When we were younger and sci-fi was a relatively unexplored concept in mainstream media, we'd often be posed with the question of time travel: Would you time travel if it was an available option? Or would you rather revisit the past or see the future?

I continued to debate this in my adult years, ironically engaging in lengthy discussions about the very phenomenon that is the passing of time. In all cases, I chose to go back in time, for I enjoyed uncovering an unknown future. A former friend further pointed out that the future can be altered because of present decisions, and that there is no guaranteed outcome even with time travel.
But of course, as mere mortals in this universe, we can't help but wonder: What if I did this? What if I acted earlier? What if I had taken a different path? What if I had taken advantage of this opportunity? The list goes on.

The past decade has affirmed time and time again (no pun intended), that time is finite. Time waits for no one.
Aging is a cruel process, for those experiencing firsthand and observing from an outside lens. Helplessness is experienced all around.

What if I went sooner? Would things have changed?
Was I doing an injustice by baking instead of leaving immediately?

​If there ever was a creation that defined the complexity of such emotions, it would be those showcased in this post - not because of their composition, but rather their association to adjacent happenings. They were crafted amidst the first heavy snowfall of the year. As if on cue, the branches in my backyard tree shed their leaves the morning after. The day that we thought was far in the future had arrived as abruptly as the winter storm. Deep down, I knew it was inevitable; tolerating the load in actuality was another story altogether though.

​In the days that followed, the new reality settled in. Emotions only intensified when guided towards old photos - and worse, videos. The footage solidified a scene that no longer existed, and the feelings were treacherous to bear. Mariah Carey's 2008 track describes it better than I ever could: a pain so debilitating that it felt unreal.

Except it was. All of it was.
The loss, the inevitable outcome, and the new reality.

These were the two creations in question:

1) Salted Caramel Lime Bar

I needed a medium to utilize my remaining four wrinkly limes. The initial concept lay with a lime curd in a less-than-flaky pie crust; in reviewing Sunday's bountiful roster of recipes though, I shifted gears towards a Lemon Bar - or, in my case, a Lime Bar.

a) Shortbread Base

Ingredients:

• 100 g AP flour
• 100 g unsalted butter
• 40 g sugar

In place of the no-bake graham cracker crust I had been contemplating, a shortbread base was discovered to not only be easier and quicker, but eliminate the need for a food processor altogether (ie. fewer dishes!). While Sunday had opted to use the aforementioned apparatus, I had reservations towards the motor capacity of my small device. Manually blending flour, butter, and sugar did not pose any challenges for me, as all pie and tart crusts involve the same method. The sole difference was reliance on hands as opposed to being assisted with a pastry blender.

In Sunday's recipe, the dough was transferred from the food processor directly into a lined baking pan. I adhered to the same process, however found it incredibly difficult to distribute the layer evenly. Although it would result in one more step, I'd recommend transferring the shortbread dough to a Silpat and rolling to the shape of the baking pan using levelling bars as guidelines. Alternatively, rolling within a wrapped parchment packet should yield the same desired uniformity, albeit with fewer items to wash afterwards.

The shortbread was baked at 350 F for 25-30 mins, rotating halfway through. In my new oven, the convection setting quickened this process. By the point of removal from the oven, the base had achieved a darker hue than desired. After all, it would continue to undergo a second bake to set the filling layer.

b) Lime Curd

Comprising of a higher quantity of flour to egg yolks, the lime curd layer was notably thicker than a custard, thus more susceptible to being overbaked.

Ingredients:

• Zest of 4 limes
• 180 g granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 60 AP flour
• 120 g lime juice

To maximize my limes, I zested and juiced them all, but did not alter the total amount of liquid. 1 lime yielded 46 g of juice, while 4 limes a total of 157 g of juice. Suffice to say, some of the limes had likely shrivelled since purchase, therefore harnessing less moisture.

The curd layer was also baked as directed, at 350 F for 40 mins. Within the first 10 mins though, the surface began to darken drastically. At 20 mins, I rotated the pan to account for the fan-forced convection setting. For the final 10-15 mins of baking, a sheet of foil was loosely placed on top to prevent further browning. In hindsight though, I could have likely reduced the baking time to 30-35 mins, for the cross-section revealed premature coagulation and a reduction in silkiness.

c) Salted Caramel Topping

Any dark spots on the surface of the Lime Bar wouldn't have mattered from a visual perspective, for the creation was sealed with a layer of salted caramel sauce - an atypical addition to utilize my remaining 100 g of heavy cream.

Ingredients:

• 100 g brown sugar
• 9 g corn syrup
• 35 g unsalted butter
• 100 g warm heavy cream
• 1 g salt

As a consequence of brown sugar sticking the sides of the saucepot, I believe I lost about 5-7% by volume. Nevertheless, the recipe produced enough to cover the entire surface of my 8 in x 8 in slab.

The salted caramel sauce made for a tacky, yet thoroughly enjoyable first bite. Achieving clean cuts was challenging, but the innovative combination was nonetheless aromatic and enjoyable. It is unlikely that I will undertake a second iteration of this particular composition, however am not opposed to shortbread bases, more custardy citrus curds, and salted caramel in other applications.

2) Mint Chocolate Ganache Cake

Since hoarding a tray of cocoa powder earlier this year, I've since forgotten about their imminent expiry. A chocolate cake with a ganache montée filling served to utilize both cocoa powder and heavy cream.

a) Mint Chocolate Ganache Montée

Ingredients:

• 109 g white chocolate couverture
• 70 g dark chocolate couverture
• 268 g heavy cream
• 5 g mint extract

Inspired by Girl Guide Thin Mints and in the name of the holiday spirit, the ganache would adopt a mint chocolate profile. To prevent the mixture from becoming overly astringent due to my 57% couverture, a blend of white and semisweet chocolate was used.

• 179 g chocolate couverture : 268 g heavy cream = 1 : 1.5

Albeit unintentional and only resulting from ingredient amount limitations, a 1 : 1.5 ratio of chocolate to heavy cream formed the ganache. Frankly, these proportions worked in my favour, providing a sturdier ganache for filling.

b) Chocolate Cake Sponge

I then turned to Sunday Baking's Chocolate Cake recipe for the cake base. I then turned to Sunday Baking's Chocolate Cake recipe for the cake base. Instead of splitting the batter between two 6 in pans, my new 8 in aluminum pan was summoned for the task. (Spoiler: It did an amazing job!) I likely hadn't required a bake time of 30 mins though, as the convection oven caused the surface to scorch slightly in the final 7-10 mins.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 180 g water
• 180 g whole milk
• 180 g canola oil
• 200 g granulated sugar
• 8 g baking soda
• 4 g baking powder
• 2 g salt
• 60 g cocoa powder
• 220 g cake flour

Yield: One 6 in cake with two tall layers OR One 8 in cake

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 320 F.
2. Sift dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Combine water, milk, oil, eggs, and sugar in a separate bowl.
4. Mix wet into dry 2-3 additions.
5. Bake at 320 F for 30 mins.

c) Easy Chocolate Buttercream

Finishing the cake was an Easy Chocolate Buttercream, again derived from Sunday Baking. The formula was straightforward, extremely spreadable, and incredible rich. It didn't take many bites to realize why the cake and frosting layers were drastically different in depth. The textural contrast and intensity were delightful when paired alongside the comparatively airier whipped ganache.

Ingredients:

• 100 g unsalted butter, room temp
• 60 g icing sugar
• 25 g cocoa powder

• 120 g melted dark chocolate (60%)
•  ̶5̶0̶ ̶g̶ ̶h̶e̶a̶v̶y̶ ̶c̶r̶e̶a̶m̶ ̶ 20 g milk

​Overall takeaways include:

• The convection oven requires rotating of the pans to encourage even baking and preventing overdone-ness.
• Italian Meringue Buttercream is a comparatively silkier option to the Easy Buttercream, however persists as being fundamentally technical, labour- and time-intensive, and presents challenges in terms of controlling sweetness levels.

​Given the extenuating circumstances, neither of these creations made their way to the office. Partly frozen and mostly gifted to a former coworker, the conditions permitted just brief periods of sampling in their optimal state.

​Each day that followed felt a bit different. Countless tears were shed, first from shock, next extreme sadness, and then out of reminiscence. My emotional wellbeing directly impacted food intake, as I discovered a loss of desire to eat or drink. Handling day-to-day tasks suddenly felt like a chore. There was further uncertainty regarding potential changes to upcoming flight plans.

​I was mindful to keep intake of sweet treats to a minimum, for the state of being truly alone has its consequences: There is no one to keep the show running.

​Barebone meals were prepared for the sheer goal of survival, for I wished to refrain from exerting excess energy into basic needs, as well as investing funds in groceries that may eventually go to waste.

​A last-minute decision to attend an Intermediate pilates class at The Pilates Body had been an informed one. Having been overwhelmed by thoughts for majority of the day, I sought relief from the external world.

The instructor commenced the class by asking, "How are you feeling today?". Physically, I was fine, as work-from-home life tends to be sedentary. My state of mind resided at the opposite end of the spectrum. Responding accordingly, the instructor took my self-professed stressful state into consideration and began the session with easy stretches to prepare the body after a long day of stagnancy. My impromptu choice had led to an accidentally private and splendid class session, wherein some familiar moves were incorporated, but the availability of varying resistance levels maximized challenge to the mind and body.

Having regulated my breathing for the hour-long session, I felt significantly better after the class. Before bidding farewell, the instructor and I bonded over badminton injuries and KT tape usage. "Your muscle awareness is amazing." she had remarked, giving rise to the discussion about former and present sports engagement.

​As another round of snowfall began to descend, I looped into the Staples lot for a gander at discounted packing cubes. It didn't take long before soft plushies and holiday gift boxes led me off course, though.

A closer coworker admitted she was shocked to see me in the office given my circumstances. Truthfully, the safer option was to remain at home in case of any unexpected meltdowns. Devoid of a valid reason to not meet the corporate policy though, I lugged myself to work. Being in the wild reminded me that tears could not be shed. The workplace environment demanded my continual operation, whether it be at full capacity or not.

Admittedly, immersing myself in the outside world helped a little. Being greeted upon entry and shown compassion were two minor elements that contributed towards improved spirits. Though the smiles did not wholly reflect my inner world, they weren't completely inaccurate either. The office helped to distract me and keep gloomy thoughts at bay in the interim.

Mall walks were another aspect to anticipate. Since Remembrance Day had passed, the mall began to embrace holiday decorations throughout the corridors.

Holt Renfrew had also rearranged their Jellycat display to make room for a mastermind pop-up.

​It didn't take long before I returned to the surprisingly forgiving exterior. A Biscoff Boston Cream was obtained out of curiosity before heading back. Unfortunately, the seasonal release revealed itself to be a stiff lump of dough filled with awfully synthetic custard and a Biscuit crumble topping reminiscent of pork floss.

When I returned to the office for my final day of the week, as well as my last day before an extended break, a fellow floormate informed me of the nearby Cooksville Creek Trail, advising me to take a stroll whenever possible. I expressed doubt towards completing the trail over the span of a one-hour lunch period, yet curiosity led my footsteps regardless.

Passing by ongoing construction at The Exchange, I grimaced at the clouds of dust but, found distinctively comfortable walking conditions to continue the stroll. From the exterior of the Sussex Centre, Gyu-Kaku was discovered to have departed the main floor in favour a different BBQ spot, Gyuyaki. Unfortunate was this realization, for I had plenty of unredeemed points for the space's predecessor.

​Continuing across past the Absolute World Towers and over cracked sidewalk bays, I successfully located the entrance to Cooksville Creek Trail on the east side of Burnhamthorpe.

The asphalt path led me to a beautiful, quaint scene representative of late autumn. Most of the leaves had fallen, yet the above-seasonal temperatures had kept them from withering. Persistent precipitation rendered them damp and spotted as opposed to shrivelled and crunchy.

​Running adjacent to Cooksville Creek, the residential trail offered breathtaking views embodying the essence of fall. Without having venture to beyond the GTA, or even City Centre, one had the opportunity of laying eyes on gold and amber foliage, clear, rushing waters, and families of ducks. The residential trail was paved, lined with benches and lampposts, and provided connections to Mississauga Valley Road and the Mississauga Valley Community Centre, constituting a highly suitable route for visitors of all ages.

​My adventure was limited to the duration of lunch, however even the brief, brisk stroll had instilled a sense of peace within. There were parallels to be drawn between life and nature: Change was inevitable; neither the shedding of leaves nor the rushing waters of the river could be stopped. As the glimmering waters of the creek reflected back towards me, I took a deep breath - probably the longest all week - and exhaled slowly. Interacting with the outside world after a day of simmering in my own thoughts had been beneficial.

Along the way, Starbucks' holiday menu drew me into the Delta Hotel lobby.

A Cranberry Bliss Bar was obtained for the first time in years, and actually found enjoyable. The blondie base was softer and less sweet than I recalled. Meanwhile, the cream cheese frosting was seemingly thicker, creamier, and also less cloying.

​Holiday-themed paper bag in hand, I continued towards my final stop of Gong Cha.

While the intention had been to sample the newly released Biscoff beverages, one look at the price list caused me to halt in my tracks. Instead, I opted for two Felix Picks to obtain the themed keychain. Frankly, the merchandise quality was subpar and the drinks mediocre at their asking prices. Brown Sugar Milk Tea with Pearls was passable, though the Milk Foam Oolong Tea with Coconut Jelly was beyond abysmal.

​In the early evening hours, I proceeded with a grocery run for frozen, ready-to-eat meals. Considering my imminent departure, it was unwise to procure any perishables after all. I coincidentally crossed paths with our pharmacy technician in the bakery section, which gave rise to a short-lived but smiley exchange. Albeit brief, the interaction reminded me that people are not easily forgotten. Even standalone encounters can be memorable, and others often think back fondly to those moments in time.

​Gums scraped, I headed to a nearby Tim Hortons for a Double Stacked Farmer's Wrap and Chocolate Hazelnut Muffin. The location appeared to be recently renovated, for it incorporated a merchandise display shelf near the order counter and a Tims Financial ATM. Consistent with most Tim Hortons locations, the sight of a cardboard signage-wielding unhoused residents wasn't uncommon either.

The return of the Chocolate Hazelnut Muffin as a winter exclusive offering was one of the best decisions undertaken by the fast food franchise. The specimen was as delectable and memorable as it was the first time around, and surely worth every penny. (As a side note, the January 2023 price was $2.29. Following inflation, the current price is $2.59.)

​Five days following my household tragedy, I continue to be plagued with thoughts. It would be an understatement to say that loss is hard. Still surreal in every way, some moments are recalled with fondness, while others excruciating and unbearable. Any previous accounts of work-related stress cannot compare. Grief is not a linear experience, and neither is its recovery.
I must confess that I don't think I've ever felt pain like this. I never knew it was possible to continually shed tears, as if they are derived from a never-ending supply, nor simply break down without warning. Hearing these cries echo back in an empty room intensifies the sorrow. At times, it feels like my ribs are closing in on me, holding a death grip around my organs and causing breathing to be difficult. I am surprised to not have swollen eyes and sunken cheeks at this point, for my external appearance does not align with my internal state of being. There is an unmistakable hollowness - newly established and unforeseen. For a constant presence in your life to suddenly vanish, one is inclined to wonder, "How will I go on now?".

The kind words and varying forms of consolation from my support network have been greatly appreciated. Some have shared their own memories and accounts, while others extending open offers to assist in any way possible. I shall exclude my browsing partner from this selection, for constant attempts to rob me of grieving periods are merely infuriating - intrusive and tactless.
By some miracle, my vacation plans have not been impacted, yet I wouldn't have been dismayed if they had been scrapped entirely. Hardly am I in vacation mode; financial impacts would have been the only detriment.

As these woeful, disconnected sentiments seep into this space, I am aware that the entity most important will not have the opportunity to read them.

As the days countdown to my short-term departure from the province, it would be an understatement to say that I've become increasingly overwhelmed with the duties imposed upon me in the workplace and the outstanding list of items demanding attention in my personal life.
Work-life balance? What a joke. It doesn't exist in this job.

Packing isn't the only task to tend to prior to travelling. Cleaning, clearing the fridge of any perishable items, planning for days of absence, and planning for the days immediately following return further entail tasks that most of the population seem to defer until the happy days have past. My approach often leads to future me appreciating the efforts of past me, consequently instilling a sense of relief when comparatively chaotic times arise.
For the time being, I've started to utilize ingredients whose expiry dates precede my return.

The cake was crafted with the aim of using up my last block of cream cheese. I opted to adapt my most successful iteration of Biscoff Basque Cheesecake, swapping Biscoff spread for black sesame paste. Seeing as Sunday Baking's original recipe had taken to approximately 1.5 blocks of cream cheese (360 g), the amounts were to be scaled down accordingly. Amidst the arithmetic and agitating a new jar of the unsweetened ingredient, I had accidentally doubled the proportion of black sesame. Having realized the blunder only when my batter emerged extremely dark and viscous, a tad more heavy cream was added to maintain fluidity. Instead of weighing out 2 of 3 eggs and 1/3 yolk, I merely settled for 2 whole eggs.
​
Ingredients:

• 240 g cream cheese
• 86 g granulated sugar
• 120 g unsweetened black sesame paste * too much!!
• 2 eggs (instead of 3 eggs + 1 yolk)
• vanilla extract
• 90 g heavy cream
• pinch of salt

​Yield: One 6 in cheesecake

​My new oven has excelled at maintaining low temperatures for fermentation, dehydration, and general baking purposes (cookies, loaves, and the like). However, it has recently come to my attention that it struggles to achieve and maintain high heat settings. Any temperature over 400 F is tragically difficult to sustain.
The basque cheesecake was supposed to bake at 425 F for 20 mins, rotating halfway to account for the fan-forced convection. My oven thermometer hovered at a consistent 400 F, indicating that the internal cavity had never truly reached the specified temperature.

When the surface persisted pale - or grey, in this case - an outstretched pointer finger drew close to the Broil function. The oven offered "Low" and "High" Broil settings. Erring on the side of caution, "Low" was selected. For the next two minutes, I'd crouch near the viewing window to monitor the process.
Dark spots began to emerge at the centre of the cake, then along its edges. After about four minutes, including Broil pre-heating time, a uniformly darkened surface prevailed. I cut the heat and removed the cake. Still somewhat jiggly at its core, I knew it was done.

​Over the next two hours, the tin was allowed to cool until room temperature. Then, it was transferred to the fridge, where it resided, uncovered, for about two more hours. Although Biscoff V1 had involved an overnight chill, the increased amounts of black sesame paste (fat + binder) and whole eggs (protein = binder), enabled a reduced chill time.

The result was a silky, creamy cake that was lightly cheesy at first bite but largely nutty and bordering astringency due to the high proportion of black sesame paste. On the first day of sampling, the slice still beckoned at the signature creaminess of a basque cheesecake. After chilling overnight though, the flavours became more uniform and the consistency less yielding. Second day sampling featured a proper Black Sesame Baked Cheesecake - slightly sweet, slightly cheesy, and comprehensively nutty.

It is worth noting that a 6 in aluminum pan was used instead of my usual 7 to 8 in Instant Pot Round Cake Pan. The choice in pan material caused the cheesecake to remain level after baking, thus minimizing the settlement after cooling and chilling. This meant that, although the cake did exhibit surface cracking, these fissures were not exaggerated by the prominent doming observed when using nonstick cake pans. The minimized delta in height had also ensured even broiling in the final steps of baking.

Strawberry Jam

Frozen strawberries can technically be kept in the freezer for eternity. But expiry dates do not dictate when cravings surface.

​By this point, we've officially entered the single-digit temperature zone. Mornings hover around 4 C, while the mid-day peak flutters between 11-14 C. Despite despising the dry, cracked skin that comes with colder weather, I thrive in the ability to wear cozy knits and layered ensembles without fear of perspiring profusely.

My Korea content remains unattended, for inadequate are even the brief spurts of reprise from ongoing work duties. Dare I say, I've forgotten to breath for the past while!

Coupled with an unworkable direct line of management and incompetent team member, frustrations have surged. Rather than merely enjoying my sixty minutes of unpaid lunch, I now struggle to remove myself from meetings in order to disconnect for sanity purposes on a consistent basis. What a travesty it is to be posed with such a dilemma: To live life or to let life live you.

However short-lived, I make the constant effort to step away from the depressing screen of black and white. Crunchy fall leaves and the brilliant gradient of fall foliage are amongst the few elements that bring peace to my soul.

The beauty of autumn is truly unparalleled! It's a period where I wish time would move slower, to allow for proper appreciation of Mother Nature and to relish in refreshingly brisk temperatures before the dreaded arrival of winter.

​Halloween decorations began to emerge in the office, readying the space for upcoming festivities.

I concluded the day with tremendous fatigue, not unassociated with the despicable Monday morning team meeting that never seems to be cancelled and never ends punctually. As a consequence of rapid decline in coordination abilities, I suffered a stinging laceration to the thumb, sheerly from proceeding about daily route. And I hadn't even managed to muster the energy to engage in daily exercise, the usual highlight of my day!

The second in-office day was comparatively better. For starters, all meetings had been nixed or postponed. I was also relieved of pestering people, until the late afternoon anyway.

Costumes had been encouraged for the spooky week, and my choice lay with the star of Netflix's latest mystery series.

From the getgo, I knew that my picks from the 19th Avenue Farmer's Market were not at their optimal freshness. However, having never attempted to cook acorn or spaghetti squash, my senses for culinary exploration were tickled.

1) Acorn Squash

Most sources had cut the bulb-shaped vegetable into slices and roasted with the skin. However thin it was, I did not enjoy the skin one bit: It was bitter and utterly unpalatable, causing me to remove it in its entirety after roasting.
The flesh was starchy and quite bland. I had roasted the chunks in conjunction with the spaghetti squash, but found the pineapple-looking pieces barely adopting any seasoning.

​An undoubtedly tedious process, I also rinsed the seeds thoroughly with the intention of roasting or dehydrating them. Once clean, I distributed them across a baking tray and set the oven on the Dehydrate function. About 2.5h at 150 F rendered the seeds crisp throughout, but did not facilitate easy removal of the shells.

I popped two seeds in my mouth to taste - a mere sprinkle of salt would have saved the day. That said, they were difficult to stomach with the casing intact, consequently halting ingestion.

2) Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash was an interesting root vegetable for experimentation. After roasting, the rigid skin separated easily from flesh. Seeds were few and flesh was bountiful. The cutting and seasoning process was identical to the acorn squash, though I took the opportunity to roast the strands again after thoroughly shredding.

Generally speaking, spaghetti squash was easy to prepare and delicious with just a bit of seasoning and roasting. I also finally understood why those adhering to a keto diet would use it in place of rice or other carbs. Both visually and texturally, it could successfully mimic the gratification and crunch sustained by chow mien. ​Without a doubt, this variation was would constitute a repurchase.

3) Butternut Squash Tart with Chocolate Ganache​

I had high hopes for a creamy, indulgent butternut squash soup; unfortunately, the squash had other plans in mind.

On its own, the vegetable bore no flavour whatsoever. Albeit starchy and somewhat creamy, butternut squashed demanded an abundance of seasoning (salt, pepper, warm spices) to render it even remotely tasty. I commenced by roasting the chunks, then steaming in a microwave, and eventually cooking on the stovetop. A smooth puree refused to form even with the assistance of my potato masher, thus summoning the immersion blender. Alas, even after blending, the purée wasn't completely smooth.

Cornstarch was added with the aim of making a sweet filling, though it is worth noting the squash naturally absorbed moisture on its own. Against my better judgement, I did not adhere to a recipe for this creation. My mind had begun to falter after being subject to continuous work and life stresses, and the slew of ill-informed decisions would persist over the course of the weekend.

Unmeasured filling ingredients are as follows:

• 1 butternut squash, skin removed and cut into chunks
• Molasses (only added enough to prevent darkening the filling)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Heavy cream (assisted in lightening the hue)

Since the filling seemed a tad lacklustre no matter how many times it was cooked/seasoned, I resolved to add a chocolate ganache layer on top. Given that I wasn't using a recipe of any sort, I had mistakenly added too much butter, causing the formula to separate. In order to stabilize the mixture, corn syrup and more chocolate couverture were mixed in. The 1:1 ratio of chocolate couverture to cream was exceeded, thus resulting a rather rigid surface that compacted the underlying butternut squash layer.

Ganache ingredients are as follows:

• Heavy cream infused with old rosemary and 1 cinnamon stick (190 g starting; 167 g effective after boiling)
• 57% semisweet chocolate
• Corn syrup
• Unsalted butter

Infusing the heavy cream with old rosemary led to minimal flavour payoff, to the point where I wish I had eliminated the steak spice altogether. As noted above, adding an excessive amount of butter not only refrained from achieving a ganache with a luscious sheen, but further cause separation and lumpiness. I attempted to salvage the topping by adding more chocolate and more cream, then a liberal squeeze of corn syrup for a pliable consistency. The chocolate layer was rigid after setting, but succeeded in contributing a velvety mouthfeel and robustness to the otherwise plain butternut squash filling.

Woe is me, for weeks upon weeks have past me by with exhaustion as opposed to enjoyment, with frustrations rather than fulfilment. Two weeks of in-office attendance have been consolidated into one recap, for time has slipped through my hands while I've been pre-occupied.

The first day was sunny, yet breezy. I hastily grabbed gloves and a scarf while running out the door, though adhered to the baby blue UV zip-up I've continuously donned throughout the season.

​Japadog's first foray into the GTA was spotted in the Square One food court.

Nearby was a Diwali market in the Centre Court.

Frankly, I can't recall much of the day, for the treks were aimless - mindless, even - and purely served as physical and mental respite from the sudden influx of work duties.

My highlight of the week was not the gorgeous natural phenomenon of leaf colour change, but a series of promotional offers at Esso. A new Fuel Discount Card was presented to me when I rounded into the gas station on an initially dismal Thursday. I was overworked, with my departure delayed due to yet another meeting. Being greeted with a smile and provided discounts on an essential expense easily constituted the best interaction of my week.

Pecan Pie

After replenishing my stash of disposable foil plates, I decided to try another iteration of Pecan Pie. This version would see manual compilation of the crust and utilize a fresh bag of pecans for the filling.

While utterly unplanned, I also decided to attempt Claire's fluted pie crust via snipping and tucking dough overhang. This approach did not make for a seamless crust whatsoever, as the snipped edges came apart during par-baking. I fretted over the custard escaping through the holes, but the pies ultimately just as golden as usual with no sogginess whatsoever. Sputtering of the custard had caused some burnt bits along the perimeter and underside, however the overall concoction was still delectable as ever.

All of my hiking adventures share similar schedules: The first stop is a bathroom, usually the closest fast food franchise to the scenic destination.

As of late, I've also been incorporating an early lunch into the plans, for continuing into the early to mid-afternoon hours on a breakfast of strong cold brew and oatmeal simply wasn't sufficient.
Shaky hands and a quivering body were experienced previously, consequently impacted my physical endurance and ability to capture images with stability.

​The second similarity lies in the conversations exchanged. Lengthy are these drives, so it only makes sense for catch-ups to happen along the way.

With a former coworker joining me for the day, we happily engaged in our respective work and life updates. The conversations truly never stopped, despite the duration spent together.

A longstanding location of Tims in a tragic parking lot was our first stop. There, we obtained Old-Fashioned Plain Donuts - a highly underrated menu item that we equally enjoy - and sustenance to fuel our journey.
While my former coworker's croissant with cheese and butter arrived in record time, my mobile order was nowhere to be seen for at least twenty minutes! Only when we approached the staff did they confess that the item could not be prepared since they did not have scrambled eggs in stock. A round egg was an easy swap that took far too long to execute.

The seasonal Maple Brown Butter Sausage & Bacon Double Stacked Scrambled Egg Loaded Wrap had set me back $6.99. Despite being just slightly longer than the length of my palm, the creation was quite tasty. Boasting the inclusion of egg, sausage, and hash brown, I had anticipated the wrap to be satiating. To my surprise, not only was it hearty and gratifying, but the comprehensive drizzle of maple syrup and synthetic "butter" truly elevated the overall composition.
My Small Original Protein Iced Latte paired well with the Wrap, for its cool creaminess assuaged steam escaping from the inside of the wrap.
​
The facility itself was quite dated, though I appreciated that the single washroom stall was spacious and tidy. Of course, its status could vary drastically following the mid-day lunch, complete with soccer moms and senior citizens.

​Around noon, we continued on our way. Google Maps warned me of a road closure, even directing me away from our destination to avoid the supposed blockage.
The posted sign on 11th Concession read "Local Traffic" only. For my purposes, the fact that the entire access hadn't been blocked by TC-54s was confirmation enough.

I found the conservation area with ease, then followed the path into a gravel lot. The vicinity was heavily populated with vehicles.

Soon, we learned why: There was an event taking place within the nearby Education Centre, which had led to the building remaining open for the public to access.​

​On the basement level was a wall of hooks, likely present to facilitate school field trips, as well as the blessed sight of indoor plumbing. In addition to a shower stall with a wooden bench positioned in front, the facilities featured a row of narrow but clean stalls. Thank goodness! I was praying for more than just a portable potty.

​The hike commenced from the South Connector Trail. 

​Consistent with the forecast, the day started off humid, but a splendid breeze eventually filled the air. The shaded areas of the trail also contributed some much-needed respite from direct sunlight.

View the full album HERE !

​At 1 PM, sunlight was harshest and mercury levels reached their peak. I quickly grew warm, thus encouraged heading back into the shaded trails as soon as possible.

Read Part 1 HERE !

J-Town was impromptu stop. Crawling along Steeles towards Pacific Mall had lodged the idea in my mind and, as the driver, I could act upon such thoughts however I desired. My hiking partner did not oppose the deviation in the slightest, and so we entered into the lot, somehow finding parking with ease.

It was the first time I had stepped foot into the cultural district in many years. A part of me was astounded to find it still standing, as strip plazas redeveloping into high-rise towers has been the trend as of late. Few improvements have taken place over the years with regard to the condition of the asphalt lot, interior finishes of buildings, etc. That said, vendors have moved in and out of the space consistently. Rather than terminating and restarting leases though, majority of these outposts share a facility or operate out of the counter of another business.

A coffee and handmade goods display caught my attention. Nearby were intricate-looking desserts, ranging from colourful mochi, peach-shaped pastries, and even Sakura Cheesecake. The associated price tags were indeed shocking. Not even Patchmon's elaborate luk choup mung bean dessert and woon kati jellies had adorned such a hefty value. Meanwhile, I cannot deem the sakura cheesecake to be nearly as much labour as my own Youkan and Sakura Anko Pound Cake.

​I secured the rare bag of Momo Tea's Matsu at Sasaki Pastry. Heading over to Heisei Mart, we found more affordable renditions of sakura mochi, a wide selection of ceramics and teaware, and beverages and seasonings that were seldom seen elsewhere. 

​One of us emerged with an oriental style tea canister and Matcha Amazake, while the other two bars of Lotte Crunky. Needless to say, the chocolate bars were mine. Unfortunately, the formula was seemingly altered from the blue packaging edition, resulting in a sugar-filled headache and instantaneous breakouts.

The alcohol-free Matcha Amazake was shared after obtaining a small paper cup from Sasaki Pastry, who made an exception given that I had made a purchase previously. Viscous and brimming with rice grains, the formula tasted as one would anticipate: thick due to commercial stabilizer (ie. starch), slightly bitter due to the inclusion of non-ceremonial grade matcha, and sweet due to its name ("ama" = sweet in Japanese). Its afternotes were vaguely reminiscent of nigori sake, though not nearly as potent. Being a lover of Junmai sake though, the non-filtered sake is hardly my preference.

Next to Sasaki Pastry was Yuzu no Ki, a pastry house boasting a comprehensive array of Japanese-style tarts, cake slices, and cream puffs.

I was captivated by the Green Tea Opera Cake, which was retailed in the forms of individual slices or a whole cake. Pristine in its finishing touches and prominent in its layering, I was impressed that a 6" square had only been priced at $51.

The merchandise shelf comprised of jams, teas, and matcha accessories. Mini jars of Bonne Maman and Japanese black tea powder were the most interesting discoveries, though I refrained from purchasing any.

At long last, we arrived at Pacific Mall around 5 PM. Due to closure of the underground garage, I was prompted to park in the surface lot instead. This is important to note, as we would later learn.

​Egg waffles were the primary objective, but I couldn't skip indoor plumbing facilities. The basement level washrooms had been renovated since my last visit, now beaming and brilliant with marble tiling, dyson hand dryers, and Cintas soap dispensers. The reason for the "Washing Hands Only" sticker on each mirror remained unknown to me though.

I collapsed into bed after two back-to-back days of activity. However, my long weekend plans were far from being over.

My former coworker had been kind enough to meet up in the later half of the day to accommodate my need for sleeping in and recovery. As such, plans would commence around the early afternoon and conclude before the evening.

I slept till around 11 AM, rushed a load of laundry, then prepared accordingly.

We had agreed to meet at Centerpoint Mall, sheerly out of my curiosity for a games space by the name of Forever Young. While the stores within the mall were shuttered for the statutory holiday, the parking lot was oddly full. I couldn't figure out why until it was suggested that the mall itself was open, but the stores within were closed.

I had barely made managed to catch a glimpse of Forever Young when I laid eyes on the horrifying sight of parking mayhem before the entrance. Internal site circulation was positively awful! There were multiple conflict points for inbound vehicles from Steeles and vehicles and pedestrians navigating through the site.

​Eventually, I found parking in front of Canadian Tire and crossed the asphalt lot towards Forever Young. Perhaps I should have expected the interior to be filled with children, for it was long weekend after all. The screams were deafening and the entryway far busier than my sanity could handle. Prices are seemed ludicrous for the amount of time I'd be spending in wait of little kids.

Spinning on my heel, I resorted to head into Centerpoint Mall instead. At one of its north entrances, I was surprised to find Alminz Kakanin. I had heard news of Galleria taking over the lot at Steeles and Hilda, but hadn't expected relocation of the Filipino specialty grocer so soon. The storefront was vibrant and noticeably cleaner than the rest of the single storey shopping centre.

I decided to take a gander later, for finding a bathroom was of utmost priority. Consistent with my expectations, stores within the mall were indeed closed. This hadn't stopped locals from congregating in the food court or the corridors, however. The interior was shockingly busy, to the point where I had difficulty maneuvering. A handful of eateries and food kiosks remained open. Much to my relief, the bathrooms were open as well.

​Seeing as Forever Young was too chaotic (and too pricey) for my liking, I suggested heading to Yonge and Finch for snacks. There, the atmosphere was better suited for those of our age group, culinary palate, and spending power - or rather, lack thereof.

Having secured parking first, I briskly strode into Upper East Food Club in search of Mister Wheel. Taiwanese wheel cakes weren't foreign to me, but they had always been incredibly difficult to locate in the GTA.

​I neared the cashier and was promptly ignored for the entire duration. Consequently, my energy was redirected towards their online order platform, supported by Snappy. Signage posted along the counter informed that all orders would require fifteen minutes to prepare. By ordering on the browser-based platform, I could venture elsewhere instead of persisting aimlessly in a warm and unnecessarily noisy environment.

Really, what was I thinking to do several pies in the span of several hours? It was doable, of course, but exhausting when the activity was sandwiched between back-to-back events all weekend.

1) Apple Crisp with Pie Crust Bottom (Again)

My browsing partner had requested a second iteration of my Apple Crisp, thus prompting the orchard stopover of the previous day. Admittedly, I was quite apple-d out, but agreed anyway since I had one too-thin crust chilling - in the most literal sense - in the freezer anyway.

2) Pie Crust

For the first time since attempting pie crust, I took to the food processor to facilitate preparation of a double batch. I had learned the hard way that such a portion was tragic to prepare manually, thus prepared cubed butter for blitzing. While cutting the block on a cutting board was easier than ripping off chunks with the block in one hand, it undoubtedly softened the butter in the process due to increased handling.

Thanksgiving hiking is an annual tradition I don't intend on breaking anytime soon.

​This year's three-day would be the most hectic of them all: Hiking, apple acquisition, groceries, chores, pie making, and hangouts would all need to take place within this time frame. Needless to say, some things would need to give.
As with majority of cases, this would be my sleep and sanity.

​Commencing a sunny Saturday morning was a trip to Milton. Originally, I had intended to undertake the Limehouse Conservation Area trails solo, but later invited my browsing partner to join.

We stopped first at Tim Hortons, my usual pick for quick sustenance and indoor plumbing facilities.​

I took to an $8.99 Supreme Stack, which included steak slices and bacon. Adding lettuce for a source of greens and freshness was denied, so I adhered to the predetermined constituent lineup. A small Iced Chai Latte with Oat Milk set me back $3.29 more.
Extremely plush was the potato bun - a delightful choice for both the Supreme Stack and Thanksgiving Stack's flavourful components. Another pleasant surprise was the peppercorn sauce, which was smoky and delectable, and not spicy in the slightest! The shaved steak strips and bacon were also nowhere as heavy as envisioned, and the overall concoction was still tasty without lettuce.

Similarly, the Iced Chai exceeded expectations with a lightly spiced presence.

My browsing partner has been expressive about a preference for McDonald's over Tim's, citing familiarity and consistency in the menu. I wrinkled my nose in distaste, for McDonald's fare was so synthetic it could hardly be considered food. The lack of variety and steady climb in price further justified a shift towards more varied options, should you ask me.
A Bagel sandwich and hot Brewed Coffee were consumed across from me.

​We then made our way towards the day's POI.

Boasting free admission, Limehouse Conservation Area was quickly found to be a popular attraction for Thanksgiving long weekend. Visitor volumes were staggeringly high, leading me to grimace with disgust. Besides the surge in traffic on the trails, several of these groups rambunctiously paraded the trail, either shouting/conversing loudly or blasting music from a portable speaker. Observing one of these groups emerge from a rental vehicle drifting into the gravel lot led to much disdain and head-shaking.

There was just one "official" parking area, according to the trail map. From Station 1, we followed the Limehouse Access Trail towards Bruce Trail. The proposal was undertake a counter-clockwise loop about the conservation area, terminating at the highlight of the kiln and "Hole in the Wall".

​Fall foliage is a scene that few Canadians ever tire of. For about two to three weeks, the province welcomes a glorious gradient of gold, tangerine, turmeric, mahogany, and more. External temperatures are comfortable, with perhaps breezy gusts or crisp, autumn air welcoming trail-goers. Sorrowfully short-lived is the season, and soon we will be anticipating subzero conditions and cracking skin once more.

View the full album HERE !

​With my browsing partner in tow, it wasn't surprising to stop and take note of natural elements that would have otherwise gone unnoticed by yours truly. A creepy crawler bearing a slick, petroleum-like sheen stood out amongst the fallen leaves; it was a supposedly uncommon sighting, and I later learned of it to be poisonous.