Neither a workaholic nor an email enthusiast by any means, the past week - or past several weeks, actually - has/have been getting gradually more grueling. I've seen less of the sky than my study, more of my excruciatingly non-ergonomic desk setup than the kitchen. To declare a state of fatigue would be an understatement, for the excessive screen time has not only resulted in mental exhaustion but also dry eyes and a painful eye infection.
For the brief moments of sanity, I've taken to casting my gaze upwards, beyond the branches brushing my window. An azure abundance assists in temporary appeasement of anxiety, while coffee ice cream soothes the ̶s̶o̶u̶l̶ stomach.
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Towards the beginning of the week, when work levels were still relatively manageable (albeit arguably so), I undertook a few brief missions.
Creations of the week included:
1) Baked Tortilla Chips
1) Baked Tortilla Chips
With the fear that the freezer drawer may collapse at any given moment, tortillas acquired from St. Jacobs were retrieved for transforming. Snack-ready chips were created from thawing, tossing in a seasoning mix of olive oil, sea salt, seasoned salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, then baking until crisp. Distributed between two trays, the chips baked at 350 F for 20 mins, then 330 F for 15 mins.
Ideally, the slices should be spread evenly without overlap for uniform heat distribution. Additionally, take heed when coating, as tortillas are pliable and thus prone to breakage upon contact with moisture.
Ideally, the slices should be spread evenly without overlap for uniform heat distribution. Additionally, take heed when coating, as tortillas are pliable and thus prone to breakage upon contact with moisture.
2) Coffee & Houjicha Madeleines w/ Chocolate
Patience pays: suppressing madeleine desires for one week was rewarded with an upload from Sunday Baking targeting precisely that need.
Rather than fruit-filled or matcha renditions, I took to a comparatively caffeine-heavy route, adapting her formula to swap half of the granulated sugar for raw honey and vanilla extract for vanilla paste. Neither of these flavours were prominent in the final product, however, as Nescafé Gold had succeeded in snatching the spotlight.
Rather than fruit-filled or matcha renditions, I took to a comparatively caffeine-heavy route, adapting her formula to swap half of the granulated sugar for raw honey and vanilla extract for vanilla paste. Neither of these flavours were prominent in the final product, however, as Nescafé Gold had succeeded in snatching the spotlight.
Houjicha was delicate though distinct, with fine grey specks visible upon closer inspection. Coffee was absolutely fragrant and fantastic in flavour. My sole regret was the omission of chocolate tempering, resulting in amateur-ish matte finishes (from dipping) instead of glossy ridges. The decorative purple pearls were obnoxiously snappy, likely to be removed for dental safety in future iterations.
3) Whole Wheat Shokupan with Raisins
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Given that my first foray into whole wheat bread-making returned relative blandness, I took to making the swap in Bake for Happy Kids' tried-and-true fluffy shokupan recipe.
Milk powder, butter, and condensed milk supplemented the softness absent during the last attempt. The loaf was creamier, with a butyraceous (fattier) finish and noticeable notes of butter. While it remains unconfirmed whether cold-proofing was the cause, separation was witnessed in the loaf baked in the lidded Pullman pan; texture was more or less identical across both tins.
Milk powder, butter, and condensed milk supplemented the softness absent during the last attempt. The loaf was creamier, with a butyraceous (fattier) finish and noticeable notes of butter. While it remains unconfirmed whether cold-proofing was the cause, separation was witnessed in the loaf baked in the lidded Pullman pan; texture was more or less identical across both tins.
4) Zesty Ricotta Cheesecake Attempt - no further details needed for this one; neither the visuals nor taste was promising
Other items of interest:
- Coffee restock from Balzac's
- Ahgase gummy from Carnaby's Easter collection
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On a peculiarly quiet Thursday morning, we ventured towards the west end. Housed within the Olde Oakville Marketplace was the prime LCBO for European beers (and wines, should those be of appeal to you) as well as the most sluggish Starbucks of all the GTA.
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Despite speedy cashiers, prioritizing to-go orders over accuracy and delivery of in-person clientele was the fatal flaw of this franchise location.
Following the errand run was brisk trek through Square One. Sightings included a digital device sanitization station employing UV technology, Subin's elevated Run Star Hike High Top, and a figurine vending machine. These brief sunny outings were then tragically succeeded by work tasks dragging into the late evening hours.
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Needless to say, my tolerance has improved a staggering amount throughout this stay-at-home period.
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