Out & About #721 | Week #66 Quarantine Update Feat. ribbon + Pecan Pie Revisited

I'm so proud of being an Ahgase.

But maybe "pride" doesn't even begin to summarize the emotions associated with being a member of the fandom. To be a supporter of GOT7 extends past being one of the millions that stand by the edge of the stage, cheering them on solely on the basis of enjoyment; we are best friends.

​The kind of friend that joins in on your wildness when it's time to celebrate, but also the friend that provides you with adequate space and cheers you on silently in their own way. I've declared my affection for the group on countless occasions prior, but it remains a fact that "ahgase" is tied closely with a sense of identity and home.

Regardless of the style, sound, or medium, I have confidence that each member has chosen the appropriate path to suit their objectives. BamBam is the first member to engage in proper promotions in Korea, and the days leading up to the release of riBBon were filled with as much excitement and anticipation as full group comebacks - for me, anyway.

This drought has been a dreadful one, but the amount of content surfacing online has succeeded in bringing about unfathomable joy, illuminating even the most taxing of work days. With the riBBon EP, showcase, and radio/variety segments, BamBam has proven to exceed all expectations with stable vocals, impeccable stage presence, and a diverse assortment of concepts unique to him. Whether upbeat or mid-tempo, his fluency in Korean is undeniable; the incredible clarity in his songs and swift synthesization of vocabulary in his interviews is truly remarkable. Making recurring appearances in all his activities is heartwarming humbleness, unwavering team loyalty, and genuineness - a selfless sheer desire to do well while instilling strength in those that chance across his artistry.

​To establish a sense of hope via a tangible form is no easy feat. His actions speak for themselves, but his words further solidify his benevolent intentions.

"I'm nobody. I'm nothing."
"No! What do you mean you're nobody? You're ahgase. You're something.

The seemingly straightforward response brought tears to my eyes, further leading to rolling bawl. He understands that hardships do not discriminate between time, space, and people. When difficulties emerge, I shall hold this sentence near and dear, for being an ahgase is indicative of potential, power, and competence.

The showcase started strong, with the eerie, earattack-composed Pandora. It became my instant favourite of the album upon first listen, imprinting a memorable impression assisted by impactful lighting.

riBBon was a light-hearted track intended for livening up the atmosphere. And, quite frankly, it did just that. Throughout my ten-hour work days - five hours of which were strictly meetings - I played the song and felt immediate uplift in spirits. Tastefully vivid in its execution, BamBam's quirky smile and airy movements further contributed to a sense of liberation.

Look so fine exuded "Open the Door" vibes, but executed in a comparatively cheery manner. 

​I learned to appreciate Air after the showcase performance. The tune commences with the rather rough-sounding Murda Beatz opening, progressing into BamBam's gentle, fluid vocals. Despite minimal stage props, the performance was nonetheless spectacular, edged with confidence and effortless expression.

Under the sky was particularly notable given the slow, soothing beat and nominal instrumentals. The final song on the album places emphasis on vocal capabilities as well as enunciation, summoning skillful command of the Korean language. Emotions evident in his lyrics, the track delivers dual meaning: reassurance to the fans that have stood by since day 1 (or day 777, whichever it may be), and motivation to new listeners and audience members: 우린 같은 하늘을 보고.

Released within the same span of a week were Yugyeom's solo EP and Youngjae's Netflix series "So Not Worth It". Both remain unreviewed at this point in time, but my response remains identical: Ahgases are proud. We have every right to be, and will continue being proud of our fabulous septet.

​​Beyond the sudden, yet profoundly welcome, surge in content, the week comprised primarily of spreadsheets and decidedly mundane meals.

An empty fridge equated to a hurried blanching of Holiday luncheon meat and flat fish cakes, rough washing of romaine, and microwave-cooked sweet potato. PC's Sparkling Cold Brew Coffee delivered boosts of caffeine for meetings extending into the early evening hours, along with gummies in odd shapes and sizes (the Super Mix was ungodly; please don't bother).

Thai Tea Milk Tea with soggy Brown Sugar Pearls was obtained as a result of Chatime's free delivery deal, a largely regrettable decision founded on the basis of lack of time. 

A mint-less, alcohol-free Ribena-Orange mojito was constructed in the later parts of the week.​

​A rainy Friday was met with a much-needed grocery run, followed by a visit to Original Shawarma and their insanely slippery floors, on which I nearly slipped twice.

In spite of being denoted as a "mild" order, a questionable drizzle of red sauce had infiltrated its way into the Chicken Shawarma Pita. Given its relatively temperate properties though, enjoyment of the $6.95 concoction was maximized. Additional garlic sauce could also be requested free of charge; any remnants of this condiment was consumed with sliced bell peppers, serving as a substitute for the traditional ranch.

As far as cookies go, I had yet to taste any as chalky, dry, and depressing as these shortbread strips. This formula affirms aversion towards Cooking Tree's recipes. Creations of the week have plummeted over the past few weeks, which is inevitable in the face of ceaseless work activities. Attempts included:

1) Vanilla Bean Shortbread Cookies from Cooking Tree

As far as cookies go, I had yet to taste any as chalky, dry, and depressing as these shortbread strips. This formula affirms aversion towards Cooking Tree's recipes. ​

2) Roasted Kabocha and Salted Spiced Seeds

Pointers retained from orangecane, I swiftly secured kabocha as part of the week's grocery run. Having voiced concerns over wrist-wracking properties of root vegetables in their raw state, she suggested baking them whole to soften the surface. And, truth be told, it worked! The spotty tough exterior was stripped away with ease, minimal damage inflicted on already fatigued tendons.

I proceeded to toss fleshy chunks into a mix of olive oil, Himalayan pink salt, and black pepper, while the seeds were rinsed and dusted with a blend of sea salt and pumpkin spice seasoning. Frankly, I knew there was likely a reason behind the extra step of boiling in salt water, though wasn't particularly keen on adhering unless the logic was explicitly stated. The final product yielded toughness with a side of inadequate sodium.

3) Granola w/ Toasted Pecans and Prunes, the result of a lack of dried cranberries and stale seeds

4) Pecan Pie

​Being the first pie to emerge from my kitchen, I hold the Thanksgiving classic near and dear to my heart - er, stomach. 

In the past eight months, trial and error (and thorough perusal of recipes) has taught me several critical steps in the pie-making process:

1. Cold butter is non-negotiable. While refrigerating your mixing bowl and using ice water can be forgoed with speedy fingers and an air-conditioned environment, preventing butter from melting is crucial in the formation of a flaky crust.
2. Blind-bake! When in doubt, it is safer to pre-bake the crust to prevent soggy, disintegrating bottoms.
3. Aluminum foil and similar-sized baking pans are the next best pie weights.
4. Limit moisture as much as possible, as with pizza toppings

Recipes for classic pecan pies vary drastically across the Internet, but SK remains my default search engine. Again, I questioned the need for simmering brown sugar with apple cider vinegar. But I complied, for there is trust embedded in her words.
Of course, I began to derail from the prescription at the mention of pecans. The quantity was doubled without a second thought, for I had roasted a substantial amount in preparation. To compensate, molasses was incorporated into the custard mixture for moisture and depth of flavour.

​Approximately fifty minutes later, a delectable Pecan Pie was presented. The top was crunchy, shockingly so, while the inner components were toothsome without the excessive sweetness of my last attempt. Most importantly, the bottom remained intact with visible layers. My only gripe was the thickness of the crust, which I had rolled too thin in the starting stage.

​The pie was intended as dessert to accompany a grand lobster feast from Magic BBQ. 

Lamentably, efforts of both endeavours ultimately went unnoticed and unappreciated.