Baking

Since I have more time now, I've renewed my interest in one of my favourite past-time - baking. Actually my interest in baking started when i was in the States. My host dad likes to cook and they have everything needed to cook or bake, from baking dishes, casserole pan, pots, pans, measuring cups, etc. Most important of all, they have two, TWO big ovens in the kitchen, which is like a baker's heaven! So, I started experimenting with recipes that are shown on boxes and cans and progress slowly to the secret recipes of my host parents'. When I came back home, I realise that I only have a small oven at home. There's no measuring spoons, measuring cups or baking things. I had to slowly buy them and accumulate them as I make different things. My family and friends have been my guinea pigs whenever I bake anything. So far, other than my mum who doesn't like things too sweet, the feedback has been very positive! Hehe! Here are some of my experiments:

Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Very yummy but I guess presentation needs working on. The shredding of the carrot takes a lot of work too!

I made this for JP's birthday as I didn't know what to buy as present for her. I initially test made another big chocolate cake for her but it was a really fudgy cake that melts when being out on the outside for too long, so I thought of this one which is easier to make and easy to bring out too.

I made this just the day before. A friend of mine loves cheesecake and I bought the crust very long ago that I decided to use it. I found a really simple to make recipe and it turned out very good! But it's sort of too plain. I would want to try other variations of cheesecake next time, like blueberry, oreo or chocolate.

Fellowship @ Macritchie Reservoir

It has been a long time since we had a fellowship outing. I was absent from both church and fellowship activities for the past two months or so because of work. So, I'm happy to be back to attend some of the programs of the fellowship. I think I speak for all when I say that it was an enjoyable program. The weather was nice and since it's in the evening, no scorching sun shining down on us. There's supposed to be a photography contest but I realised that my lousy camera didn't take any great pictures. I had fun just taking pictures for keepsakes though. So, just sharing.

XQ and her youngest, Nathan, who just woke from a nap, hence the grumpy face.

The beginning of the board walk we're going to do.

View of the reservoir from the board walk.

I'm still trying to digest this quote.

With Pastor Ho's daughter, Deborah. She looks like she's getting away from me!

Sunset

Star Awards 1

I was able to attend the recent Star Awards because of work. Very blessed that I was able to be at the frontline and see the whole show and production first-hand. Learned a lot from just being there. Although I shouldn't be, a lot of the time, I was star struck with seeing so many celebrities there, especially those celebrities whom I've known since I was young. However, since I should be working, most of the time, these feelings are just OS inside my head! Haha! So you can imagine how much I 'talked' to myself that night.Won't mention too much about the show but one complain is that the production team should have done more for the others who have to be present. There's no arrangements made for people like the managers, assistants or helpers who have to be there. Some of these people may or may not be employed by mdc, but they should still be treated nicely. My feeling was that these people are being kicked around like nobody's business when they're the people who are the closest to the celebrities. The thing is, the celebrities didn't know a thing about it because no one would say anything. I admit guilt as I didn't do anything too. Well, maybe someday....

Anyway, a couple of pictures to show. Didn't take many as my camera's not very good and I was working! Thanks to JP for taking the pictures for me with the dudes!

The TV Theatre with invited guests.

The fans from various celebrities' fanclubs sit on the 2nd level.

Some of the celebrities. Who can you see?

With Elvin Ng

With DYT.