With a supplementary licensure application deadline steadily looming and tasks flying into my inbox with no end in sight, it would be an understatement to merely declare: I am stressed.
The interference of others amidst this process can be beneficial or detrimental. While some have taken to casual conversation to alleviate immediate stressors, lending a helping hand to decrease workload and facilitate efforts towards my (seemingly endless) application, or showing understanding towards sudden schedule changes, there are also those that have consistently failed to exhibit the necessary forms of rapport, despite the requests being exceptionally straightforward.
The interference of others amidst this process can be beneficial or detrimental. While some have taken to casual conversation to alleviate immediate stressors, lending a helping hand to decrease workload and facilitate efforts towards my (seemingly endless) application, or showing understanding towards sudden schedule changes, there are also those that have consistently failed to exhibit the necessary forms of rapport, despite the requests being exceptionally straightforward.
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During these high-tension times, I've resorted to balancing my mental strain by maintaining regular levels of fitness, contemplating new culinary creations, and the less health-conscious measure of heavy indulgence in snacks and sweets.
Apple cider and Perrier were discovered as a fabulous, daytime alternative to spiked cider. Peanut butter toast with condensed milk was an easy, North American take on the classic HK-style waffle sandwich.
Apple cider and Perrier were discovered as a fabulous, daytime alternative to spiked cider. Peanut butter toast with condensed milk was an easy, North American take on the classic HK-style waffle sandwich.
Between managing weekly grocery rounds, general expense tracking, and planning for the upcoming Black Friday splurge, I was also finally able to watch Despicable Me 4! Nearly four months after its cinema release, the latest Minions production arrived in the Amazon Prime video portal, enabling enjoyment in the comfort of my own home. My browsing partner would be exempted from this viewing due to absence; meanwhile, I'd now be able to declare completion of the Minions and Despicable Me lineup in their entirety(ies).
The movie's addition of a Blackpink background track and BTS phone case were interesting observations, for it confirmed the infiltration of K-Pop into Western media to an utterly unimaginable extent.
The movie's addition of a Blackpink background track and BTS phone case were interesting observations, for it confirmed the infiltration of K-Pop into Western media to an utterly unimaginable extent.
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Easiest Chocolate Cupcakes
As a consequence of skyrocketing chocolate cravings, I eagerly attempted Sunday's latest recipe.
Being named the "Not Too Sweet, Rich Chocolate Cupcake", my expectations were admittedly high. It was Sunday, after all.
Ganache
The corn syrup-infused ganache was effortlessly assembled in about ten minutes. Her recipe called for 200 g of heavy cream, but I was short 10 g. The entire recipe would be scaled down by 5% to accommodate for this, though it still resulted in more frosting than needed.
Ingredients
The corn syrup-infused ganache was effortlessly assembled in about ten minutes. Her recipe called for 200 g of heavy cream, but I was short 10 g. The entire recipe would be scaled down by 5% to accommodate for this, though it still resulted in more frosting than needed.
Ingredients
- 190 g heavy cream, warmed
- 171 g chocolate couverture
- 30 g glucose * did not scale glucose and accidentally added the original qty
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The residual heat of the heavy cream was inadequate in fully melting the chocolate, thus requiring microwaving of the entire mixture. It should also be noted that my couverture pieces were noticeably larger than Sunday's, and my kitchen quite chilly in general.
Sunday recommended the ganache to be set in a shallow pan - likely for uniformity. However, I kept the mixture in a lidded glass bowl for easier scraping of the edges and to minimize dish count. Instead of resting at room temperature overnight, the process was hastened with a 2.5h rest in the fridge. Unfortunately, this duration was insufficient and the resulting frosting was too loose to hold its shape for piping. Interestingly, the consistency did not thicken much more even when left to reside in the fridge beyond 24 hours.
Nevertheless, it was delicious and accentuated the mild cocoa notes in the airy cupcake. On its own, it was a tad satiating, adopting a viscosity thicker than chocolate syrup (could not pair with ice cream) but looser than a mousse cake topping.
Sunday recommended the ganache to be set in a shallow pan - likely for uniformity. However, I kept the mixture in a lidded glass bowl for easier scraping of the edges and to minimize dish count. Instead of resting at room temperature overnight, the process was hastened with a 2.5h rest in the fridge. Unfortunately, this duration was insufficient and the resulting frosting was too loose to hold its shape for piping. Interestingly, the consistency did not thicken much more even when left to reside in the fridge beyond 24 hours.
Nevertheless, it was delicious and accentuated the mild cocoa notes in the airy cupcake. On its own, it was a tad satiating, adopting a viscosity thicker than chocolate syrup (could not pair with ice cream) but looser than a mousse cake topping.
Cupcakes
Similar to the ganache, construction of the cupcake batter required extremely little effort. The process was completed in thirty minutes, inclusive of dishwashing! The ingredient list contributed greatly to this production speed, for it was all pantry staples. Using oil nixed the need of softening butter, while chemical leaveners assisted with aeration. Just one egg would serve to provide for the entire batch.
Similar to the ganache, construction of the cupcake batter required extremely little effort. The process was completed in thirty minutes, inclusive of dishwashing! The ingredient list contributed greatly to this production speed, for it was all pantry staples. Using oil nixed the need of softening butter, while chemical leaveners assisted with aeration. Just one egg would serve to provide for the entire batch.
Ingredients
Yield: 10 standard muffin cups, using a 1/3 cup measuring spoon to portion
- 1 egg
- ̶9̶0̶ ̶g̶ ̶w̶a̶t̶e̶r̶ → 50 g water *
- ̶9̶0̶ ̶g̶ ̶w̶h̶o̶l̶e̶ ̶m̶i̶l̶k̶ → 130 g half & half cream *
- 90 g oil
- 100 g sugar
- 4 g baking soda
- 2 g baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 30 g cocoa powder
- 110 g AP flour
Yield: 10 standard muffin cups, using a 1/3 cup measuring spoon to portion
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In the absence of milk, I substituted of mixture of half & half cream (10%) and water, keeping the total amount of liquid unaltered:
130 g half & half + 50 g water = 180 g total liquid
The formula produced loose batter, yet not one so watery to the extent of conjuring reservations. In hindsight, The relatively high proportion of liquid should have prompted me to sift the cocoa powder instead of adding directly and whisking. Detected in the final product were a handful of unmixed pockets of flour in the lower third of the cupcake. These pockets were not at all discernible during consumption (unlike banana bread), but fairly obvious in the cross-section due to the stark colour contrast.
Overall, the cupcake was very light and tender - friable, even - and, indeed, not very sweet. Frosting was learned to be mandatory, for the cupcake was slightly lacklustre on its own.
130 g half & half + 50 g water = 180 g total liquid
The formula produced loose batter, yet not one so watery to the extent of conjuring reservations. In hindsight, The relatively high proportion of liquid should have prompted me to sift the cocoa powder instead of adding directly and whisking. Detected in the final product were a handful of unmixed pockets of flour in the lower third of the cupcake. These pockets were not at all discernible during consumption (unlike banana bread), but fairly obvious in the cross-section due to the stark colour contrast.
Overall, the cupcake was very light and tender - friable, even - and, indeed, not very sweet. Frosting was learned to be mandatory, for the cupcake was slightly lacklustre on its own.
This latest recipe differs from my go-to Sunday pick of Halloween Chocolate Cupcakes in that there was less flour, more baking soda than baking powder, and more oil. Such ingredients swaps contributed to a reduction in structure, increased moistness, and excessive sogginess if not consumed within 48 hours. Deviating from the standard 1:1 ratio, this ganache was modified to have a lower amount of chocolate than cream, and further involved the addition of glucose. I reckon that glucose was added to render glossiness and a malleable structure, though my personal preference would lay with a sturdier formula for transportability and toothsomeness.
Comparison:
| Easiest Chocolate Cupcakes Sponge
Ganache
| Halloween Chocolate Cupcakes Sponge
Ganache
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In-office days felt strange following Daylight Savings.
The morning skies did not differ vastly, though harsh beams penetrating through the windows in the late morning hours caught me by surprise. Lowering of blinds would take place frequently, for one would be blinded by the refracted rays otherwise.
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Lunchtime would serve for a brisk walk along the length of the Eaton Centre. External conditions were warm but windy, making outdoor treks an immediately unappealing source of dust and general downtown grime.
I had been eyeing the adorably festive Halloween chocolates from Purdy's the week prior, and finally secured items of interest through a BOGO sale.
Initially, I was concerned whether the products would be immediately phased out (like Michaels and Dollarama), for the website returned limited results. But fruitful was my trip, for I managed to procure not only the ever-nostalgic Frankenmallows, but Halloween truffle boxes and Milk/Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Lollipops as well.
While not part of the sale, I was persuaded into purchase of a Dear Santa bar strictly on the basis that $2 of each six-dollar bar would be donated to a local children's hospital.
While not part of the sale, I was persuaded into purchase of a Dear Santa bar strictly on the basis that $2 of each six-dollar bar would be donated to a local children's hospital.
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The sojourn would then inform of me of Craig's Cookies' latest outpost just outside Queen's Cross Food Hall, holiday exclusives at Läderach, and rainboots disguised as trendy platform boots at The Bay.
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As excepted, Ontario Line construction continues - also without a definite finish line in sight.
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The subsequent office day had been predicted to be slightly cooler, igniting my desire to bike.
Meandering towards the downtown core, however, I was astounded by the inclement weather that had been excluded from the forecast. A decent rainfall had enrobed the city with gloom and ponding potholes. Throughout the morning, I'd debate my decision: Would the roads remain slick? Would I potentially eat curb water??
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One of my coworkers revealed himself with a hefty handful of Läderach bars, promptly offering me first pick of the assortment before dispersion.
I'd mindless munch on the caramel- and nut-filled shards while analyzing road conditions from a lofty elevation. In the end, I decided on proceeding with the original plan.
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Roundhouse Park was a mere 8-minute bike ride away. Traversing southbound along Simcoe, I learned that a portion of the cycle track was shuttered due to construction. A handful of stretches would also be obstructed by delivery vehicles, forcing cyclists to merge with aggressive, single lane vehicular traffic. Maximum alertness was to be summoned while nearing the Union Station rail underpass: The segment sloped downwards, causing gravity-induced acceleration around driveways with poor sightlines. This would then transition to sections featuring ponding around uneven utility covers and homeless residents under the bridge.
Upon reaching Bremner though, all would be peaceful once again.
Wednesday afternoon in autumn was declared a wonderful time to visit. Tourist volumes had plummeted since the arrival of September; meanwhile, concert and stadium crowds had yet to file in for the evening.
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Visiting the Toronto Railway Museum would assume my priority of the trip. The trains around Roundhouse Park were a persistent presence accessible to the general public at all times of the day, but the TPL Map pass enabled perusal of the indoor installations.
On display within were artifacts detailing the history of CN Rail, GO Transit, and Union Station. Positioned in glass display cases and along the perimeter of the room were departure boards of the past, steel beams used for tracks, miniature train models, and even onboard cutlery sets (for train meals).
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There were a number of retired passenger cars that had been repurposed for additional displays, and even a train simulation device for those curious about operational components.
The sole member of on-site staff was very friendly, and even offered to provide a tutorial on the simulation device. This interactive component was likely the highlight of my stopover.
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Although it would have been impossible to cover all the informative posters over a mere lunch break, I reckoned that one hour would be more than sufficient to experience the paid portion of the museum. An additional hour would probably suffice for the attractions outside.
At seeing my interactions with "Beary the Conductor Bear", the staff member noted that the plush was available for sale in the TRM Gift Shop. One could route past the Steam Whistle and follow the tracks of the Mini Train towards the building bearing (no pun intended) a sign that read "Don".
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Vague recollections of my Fan Expo experiences resurfaced: I had probably set foot in the store previously without knowing of its relation to the Toronto Railway Museum.
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Clear skies and colourful foliage made for a beautiful late autumn saunter. Perfectly peaceful were the CN Tower grounds, such that I wished to linger a bit longer, but sadly could not.
Retracing my path up Simcoe, I was instantly met with an extremely challenging uphill climb towards Front Street. Past King though, most of the route unobstructed.
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The Simcoe cycle tracks terminated at Richmond St. I continued one more block north to Queen, then connected to University northbound. The return trip was shorter than expected. With about fifteen minutes remaining, a detour was made instead of docking at the nearest station. Oddly enough, this portion of the trip was not detected by my watch.
An Unsweetened Iced Latte from Tims later and I was back in the office.
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Alas, my solo downtown day would not conclude so early. It was no coincidence that I had planned my presence to align with the first day of the ProFusion Expo.
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My first attendance at the event was ten years ago, when the Expo had been held in the concourse level of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building. Later on, its growing scale prompted shift towards the more spacious North Building, where the annual event has remained since.
While previous years had enabled on-site testing of products new and old, recent years have increased the number of exhibitors and lectures to correspond with growing demands in alternative media.
While previous years had enabled on-site testing of products new and old, recent years have increased the number of exhibitors and lectures to correspond with growing demands in alternative media.
This year's booths boasted a variety of interactive displays, including a wider array of stationary microphone setups for podcast use and even music production. On-camera microphones were showcased on a smaller table, intended primarily for display (instead of testing). In response to a growing group of "content creators", there was an undeniably larger selection of drones, pocketable cameras, and collapsible tripods/stands on the market.
The Rode booth was not particularly helpful in enhancing my knowledge towards on-camera or lavalier mics. That said, I did learn that my go-to point-and-shoot camera does not support an external mic, thus limiting my ability to improve sound quality when filming on site.
The Rode booth was not particularly helpful in enhancing my knowledge towards on-camera or lavalier mics. That said, I did learn that my go-to point-and-shoot camera does not support an external mic, thus limiting my ability to improve sound quality when filming on site.
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The Nikon booth featured bouncy, artificial hardwood flooring and a retro-style photobooth, while Canon placed emphasis on printing (EPSON).
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While it is not uncommon to experience judgement if one does not fit the stereotypical photographer image, I observed a decrease in such speculations this time around, probably due to the increase of young "content creators" and filmmakers pursuing higher quality gear.
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The Insta360 booth was possibly the nicest and most enthusiastic about introducing their products. Instead of merely trying to categorize their customers for catered information, the staff (volunteers?) provided a comprehensive demo of the Insta360 X4 and strived to answer my endless stream of inquiries to the best of their abilities.
My stay approximated one hour, after which I departed with budding curiosity towards the latest Insta360 model.
My stay approximated one hour, after which I departed with budding curiosity towards the latest Insta360 model.
Amidst a somewhat leisurely walk through Union Market, I'd discover:
- The precise coordinates of Shake Shack's future location
- Grand Taco Taqueria's successor
- A hidden pop-up market named TikTok SmallBiz Pop-Up
Despite being decorated colourfully, the grounds of the pop-up market felt remarkably cold and uninviting. Pet-friendly soju and makgeolli aside, there were few other articles/vendors that had succeeded in piquing my interest.
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