Carrot & Walnut Cake

Ottolenghi is a pattiserie in London.  I recalled buying pastries from their then only outlet in Notting Hill sometime ago when I was in London.  What I didn't know is that they have grown from one to four outlets and is so popular now.  I happened to chance upon Ottolenghi: The Cookbook by the owners, Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi one day, and immediately got myself a copy of the book.

Life Is Too Short To Eat Bad Croissants

Life is too short to eat bad croissants.  I say this because I recently tasted the most icky croissant ever.  With this in mind, I started to think that perhaps it is time to up my (limited) skills to produce better quality (or at the very least, more edible) croissants.

This croissant recipe is adapted from The Bread Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum.  I love love love this book and rank it on par with Peter Reinhart's The Bread Baker's Apprentice.  Everytime I attempt something by Rose Levy Beranbaum, I am almost certain that the outcome will be at least pleasant.  Her clear step-by-step directions and explanations are commendable.  This book is definitely a baker's holy grail (well, at least, mine).

I have digressed again.  On with the croissants.

This is my first attempt with the croissant.  Overall, I’m satisfied with the result and very happy that I've attempted them. I’ve tasted croissants far worse than mine, for instance, the store-bought ones as I have mentioned above.  But really, mine's not that bad. Ugly but great tasting - That's acceptable in my books.  To a certain extent.  But I'm determined to keep trying.  So, keep on reading and one day, I'll surprise you with a great looking croissant. In conclusion, perhaps I should rephrase my opener.  Life is too short to eat bad tasting croissants.  Ugly's an exception, for now.

Cupcake Pops

I first came across this in Cake Pops by Bakerella.  Since then, I have waited so long to try this cupcake pops.  I keep on procrastinating simply because, I couldn't bring myself to bake a cake, only to turn it into crumbs.  The opportunity to attempt this cake pop presented itself when I had an extra layer of chocolate cake from my Treasure Box attempt.

Green Tea Galore

My can of green tea has been sitting comfortably in my pantry for far too long, so much so that it has been calling out to me softly everytime I open the pantry.  At the rate that it is going, it will want to strike a conversation pretty soon.  Must do something.  Quick.

While browsing through Okashi: Sweet Treats Made With Love by Keiko Ishida last week, the green tea ice cream caught my eye.  Since we like cold treats plus the weather has been so humid and hot plus I needed some egg whites for my next macaron attempt, I got cranking straight away.  Three birds with one  green tea stone, hooray !

Presents from the US

My friend went to the US and I got was a lousy bottle of salt and vanilla. 

Joke.

The fleur de sel (French for Flower of Salt) and Nielsen-Massey vanilla were exactly what I had wanted.  Thanks E ! For taking the time and trouble to shop for them.  I am so so looking forward to try them out.

Sorbet Frenzy

Friends would know that I will never eat any type of ice cream that is fruit-based, with strawberries being the only exception.  I don't know why, or how to explain it at all, but I seem to have a very strong distaste for pairing ice cream with fruits (with the exception of strawberries).  Until now. 

Clockwise from right - Orange, Strawberry, Green Apple and Blackberry

Happy Divali

To all my Indian friends and readers - Here's wishing you a Happy Divali.  May you have a sparkling celebration during this festival of light. 

To all my other friends and readers - Happy Holidays !

On another note, it has been a whirlwind week for me at work.  So much to do and so little time.  Thank god for the Divali holiday.  I look forward to sit back this long weekend, and work on my baking list and blog.