Taco-Style Pork w/ California blend mixed veggies served over Chorizos La Abuela tortilla
Omitting chili powder and red pepper flakes for a milder mix of garlic powder, ginger powder, and paprika ensured a consumption process free of runny noses.

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #693 | Albion Hills Winter Hike

2/15/2021

0 Comments

 
​With a plethora of restrictions in place, the vast majority of businesses, as well as all three tiers of government, have shifted towards digital resources for communication with the general public. And given the rate at which region-specific policies evolve, these updates demand timeliness along with a greater degree of clarity. The initiatives were undoubtedly expedited due to the coronavirus pandemic, but their benefits extend beyond battling social distancing measures: efficiency, regularity, and accessibility have emerged from the birth of online queues, electronic check-in processes, and flexible retail experiences.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Searching for a COVID-safe pastime is made simpler in the realm of research, yet also more challenging in the face of layered restrictions. Conservation areas that were open amidst the stay-at-home order were extremely few, with those offering washroom amenities even fewer. The centres weren't staffed, thus calls seeking confirmation weren't answered.

Through process of elimination, I was left with none other than Albion Hills to return to. Venturing further from home, beyond the TRCA jurisdictions, was another option, yet with greater distance comes greater fear - a fear of no available washrooms.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
​My previous encounter with the conservation area had left me bug-bitten, drained, and disgusted; naturally, I was reluctant to return to Albion Hills for my first winter hike. Cross-country skiing and tobogganing were seemingly two other family favourite park activities, yet with rental areas closed and unstaffed, we resorted to hiking the Black Loop - the only trail open during the winter months.
Picture
​Similar to the 40-degree-plus undertaking, we commenced the day at McDonald's, where bathrooms graciously remained open. A lunch of Egg Salad-Kale Whole Wheat Sandwich was had before we drove off.
Picture
Picture
View the full album HERE !
Picture
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #692 | Week #48 Quarantine Update Feat. Chinese New Year Visuals

2/14/2021

0 Comments

 
​New Year's Day on the Western calendar prompts reflection of the past year, however Lunar New Year is anything but. Memories accumulated depict boisterous celebrations, vibrancy from every possible corner, and, undoubtedly the most pivotal aspect of a cultural celebration, scrumptious spreads of traditional dishes. Leading up to the day is a frenzy of preparatory activities, namely cleaning the house to welcome incoming good fortune; it is  ̶o̶f̶t̶e̶n̶t̶i̶m̶e̶s̶ ̶ invariably my responsibility, and this year was no exception.
Picture
​Glimmering gold and regal red, embellished with splashes of yellow, pink, and green chromatically characterize the event's decorations. Contrary to the stark gaudiness of New Year countdown sparkles and streamers, Chinese New Year has always felt more structured in comparison. In recent years, the celebration has been commonly renamed to Lunar New Year for the sake of inclusivity; that said, CNY persists as the personal reference of choice.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​As opposed to our annual market visit tradition (whose streak was regrettably broken last year) and usual stopover at Summit Garden, the pandemic imposed modifications to the regular festivities. 
Picture
Picture
Dining in was swapped for takeout and the market visit was eliminated. Several virtual livestreams were announced to enable celebrations from the comfort of one's home, though it would be an understatement to say that such provisions simply fell short of the spirit supply.
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #691 | Week #47 Quarantine Update Feat. Matcha Swirl Mochi Brownies + Black Sesame Kek Lapis

2/7/2021

0 Comments

 
Songwriters have commonly cited personal experiences as their major source of inspiration. Or, if you're a "people watcher", then impersonal experiences count too.

I've never been one to excel in creative production, nor do I possess the dexterity for fine arts. Seldom do I empathize, but often do I make grand attempts to alleviate the worries of those within my circle of concern.
Picture
Greater attempts were made to connect with others in a meaningful manner, with items of discussion proving more thought-provoking than initially perceived.

"How do I know if a source is reliable?"
To be honest, there isn't one that is. However we may try, a bias will remain, whether it be the news reports circling our local and regional COVID statistics or articles based upon scientific research. One can opt to increase the sample size for improved accuracy, yet the fact is that there is no way to survey a society in its entirety. And, in that regard, we fail to see all of reality, no matter how real it may feel.
Picture
Creations of the week included:​

1) Matcha Swirl Mochi Brownies


Adapted from Sunday Baking's mindblowing Mochi Brownie - which earned me overwhelming praise even during the first attempt - half of the batter was transformed grassy with the substitution of matcha powder in place of cocoa.
Picture
Picture
​The results were equally fabulous, though I did regret rolling my mochi too thin, as it was barely detectable in the cross-section. Opting for a square pan instead of the loaf tin used in the last run, the layers were thinner, emerging slightly chewy rather than dense and fudgy. The baking time hadn't been reduced despite the reduction in thickness, thus yielding a drier finish. The top remained crackly nonetheless, and the moisture wasn't a factor unsalvagable via a closed system container.
Picture
Given the stunning appearance of the dessert, along with positive feedback received, I'll likely be revisiting the formula at some point in the future, with some QC tweaks.
Picture
2) Mochi Truffles

An undeniable improvement from the previous week's attempt at Condensed Milk Truffles, swapping out Cooking Tree's recipe for more reliable alternatives enabled the realization of silky, scrumptious bites encased within a thin, chewy casing. In light of poor scaling, there was insufficient mochi to cover the bulk of the truffles, though this can easily be remediated with proper planning.
3) Soy Braised Eggs / 滷水蛋

​
I found myself browsing dinner ideas during a weekday breather, as there is little else that constitutes constructive breathers in the work-from-home reality. I landed upon a tedious, two-hour (at the very minimum!) procedure for Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice. Delicious as it appeared, I was not about to surrender several hours of my time for a dish that would likely be devoured in under twenty-four hours.
Picture

Read More
0 Comments
    Picture

    Who Am I?

    Formerly an avid owner of several interest-based portals, Random Thoughts of a Quirky Blogger presents precisely the elements expected. From experiments in the kitchen to miscellaneous musings, from IGOT7 reflections to developments in transportation infrastructure, it's all consolidated here. Welcome to the raw, unfiltered side of Quirky Aesthetics.



    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013


    Categories

    All
    Ahgabond Adventures
    Ahgase
    Arctic Aquarium
    Atlantic Canada 2018
    Barrie
    Beauty
    Birthday Buddy
    Chinese New Year
    Conquering COVID 19
    Daily Randoms
    Eyes On You World Tour 2018
    Food
    Friends
    Hallyucon
    Hamilton
    Hong Kong
    Iron Ring
    J Movie
    K Drama
    K-Drama
    Korean Beauty
    K Pop
    Los Angeles 2017
    Macau
    New York 2018
    Ottawa 2019
    Pilates
    Random Rant
    Restaurant Review
    Seoul
    Shopping
    SSMC
    Taiwan
    Vacation
    Vancouver 2013
    Vancouver 2014
    Vancouver 2015
    Vancouver 2016
    Vancouver 2020
    Vancouver 2022


    trazy.com

    RSS Feed


WHAT DOES "QUIRKY AESTHETICS" MEAN?

Quirky =  a term that commonly refers to something/someone distinctly different and unique
Aesthetics = the visual aspect of things



Together, Quirky Aesthetics refers to the things, events, and happenings seen and perceived by this blog's creator - quirky perspectives in a visual form.

Contact ME

​Subscribe

Join our mailing list today!
Join Now
© Quirky Aesthetics. All rights reserved. Last modified: August 10, 2015.