My recent loss of appetite hasn't yet been amended, and fatigue seems to catch up with me steadily. No amount of caffeine or sugar has proved to alter energy levels. But I ingest anyway, thinking little of the things before me and instead invest in constructive contemplation: How to stop being stagnant?
Beyond an apparent decline in physical strength, mental capacity seems limited these days. It is within me to keep progressing and to keep being productive. And while navigating this path may not be valuable to those that question the "rules" of society, I believe in its significance.
For without evolution, we are nothing. Without taking action, thinking is aimless.
Beyond an apparent decline in physical strength, mental capacity seems limited these days. It is within me to keep progressing and to keep being productive. And while navigating this path may not be valuable to those that question the "rules" of society, I believe in its significance.
For without evolution, we are nothing. Without taking action, thinking is aimless.
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For the second New Year in a row, we arrive to find yet another period of reflection: an analysis of progress, global and local.
But there are many that caution diving too deep into one's achievements, or rather, lack thereof. "Highlight reels" are not fraudulent, and neither is hard work. Perhaps it is my limited spectrum of emotions that prevents me from wading in ponds of pride and inferiority. Metrics of measuring betterment of oneself lies not with comparison against others, but merely in the regular evaluation of personal developments since the previous check-in. Our goals ought not be to outdo anyone but ourselves from the past - to be a better human and, collectively, a better functioning society.
But there are many that caution diving too deep into one's achievements, or rather, lack thereof. "Highlight reels" are not fraudulent, and neither is hard work. Perhaps it is my limited spectrum of emotions that prevents me from wading in ponds of pride and inferiority. Metrics of measuring betterment of oneself lies not with comparison against others, but merely in the regular evaluation of personal developments since the previous check-in. Our goals ought not be to outdo anyone but ourselves from the past - to be a better human and, collectively, a better functioning society.
The imprint of the pandemic is irrefutable, with only further fears surrounding the next up-and-coming variant. The reveal rate of new mutations lies on a similar wavelength to new groups in the K-Pop industry:
Will the next one be more memorable? Stronger? Do we even care?
As far as health and daily life are concerned, I'm convinced we are entering the stage of Terrible Twos - a seemingly endless battle against COVID-19, an entity with a mind of its own and no intention to subside without a wicked war. I claim nothing within my power beyond an ever-resolute desire to keep progressing. Regardless of the size of the steps, I shall stand not for backtracking. The path forward has never been clear, so why the hesitation now? Opportunities should be taken advantage of, coexistent with the review of risks.
Will the next one be more memorable? Stronger? Do we even care?
As far as health and daily life are concerned, I'm convinced we are entering the stage of Terrible Twos - a seemingly endless battle against COVID-19, an entity with a mind of its own and no intention to subside without a wicked war. I claim nothing within my power beyond an ever-resolute desire to keep progressing. Regardless of the size of the steps, I shall stand not for backtracking. The path forward has never been clear, so why the hesitation now? Opportunities should be taken advantage of, coexistent with the review of risks.
Affirming this belief is a follow-up attempt at recreating a Bûche de Noël - or my own take, the Bûche de Nouvelle Année. Roll cakes and I have had a stormy history: from the ones with Salted Caramel Glaze to the scarily soggy one that made me cry, I've gradually grown accustomed to their sensitive nature.
- Let cool, but keep moist. (Pre-rolling and tea towels are not critical.)
- Buttercream spreads easier than whipped cream; make sure to spread to the edge!
- The batter should be light - use oil with whole eggs, or use butter with added meringue for volume
I saw success with this year's roll cake, guided by Sunday Baking's various recipes. The Moist Chocolate Roll base was nothing short of fabulous, boasting a plush, airy texture that complemented the encased coffee-flavoured filling. It was scrumptious, despite its firmer, compacted nature on the second and third days of refrigeration.
Again utilized was the Italian Buttercream formula, with hiccups taking place in the mixing stage. The sugar syrup had been heated too rapidly, exceeding the caramelization temperature of 120 C before I had managed to whip up the meringue. The result was a stable formula, yet one with perceptible, transparent pearls. Those anticipating a smooth centre would be met with a rude awakening: an eggshell-like crunch mixed sticky aftertaste of nougat. Not entirely unpleasant though, my tasters were most accommodating of this mistake.
Again utilized was the Italian Buttercream formula, with hiccups taking place in the mixing stage. The sugar syrup had been heated too rapidly, exceeding the caramelization temperature of 120 C before I had managed to whip up the meringue. The result was a stable formula, yet one with perceptible, transparent pearls. Those anticipating a smooth centre would be met with a rude awakening: an eggshell-like crunch mixed sticky aftertaste of nougat. Not entirely unpleasant though, my tasters were most accommodating of this mistake.
Source: Learning basic Art - "How to draw texture 2 (wood, tree bark, glass & fabric)"
The decorative surface comprised of a semisweet chocolate ganache (in a 1:1 ratio) and white chocolate ganache wood design piping in place of 3D bark shards. Although having adopted the 1:1 ratio (with consideration to tempering values!) for white chocolate ganache as well, the formula did not set. The pliable streaks served to inform of the relationship between cocoa mass content and structural integrity.
Hotpot assumed the final meal of the year.
Preparatory activities were plenty, but eradicated the need for successive cooking efforts.
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With this, I wish all a Happy New Year!
May your evenings be toasty, your heart be happy, and health be abundant.
May your evenings be toasty, your heart be happy, and health be abundant.
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