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 #873 | Chinese New Year Visuals

1/22/2023

0 Comments

 
During my childhood years, Chinese New Year was primarily an at-home event - either undertaken as a weekend celebration or incorporated as an after-school activity. Amongst my peers, there was minimal awareness surrounding the event; at the time, I had found a given, seeing that none shared the same ethnic background.
Picture
​However, with each passing year, knowledge about the holiday seems to surge at a global level. These days, it's not uncommon to find physical sources of information at Indigo or even greeting cards at the local Rexall. As the festivities become more well-known though, it has also given rise to terminology debates.
Like most Chinese Canadians and Americans, I've referred to the day as "Chinese New Year". In recent years, we've reworded references to "Lunar New Year" to include other cultures that also celebrate. "Lunar" is an inclusive reference, but it should be noted that customs are vary vastly across regions within the same country, let alone different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Both terms are valid, yet not indicative of any particular practices. 
​Showcased on this space are my household's traditions, which are Cantonese Chinese in nature. However, there are many methods of welcoming the arrival of a new year - and to each their own. To the comprehensive cluster of celebrators, Happy Lunar New Year! And to those celebrating the Chinese way, be it with fish, dumplings, or fenglisu, Happy Chinese New Year!
Picture
New Year fare spans a wide variety of items, from elaborate entrées to sweet and savoury snacks. "Smiling" Sesame Balls, known familiarly as 笑口棗, is a popular pick in our household. A tray from Summit Garden had been purchased last year for mid-day munching, but the foil container's contents was very much satiating and reeking of grease.

An air fryer edition was attempted, but not by yours truly. At this point, I will declare my passive role in the construction of all featured New Year sustenance.
Picture
Picture
The Air Fryer 笑口棗 were crunchy on first day, and coated liberally with sesame seeds for maximum texture. They did not split - "smile" - and adopted a denser profile overall, growing progressively rigid over the following days. This variation was modestly sweet and savoury, and thankfully nowhere near as greasy as the storebought renditions.

​​Classic Nian Gao (or Leen Go/年糕) is an indispensable element of the New Year. Our household favourite features nutty, caramel-like tones of cane sugar in perfect harmony, aromatic coconut milk, and sublime chewiness. The formula was perfected after several years of trial and error, witnessing drastic development since the initial attempt in 2017.
Now, it is my absolute favourite part of welcoming another year, to such an extent that it regularly reenters the post-CNY scene as my choice of birthday cake.
Picture
​While most families take to pan-frying centimetre-thick slices (with or without egg) for a grilled mochi-like finish, I gleefully delve into freshly steamed variations without reservation. The supple, subtly sweet qualities of steamed nian gao are incomparable to the stiff, tacky supermarket portions, which are only capable of being revived by additional oil.
Picture
Picture
Picture
The classic New Year Cake contains a small amount of oil in its batter, with a bit more for the pan. Excessive greasing can result in a slick, irregular surface though, thus caution is advised.
Picture
Picture
After a two-year, COVID-induced hiatus, the New Year Eve Market returned to Fo Guang Shan Temple, albeit subjected to a distinct reduction in scale. Instead of occupying the entirety of the basement level, the vendor count was halved - no, pared down to one third - of past years.
Picture
Picture
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #872 | Matcha-Oolong Mochi Brownie + Pre-CNY Visuals

1/20/2023

0 Comments

 
As those with distinct preferences shall inform: Cravings are unique and exceedingly specific.
On days where I yearn for chocolate, the desired format may be liquid (hot chocolate), toothsome (truffles), crunchy (clusters or chocolate bars with nuts), fudgy (brownies), or beyond these profiles entirely.
Picture
For at least one week, I had contemplated the possibility of swirling three flavours into Sunday Baking's Mochi Brownie. Success had been seen with both the original in a loaf pan and swirled with matcha in a standard square baking pan. I continue to experiment with my stash of Paragon tea powders, as eager to unlock new flavour profiles as to deplete them before expiry.
Picture
​Commencing with the mochi layer, I exercised caution to prevent scorching of the mochi mixture. Ever since replacing our microwave, I've noticed the need to reduce reheating times by at least 20%. This mochi was no expectation, for ten seconds on full wattage had rendered it lumpy and rigid. Water was gradually mixed into the dough in an attempt to reinstate its chewy qualities.
The result was acceptable, albeit thinner and retaining less structural integrity than desired.

​For any future mochi-crafting endeavours, it is recommended to grease the bowl beforehand. The spoon spatula pictured in Sunday's video was a great alternative to the flat scraper spatula, providing more control and kneading power.
Picture
​Next came formation of the batters. The original recipe called for two eggs. Despite having contemplated doubling the recipe and making two loaves (chocolate-matcha swirled and chocolate-oolong swirled), I ultimately opted to utilize three eggs instead of four. Adhering the roughly the same formula as my reduced sugar Oat Fudge Bar layer, I painstakingly prepared three batters.

This was a truly tedious process. While the original chocolate layer was a breeze to prepare, Matcha and Oolong required first melting white chocolate callets and butter together, then portioning them out as evenly as possible before whisking in the respective tea powders.
A total of four bowls piled in the sink, including the one for mochi. Then came the spoon spatula and three whisks. Instead of the "one-bowl, hand-mixed" format that SK often advertises, I had - accidentally, mind you - embarked on the path of more dishes.
Picture
Even with each layer comprising of only 46 g of granulated sugar, the result was still too sugary for my liking. I allude this finding to the existing sugar content in the white chocolate couverture, for I had not experienced this issue with semisweet Surfin.
In spite of this, the crackly surface and fragrant, chewy cross-sections were phenomenal. Fearing that the brownie would result cakey as opposed to fudgy, I removed the pan at the 48-minute mark. The underside of the centre was a bit damp at this point, though I had tested other sections of the slab sufficiently with a toothpick and deemed it done.
Its crackly surface, contrasting textures, and splendid aromas were absolutely captivating. That said, peak gustatory performance lasted just one day. Witnessed on the subsequent day was an overall dampness, followed by rigid, unyielding mochi. Heating individual pieces led to disintegration of the brownie, making it an unviable option to reinstating chewiness. I quickly resolved to undertaking future trials in the warmer months, hoping for the assistance of increased humidity levels.
The middle of the week saw Jinyoung's long awaited solo EP release. In the office, I could hardly reveal my excited demeanour, especially with a new member of staff seated directly before me the entire duration of the day.
Picture
Picture
"Cotton Candy", as well as the other four tracks on the album were played on loop that day - both in the office and the commute home.
​When lunchtime arrived, I decided to venture a bit further than normal.
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #785 | Week #99 Quarantine Update Feat. More Skating + Studio Bon

2/6/2022

0 Comments

 
The past two weeks have been strenuous - no, torturous - say in the least. Periods of illumination pass me by as I, chained to my workspace yet again, proceed to deplete every ounce of eye strength and brainpower on endless emails and project to-dos. Bit by bit, I find the world about me grow dim, until there is nothing but the soft glow of string lights from my neighbour's backyard. The eyes are shut for just a moment to recuperate, then reluctantly pried open and subject to further abuse.
Picture
Picture
Evenings would leave a distinct hammering in my temples: the worst of headaches indicative of a fried brain - a souless shell of an overworked junior employee. YouTube content could not be enjoyed without fatigue in the eyes, and messages could not be responded to should they involve a screen in any shape or manner. I took to bed earlier than normal, yet found minimal solace in restless fits of half-slumber. Each hour would entail a hazy gaze at the clock, followed by the dire need for sleep and the wretched inability to do so. Stress levels infiltrated into my daily routine, instilling sensitivity in the digestive system and prohibiting hair growth (short bangs prevail!).

The world beyond that of a public servant is ruthless. Challenging, tense, and surely not for the faint of heart, I am eager to bid farewell to this despicable, dreary post as soon as able.
Picture
Picture
I spent my days meekly browsing Instagram for some sort of inspiration, consuming media whilst unable to put forth any of my own.
Larry and Snoopy interactions were observed, and my own Avocado was found to have matching attire with the armless Alonso in Japan. Breakfasts comprised of caffeine and either blue sky bran muffins or hoddeok, which I proudly declare to have devoured in their entirety! ​
Picture
Picture
Picture
​Attempts are made throughout the week to decrease screentime for the sake of preserving vision for the future. Between winter walks for CoCo's Lemon Wintermelon Tea, the caressing of Larry to the window for snow-gazing, and a bulk barn run, I gathered roughly 2 hours of breaktime throughout the week. Needless to say, this quantity wasn't nearly sufficient to restore sanity
Picture
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #784 | Chinese New Year Visuals

1/31/2022

0 Comments

 
Viewed as even more exhilarating event than the typical New Year celebration, the annual event introduces the element of tradition back into our daily lives, serving to keep us grounded amidst the vibrancy of it all.
Picture
Picture
​I celebrated the date by requesting the rare day off. It had doubled as a buffer for pre-CNY cleaning preparations, while also providing an opportunity to peruse Square One on the first day of lockdown restrictions being lifted.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​In an attempt to maximize my temporary liberation from emails and disgust, I had my eyes set on The Rec Room. Equipped in sweatpants and an airy white t-shirt, I arrived to find the establishment closed - the ultimate disappointment. Behind the gates was a notification of closure.

I hung my head with a deep sigh, then retraced my footsteps to the parking garage. Had I sauntered to the street entrance of the entertainment franchise, I would have learned of a revised opening time of 4 PM - not that I would have returned at that time anyway.
Picture
Picture
Back home, I drowned my frustrations in 笑口枣, small bits of fried dough coated thoroughly in sesame seeds. A few years have passed since my last one, which I recall to have sampled quite grudgingly. These were surprisingly scrumptious, proving airy instead of dense, and just sweet enough to balance the nuttiness.
Picture
Not to be excluded was homemade 年糕, which made appearances in past recaps and even more frequently throughout the pandemic - most notably during off-season periods!
Picture
Picture
​Each iteration has seen minor tweaks, whether it be the type of cane sugar (light or dark), brand of coconut milk (we learned that individual AROY-D cans yield optimal fragrance and flavour), and even type of pan.
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 #690 | Week #46 Quarantine Update Feat. Matcha Nian Gao

1/31/2021

0 Comments

 
Many have likened the arrival of 2021 to that of change and new beginnings - a departure from the restrictions imposed by the previous year.

I had expressed remorse towards lost opportunities, slithered away involuntarily under the given circumstances. Looking back, it seems that new opportunities had emerged instead; amongst them were: breadmaking, DIY hair colour treatment, and virtual choreography learning, activities that would have otherwise remained unattempted with a standard work schedule and active social circle.
Picture
A recent conversation with the Thai ahgase sparked memories of airport encounters, had they proven fruitful or futile. In response to my bitterness regarding a lost ASTRO high-touch chance, she made me realize that, had I purchased those concert tickets, I wouldn't have bothered with the airport excursion. And had I not endured the painstaking wait that fateful snowy morning, we would not be acquaintances today.
Picture
With this in mind, I officially commence New Year preparations - Chinese New Year, that is.
And I shall gladly pre-celebrate with homemade Matcha 年糕 (nian gao), which was not made by me, for the record.)
Picture
Picture
Resolutions commencing from January 1st are overrated. When vision-shrouding thrills subside, reality dawns upon us once more,  ̶a̶l̶l̶o̶w̶i̶n̶g̶  prompting us to act purposefully, constructively.
Picture
Recounting the past several days are perils of inefficiency at work, munching on more Bokksu snacks, and heavy precipitation resulting in the dreaded snow removal process that is shovelling.​
Picture
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #615 | Seara Bakery​​ + Oatmeal Cookies

1/24/2020

0 Comments

 
​Weekends these days are generally an extension of the regular work week, with the exceptions of errands replacing email correspondence and nonstop cooking in place of site visits. The 9-to-5 working hours hold consistent.

Sparse pockets of time are sometimes allocated towards baking projects, for the process enables creativity without fear of criticism for abandoning my post in the kitchen. Dried cranberries, raisins, and unsalted, roasted almonds had been obtained on the most recent grocery run, thus prompting the realization of Oatmeal Cookies.
Picture
An accidentally heavy handful of baking soda resulted in modest dryness, though the cookies remained suitable as a hearty breakfast item.
As an afternoon snack, it paired swell alongside the 8 Man English Pale Ale - a variety I had initially anticipated to prove as bitter as an IPA.
Picture
Picture
A quick round of cleaning took place before more errands. Oh, and hair-dying at home. For the very first time in my life.
Picture
Picture
The offer had been on the line for quite some time, but it wasn't until a certain prehistoric creature swung by to relieve me of my workload that the procedure properly materialized.
Consumed whilst awaiting the reveal of rose-tinged hair was Coffee Stout and a spice-laced cider gifted by my favourite fangirl.
Picture
Picture
Zero comments were extended towards my return to the real world with a mane of revived red. It was of no matter to me; I proceeded with my lunchtime excursions about the PATH for economical snacks, errands (yes, there is always more on the to-do list), and the Plant Positivity pop-up at Union Station.
Picture
​It's been an unusually quiet (gloomy?) time in the house thus far, and I was reminded of Chinese New Year festivities only upon observing the floral Shiseido tunnel at Hudson's Bay.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Mid-week undertakings were scheduled to take place by Eglinton West: research results for low-budget physical activity pointed in the direction of free drop-in classes at York Recreation Centre. And nearby just so happened to be Seara Bakery, a colleague recommendation for Portuguese egg tarts.
Picture
​Located in a sidewalk-less plaza near Keele and Lawrence, the bakery-café hybrid bore a great degree of similarity to SanRemo. That said, the seating area was roomier, significantly cleaner, and more pleasant overall. A double-sided laminated menu and napkin dispenser were positioned at every table; a cartoon-esque mural of the city adorned the south wall of the establishment
Picture
We took to sharing Crème Caramel as well as a single Nata - aka the primary purpose of the stopover.

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #527 | Lion Dance, BNC Bakery + Sikgaek (Round 3)

2/10/2019

0 Comments

 
​Chinese New Year just doesn't feel complete without witnessing a Lion Dance or a visit from the 財神 (God of Wealth). Although we hadn't seen the bearded man clad in red at our yearly festival visit, we did manage to make it to Square One's Holt Renfrew for the jubilant performance.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​A lion dance team with relatively young members had been invited for the occasion - one duo maneuvering the red dragon, and another a yellow one
Picture
Picture
Picture
​Following the joyous event, we proceeded eastward for bingsoo. Needless to say, the idea had been wholly mine.
Picture
Picture
BNC Bakery had popped up on Insta-searches several times while researching bingsoo establishments in the vicinity. Too late had I discovered its long-time reign in Mississauga. Apparently, it had been around long before Snowies.

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #424 | LunarFest (LAC) + Family Day Things

2/19/2018

 
LunarFest last year was a bundle of cute games that succeeded in engaging kids (and kids at heart alike). The venue was compact, but the activities were festive and exciting.
This year's event took place at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, as opposed to Metro Hall downtown.
Picture
Picture
​The turnout was incredulous considering the accessiblity of parking and the fact that it had been lumped together with a slew of other Family Day activities.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
With the emphasis as being a family-friendly day at the theatre, acitivities mainly comprised of paper lantern-making, Pyeongchang-themed headband cutouts, a mini campfire, and a talent show. Attendees had arrived not only for LunarFest, but a series of arts and crafts activities as well.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​For participants over the age of five and without small children in tow, the event was concluded to be quite lacklustre overall. We had covered the grounds in under fifteen minutes.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​I suggested venturing over to Square One to pass time, as I had made another appointment in the area and hadn't expected to have perused the LunarFest booths in such a short period of time. Oh, how I underestimated the volume of faux-shoppers on such a statutory holiday. Approximately twenty minutes was spent securing a parking spot, while another forty passed before the lineup at Tsujiri neared the cashier. (Ultimately, I wasn't able to purchase my ice cream before my departure.)

Needless to say, Playdium was in an equally tumultuous state.
Picture

Read More

Out & About #422 | Partial February Visuals Feat. Year of the Dog

2/17/2018

 
It may have been imprudent of me to schedule such a busy series of outings considering that GOT7's comeback is just around the corner. The very notion of teasers has me frazzled, for it not only induces financial suffering, but emotional rollercoasters as well. With a pending world tour schedule and an unquestionably fantastic mini album in its final stages of production, one can only make futile efforts at reducing social activities in an attempt to conserve sanity - er, funds.

That said, I've taken to restricting excursions for the remainder of the month, with the sole exception of my lovely dongsaeng's four-day visit to the Great White North.
1) Recreating Fluffy Matcha Pancakes (over a new stove) with a slight ingredient modification. The results were equally as delectable as the first run.
Picture
Picture
​2) Yonge and Eglinton is currently a commuting nightmare given the ongoing Eglinton LRT excavations and roadwork. Steer clear and beware of detours!
3) One Zo Tapioca officially has my heart.
Picture
Picture
Picture
4) Low-intensity weeknight badminton runs + post-exercise McD's run
Picture
Picture
Picture
5) Even after abundant trials at varying cake shops, Uncle Tetsu's Original Cheesecake retains its reign over all other fluffy/cheesy counterparts.
6) Breakfast snaps consisting of matcha lattes, hoddeok, sesame waffles, a Chocolate Hot Cross bun, and coffee-flavoured milk cartons.
Picture
Picture
​7) CoCo runs are inevitable for this addict.
8) One Zo is a close contender: having stunned with its unique drink profile and chewy, housemade flavoured pearls, it has unexpectedly climbed up the list at lightning speed, even going as far as to question my loyalty to the orange-centred drink chain.
The drinks are unmistakably pricier - especially given that One Zo does not offer a VIP discount - so it's probably not a bad thing that its only locations reside in North York and Chinatown (latter yet to be visited).
Picture
Picture
9) Elegant paper cuttings from this year's Chinese New Year Market
10) Post-waiting Banango Burst to soothe one's soul and stomach - the 5-hour wait for ASTRO was not easy.
Picture
Picture
​11) Trying Touch in Sol's No Poreblem Primer as a substitute for Shiseido's now-discountinued Refining Makeup Primer
Picture
Picture
Picture
12) Who limits chocolate to Valentine's Day?! Ferrero Rocher is a year-round fave in this household.
13) Chinese New Year visuals comprising of homemade Nian Gao (sticky rice cake) and sesame tangyuan (storebought this time).
Picture
​I also made a festive attempt to bedazzle my Matcha Latte. The Cheese Tart from Lucullus wasn't bad either.
Picture
Picture

Read More
<<Previous
    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

    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    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
    Calgary 2023
    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.