With my browsing partner halfway across the world, I've been exposed to snippets of life in other continents. Living vicariously through media received, I was introduced to Biscoff Storm. Created by Hungry Jack's, the Australian equivalent of Burger King, the soft serve creation was akin to a McFlurry, with the exception of retaining the clear delineation of soft serve and crushed biscuit.
Needless to say, I was avid to recreate the concoction.
Needless to say, I was avid to recreate the concoction.
While, in hindsight, obtaining a Vanilla Cone from McDonald's would have been the easiest method of obtaining a soft serve base, reluctance towards leaving house, in conjunction with a soon-to-expire carton of heavy cream, convinced me to craft the creamy foundation from scratch.
Source: Hungry Jack's, 2024
Into the stand mixer I poured about 200 g of heavy cream, allowing it to be whipped until reaching soft peaks. Truthfully, in all my attempts to date, I've consistently found the consistency of machine-whipped heavy cream to inferior to when using a hand mixer. Often is the formula lumpy and on the verge of separating, rather than voluminous and smooth. Overwhipping is the probable cause, for textural evolution is trickier to identify when observing from afar.
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Adopting a ganache-making approach, 25% of white chocolate by weight would be used to stabilize the cream. I'd advise against this method though, for the result was sickeningly sweet in its soft, pliable state. Of course, the recommendation may be altered should one opt to incorporate a bitter or pungent flavour like matcha, coffee, or ginger. Generally speaking, the dessert was decent when frozen, but cloying, excessively rich, and devoid of complexity immediately after compilation. Stabilizers are non-negotiable, I have learned.
Source: Hungry Jack's, 2024
Ontario weather is deceiving. The forecast promised sunshine and temperatures hovering about the low 20s; in actuality, the morning revealed overcast skies and a slick coat of humidity that wouldn't persisted for the entirety of the day. Being the heat-loathing species that I am, I pondered once again when the arrival of autumn would come - When would we be granted conditions suitable for outdoor physical activities?
I picked up a Nescafé Rich Instant Coffee sample at the Bay Concourse, then continued on my way.
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There was no shortage in free fare in the office. From early Halloween treats of Mars, Coffee Crisp, and KitKat to my baking coworker's rendition of SK's New York Crumb Cake to the wholly unexpected arrival of a coffee filter machine for office use.
By the mid-morning, I was absolutely stuffed. My standard breakfast of oatmeal aside, the New York Crumb Cake had proven excessively greasy, with a sugary topping that, albeit crunchy, did not adhere.
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Few variations in climate were observed across the morning. The outside world flitted between overcast and pockets of sun, but nevertheless remained humid and too warm for brisk walking (or cycling). There weren't any errands pressing, nor particular destinations of interest.
I decided on a follow-up visit to Winners, where my search for elbow pads would end in vain. Descending down to the basement level, I'd roam the accessory aisles of SportChek. A uniform-clad member of staff called out to catch my attention. The first time I had not heard him, for music had been blaring in my headphones. The second time, it was his tall stature and gesture that caught my attention. He advised that I'd likely have better luck finding elbow pads at Canadian Tire or the Square One/Yorkdale SportChek locations, which usually stocked a greater amount of inventory due to size. Thanking him for the recommendation, I strode out from the store, then realized why his face had seemed so familiar: He embodied the lanky figure, long-ish strands, and soft yet sharp expression of Sunghoon from ENHYPHEN. He was merely the blonde version.
UNIQLO would serve to confirm my sizing across various articles of clothing, such that I could compare prices for the same (or similar) item when purchased abroad (no tax, delay in receipt) versus locally (tax, flash sale, and sooner receipt).
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The UV jacket I'd been eyeing all season finally slashed its atrocious $59.90 price tag. And fittingly so, for the brand's signature fuzzy zip-up had been overhauled for many weeks at this point.
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Our weekly team gathering would prompt a belated birthday celebration for my baking coworker. When presented with the potential of ice cream cake, I had scoffed, knowing that it'd fail to align with her definition of "cake". Butter Baker would be proposed based on gustatory excellence and proximity; metro and Longo's cakes simply wouldn't do!
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The Black & White Chocolate Cake boasted exceptionally balanced flavours and sublime smoothness. Despite the atrocious amount of sweet treats consumed over the span of the day, the cake did not worsen my existing sense of satiation. Chocolate cakes are often known characterized by decadence, however this rendition was simultaneously sumptuous and delicate. Whipped dark and white chocolate "creme", which I presumed to be ganache montée, made for exceptionally silky layers. Meanwhile, the sponge layers were moist, but neither sodden nor crumbly.
My baking coworker strived to portion out seventeen equal slices for all members of the meeting room. Amidst this process, the slices were observed as sturdy and structurally sound, yet not dense to the taste whatsoever.
My baking coworker strived to portion out seventeen equal slices for all members of the meeting room. Amidst this process, the slices were observed as sturdy and structurally sound, yet not dense to the taste whatsoever.
Source: Butter Baker, 2024
Atypically quiet was the subsequent office day. Again, I had no errands to accomplish nor a particular desire to cycle amidst mercury levels hovering about the mid 20s.
I'd head to Eaton once more as to take advantage of the well air-conditioned premises.
I'd head to Eaton once more as to take advantage of the well air-conditioned premises.
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After acquainting myself with Kate Spade's new arrivals (houndstooth is back!) and bumping into a friend of a friend, I'd continue to roam the area for sightings of interest. Construction and scaffolding appear sporadically, as do unannounced pedestrian detours.
An upcoming shawarma outpost was hinted at Yonge/Dundas Square, though I was more intrigued by the month-long promotion of Real Fruit gummies at Shoppers. Ever since obtaining the gargantuan bag at Costco in Richmond, I had attempted to source the product at GTA outposts near and far, ultimately without success. The $1.77 promotion prompted procurement of the Medley and Tropical series; the latter was notably tastier.
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Routing through IKEA then College Park, I returned to the office to munch on gummies until the end of the day.
Meals of the week comprised of: Steamed Pork and Tofu (not pictured), Tomato and Pork Stir Fry over Rice and Choy Sum, and Pizzaville takeout.
Meals of the week comprised of: Steamed Pork and Tofu (not pictured), Tomato and Pork Stir Fry over Rice and Choy Sum, and Pizzaville takeout.
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While my lunchtime schedule was overtaken by a frenzy of packing and shipping errands, the pizza order would be requested for delivery, such that I could sink my teeth into the 11" Xtra Thin Deluxe Pizza upon returning home.
I had requested omission of red onion slivers (no charge) and addition of Turkey Bacon (+ $1.73), though found only one of two to be honoured. That said, the bulbs were sweet rather than pungent, so I hadn't minded them much.
I had requested omission of red onion slivers (no charge) and addition of Turkey Bacon (+ $1.73), though found only one of two to be honoured. That said, the bulbs were sweet rather than pungent, so I hadn't minded them much.
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A Single Serving Tiramisu Cup had been tacked onto the order out of curiosity. The dessert would set me back $3.73 plus tax. Comprising of an aerated mousse (?) layer and thoroughly soaked sponge, the first few bites were decent. As I reached the bottom of the cup, however, an excess of the soaking liquid was observed. Its murky appearance and unidentifiable profile prompted disposal of the final bites of sponge. Although generally better than Costco's rendition, it suffices to say that I shall not be reordering.
Fatigue has yet to dissipate from my body. No matter the quantity of caffeine or sleep, performance in self-led pilates and dance routines have persisted as being less effective than usual. I regard these biological responses as indicators warranting attention, though uncertainty surrounds the method of treatment. When not in the office, most of my days have been consumed by cleaning operations, a seemingly endless journey on personal financial research, and previously arranged events. With unexpected occurrences around every corner, I fret that my P.Eng submission shall never see completion.
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Absent for another five weeks, my browsing partner continues to provide updates on daily activities and amusing tidbits observed abroad. Among these are: brunch spreads, patterned souvenir socks, and location-exclusive snacks.
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Drawing inspiration from these images, I set out to concoct my own edition of these treats: a doubly concentrated Yuan Yang (with Van Cheong Tea and Nescafé Rich) and PB Condensed Milk Toast.
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