Christmas in Our Hearts 

"Let's sing Merry Christmas and a happy holiday
This season may we never forget the love we have for Jesus
Let him be the one to guide us as another new year starts
And may the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts" 

~Christmas in Our Hearts by Jose Mari Chan

It has been 8 years since I last spent Christmas with my family. Though it breaks my heart that I could not be with them on Christmas, my love and prayers are always with them. 

But this year's Christmas is special as it is my first Christmas together with my husband! Since I am only cooking for two, I wanted simple dishes that are easy to cook but tastes fantastic. So for this year, our menu consists of Shepherd's Pie and Oven-Baked Pork Ribs. 

Yummy-licious!

Both dishes are cooked together in less than two hours so I had more time to cuddle with the mister.

Lemony Butter Biscuits 


"Taking one's chances is like taking a bath, because sometimes you end up feeling comfortable and warm, and sometimes there is something terrible lurking around that you cannot see until it is too late and you can do nothing else but scream and cling to a plastic duck." ~Lemony Snicket

Taking chances...risking your cozy spot for the possibility that you might end up at an even better place. I'd like to think of myself as an adventurer even though the thought of riding this scares me. My 'adventures' are more laid back but it does not mean it is not life-changing. When I first came to Singapore, I did not think that I would be living here–getting used to a different culture, language and way of thinking. It just fell into place. I wanted to see what would happen and not regret anything when I look back in my life. I told myself that I'll give it a year...then another year...and it has been four years since that day. Although I still miss my hometown (especially during Christmas), Singapore is starting to feel like home. Was my risk worth it? Definitely.

One of the reasons why I started baking was because every time I cook something, I cannot be 100% sure that it will taste good. I don't really follow the recipes to the letter *bows head in shame*. I always try to add in things that I liked and take out things that I consider unnecessary. I take a risk every time I bake and this blog is a testament to my kitchen adventures.

The base of this recipe came from butter cookies. And I was craving for a lemon taste. The aroma of the uncooked dough was already fab and I was so excited if it will taste good too.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie with Apple Bits 

"A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand."

The first thing that came to my mind this morning upon waking up was chocolate chip cookies. I know I had to cut back on sweets as I've been eating too much lately (again). Normally, I hide the weighing scale as it depresses me but I've read somewhere that one must keep track of how they weigh if on a diet. So now, the scale is right in front of my mirror, taunting me every time I look at my reflection. Instead of deflating my self-esteem though, after a few weeks, I became immune. I still weigh myself occasionally and instead of losing the pounds, they just...stay there. Neither going up nor going down. Not sure if it is a good thing. I feel great though you can't make me run a 10km marathon. Healthy enough to walk the whole day at a normal pace and not feel faint (with occasional ice cream breaks in between).

After having a healthy breakfast of cereal (whole grain, no sugar), Mr E and I headed down to the grocery store to purchase some ingredients for our lunch. And I picked up some chocolate chips. And some vanilla essence. I almost won but sometimes it's better to give in to your temptations (haha!).

5th of November

"Remember remember the fifth of November

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason why gunpowder, treason

Should ever be forgot..."

I find it suitable to commemorate my birthday with this poem in mind. It reminds me to look back at my past year and remember the lessons life has taught me–never regretting past deeds, spending more time with people who matter most and to keep on learning. 

my birthday feast

Which is why I have started this journal. I wanted to learn more about making delicious treats and pick up some photography skills as well. I was so inspired by countless of blogs and television shows wherein their food looks so good I could almost smell the aroma from my monitor! So, I can only try my best to keep baking and shooting photos and hope that with the constant practice I can become better. 

Moving on to more yummy cuisines...

Apple Crumble (Polvorón) Muffins

I love apples–the crunching sound when you bite into it and how it is sweet and sour at the same time. And I am addicted to muffins (my ballooning weight can attest to that). So in order to satisfy my sweet tooth and (try) to eat healthy food, I made my own muffins from scratch instead.

Kare-Kare ala Pobre

Made with love (and Mama Sita's Kare-Kare Mix)! Instead of (expensive) beef, I used pork. Although, I still prefer the way it tastes with beef, this version comes close to recreating that home-cooked meal back at home.