A short trip to Malaysia

Truly reflecting the the meaning of short trip, our trips nowadays seems to border around Malaysia, namely Bukit Indah and KSL. Epitomising this meaning in the above picture demanding why why - why is my holiday getting shorter?? Ha ha... another 2 years, my darling, when little Matthias is older enough to travel or older enough to get a passport....

Welcome to the world of cheap and good durian. This is probably one of the best tasting and value for money durian that we have chanced upon... make a guess....S$3.26/Kg,,, versus S$18/Kg in Singapore.... Heaven awaits!!

Tasting - creamy, deep and distinctive caramel flavour with superb bitter sweet aged sherry tasting. Thumbs up!!

This mother of all durians weigh in at a high of 5kg and its sheer size can be seen from the attached pic. Samuel is basking in delight after tasting, definitely - more durians for me dad....

As we search for the that depth and enjoyment within us, the stomach will deliver its knocking of acid juices to signal time to feast. Some of the food that we enjoy and don't enjoy - bak kut teh, coffee, roast duck, chicken rice, soups, etc... wait for the reviews.

Starting to put things right in one's life and to put them in practice seems to be natural and as i pen this blog - it begs 2 questions - is the wait fruitful for it is a funny old beast which taunts you to keep thinking, tugging at the inner peace for it promises the world and becomes your biggest frustration - can one keep waiting for to change things little by little, perseverance is essential.

Wander off to the distant future, Samuel can best summarize the situation - with a smile, don't keep me waiting for too long dad... :)

Artisan Pandan Chiffon Cake

Aptly named as the pandan cake, this cake exudes the abundance aroma of the pandan plant. The aroma intensifies after 40 mins in the oven and it embraces the whole living space, beckons you near to the oven.

The pandan cake is a very light cake and the baking method uses a combination of both batter and foam peaks. Fresh pandan leaves and coconut milk are used to enhance the taste and smell.

I would say that the foam is quite interesting to make - beat egg whites till stiff peaks formed - test the stiffness by overturning the pail of whites over your head and it should not drop down. A beyond time experience!! if your whites are unable to hold.

Cooling period - an innovative way to cool your pandan cake before tasting. It reminds me of the yeliu rock formation in Taiwan. Tasting is next and we take pride in calling upon the Khoos for the tasting.                                                                                                                     Review - soft and fluffy, almost velvety texture. Moist and light with a spongy feel. The panel like it - thumbs up.

Arrival of prince Matthias

Returned familiarity of the anxious moment, when 2 years back we awaited the arrival of our first born Samuel, now we await the arrival of Matthias.

Confidence surrounds since we had already went through it once, yet being confident is one thing, reality is another.

At 0137, Matthias arrived healthily into this World. A thunderous cry follow... ha ha...(awaiting the moment) he is quite different from Samuel - in the way he signalled his arrival. Samuel arrived in serenity and refused to cry even though the nurses pricked him with a needle.

The ultimate partnership of happiness surrounds dad, mum and child when suddenly a part of the moment became shrouded with unease. Flowing river of blood gathers on the floor and mum is bleeding all of a sudden. Panicked filled room, nervous nurses, paled mum and dad was heralded out of the room.

Who can ever bear such spectacle? I was worried and pace around the delivery suite, burning a seared track in its path - such exaggeration but i will not want to ever relive such moment....

Fast forwarding and today mummy has since recovered and is doing well. I am grateful that everything turns out well in the end, grateful for every good night and day, grateful for healthy sons so i offer my gratitude and love to the divine.

 

Virgin Post - the vintage dome

Vintage Dome versus Young Dome

Matured discolouration of the label is achieved after the years spent in its stunning and informal environment. The rough gauge of its cellar stay 5+ years in Yishun and 5+ years in Ponggol.

The tasting presented the following - Vintage wins as it has increased body and sweetness. More earthy tone of freshness fills the mouth and linger through on the smooth finish. Amazing bitter sweet aromas of cinammon, saffron and the faintest hint of floral honey. Do not drink neat as it is too overpowering, serve with hot mineral-rich water instead.

Some say that rules are for breaking and wines for sharing with generous servings of laughter. Any takers for sampling?