1 Cakes of all sorts

Chocolate or durian? Chocolate or durian? Choco-.... I was split between the equally tantalizing choices of a TortaPistocchi from Checkers@Hilton and the famed durian cakes at The Deli@Goodwood Park. I reasoned that since the durian fiesta will be on for a few more months, I should get the former. In the end, logistics decided fate; the chocolate torte was only sold as whole cakes and I didn't want a whole cake although no doubt it would be awesomely chocolaty ooey gooey good. Or probably too good that it will send me right to death by chocolate. So after depositing my cheque I walked to GWP. There I faced another decision: just get a slice of cake or the promotion combo (3 cakes + 2 puffs + 1 tartlet) for $35++. My only fear was that the combo would be an overkill and will not be able to be finished in time while the durian was still fresh at its peak. But I did the math and the savings were indeed quite worthy. Anyway, if I had to choose a single cake that would be another heart-wrenching decision. In short, I went for the combo. Typical Singaporeans like variety.

So before dinner I excitedly cut a slice of the pandan coconut durian cake (mum's choice) so that by after dinner, it would be just thawed and ready for indulgence. And indulgence it really was! Thick and creamy pure D24 durian sandwiched between two delightfully fragrant, pandan-infused pandan sponge cake. Phew! Actually I didn't really care much for the pandan, but I'm sure it's presence did highlight and bring out the durianness of the durian, if that makes any sense. The coconut flakes may appeal to some, but not me. I'm planning on having one of the puffs for breakfast tmr. Woo hoo! To thaw in fridge overnight.

0 21+1

Why does time seem to accelerate after you cross the 20 mark? An unexpected birthday surprise from the lab mates, dinner with old school friends and numerous FB msgs made me feel all warm, loved and happy. I realized I haven't felt happy in a long time. And for all these small things in life, to be remembered, I am so thankful and grateful. Photos will be uploaded soon, in lieu of my unstudied test tomorrow.

The quote above is just something I came across. I was nodding the whole time I read the quote. To live in the moment is an art in itself, especially in the hectic, neverending Singapore student life.

1 Fragments of thoughts

I want to experiment with sous vide - eggs, salmon, chicken breast.

I want to whip up a mean white wine seafood pasta (shrimp, scallops etc.).
[Yesterday's squid ink pasta with cod and tobiko in Chreese sauce was nothing short of awesome, but it's not counted, because after all, it's from a package.]

I want to have a laid-back brunch - ricotta pancakes at Skyvve, blueberry pancakes at Rider's cafe, Californian at Wild Honey.

I want to eat cake - strawberry shortcake from Flor.

I want to enjoy nature - Punggol Waterfront.

I want to do photostories - Nikon 7000.

I want to do everything but study for tomorrow's test, Thursday's Immunology, look at the Scratch program, continue writing my essay which I have not touched for 6 weeks or so, do lab report.

For breakfast, I had the last of my steel cutters baked (~1 tbsp), added protein powder and a ball of chocolate spread 3/4 way through, topped with Carman's oats and amaranth muesli. As always, leave the best to the last; scrape around the edges, moving inwards, so that eventually you'll end up with a dark semi-solid, semi-liquid orb of viscous matter - dark, rich bitter warm chocolate that sensuously coats your tongue as you imbibe.

Today I bought wholemeal ciabatta from Cedele and had a tuna 'wich, half with garlic piccanti and the other half with beetroot chutney. Somehow, both tasted similar - vineargy and oniony. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of garlic and beetroot?

I got back two major assignments today - Heritage essay and com sci tutorials. Both were done well, I say. But in return, I get slapped with two CAs this week.

Bye and off to study.