Out & About #700 | Week #53 Quarantine Update Feat. Lavender Pound Cake Minis

​Daydreamers live a life of luxury. And I declare this without animosity, but rather matter-of-factly.
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For to dream is a gift: Having the capacity to imagine beyond the duties laid before you is a blessing.

I often struggle with deeply rooted perceptions of guilt, that to pause is to waste, that not doing equates to lack of responsibility. Thus, days are often maximized to the point of exhaustion. It unconsciously starts with a simple errand run, then branches into arranges to facilitate the daily operations of those surrounding.

​Being aware of one's "default program" is merely the first step, while coming to one's senses amidst operation of said program is the grueling challenge at hand.

Creations of the week were exceptionally few, for work assignments have swallowed me whole.

1) Leftover Soup

The name says it all! Basa fillet chunks and sweet corn kernels were added to a Cream of Mushroom-based broth, into which bean sprouts were later added, ultimately dyeing it a dismal grey.

2) Lavender Pound Cake Minis

Stemming from a desire for some form of a fluffy sponge, I was instantly intrigued by Sunday Baking's newest video.  Not being the fondest of Earl Grey - nor the additional step of acquiring ready-to-brew tea packets - I opted for a lavender-milk take (as we had just run out of cream).

With the exception of a few noticeably large air pockets around the midsection, the pound cake minis emerged with a perfectly crisp crust and plush, aromatic interior. Just short of two tablespoons of the exquisitely scented buds have been incorporated, yet the fragrance yield was fantastic. Sifting my cake flour in advance ought to have eliminated nonuniformity in the cross sections, but I shall admit to omitting this step in the name of time.

The flour-batter method, though, is a definite keeper. ​ I cannot quite comprehend the science behind it (just yet), but the promise of a tender, moist crumb is sufficient in persuading me to adhere to it.

The cakes were enjoyed fresh with Bebop's One-Way Ticket, then later toasted ever-so-gently for consumption over the next few days.

Kitchen endeavours conclude at this point, and takeout runs take over. 

​First was a BOGO deal from Beefing with 7, then GA Pizza's Loving Cup.

​​The Chinese eatery's Beef Brisket with Macaroni in Tomato Sauce (番茄牛腩通粉) was an absolute dream. Thick tomato sauce, superbly soft macaroni, and fabulous chunks of brisket melded wonderfully in the presence of a flavourful broth. I'll also unapologetically endorse the significantly-softer-than-al-dente state of the macaroni, which aligns with that of HK-style cha chaan teng's.

​​No comments can be extended towards the Sliced Beef Noodle Soup (鮮牛肉麵) as I was not provided the opportunity to sample before its eventual diminishment.

By mid-week, our sustenance supply had partially vanished. Journeying back from a round of Square One errands, Chi-Mac's Honey Garlic and Half-Half Chicken combo was obtained. The boneless pieces were enjoyed thoroughly alongside house pickled red onions, blanched choy sum, and multi-grain rice.

As a side, Coffee Ice Cream paired wonderfully in the form of a Thai Tea Frappé for a doubly caffeinated pick-me-up.

Diana Sauce-slathered short ribs endured a total of two days, succumbing to the same fate as our to-go orders.

​News of franchises shuttering across the nation has come as commonplace information as of late. Innisfree's slated closure in May was already one I had noted. The Disney Store's gradual goodbye to Ontarians was deeply saddening, especially with minimal notice extended towards the Square One location that had accompanied my childhood.

I attempted a final farewell to the Sulley inventory on two separate occasions, neither proving successful. Online queuing had not been an option, and wait times had outrageously entered the three- to four-hour mark on both weekdays and weekends. Despite having dressed for the event, the ordeal failed to sync with my schedule, leaving me to face reality. (Uncle Tetsu lifted my spirits slightly.)

​Prior to pilates, I arranged a series of errands, one of which constituted a pineapple pick-up.

Although the arrival window had been stated well in advance, confusion arose on the day of.

​The deed was ultimately accomplished, with a matcha duo exchanged in the process.

​With days of bruised, asymmetrical fragments behind us, fresh imported Taiwanese pineapple was truly a treat. Albeit residing on the smaller size and slightly tacky, the shallow spikes, nearly indiscernible core, and sweet, juicy flesh ensured notably greater degrees of enjoyment than the typical 2-for-$5 supermarket variety.