Category: Ahgase - Random Thoughts of a Quirky Blogger

Out & About #782 | Week #97 Quarantine Update Snowstorm + Oat Fudge Bar (Ver. 2)

1/23/2022

The entirety of the GTA was met with the first major snowstorm of the season (and the year, for that matter) upon confronting on Monday. Any residual weekday blues were replaced with anxiety and awe - for either you calmly observed as a work-from-home-er (myself) or were already knee-deep and digging yourself out of the house.

In the face of a rippling blizzard, there were still some that took to the 401 for work and non-essential travel. It was ill-advised, and many were left stranded on the highway or trapped within snow banks.

As the once grey skies began to dim, I could withstand a bread craving no more. Digging a path just wide enough for the wheels of my vehicle, I dashed out onto the partially ploughed streets, heart yearning for COBS.

The dangers had not been cleared away in their entirety, for while major streets had been mostly cleared, lanes were reduced tremendously and plaza parking lots remained inaccessible. Extra caution was exercised to navigate safely within the plaza and back onto arterials.

A Country Grain Loaf, two Hot Cross Buns, and six-pack of Butter Tarts accompanied me for the ride. Though, the latter will likely never enter the household again: excessively sugary with the unnecessary addition of raisins, we deemed the palm-sized pieces edible, but far from enjoyable.

Witnessed the next day were glorious blue skies, as if the previous day's mayhem hadn't occurred at all.
I remained within, observing all from my ever-consistent, second-floor window.

The sole creation of the week was a second attempt at the Oat Fudge Bar.

Out & About #781 | Week #96 Quarantine Update Feat. Whole Wheat Loaf Revisited + Oat Fudge Bar

1/16/2022

Although undeniably scrumptious during immediate consumption, I won't deny that Chicken Plus left my stomach feeling quite wonky for the ensuing week. Loss of appetite and irritation of the digestive track were not uncommon.

Obtained after munching on leftovers for lunch and dinner was excruciating bloating, which was appeased only slightly by mild, "safe" snacks (read: contributing no further greasiness). The Rose Tteokbokki sauce, in particular, was a component to wary of, in spite of its addicting palette.

Naturally, the squirmy repercussions and overall lethargy founded grounds for thorough contemplation of any potential revisits.

Creations of the week included:

1) Whole Wheat Bread

Despite a flawless turnout last time, odd imprints were derived at opposite ends of the loaf. A member of King Arthur's social media team responded that the phenomenon may have resulted due to excess flour when shaping, leading to the dough's inability to adhere during the second proof and, later, in baking.

From past experiences, it appears that while whole wheat loaves do not expand in volume to the same degree as white bread, they readily adopt height once exposed to heat. Ultimately, the quantity was unable to fill a square loaf pan and proved quite damp even after 35 minutes at a high temperature.
Removing the lid for even distribution of heat would serve to contribute colour to the surface. Lowering the temperature and covering the top with aluminum foil assisted in removing excess moisture in the bottom third of the loaf.

The floral essence of honey remains to be a stunner in this recipe, along with the barely-there, crispy crust. Breakfast slices were commonly adorned by margarine and/or homemade strawberry jam, though could be incorporated into sandwiches as well, if desired.
I was also fond of the uniform height, achieved by nestling four large sections into a single loaf pan rather than dividing between two shallower ones. Extra heed shall be taken in the next iteration to ensure excess flour is dusted off after shaping.

2) Mexican Hot Chocolate

On a particularly chilly, dreary afternoon, I sought out a spicier rendition of our nation's favourite winter beverage. Google results were quick to rectify my perception of Mexican Hot Chocolate being no more than a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Instead of the sweetened drink mixes, the traditional treat relies on unsweetened cocoa power for depth and is then sweetened with sugar and, of course, marshmallows. Vanilla, cinnamon, and chili powder (in my case, gochukaru) were other flavours used for distinction between the typical Timmie's creation.

3) Oat Fudge Bar - Bettered and Nearly Remastered!

When the same instigator of Cranberry Bliss Bars sent a video for Oat Fudge Bars my way, the next steps became all too clear. Little is required to motivate me in the direction of the kitchen for the next experiment, especially when all of the bar's ingredients were on hand and available.

Beyond simply remaking the Starbucks bakery item, I was on a mission to redeem it. Flat and mushy it would be no more! The chocolate would be firm, offering a toothsome first bite and luscious centre, while the oats would have height - not the rigid slab I had excitedly ordered in the past and received sheer disappointment from.

Out & About #777 | Week #94 Quarantine Update Feat. My Gingerbread Muse

12/30/2021

Breakfasts of late have not strayed far from Cold Brew and Hoddeok. I've been watching my stash of Bran Muffins warily, given their depleting inventory and contradicting availability of freezer space. I finally defrosted one quarter of my purchase from Red Bean Waffle House, concluding a distinct, sweet custardy-ness sandwiched between comparatively thin layers of oil-based batter. (I'd be lying if I said reheating didn't entail greasy fumes filling the air.)

More of my post-Black Friday purchases arrived: The Bodum Bistro is more finnicky than I had pictured, with plastic parts offering minimal tolerance for locking and detaching. Yet, it served its purpose as a speedy, economic solution for bean grinding.

The year cannot possibly end without reference to the one and only GOT7 - my religion, in other words.

I relished the moments where my fingers could glaze across the pages of Jinyoung's charismatic beauty, where my eyes could familiarize themselves with the contents of the tmrw magazine that arrived unexpectedly before Christmas.

Appearances of the group were rare in physical format. The tangible qualities of the photobook were the closest I would get to any form of interaction for the time being. I don't mind at all the absence of physical albums, as it spares me the dreaded international shipping costs, but would love nothing more than reunion of the septet - be it in digital song format or performance special.

While majority of the workplace opted for time off, I remained positioned before my laptop. Departures from my desk comprised only of errands and paramedical checkups.

Out & About #775 | Christmas 2021 Visuals

12/25/2021

News of West Coast snowfall drifted towards our attention in the days leading up to the holiday from family and friends. Meanwhile, a green Christmas was predicted for Ontario, with previously fallen precipitation receding steadily.

I again refrained from vacation requests over the two-week ̶s̶h̶u̶t̶d̶o̶w̶n̶ slowdown period, for restrictions had been enforced and dangers of travel were intensified once more.

The days leading up to the holiday were filled with fatigued fingers from endless dishwashing and an overload of sweet treats on the kitchen table. Needless to say, there was little work completed during this time - neglected duties that I shall either experience the wrath of with the coming of the new year, or not at all.

Variety of sustenance was limited in the 36 hours leading up to the grand supper.
Egg and potato salad was constructed to combat a vacant, pre-feast fridge. Two week-old Yukon Golds and a portion of Little Gems were blanched and combined with soft-boiled eggs, scallions, Miracle Whip, and a healthy squeeze of wasabi. Sandy sugar cookies occupied whatever stomach space remained.

My involvement with the spread had been minimal. Beyond a rapid chopping of vegetables and reserving two of seven soft-boiled eggs, there was little effort requested of me. I could sit this one out, thankfully.

My efforts were concentrated into preparation of the side dishes instead.
A tray of sweet red and yellow bell peppers and the prettier Little Gems had been tossed in olive oil, Himalayan pink sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, prepared for roasting alongside the turkey. Alas, given the 12-pound bird's low-and-slow cooking process, thirty minutes at 325 F was simply insufficient in rendering fork-tender potatoes.

Not to be exempt from our annual assortment were zucchini cooked in butter (and this time, garlic powder as well) and a fruit cocktail salad topped with egg. Blanched baby carrots were also provided for casual munching.

Out & About #758 | Week #85 Quarantine Update Feat. Osprey Marsh + Mint Chocolate Pound Cake

10/30/2021

Capacity for creative contemplation has found me once again. A transitional period for workplace duties (and surge in proposal preparation activities at an upper management level) have bequeathed a sense of tranquility in my workspace. The emails have been less frequent, and consequently so have levels of stress and work-related anxiety.
But this enjoyment may be short-lived, for all that I am aware. Looming on the horizon is an interrogation requested by none but inevitable in the face of poor project management skills.

I've never been one to balk at an opportunity for exploration - sometimes to the detriment of my physical capabilities - and readily seized the opening for kitchen endeavour. A conceptual "chocolate cake" floated in my mind, shapeless and tasteless. The original debate lay between a rice flour-based formula and standard sponge, yet the reminder of sour cream in our refrigerator register derailed all thoughts of either.

Instead was the adaptation of Sunday Baking's Cherry Chocolate Pound Cake, where Amarena cherries were omitted and pink frosting was swapped for a mint chocolate edition. The Mint Chocolate Pound Cake was the best of both worlds, for it allowed for previously constructed, too-rich mint chocolate (ice) cream to be repurposed as a cake topper and eliminated contact with nuts, making gifting possible to a sensitive-stomached ahgase.

The cake was quite dense, particularly at its edges, where staleness was more prominent than crunchiness. Adding a loose layer of mint chocolate cream compensated its lacking moisture content while furthering the chocolatey decadence with bite-sized pieces of Surfin.

Five attempts at Dalgona later, I attained success. Failed efforts can be concluded to derive from incorrect choice of leavening agent (use baking soda, not baking powder!) and inadequate temperature (170 degrees Celsius, not Fahrenheit).

My sole regret, in spite of achieving the caramel-toned exterior, was premature stirring of the caramel. Heeding not the warnings of nearly every tutorial on the Internet, sugar crystals began to form at the inner circumference of the pot, leading to a crumbly, sandy texture in place of a holey, honeycomb structure.

Concluding the last run of cycling season was a 16.7 km ride in the Churchill Meadows area. I had set out about thirty minutes before sundown and detoured a few times through residential areas before finally arriving at my planned destination.

The journey to Osprey Marsh had seemed relatively straightforward on the map, with MUPs entirely linear. However, I quickly learned that the Cycling layer on Google Maps is not always reliable. An arterial with no shoulder and only one lane per direction was far from my idea of a "bike-friendly street". Opting for sidewalks and paved paths subject to settlement and invasion by organic matter, I eventually arrived at the park at dusk. There was just enough time to catch a glimpse of fall foliage in the lake's reflection before hurriedly making the trip back.

Out & About #732 | Kyoto Gyukatsu + Downtown Shenanigans

7/25/2021

It is not uncustomary of me to establish relationships (or acquaintance-ships) in atypical places of gathering. Frequent are friendships formed in GA crowds, less often while awaiting the arrival of K-Pop idols, and rarest of all on the morning commute by GO Train.

One of this space's untold stories, an unexpected bond was formed under the alignment of fated conditions. I like to say that it was BamBam who brought us together, for the conversation would have never commenced without his existence.

"My friends can't believe we've only met once!" But we were about to change that.

Scheduled approximately two weeks in advance, I made the drive downtown, pulling up at the rear of HOEM on Jarvis, where we would be stationed for the day. A tour was provided of the lobby and general use areas. Leaving the greatest impression were the security gates, which required no more than the swipe of a hand for access, and communal laundry room, which seemed to materialize straight from a university webdrama.
Which was not far from the truth, as the complex offered accommodations for students on Ryerson grounds and beyond.

After settling in, we strode over to Kyoto Gyukatsu for a late lunch. The remainder of the afternoon was to comprise of crepe-making and choreography-learning, so there was contemplation over securing ingredients first, then picking up takeout along the way, or dining first to curb hunger levels. We agreed on the latter, and began perusal of the menu around 2 PM. Distinctly fragrant barley tea was served in plastic disposable cups; utensils were individually packaged and also of disposable nature.

The restaurant's assortment of offerings could be accessed via their website, with options for placing takeout or dine-in orders on a "Mrs. Digi" platform. Behind each table was a QR code, and underneath the table number. Complimentary Wi-Fi was provided to access these services, making for a functional, menu-less experience.

Entrées were divided into two main categories: Katsugyu Original Zen ("Zen") and Katsugyu Umami Juu ("Juu"). When inquiring about the primary differences, we learned that Juu enabled selection of portion size - either 3 oz. or 6 oz. - with one choice of sauce, while Zen offered the entire trio of condiments for dipping with a fixed portion size. To share, we took to the New York Gyukatsu Zen (6 oz.) and AAA Sirloin Gyukatsu Juu (3 oz.) w/ Deep Aromatic Sansho), both cooked to medium rare with onsen eggs and red miso soup on the side.

The sets arrived swiftly, adopting near identical formats. I paid little attention to the cabbage slaw and dove straight for the rice of the AAA Sirloin Gyukatsu Juu. Pearl barley contributed to a coarse, chewier bite, while the savoury drizzle an instant boost of umami. Less fond were we of the capers (?) decorating the top. Their profile was slightly sour with an odd, bitter aftertaste.

Eggs, I soon learned, were an ingredient capable of instilling grief in my ahga-partner-in-crime, depending on their method of preparation. Soft scramble was an abomination, fully hard-boiled was gag-worthy (though I cannot deny their repulsive chalkiness), and poached à la Eggs Benedict were acceptable. Thankfully, the barely-set Onsen eggs before us were also granted a passing grade.

The strips of meat themselves were quite interesting: The AAA Sirloin had been cooked to perfection, boasting tenderness lined with impeccably thin breading. On the other hand was the larger portion of New York Zen, which bore red on the edges, ultimately seeping through the breading to reveal splatters of saturated red. While the Sirloin was sufficiently flavourful on its own, the New York was on the milder side of the spectrum. The strips readily accepted additional seasoning through soy sauce (one dark, one light), coarse salt, and a grated onion pulp with pungent mustard-like properties. We were also recommended to try dipping into the Onsen egg as well - my personal preference, really.

Out & About #723 | Week #68 Quarantine Update Feat. Canada Day Cookout

7/4/2021

Pre-vacation stress is an element that grazed me by in the early moments of 2020, just prior to the Vancity Blitz. Having not embarked on a proper break since then, I hadn't anticipated an iteration of the onerous emotions with mere request of two days off. Of course, I also hadn't anticipated certain duties to coincide with my long-awaited, screen-removed scenery.

Frequent visitors of this space may have taken notice of the distinctly bread-less creations recaps as of late. Carby creations aren't particularly challenging by process, but demand timely tending - something that impromptu meetings and endless calls do not permit.
I found some excitement through Lucullus' varied assortment of buns and egg tarts, minimal satisfaction in T&T's too-damp raisin rolls, and adequateness in storebought Country Harvest smothered in homemade strawberry jelly and pecan butter.

Takeout purchases are common as of late, as time is of the essence.

It started with congee (Preserved Egg & Pork, Minced Beef) and steamed rice noodle rolls (Beef, Plain) from Congee Queen.

Then came a hankering for authentic Thai cuisine, prompted by BamBam's recent cooking broadcasts of Som Tam and instigated with orangecane's moral support.

Mississauga's newest eatery landed in Cooksville, replacing the infamous late-night stop of Pho Queen City. Pickup services operated out of the back (side?) door, which faced the parking lot for easy access by food delivery vehicles.

The lunchtime order had been placed online for an approximate pickup time of 11:45 AM. Rarely are mid-day meals taken at an early hour, however Wednesdays tend to feature everlasting afternoon meetings, making sustenance a pivotal element for prolonged productivity.

I arrived at the specified time, only to be told - somewhat distantly, if I may add - that preparations would require an additional ten minutes or more. More wait time ensued. In the meantime, I inquired about the Green Thai Tea that had been absent from the online menu.
"We don't have that right now." came the staff's response. "Did you want to try the regular one?"
As I hesitantly declined the suggestion, she followed up with, "You like GOT7 too?", pointing to my pink Eyes on You lanyard.
Half stunned and half delighted, a loud gasp escaped from my mouth. A step back was taken. "You know them??! You like them too?!" The words emerged partially whispered, embodying a tension only extreme enthusiasm could induce.
She responded with utmost calmness, as if awareness of the global septet was common knowledge. "I have that too." referring to the lanyard. "I have everything you have."

An excited exchange of Ahgase language (and a hint at a future collaboration with Snowies) later, I departed in high spirits with a bonus Thai Tea - a token of appreciation for patience.

Out & About #722 | Week #67 Quarantine Update Feat. Cold Brew + Ice Cream

6/27/2021

Where has the week gone?
Not spent catching up on comeback content, but adopting multiple roles as IT support, finance, H&S, and overall coordination.

As of the time of writing, BamBam has concluded two weeks' of promotions for first-ever solo "comeback". Youngjae and Yugyeom continue to promote through various mediums on the Internet, and Jinyoung is gearing up for The Devil Judge's first broadcast on July 3rd.

On the other side of the world is me, whose daily routine diverges minimally from cold brew to kickstart the work day. PC's Nitro Cold Brew and Sparkling Cold Brew in Ginger Beer and Yuzu Citrus have recently been discovered; readily were they incorporated into my routine during periods of peak productivity (read: not even a minute extra to spare for re-hydration or regular meals).

The odd afternoon would witness construction of a chilled beverage. First was a salted caramel latte, using some of the questionably droopy salted caramel sauce that had been retained from the (unsuccessful) Apple Frangipane Tart. I may have suffered a stomachache later that evening, hence the creation was not re-attempted.

A latter mint-less Orange-Lime-Ribena faux-jito proved much more enjoyable. Braised Pork and Radish is another item I eagerly welcome.

Out & About #721 | Week #66 Quarantine Update Feat. ribbon + Pecan Pie Revisited

6/20/2021

I'm so proud of being an Ahgase.

But maybe "pride" doesn't even begin to summarize the emotions associated with being a member of the fandom. To be a supporter of GOT7 extends past being one of the millions that stand by the edge of the stage, cheering them on solely on the basis of enjoyment; we are best friends.

The kind of friend that joins in on your wildness when it's time to celebrate, but also the friend that provides you with adequate space and cheers you on silently in their own way. I've declared my affection for the group on countless occasions prior, but it remains a fact that "ahgase" is tied closely with a sense of identity and home.

Regardless of the style, sound, or medium, I have confidence that each member has chosen the appropriate path to suit their objectives. BamBam is the first member to engage in proper promotions in Korea, and the days leading up to the release of riBBon were filled with as much excitement and anticipation as full group comebacks - for me, anyway.

This drought has been a dreadful one, but the amount of content surfacing online has succeeded in bringing about unfathomable joy, illuminating even the most taxing of work days. With the riBBon EP, showcase, and radio/variety segments, BamBam has proven to exceed all expectations with stable vocals, impeccable stage presence, and a diverse assortment of concepts unique to him. Whether upbeat or mid-tempo, his fluency in Korean is undeniable; the incredible clarity in his songs and swift synthesization of vocabulary in his interviews is truly remarkable. Making recurring appearances in all his activities is heartwarming humbleness, unwavering team loyalty, and genuineness - a selfless sheer desire to do well while instilling strength in those that chance across his artistry.

To establish a sense of hope via a tangible form is no easy feat. His actions speak for themselves, but his words further solidify his benevolent intentions.

"I'm nobody. I'm nothing."
"No! What do you mean you're nobody? You're ahgase. You're something.

The seemingly straightforward response brought tears to my eyes, further leading to rolling bawl. He understands that hardships do not discriminate between time, space, and people. When difficulties emerge, I shall hold this sentence near and dear, for being an ahgase is indicative of potential, power, and competence.

The showcase started strong, with the eerie, earattack-composed Pandora. It became my instant favourite of the album upon first listen, imprinting a memorable impression assisted by impactful lighting.

riBBon was a light-hearted track intended for livening up the atmosphere. And, quite frankly, it did just that. Throughout my ten-hour work days - five hours of which were strictly meetings - I played the song and felt immediate uplift in spirits. Tastefully vivid in its execution, BamBam's quirky smile and airy movements further contributed to a sense of liberation.

Look so fine exuded "Open the Door" vibes, but executed in a comparatively cheery manner.

I learned to appreciate Air after the showcase performance. The tune commences with the rather rough-sounding Murda Beatz opening, progressing into BamBam's gentle, fluid vocals. Despite minimal stage props, the performance was nonetheless spectacular, edged with confidence and effortless expression.

Out & About #718 | Week #64 Quarantine Update Feat. Chocolate Tart

6/6/2021

Oftentimes, the ones that chase after goals with fervour are the first to feel disappointment. They are optimistic, noting countless future opportunities for improvement, yet demanding of themselves with no viable end. It's unlikely to identify this trait in yourself until you witness it in someone else.

With time, the adamancy evolves into appreciation for milestone achievements, but the passion lives on. Tidbits of everyday life then constitute the basis of happiness. We'll thrill to thrive, and thrive to thrill.

Loblaws errands may sound mundane, for the act of grocery shopping is a common duty, routine to all with a food bill budget. But blue skies over one's head are a blessing, as are t-shirt weather and Green Tea Frappuccinos (though the choice of added whipped cream was not mine).

Consumed over the course of the week were:

Steamed Egg w/ Scallions and Cha Siu
Nabe w/ Pork, Carrot, and Napa Cabbage
Fruit gummies
Houjicha Latte
Egg salad, braised garlic cabbage, and pork floss

Should a "blue sky" playlist were to ever exist, You Are would top mine, without a doubt.

Eyes buzzing from spreadsheet scrutinization, I took to clearing my head in the early evening hours with a walk about the neighbourhood. The discovery of a new trail had led me through one of the city's busiest intersections, towards a relatively peaceful park. Discovered there was a gorgeous waterway, tucked neatly within a nearby residential area. The glimmering currents were even more majestic during golden hour, with a glimpse of the waters peeking through looming shrubbery. It was incredible to explore an area that I was sure to have known the ins and outs of.

Maneuvering back to the arterials, construction zones were inevitable. Closed sidewalks and TC-54s indicated alternate routes of travel, and a reminder for avoidance during the work period.

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.

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