Work-from-home duties have not only buried me alive, but proceeded to sprinkle its seeds in preparation for eternal embedment. I've seen more of spreadsheets than happenings of the outside world lately, which ̶a̶p̶p̶a̶r̶e̶n̶t̶l̶y̶ ̶ appallingly isn't surprising amongst the working group of which I am acquainted.
My response to a friend's inquisition of "Did you want more tea bags?" prompted the realization of a newly-founded dependence on caffeine.
My response to a friend's inquisition of "Did you want more tea bags?" prompted the realization of a newly-founded dependence on caffeine.
Cooking and kitchen compilations can be viewed as chores to some (many?), however they are personally interpreted as moments of creative release. Bearing more nimbleness than artistic expertise in the fingers and limbs, the creation of comestible compositions between frenzied work tasks is not nearly intimidating an undertaking if scheduled judiciously. The reasoner within appreciates gustatory genesis, for it serves the dual, or rather, primary, function of providing sustenance.
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My endless fascination with tall, fluffy pancakes has been imprinted in my memory with the testing procedures of countless pancake recipes (only one bearing fruit). A few years have since passed, and while I've accepted my fate, the craving for warm, syrup-drizzled flapjacks does creep up on me.
Maple syrup courtesy of Maple Syrup Fest, because that's just how Canadians do things.
2. Miscellaneous snacks and lattes
Beyond whale lattes, cold cappuccinos, more cheese custard-filled browniest cookies, and pan-fried gyoza were samples of Ontario craft beer. Muskoka Brewery's Late Bloomer was an invigorating limited release perfectly suited for days where ciders feel a tad syrupy, lagers a bit lacking, and IPAs a bit acerbic.
Beyond whale lattes, cold cappuccinos, more cheese custard-filled browniest cookies, and pan-fried gyoza were samples of Ontario craft beer. Muskoka Brewery's Late Bloomer was an invigorating limited release perfectly suited for days where ciders feel a tad syrupy, lagers a bit lacking, and IPAs a bit acerbic.
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3. Mango Tango Affogato was born when frozen mango chunks met Baskin Robbins in the form of roughly contemplated afternoon snack.
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4. Holiday Cutout Omelette
Drawing inspiration from those with too much time on their hands, our pantry staple of luncheon meat was transformed into two dual-toned dishes with the help of my favourite spring-themed cookie cutters.
Drawing inspiration from those with too much time on their hands, our pantry staple of luncheon meat was transformed into two dual-toned dishes with the help of my favourite spring-themed cookie cutters.
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Blanched kale, Hawaiian pizza, and scallions were extended in accompaniment.
At its instance of purchase, Side Launch's Margarita Gose had been mistakenly read as "Margarita Rosé". I had not the foggiest idea of the variety's characteristics, though Google was kind enough to inform me of its origins and distinctive sour/herbal/salty qualities. The description mentioned agave nectar, lime purée, and sea salt, and the profile tasted exactly as such (perhaps more tart than sugary though, I will admit).
I much prefer their Northbound Lager over this, though any can of Waterloo Brewing's over them both.
Newcastle Brown Ale was at the stark opposite end of the spectrum: a truly wonderful concoction with a more formidable history than imaginable.
I much prefer their Northbound Lager over this, though any can of Waterloo Brewing's over them both.
Newcastle Brown Ale was at the stark opposite end of the spectrum: a truly wonderful concoction with a more formidable history than imaginable.
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5. Lemon Curd Pound Cake / 檸檬流心磅蛋糕
I shall profess: my primary concern to a curd-containing cake was that of dampness, which would only accumulate with each passing day. Thankfully, this specimen disappeared long before such a process could occur; all credits are owed to Ciao! Kitchen.
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Some of her steps were met with dubious eyebrow raises: lemon sugar? lemon curd with a whole egg and without cornstarch??
Yet, I adhered to her recipe, straying not even once from the guideline with the exception of cooking times, as I was preparing one whole loaf instead of three minis. And might I declare that 檸檬砂糖 is the best combination to ever grace us, especially when prepared from fresh, supple lemons.
Yet, I adhered to her recipe, straying not even once from the guideline with the exception of cooking times, as I was preparing one whole loaf instead of three minis. And might I declare that 檸檬砂糖 is the best combination to ever grace us, especially when prepared from fresh, supple lemons.
Frankly speaking, the quantity of granulate sugar was a startling, however easily compensated by irresistible zestiness. Overbaking eliminated a moist interior, though the crunchy, turbinado-less exterior obtained in its stead was quite mindblowing.
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Needless to say, we devoured the slices alongside steaming cups of fragrant java.
6. Walnut Cookies turned Walnut Scones
After catching the final episode of When My Love Blooms (huzzah!!), I set out to deploy my toasted walnuts in a second iteration of Chinese Walnut Cookies.
After catching the final episode of When My Love Blooms (huzzah!!), I set out to deploy my toasted walnuts in a second iteration of Chinese Walnut Cookies.
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Having neither lard nor ammonia powder on hand, I swapped in butter and extra baking powder instead. The result was undeniable less crackly and more voluminous than the traditional Hong Kong pastry.
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Sunday morning witnessed an influx of sweet treats, gifted by none other than the pink fanatic sweeter than the desserts themselves.
Her love materialized in the forms of ube crinkle cookies, meringue drops, crème brûlée foil trays, and cheesecake(s) in a jar on my doorstep - hard evidence that true friendship knows no geographical boundaries. While her current positioning is that of 13900 km away, she never ceased to demonstrate care, regardless of the highs or lows.
Her love materialized in the forms of ube crinkle cookies, meringue drops, crème brûlée foil trays, and cheesecake(s) in a jar on my doorstep - hard evidence that true friendship knows no geographical boundaries. While her current positioning is that of 13900 km away, she never ceased to demonstrate care, regardless of the highs or lows.
Such tremendous consideration is, regrettably, a rare sighting. Traversing beyond the five-kilometre radius of their neighbourhood is a "travesty" for most local acquaintances, with or without access to a personal vehicle. Appreciation is an instinctive state I shall never hesitate to express.
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I shall admit: the treats were passable at best. I've had better crinkle cookies in my day, though cannot and shall not condemn the act of supporting our local community.
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