Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Homemade Lasagne & for Pancake Day!

Last night was the first time I made lasagne from scratch, except for the pastry sheets <- next time I will attempt to make my own pastry!

Ramsay's recipe was easy and top notch! Made my own beef sauce, cheese sauce and finished off with homemade pancakes, banana and milk chocolate. MmmmMmm...

Monday, February 23, 2009

Staying positive!

I thought I had ended my job hunt last week, unfortunately wasnt offered the job. Pretty disappointing, will have to push on and stay positive! sighs...
The weather in London is surely warming up to Spring. It has been above 10degrees the last couple of days, the day is lasting longer, sun sets at 5.30, weather aint that bad over here.
Last week, with nothing big on the dinner menu. I whipped up my version of Katsudon.

Over the weekend, I finally got my ramekins and attempted to make milk chocolate fondant. Boy o' boy, not an easy dessert. First one was way undercooked and the 2nd slightly overcooked and no gooey centre. Oh well.. will keep trying.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Out 'n' About in Paris

Thank you for taking me to beautiful Paris! *muah*


We walked the entire weekend around Paris, not once did we catch the metro! Lots of people around but the vibe for Valentines wasnt as romantic as I had expected. Maybe it isnt the most romantic city in the world!

This visit we walked to St Germain des Pres, supposedly the best area in Paris to get lost in and we surely did that a few times!

Went to the Picasso Museum, so far this is my favourite piece of art. 'The Kiss' 1931 by Pablo Picasso.

Ooh La La.. Valentine's Day in Paris!






I know that it may be a bit clichéd, but you still have to experience Valentine's Day in Paris.

A culmination of great weather, picturesque backdrops, and our fair dose of cheese has etched memories that will last with us forever. 

Still got more to tick off the must do in Paris list, so will definitely be there again!

Monday, February 9, 2009

The Ledbury - Notting Hill



To kick off our list of Michelin star restaurants, we had dinner at The Ledbury in Notting Hill. We put aside the fact that we were the only 2 in the restaurant not in a dress or a suit and indulged in the gastronomic experience. 

Every dish was delicious and devoured with glee. Try and spot Marisa's main dish "Crown Roast of Berkshire Hare with carrot cake puree, crisp potatoes and chanterelles". As a clue, it was served with what resembled like the hare's ribcage.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Blog that inspires me to bake...

I believe everyone should take the risk in pursuing what they are passionate about, after all life is full of surprises. The first time I read her blog was back in 2007, this girl is absolutely inspirational! Her baking is a work of art and now she runs her own baking business! http://cookingismypassion.blogspot.com/

I so wish I could be professionally trained...sighs...the best I could do for know is keep practicing at home. Nowhere to her standard, this week, I made apple cupcakes, vanilla cream cheese frosting with a cherry on top.

While earlier in the week London was snowed under, the snow has now melted away and I can see my neighbour's cherry blossom tree blooming with flower buds. Spring better be around the corner!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Winter came rather late..hmm?

As we were thinking Spring is around the corner, daylight last longer, suddenly a big snow cloud hits London! Apparently this is the worse it has been for 18years. It snowed all night, the buses are suspended and most tube lines are down... Trent headed off to work and I sure hope he doesn't fall flat on his face!! Pics from our bedroom and living room windows.

Pics of our Chorizo rolls from Saturday evening.

Last night, I made Venison medallions with caramelised apple and ginger tart, red wine sauce while Trent helped make the celeriac puree. MmmMMmmm....

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Something chinesey and something quack quack

It is mid Saturday afternoon and Trent is still at work..boohooo.. I guess it will be a quiet night at home. Luckily we had some left over Chorizo from Borough Markets.. apparently they are suppose to be the quite famous Brindisa chorizo. http://www.brindisa.com/retail_borough.asp

Over the week, I made traditional 'tong shui' meaning sweet soup in canto. Dried beancurd, sago, and lotus nuts.

I think I am getting the hang of cooking duck breast, last night made duck breast with balsamic cherry reduction.