I hadn't ever thought that twenty-degree weather and holiday decorations would ever co-exist, however this year has proven to be a year of many firsts. (We may even be nearing the first lockdown in eight months.)
Progressing into the final months of 2020 provokes a period of reflection, as with every passing year and every winter. In hindsight, I don't believe to have accomplished much besides an incredulous amount of cooking, chore doing, and virtual meeting partaking. That said, I am grateful for employment, and the sheer ability to execute my assigned duties from the comfort and safety of my own home.
Progressing into the final months of 2020 provokes a period of reflection, as with every passing year and every winter. In hindsight, I don't believe to have accomplished much besides an incredulous amount of cooking, chore doing, and virtual meeting partaking. That said, I am grateful for employment, and the sheer ability to execute my assigned duties from the comfort and safety of my own home.
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With gradual improvements in wrist mobility (despite persistent inflammation), I shall commence this week's roundup with a collection of creations of the week:
1) Earl Grey Almond Latte
Making the most of my gifted Sloane Heavenly Cream, soon-to-expire unsweetened almond milk, and exceptionally floral Knotty Coppertop Honey, I commenced the week with a low-impact Earl Grey Almond Latte.
1) Earl Grey Almond Latte
Making the most of my gifted Sloane Heavenly Cream, soon-to-expire unsweetened almond milk, and exceptionally floral Knotty Coppertop Honey, I commenced the week with a low-impact Earl Grey Almond Latte.
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Costco's Rotisserie chicken and homemade Diana sauce ribs constituted the household's protein sources for majority of the week.
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2) Sour Cream Bran Muffins
SK's comparatively more savoury rendition of the high-fibre breakfast item was found to pair best alongside fresh fruit.
SK's comparatively more savoury rendition of the high-fibre breakfast item was found to pair best alongside fresh fruit.
3) Unsuccessful Pizza constructed from previously proofed yeast and lonely strips of SPAM (feat. a heavily advertised yet decidedly undelightful can of Harvest Ale
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4) Mini Pumpkin Tarts
Opting to make the most of a discounted local pumpkin wedge and my Stainless steel OOMOMO tart shells, I undertook the 3-day project later to be recalled as the soggiest Pumpkin Tarts in history. The endeavour had purposely been separated into three days for the sake of preserving wrist wellness.
Opting to make the most of a discounted local pumpkin wedge and my Stainless steel OOMOMO tart shells, I undertook the 3-day project later to be recalled as the soggiest Pumpkin Tarts in history. The endeavour had purposely been separated into three days for the sake of preserving wrist wellness.
The first day involved steaming the wedge and rind removal, while the second and third involved custard-making and crust-forming. A meringue topping was whipped up - in the most literal sense - utilizing leftover egg whites, then smothered atop each tart and charred.
The finishing touches had been executed during the late evening hours, so it was only reasonable to return the tarts to the refrigerator for later enjoyment. Alas, the meringue layer had failed to set completely, exuding an atrocious amount of moisture that proceeded to seep into the once-sturdy crust.
Alas, the final product emerged delicious, yet in a highly regrettable state.
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5) Pickled Carrots
From pickled onion starters to pickled celery in egg salad, I must say I've exerted quite a tremendous amount of effort into vinegar-based preservation over the past COVID-filled months, particularly as someone who steers clear of highly acidic condiments. I've learned throughout these various attempts that it is, in fact, essential to boil the pickling mixture. Don't be lazy.
From pickled onion starters to pickled celery in egg salad, I must say I've exerted quite a tremendous amount of effort into vinegar-based preservation over the past COVID-filled months, particularly as someone who steers clear of highly acidic condiments. I've learned throughout these various attempts that it is, in fact, essential to boil the pickling mixture. Don't be lazy.
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6) Carrot Coconut Cake
Inspired by SK's morning glory breakfast cake yet deterred by the thought of intense moisture (mould alert!!), I set out to re-purpose the remainder of my stubby carrot threads into a nutmeg-less carrot cake. Tahini was swapped for a spoonful of peanut butter and toasted coconut shreds.
Cream cheese frosting was, of course, not to be exempt. And truthfully, I couldn't be happier at the opportunity to use up the leftover portion from my tiered mousse cake.
Inspired by SK's morning glory breakfast cake yet deterred by the thought of intense moisture (mould alert!!), I set out to re-purpose the remainder of my stubby carrot threads into a nutmeg-less carrot cake. Tahini was swapped for a spoonful of peanut butter and toasted coconut shreds.
Cream cheese frosting was, of course, not to be exempt. And truthfully, I couldn't be happier at the opportunity to use up the leftover portion from my tiered mousse cake.
7) Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
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Not pictured:
I finally convinced myself to schedule in one of many previously deferred check-ups. Adequate protocols were in place at my orthotics clinic, including a tripod-like leg rest apparatus to gain distance from patients during the assessment.
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Nearby was the sighting of a new boxing gym, whose name couldn't help but conjure instant flashbacks to my favourite septet.
Throughout the week, mid-day snacks were sourced from an unexpected Bokksu gift (not mine).
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The packaging was impressive, even including a beautifully stylized brochure depicting each component and its region of origin within Japan.
Only a few items have been sampled at the current point of writing, though it is undeniable that visual appeal ranks higher than the flavour and texture profile themselves. Besides the overly starchy Hokkaido Red Bean Donut and excessively sugary dango, most were quite decent. The Genmaicha satchet boasted tremendous flavour, albeit entailed a painstakingly precise brewing procedure. (Timers and thermometers had reluctantly been summoned.)
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Shortly after sampling the Harvest Ale, the shift was made to the unfiltered Shinnicked Stout of the same brewery. In stark contrast to the mediocre muddle of a not-so-red ale, the coffee-infused dark brew was luscious and simply scrumptious. Devoid of the slickness associated with most stouts (looking at you, Guinness), the doodle-decked can was refreshing yet decadent, resulting in utmost satisfaction.
Making quick rounds at the mall, I stumbled upon steeply priced Everything Bagel cookies and GOT7's Lullaby playing in The Food District.
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Sunday morning grocery runs were succeeded by a sudden hankering for a sweet, holiday-themed treat. Unfortunately, an Eggnog Latte was not the solution. Nonetheless, Starbucks earns points for an earlier introduction of their seasonal selection.
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I retreated just in time to remove myself from an oncoming wind storm - a series of gusts so treacherous that our proud symbol of patriotism was severed at its base within a matter of minutes. The flag was re-instated once the storm had passed, unavoidably losing a couple inches of height.
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