The fifty-ninth week of the pandemic pilgrimage coincides with the same duration of work-from-home practices. It's stifling to say, in the least, with only an increasing number of meetings, calls, and "pings" - as they call it - to worsen the unintentional overtime.
"Why do I have so many meetings in my calendar?!"
"It means you're important." I responded dryly, fully aware of the frustrations behind these back-to-back virtual events.
"Why do I have so many meetings in my calendar?!"
"It means you're important." I responded dryly, fully aware of the frustrations behind these back-to-back virtual events.
In these fifty-nine weeks, I've requested a total of three vacation days: one for CNY preparations (read: cleaning the house), one for sanity, and one to assist with family activities (read: mid-afternoon Costco run). Quite frankly, I'd love some several weeks more, ideally away from my house and breathing West Coast air.
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But those days are denoted with dubiety. While in-person theatre and fansign events can safely occur in other areas of the globe, the same cannot be said for our nation, where those demanding "liberation" proceed to preach their beliefs on the regular.
Creations of the week included:
1) Matcha Almond Cookies
Modified from the buttery, nutty hearts and bears first attempted some few months ago, I introduced matcha powder and straight edges. They were even stamped for additional flair, not that these designs were carried through the baking process. The Lego-sized pieces also failed to align at right angles, and were observed to spread a teensy bit more than the last iteration.
1) Matcha Almond Cookies
Modified from the buttery, nutty hearts and bears first attempted some few months ago, I introduced matcha powder and straight edges. They were even stamped for additional flair, not that these designs were carried through the baking process. The Lego-sized pieces also failed to align at right angles, and were observed to spread a teensy bit more than the last iteration.
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2) Lavender Pound Cake Minis (Round 2)
I awoke to a deceptively sunny Saturday morning with cravings for cake. As with any of my cravings, they were precise, with a distinct image of the final product established in my mind for reference.
I awoke to a deceptively sunny Saturday morning with cravings for cake. As with any of my cravings, they were precise, with a distinct image of the final product established in my mind for reference.
Revisiting Sunday Baking's no-fail flour-batter method produced mini pound cakes with crisp edges and a delicate, tender crumb. Rather than milk, I had taken to steeping the lavender buds in cream, contributing an undeniable richness to the batter.
Cross-sectional cuts appeared more uniform than before, which was to be expected given the wire whisk to hand mixer swap. However, given its thickness, I would recommend employing a wire whisk (on a good wrist day, of course) to prevent the batter from wrapping about the beaters.
Cross-sectional cuts appeared more uniform than before, which was to be expected given the wire whisk to hand mixer swap. However, given its thickness, I would recommend employing a wire whisk (on a good wrist day, of course) to prevent the batter from wrapping about the beaters.
The formula yielded a consistent deliciousness, albeit a profile eggier and noticeably less floral than the last.
With the exception of a brief Costco run, the remainder of the week was spent indoors - again, involuntarily and work-induced.
Sightings from within the brick walls included: craft beer delivery from Kensington Brewing Co. (more to come on the chosen selection) and takeout from the infamous Magic BBQ.
< Pictured above and below: Roast Pork, Roast Duck, Pig's Tongue, Braised Tofu, and Cha Siu >
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The spring season marks timely releases of new fragrances. A modern upgrade of one of my tween favourites, Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea Sakura Blossom was acquired in celebration of (hopefully) fresh beginnings. Cool, zingy, and just a hint of floral, the scent is as unfettered as it is unmistakable.
Meals of the week ranged between roast duck congee, baked salmon, stir-fried pork with pickled radish and mixed veggies, egg salad sandwich with 12 grain bread, and CoCo sans sugar.
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