As I learn time and time again, there is such a case of "too much of a good thing", where the physical limitations of the body cease to synchronize with the rampant sparks within the mind.
1) Blueberry Greek Yogurt Muffins
Having initiated a reboot of the Journey to Health, the intent had been to produce a baked good as suitable for midday munching as breakfast with coffee, all while summoning the last of my soon-to-expire tub of Liberté. The recipe was adapted from none other than the trusty SK, whose grapefruit yogurt cake formula was tweaked for individually-portioned pieces, the incorporation of blueberry jam, and the swap of oil for butter.
The first 12-hour edition of my go-to dough recipe, this variation utilized dolloped tomato paste as opposed to a thorough buttering to keep dampness at bay.
Initially dubious about the turnout, I was in absolute awe when I unveiled perfectly charred sugar peas from the oven - just like the recipe! Crisp yet mild in flavour, these definitely disappeared sooner than I would have preferred.
4) Stir Fried Eggplant, Garlic Hearts, and Bean Sprouts
With a luscious base of white wine reduction, heavy cream, and tomato paste, and sweet niblets of corn kernels, this dish was likely as close to restaurant-level pasta as could be!
6) Braised Beef with homemade tomato sauce
8) Financiers - still in madeleine molds, revisited with proper cooking temperatures!
11) Mixed Bean Chili w/ Ground Pork
We revisited Stuffies for a sweet Cro-Tai, otherwise known as a croissant taiyaki. Decidedly dissimilar to the crunchy, flakey heaven that was Snowy Village, the pastry was not so much crisp as it was warm. The shell was rigid, with a lingering tastes of saltiness more suited towards savoury fillings. Nutella was, unmistakably, the safest filling, given that I was craving neither watery vanilla or one-dimensional blueberry.
Concluding the day's essential errands was a stroll about Erin Mills Town Centre. Over its thirty-year lifespan, the local neighbourhood shopping centre has since transformed into a mid-tier mall with a spectacular atrium. That said, its store offerings remain inferior to the likes of City Centre's favourite.