afternoon delight

Note to self: fonts added

2008-09-21T22:16:11Z

Cold Night for Alligators
A Lolita Scorned
Nightmare 5
Ghastly Panic
Gypsy Curse

Of interest:
Symbol Crucifix
Dead Secretary
Vtks Revolt
Cafe Lounge 19
Vigilante Sidekick

U-pick

2008-09-20T17:46:58Z

The glorious thing about having a car is being able to drive to your favourite fruit orchard one hour away on your day off from work and pick all the fruit you want to your heart's content.

I picked about 40 Honeycrisp apples, 15 Redskin peaches and a quart of raspberries.

Redskin peaches have a fresh, flowery-fragrant low-acid flavour. I just can't get enough of peaches. I planned to slice enough of them to make a peach-frangipane tart, but I didn't have the willpower to stop biting into their juicy, yielding flesh. One thing to remember about peaches is that when picking them off a tree, always remember to wipe off the peach fuzz before eating them. Otherwise you get something akin to that "whisker burn" you get after making out with your boyfriend who has decided to go all cute and scruffy by not shaving for the weekend.

Right now I'm eating roasted peaches. Just a dash of cinnamon, vanilla sugar and dotted sparingly with butter. Mmm... such a warm feeling.

Guess I'll have to make an apple-frangipane tart instead.
Recipes

http://www.joyofbaking.com/AppleFrangipaneTart.html
http://www.joyofbaking.com/AppleGalette.html

Hazelnut Frangipane Pear Tart
http://www.bigoven.com/95971-Hazelnut-Frangipane-Pear-Tart-recipe.html

Apple Frangipane Puff Tarts
http://iptvrecipes.com/chantal/437
Apple Walnut Raisin Tart with Frangipane
http://www.cookiemadness.net/?p=963
Pear and Almond Frangipane Tart (Dorie)
http://dessertfirst.typepad.com/dessert_first/2006/11/pear_and_almond.html
Rise and Shine Cling Peach Scones
http://www.calclingpeach.com/html/rcpe_consum/recipies/RsPeachScones.htm
fresh peach and gingercream shortcakes
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/FRESH-PEACH-AND-GINGERCREAM-SHORTCAKES-242968
honey-glazed peach tart with mascarpone cream
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/HONEY-GLAZED-PEACH-TART-WITH-MASCARPONE-CREAM-108473

Drinking in a Hurricane
http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/blogs/editor/2008/09/drinking-in-a-h.html#more

The Omnivore's Hundred

2008-09-15T01:38:31Z

Got this from Andrew Wheeler, co-author of the British food blog Very Good Taste through Clotilde. Andrew says:

"Below is a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore should really try it all. Don’t worry if you haven’t, mind you; neither have I, though I’ll be sure to work on it."

Rules:
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.

(Like Clotilde I've added an asterisk to items I particularly like/am interested in)

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare* (I've had tuna tartare tho)
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding (in the form of "blood tofu" 血豆腐 xuě dòufǔ made with chicken blood)
7. Cheese fondue*
8. Carp*
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari*
12. Phở*
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses*
17. Black truffle* (I've had a dish with black truffle but I couldn't discern the taste)
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes* (plum, cherry)
19. Steamed pork buns* (YUM)
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries*
23. Foie gras* (it was foie gras sushi. whoa.)
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese *
26. ~~Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper~~ (I'm Asian... this doesn't give me a thrill)
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters*
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas* (OH YES)
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi (I prefer the mango flavor)
34. Sauerkraut (surprisingly good but only with sausage)
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea*
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O (fun)
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail* (my mother used to make oxtail soup all the time. yummy)
41. Curried goat* (best curry ever)
42. Whole insects (had it in a lollipop)
43. Phaal*
44. Goat’s milk (does goat cheese count?)
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more*
46. Fugu*
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel* (bbq eel Japanese style is the best)
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin* (delicious, but must be fresh)
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer (try palak paneer)
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini*
58. Beer above 8% ABV* (they're usually very good)
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips (not great)
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads*
63. Kaolin (does eating dirt as a child count?)
64. Currywurst (I've done this on my own without knowing it was a national dish)
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs* (delicious stir-fried in chilli)
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake (too greasy)
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette (omg, don't leave this earth without trying one version or the other)
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini* (had caviar but not with blini. yet)
73. Louche absinthe*
74. Gjetost, or brunost*
75. ~~Roadkill~~ (update: eaten Sept. 22, 2008)
76. Baijiu (does Bacardi 151 count?)
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong (not to my taste)
80. Bellini* (had it at the Bellagio in Vegas)
81. Tom yum (a staple)
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky* (perfect travel food)
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant*
85. Kobe beef (kobe beef sushi; it was good, I was stunned)
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate*
91. Spam (luncheon meat on toast, yum)
92. Soft shell crab* (tempura soft shell crab!)
93. Rose harissa*
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox* (delicious, add cream cheese))
97. Lobster Thermidor (my 18th birthday, with my mother)
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake (rattlesnake sausage tapas)

Update (Sept. 22, 2008): Ate roadkill - deer hit by car.

Stupid LJ

2008-09-12T03:28:58Z

There's now a stupid banner ad on the edge of my perfect layout. LJ is asking users to pay now to be ad free. I remember NOT upgrading to a PLUS account despite all the benefits because I didn't want to have ads on my LJ.

Thanks for going all money-grubbing on us, LJ. You suck.

Kalamazoo Tea Party

2008-09-09T05:06:54Z

Crumpets and jam. YUM.

Josh is the man for kindly making us piping hot crumpets to go with our tea for this week's meeting. The way Josh and Sara cook make me want to give up my communications grad program and join the environmental studies dept. instead. Then I can write a grant and live at the Gibb's House. Anyway as usual with anything jammy (blackberry this time) I somehow got sticky up to my elbows.

Note: Josh didn't have crumpet rings so he used metal canning bands instead.

Kourtney and Pat picked me up at 6:40 p.m. for today's tea party, hosted this week by the aforementioned Gibb's House. It was raining even heavier when we got done at 8:30 p.m. so she dropped me straight back home. My bike is still out there at the Bernhard Center bike racks in the pouring rain, and I hope to God this time I remembered to lock it properly.

During tea Travis brought up his latest two pound purchase of yerba mate, and the general consensus seemed to be that the brew is like coffee, only without the jitters and makes a person very playful. This spun the next gathering's theme of Yerba Mate Fort Building Tea Party for which I hope to do my part by collecting many many big cardboard boxes.

I was glad for tea today because I made the decision at 6 p.m. to defer grad school to next semester. I feel that with some work experience under my belt, I have a better chance of getting a grad assistantship next time, and I don't want to waste my student work permit anyway.

Morning started out with getting the official line on the dining international student employment policy for the school paper. Even though I hear different things from students, I can't print what they tell me because nobody wants to go on record and jeopardize their jobs. But at least I got a confirmation that students who fit into available time slots can start work immediately while waiting for their social security numbers to arrive.

Had a talk with Mum after that about grad school. Family convo is always exhausting for me because while I inherited my Dad's "fine, I won't talk..." defence technique, my sisters got my Mum's "fighting spirit HIYAH!" combat mode. Phone calls usually involve shouting (at me) for a good half an hour before decent conversation follows. Family talk is good in the mornings when I've had breakfast. Then I just feel all mellowed out and soft like putty for the whole day after being worked over by my family.

Saw Jyrki later in lab, and was surprised by Joe while I was heading towards the ISSA. Sometimes I forget that its possible to have a normal conversation with Joe without him booming out excitedly over something, and it was very soothing to talk to him today.

Best part of the morning was seeing Dan in Sprau Tower. I do adore his gorgeous bohemian self. We keep talking about hanging out and doing some baking but we haven't had time to plan that yet.

Cycling

2008-09-08T02:46:34Z

Yes, 3/4 of the club members were gloriously kitted out like this.

I wish there was a casual cycling club at WMU. Reeeeally casual commuter-like, as in let's tool around on trails with mostly flat ground and no steep hills. I was excited to find the cycling team booth at Bronco Bash but they're all hardcore enthusiasts who bike 20 miles on a Sunday to Fort Custer for fun. They were kind enough to give me half an hour of recreational riding today but I don't think I'll be back next Sunday.

I did get to complete my mission at Bronco Bash to suggest that they ask the city council to update their downtown maps to include bicycle racks. The guy at the booth was all wow about it so I hope he does something.

My kind of cycling club

National University of Ireland, Galway

Bronco Bash 2008 recap

2008-09-08T02:21:50Z

Joe, Dave and Quang.

Bronco Bash this year was awesome. Day started out great with the Student Activities and Leadership Program (Katie!) giving me a free BB T-shirt when I went in to buy one. They had extras from orientation training all bought and paid for. There is always an overabundance of S sizes. And why does nobody like white?

After the CommUniversity luncheon I had to go to for work (small talk with Cheryl Roland and Prez. Dunn - yay!), went home and biked over to the Miller Plaza fountains at 2:30 p.m. Storm clouds overhead so I thought it was going to rain for sure and even packed a raincoat. Navigating between tables I saw Darnell, CABbie extraordinare and we consulted his map to find the IPC booth. I liked the bright violet polos the SALP volunteers had this year - easy to spot them!

At the IPC booth saw VP Joe and Treasurer Quang setting up, and I finally got to meet the very famous Matt Kelly in person, who has been in China for the past year. The Kelly brothers are great to watch because I haven't seen much brotherly love in action. Most of my friends back home in that elder/second brother relationship are hardcore rivals and kind of detest each other on the surface. Joe speaks in such glowing terms of his younger brother all the time and well, the guy has three Facebook groups dedicated to him (in a non creepy way).

Met up with Lin at the French Club booth and she, Quang and I did the freebie rounds. Extraordinarily good schwag this year and games that I really could appreciate, like dunking a professor of physical education (loads of fun; candy for trying and a keychain for a successful dunking). Highlight for me this year was seeing the IPC brochure I made all printed and out for distribution. *sniff, sniff* So proud of it!

It was wonderful to see everyone again. Reunions galore, esp. with IPC veterans Aziz BHG (former events promo and current Prez. Rose's brother) and Christina P. (former secretary and former international programming intern). And of course the whole meetup explosion of Japan Club members just a few booths away. I understand how Greg Flynn feels that this is a tag-along semester, since we've both already done the whole graduation thing. But it's not like we're just useless hacks with nothing else to do. I'm working downtown at the Chamber of Commerce and he's got a teaching job lined up in Japan in December.

Cool way to end the day; Dave Estime and I ended up yakking with two Mormon elders about IPC and Bronco Bash. First time I've ever had a convo with these guys that didn't involve religion.

Five days and 3.5%. Yoshi!

2008-08-01T23:30:08Z

The day passed very fast today, and not only because I was doing stupid things, but we'll talk about that later.

Today I was ridiculously pleased with myself because I had just gotten the temporary password to my new HSBC Direct savings account in the mail. I signed up online Jul. 28, and the whole experience was not only highly enjoyable but very fast. The sign-up process is painless, and you are given an application number in case you want to come back later and complete your application, or if you're setting up a joint account, so your partner can login and complete their part of the application. HSBC's security check is thorough enough that you feel safe, but not overwhelmingly so that you begin to doubt your own identity.

I'm really happy with HSBC because
(1) it's a global financial institution.
(2) online bill payment includes not only utilities but people (they'll get a cheque)!
(3) you can send/receive money transfers to/from other banks in the U.S. and other HSBC Direct accounts worldwide.

And talk about great service! E-mails are answered quickly, and when I call customer service, I get a real person after pressing just one key. It's awesome. And they all sound normal and friendly and don't try to sell me credit cards. Can you tell I'm impressed? I'm impressed.

Two Months and 29 Days

2008-07-31T05:57:56Z

I finally got my employment authorization (OPT) card today. As a result I kinda slacked off the job market, only applying for five jobs instead of my usual 10. It was also in part because I got a interview confirmation for Monday with Kolbenschmidt Pierburg, a product engineering and development company for the automotive industry. I like them because they're all about incorporating green living into their business decisions.

However, the place is in Auburn Hills, near Detroit. I'm not too crazy about the two hour plus drive, but I applied for KP the same time I applied for the Chempetitive Group, which is in Chicago, also a two hour plus drive away. CG claims to be the only marketing firm dedicated solely to the life sciences industry. I had fun looking over their website - they have a cool, entertaining style and I wanted to be part of that.

I love Chicago, but CG didn't call me back. I have a vague notion of running away to Chicago anyway and working the front desk of a high end spa/salon. However, that does seem like a terrible waste of my $340 employment authorization application fee.

Okay, so I'm nervous about my Monday interview. Both opportunities are good, but necessitate moving. What a drag. I hate moving. That's why I've never moved all the four years I've been here. I've helped friends pack up and move out and it's a pain. So I also applied to a local job; the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce. But they haven't gotten back to me yet either.

Strictly speaking, KP is the best because it's a global company, CG gives the most diverse job duties and KCC would mean I wouldn't have to move.

Once a Malaysian, always a Malaysian.

2008-07-28T16:52:51Z

I realize that even though I don't plan to return that soon to my home country to work and live, I still have that smidgen of loyalty ingrained upon my soul. When Malaysians group together around here, we either talk about food, strange Americans, or the state of things back home. The first two are neutral topics, but woe betide any non-Malaysian to helpfully join in the discussion where Malaysians are ruefully bitching about their own country.

Like a friend complaining about his/her significant other, or a wife expressing her frustration over her own parents, the rules are simple. You, an outsider are just not allowed to comment on the situation! Show sympathy, ask questions, but don't contribute any bitching and agreeing of your own. Compare these scenarios:

Wife: My mother is crazy!
Husband: I agree, dear.
Wife: What? You think my mother is crazy?
Husband, But... that's what you...
Wife: How dare you insult my mother!
(wife runs into kitchen and grabs a frozen leg of lamb)

Msian1: I wish Malaysia was more clean, like in America.
Msian2: More accessible dustbins, like Singapore.
Non-Msian: I couldn't agree more. Even when I was hiking in the jungle in Malaysia I saw...
Msian1: So how come breakfast cereal is so different here, huh?
Msian2: Yeah, I really miss eating Koko Krunch.

It only just struck me that I too am that sensitive about my own country. Most people, when complaining, do so about something that is deeply personal to them. But they don't like it being pointed out to their face, especially by an outsider, or someone who isn't really in the same situation as they are in. That's why family members can bitch about each other but if they hear anything bad outside the family? The claws come out!

That's why I couldn't help feeling a bit annoyed when Matt Harding called Kuala Lumpur a "fairly dreary, unpleasant place" and criticized the food. Of course, when I read the whole blog, I realized he had probably gone to places where no Malaysian normally sets foot to eat anyway. Seeking standard American fare, he stumbled into a McDonald's without knowing what all Malaysian U.S.-ed students like myself know. McDonald's is better in the U.S., TGIF rules in Malaysia (bigger portions if you can believe it) and KFC kicks yo mama's ass all around the world with super spicy crunchy juicy chicken deliciousness.

Although I do admire Matt for visiting 42 countries in 14 months and making a chicken dance video compilation (I cried! The video was beautiful!), I do feel sad that he didn't have local guides in a lot of the places he went to. While its fun to explore on your own (Americans believe in this thing called "road trips"), you can end up kicking yourself when you missed something great that you didn't know about before because you couldn't have known.

The joys of container gardening

2008-07-24T00:40:05Z

I've had so much fun setting up my own container garden this year. I live in a ground floor apartment with a small patio, but I'm pretty fortunate that I get at least eight hours of morning sun for a garden. I started gardening because of my cat, Basil. What's the best treat for a cat? Fresh catnip! So I went to the farmer's market, and after puttering around getting distracted by purple asparagus tied up with twine, and blushing stalks of rhubarb, I got the catnip from a little old lady. I picked up other herb seedlings that I liked as well from some other stalls. I was so pleased to go home with purple and yellow plastic sleeves of catnip, rosemary, basil, chives, cilantro, lavender, and chocolate mint.

The chocolate mint was heavenly. Even though I don't use it much, whenever I need a pick-me-up, I crush a few leaves in my hand and up wafts a delicious After Eights scent. I like to toss a handful into a jug of water and put it into the fridge. It makes cold water seem even more refreshing. When I have my own place with a lawn, I'm going to seed the grass with mint. Can you imagine walking around a garden breathing in the smell of crushed mint underfoot? Even mowing the lawn would be more enjoyable!

The next weekend I spotted a lady selling a whole range of vegetable seedlings. I was enchanted by the thought of growing my own fresh red chilli peppers (serano) and eating sugar snap peas straight off the vine. I got those seedlings, and added a tomato "Chello," plant, which promised to bear sunny yellow cherry tomatoes. I have always remembered the lusciously sweet tomatoes I had in Italy when I was 11 years old, and I wanted to taste a real home-grown tomato again.

Container herb gardening is easy and very rewarding. With a little care and a fertilizer of your choice, they grow quickly and abundantly. I especially enjoy having fresh chives to cook with. And the basil grows so fast, I use it in everything - shredded up in pasta, soups, rice. Cilantro is fantastic because it perks up any dish. I can't harvest it all fast enough!

If you want to try container gardening, the best time is early in the summer when you purchase your choice of seedlings from farmer's markets, garden centers, and even organic health stores. Think about the herbs you like and use all the time. Growing your own vegetables is fun and convenient. Based on what my plants have yielded this year, one tomato plant is enough for one person, but for peas you would need at least two or three plants.

Next year I plan to mix flowering herbs in with my plants to give my garden more color. Certain plants complement each other's growth cycle with equal benefits. This method is called companion planting, something that really helps when you're trying to decide what kind of plant combo you want in a pot! :)

Job search

2008-07-23T22:10:25Z

Craigslist

Chicago
chicago writing/editing jobs classifieds
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wri/

chicago marketing/advertising/PR jobs classifieds
http://chicago.craigslist.org/mar/

Associate Technical Writer (Oak Brook)
http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/wri/760290086.html

Part Time Expert Readers - Work from Home!! (home)
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/wri/758574468.html

Writer - Marketing Communications (Northbrook, IL)
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/wri/755727331.html

Project Coordinator – Full Time (Oak Brook)
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/wri/749889490.html

Business Writer/Editor (The Loop)
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/wri/748654938.html

Legal Research and Writing Internship (River North - Downtown Chicago)
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/wri/747554436.html

Copywriter (Chicago, Ilinois 60601)
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/wri/747298779.html

Associate Editor for B-to-B Publisher (Downtown Chicago)
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/wri/746758130.html

Junior-Mid Level Copywriter - Creative Circle (Western Burbs)
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/wri/746070363.html

Calling all Proofreaders! (Chicago)
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/wri/741768513.html

Online writers - HubPages
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/wri/741678494.html

San Francisco
SF bay area writing/editing jobs classifieds
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/wri/

Google: Enterprise Technical Writer - Mountain View
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/wri/762851337.html
http://www.postini.com/

Production Editorial Assistant – Scientific Publishing (palo alto)
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/wri/761755788.html

Marketing Copywriter: Who Doesn't want to go Green? (Union City)
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/wri/760633249.html

Paid Internship for Gay Writers (TheSword.com) (SOMA / south beach)
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/wri/759350347.html

Editor, Technology M&A Database (financial district)
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/wri/758961755.html

Contract Writer
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/wri/758938700.html

Women featured writers / bloggers wanted - paid
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/wri/758738236.html

Online Writer/Editorial Intern (financial district)
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/wri/757540678.html

Just what's going on now.

2008-07-21T15:01:58Z

Came across some sites yesterday that pay YOU to blog. This is great if you want to increase site traffic, but for me, a very private person... how ah. It's an easy way to earn money, which I am definitely in need of. For all of my pals working/studying elsewhere but the U.S., the deal is this: once I graduate from uni, I am eligible for a student work permit/OPT, which allows me to work in my studied field for one year in the U.S. without a work visa/H1.

Getting a H1 requires sponsorship from the company that wants to keep you on, at least USD $5,000 in legal fees, and of course approval from the government agency USCIS. On April 8, 2008, USCIS announced that the entire quota for visas for the Financial Year '09 (Oct. 1, 2008 - Sept. 30, 2009) had been reached, for both 20,000 Advanced (M.A., Ph.D) and the 65,000 quota (B.A.).

It's important to note that this year USCIS had already decided that if the number of applications crossed 65000 in first five working days, they would select the application through random selection process. Basically the whole thing is a lottery.

So that's about H1, and the deadline for me would be April 30, 2009 (if I had an employer to sponsor me). Just a little U.S. snippet on the worldwide applying-for-work process and following your dreams, etc. I don't mean to sound discouraged, but the fact is I haven't received my student work visa card yet, which is the ultimate proof of work eligibility. I got an application receipt and I know they already cashed my USD $340 cheque, so I'm just really so anxious now. I really miss my student days working on the campus newspaper and at the uni international office coz then I had a steady flow of cash.

Anyway, so what do you guys think about the pimping blog to companies to earn money?

Dinner rolls

2008-07-20T19:19:49Z

I've finally succeeded in making a plain bread that I like, and that is quite close to the soft texture of Asian breads. Americans have a propensity towards hearty breads, most of which are described as having a dense crumb with a chewy, springy texture. Asian breads are cottony soft, melt in the mouth and when you poke it with your finger, the indentation is retained like a memory foam mattress.

The recipe I used is from Wan of "My Kitchen Snippets" and is as follows:

[Ingredients]
1 1/4 cups of milk
3 Tbsp of sugar
1/2 stick of butter - 1/4 cup
3 1/4 cups of flour
1 tsp of salt
1 packet of yeast - 7 g

I also added one egg to the mixture for added smoothness and lightness.

[Instructions]
(1). Combine milk, sugar and butter and medium heat until butter just melts. Set aside to cool until warm to the touch / 90°F.
(2). Sift flour, salt and yeast together. Stir in (1) + one egg until well combined and knead for a few minutes. Dough will be soft and sticky.
(3). Let dough rise until double in size. Can also leave overnight.
(4). Prepare muffin tin by buttering thoroughly.
(5). Shape 1-inch size balls and put three into each muffin mold. Set aside for second rise (about an hour).
(6). Preheat oven to 350°F, brush rolls with beaten egg, sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional) and bake till golden brown (15 - 20 minutes).

I've always used a damp tea towel for rising but the top of the dough tends to stick to the cloth because my mixing bowl isn't big enough. I'm thinking of adding a greased piece of cling-film/plastic wrap on top of the dough, and then the damp tea towel. I usually proof the dough in the warmest place in my kitchen - on top of the refrigerator.

Knock Knock Design

2008-07-15T20:18:56Z

DesignSpotter yielded this gem of post today about the "Marry Me Mug," a product that could give your partner a hint that you would like to get married. When the user holds the cup in their hand their finger slides in to the ring and it looks like its being worn as an engagement ring.

Haha, I could so imagine a scene in which a guy slips a mug of tea (with milk) oh so nonchalantly to his girlfriend while they're hosting a small dinner party at their house. She smiles at his thoughtfulness, then oh! Discovers the unusual handle. She blushes, wondering about it, and their eyes meet, and he smiles to her in a secret, warm way. Some friends notice the mug and there are grins and nudges, but they all continue chatting casually with each other. When she drains her cup, there are words at the bottom:

Dear _ , Will you marry me? ♥, _.

Totally awesome way to propose!

2-3-2

2008-07-04T13:55:51Z

Layout bunk.
Thanks Firefox 3.
Now fixing.

- Inspired by Michael Pollan.

World's First Internet Balloon Race!

2008-06-19T12:19:40Z

Give me a boost by clicking on my balloon. He's a cute raccoon called Meriadoc! :)

Tango: smart talk about love

2008-06-10T02:48:20Z

According to the The Dirty Dancing Guide to Romance, what all women want from their lovers is patience, dedication, and decisiveness; among other things. Mmm, of course getting a lover first is paramount to this romance gig, which is why I feel the need to get my flirt on. According to Chicago’s Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, orange, vanilla, musk, and lavender scents "get the biggest rise out the guys." That's super coz I'm really into lavender vanilla right now, even with cupcakes! I guess I can throw a little orange in too.

Of course, I wouldn't mind dating a guy who has some culinary seduction skills up his sleeve as well. I haven't learnt how to take it slow yet, but the idea of being "whipped up into a fine froth instead of demanding so much passion right at the start" sounds sexy as hell.

Some relationships I've been through have seemed to be master telepathy classes, but no more! I'm going to perfect my mastery of the language(s) of love; words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

Birth Order: Your Key to Compatibility

2008-06-09T11:57:52Z

I've been doing something right after all. All my previous boyfriends have been firstborns.

Lastborns are usually friendly, easygoing, and creative. Research shows that you're more observant and that you have more diverse interests than your older siblings. You also take more risks, like to travel more, and are more liberal. You're the first to embrace new theories and you love challenging the status quo.

Younger sisters of sisters are driven, ambitious, and creative dynamos. You're the most feminine and flirtatious of girls. Nothing can stand in your way when you have a goal. But you often get distracted by whatever crosses your path — whether it's a new career, a new man, or a new interest. And let's face it, you have many interests, more than you can handle at times! Your best match is a firstborn, who are usually dominant and organized.

[I'm the "most feminine and flirtatious of girls?" Perhaps having a 10 and 12 year gap between my elder sisters and me makes me a bit more of an only child. Let's see.]

Female only children like to have a patron helping them throughout life. Brooke Shields is a perfect example, She was helped by her mother throughout her career. Unlike the male only child, career is not as important to you. Brooke Shields, for example, ended a budding film career to pursue romantic interests with various high-profile men. Your best romantic match is an older brother of sisters. However, you must also consider your mother's birth order since you, more than other girls, learn from her how to interact with men. If she's a firstborn, your best match is probably going to be a lastborn guy.

[Mum's a lastborn, so my ideal match really is a firstborn! And all this time, I've never had a big career thing going on in my head, just a vague notion of success. Bad, huh? "What did I send you to university for?" my mother would say.

So where's my patron, my guide? Maybe I can have a male patron who is an older brother of sisters. Hahaha.]

I only want to be with you

2008-03-11T03:16:57Z

Amy Sherman has a great roundup of Italian/English language blogs on the Epicurious site. This led me to Gourmet, which is celebrating butter this month with a mouthwatering recipe for butter-sugar crepes and a divine old fashioned sounding butter cake, which reminded me of Pichet Ong's condensed milk pound cake.

The Gourmet Pig objects to food porn, or rather how Take Home Chef Curtis Stone seduces pretty ladies in the grocery store (I don't mind; seduce me!). He did clarify the other kind of food porn, "highly stylized pictures of pretty plates of food."

Mesmerizing and delicious eye candy
Sugar Plum:
Meyer Lemon Cake with Fig Purée and Pistachios
Kyoto Foodie:
Wagashi: Sentaro Rice Flour Kasutera, Soba and Wheat Manju
Seasonal Ontario Food:
Chocolate Pudding
Gourmet Girl:
Cucumber Sandwiches with Dill and Creme Fraiche
Pretty Tasty Cakes:
Asian Black Pearl Layer Cake with Ginger, Wasabi and Black Sesame Seeds
Design*Sponge feat.:
in the kitchen with: béatrice peltre
HaveCakeWillTravel:
Matcha Spelt Rolls with Bittersweet Chocolate Filling and Almond Icing
Spicy Icecream:
Jamie Oliver's coleslaw
Best carrot cake ever
Tartelette:
Opera Macarons
Salty / Savory / Sweet:
adventures in fondue
Canela & Comino:
breakfast puffs

bold new friendships

2008-03-07T16:57:00Z

Hanging out with Dan is awesome because:

He drinks tea

The Kzoo Tea Enthusiasts meet at his house every other Tuesday so he has plenty of tea

He breaks out in spontaneous song ~~and dance~~ on the piano

Drunken piano playing is fun

I've never heard the accordion sound so charming

Kronos Quartet + Fiona Apple + Rufus Wainwright = magic hookah room with fairy lights on the ceiling

And there's so much more but I've got to run for lunch now.

NPR goodies

2008-03-02T23:11:39Z

A Fine Day for Chinese Food
Vegetarian Dumplings
Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions
Lamb with Leeks
Chinese Pancakes with Apricot Filling and Peanuts
Giving Thanks with Cultural Cuisine
Chinese-Style Sticky Rice "Stuffing"
Cookbook Author Celebrates Apple Season
Tarte Tatin
Good for Almost Everything Pie Dough, Sweet Tart Dough
Summer Food: Mother Knows Best
Mrs. Wong's Barbecue Sauce
A Hard-to-Kick Habit: Korean Barbecue Short Ribs
Yoon Family Kalbi
The Once and Future Apple Cake
Apple Cake
New Year's Promises, Wrapped in Gold
Pork and Leek Dumplings
Black Vinegar Dipping Sauce
Beautiful Baking for the Holidays, Simplified
Marshmallows
Cranberry Lime Galette
Sweet Potato Biscuits

clean break

2008-03-02T02:07:08Z

I thought it would take longer, but I don't feel all that injured anymore.

Last Sunday the girls were asking me about it and I said, "I'll get over him, it'll just take time."

Then we had the tarot card session and there it was. And I felt sorry for him.

Good luck, dude. We'll meet someday as friends, perhaps. But for now I need to get you out of my head. You're blocking my path to the future.

silverkey @ 2008-02-24T12:49:00

2008-02-24T17:49:56Z

http://www.oculture.com/2006/10/foreign_languag.html
http://ask.metafilter.com/83898/This-question-is-so-n00b-that-it-hurts
http://ask.metafilter.com/83877/Yes-I-have-the-horn-but-I-have-standards-too
http://www.flickr.com/photos/73692499@N00
http://o-renji.deviantart.com/
http://zemotion.deviantart.com/art/The-Midnight-Game-III-74636070
http://evy-and-cats.deviantart.com/store/
http://kvirtanen.deviantart.com/

http://www.epicurious.com/bonappetit/top10/potato_recipes
http://orangette.blogspot.com/
http://community.livejournal.com/unsentletters/

serious eats and gourmet.com

2008-02-24T13:22:40Z

Baking with Dorie: Galette des Rois
an almond and pastry-cream filling sandwiched by two rounds of puff pastry.
mushroom flatbreads with tricolor roasted peppers
caramelized-onion flatbreads with creme fraiche
onion-fennel flatbread
Tea Loyalties
by David Shenk
The Best Foodie Isn’t One
by Francis Lam
Onion Tart With Mustard and Fennel
Sweet Dough
includes Richard Bertinet video
Petit Pains Au Chocolat
Grilled Cheese
onion jam
Chocolate Truffle Tart
Crêpes
Brandy Caramel Sauce
Profiteroles With Coffee Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce