My fond memories of CNY used to be the times when Mom, Sis and cousins (plus yours truly of course) would gather in the kitchen chatting away while making pineapple tarts and loveletters for the family. Although nothing beats homemade pastries and the aroma that follows I didn't quite enjoy the preparation process of the pineapple filling, as it's too time consuming.

It has been many years since we called it quits and all these while I've been looking out for pineapple tarts that 'meets my expectations'. I've had a few good buys, but nothing beats the ones sold at The Hiding Place @ 3 Jalan Kayu, because I waited a few years... Why so long you must be wondering. Each year bottles of freshly baked pineapple tarts are prepared for the home's CNY charity bazaar at no cost by a kind-hearted bakery shop owner, and they sell out really fast. But this year, I'm in luck!

This is it. A container of 25 pineapple tarts at S$18. A bit steep at 72 cents a piece but good food is worth paying for - and waiting too in this case.

The pix says it all. It's L size and takes 2 bites to finish. The crust was light and buttery, although I would like it with some milky taste. However, the scrumptious filling was lovely as it's not too sweet and you can still chew on the fibers of the fruit. Some fillings I've had before are chewy and tasted like jam. What I like about the tarts? With each bite it gets better... Double the size , double the enjoyment of savouring these delectable goodies. Yummy! Btw, they were rated top by Women's Weekly mag in 2007.

I'm contented, I'm happy ;D Now I'm feeling Chinese New Year-zie...

To SIN or not to SIN

I've a mission on hand... to try and search for dairy-free cakes. Unfortunately, I didn't have much luck and found only one site - http://www.theconsciouschoice.com/cake/index-buzz.htm - that provides the service but they don't come cheap. Well, these business have a targeted clientele and I'm out of the league for sure. Yes, I can be health conscious but I still want to have my cake and eat it. On second thoughts, maybe I should just settle for a sinful chocolate cake.

Anything is good if it's made of chocolate ~ Jo Brand

Looking back on 2008

Every year come this day I will be overwhelmed with emotions, both happy and not so happy moments will start replaying in my mind.

Work

Joined a new firm and I've not looked back since. Although the person who hired me has left, I still would like to thank him for thinking of me or I would not have been part of this wonderful team whom I dearly call my extended family. It's gonna be a rough ride for the months to come but I hope I will continue to be part of the family for I'm already in love with them. Nevertheless, what shall be shall be, and like I always say, fingers, toes and everything crossed.

Family

I'm happy for Sis as she has finally found the love of her life and we are also in love with the Andrea. He is a sweet guy and they are such a lovely couple together. No relationship is perfect and I wish them the best and am looking forward to their wedding bells.

This year is not the best for Mummy as she was down with another heart seizure and we also found out she's allergic to seafood. She is currently on a medical study for her heart problem and we hope it will give her a better quality of life. After one near death incident I've come to appreciate her more.

Self

Nothing much has changed on the personal front except that I hope to make it through my final term at school. It's gonna be another hectic 3 months but I will persevere and hopefully do well. As I'm not one to stick to my new year resolutions so I've stop making a list of things that will not/cannot be materialized. Instead, I prefer to go with the flow and play it by ear.

Here's wishing all my loved ones and friends a Happy and Healthy 2009! May all your wishes come true.

Boxing Day

Missed Ed and Shuping's housewarming and so we planned for a post-Christmas get-together. The drive in to JB was pretty smooth except for a slight issue - I was glued to my books and failed to realize our car was already at the immigration counter and it was too late when I looked up as this was what I heard, "Next time look at the Officer when you are here". My fault so no basis for argument. She had the last say. Darn!

Finally set foot into the finished product of the Goh Villa located at Taman Austin Perdana. It was a lovely 4 bedroom semi-detached nicely done up for a family of 5. First stop, we were whisked off for a session of Thai aromatherapy message with compliments from the boss. Thereafter we adjourned for dinner at one of the eatery famous for their bittergourd soup. I forgot about taking pix of the food as I usually would because I was famished having had 1 popiah for brunch - record breaking for a foodie, I know. Food arrived and we devoured every bit of it, it was super-licious.

Ed & Shuping's Princesses, GG and Anthea. The girls have grown so much and they're such great hosts during our stay, especially the cheeky lil Anthea (in blue). Cute bellas ; )

This was where we had our breakfast. The weather was perfect with the sun and just enough breeze to warrant alfesco dining. Dunno the street name but Ed says it's along Johor Jaya. It's next to it is the Petronas pump station if that helps.

The roti prata or roti canai commonly known to the locals was nice even on it's own. Notice the red patch on the gravy? It's actually sambal chilli. Sounds strange when Ed first me about it but the marrying of chickpeas based curry gravy and sambal hit the right notes. Good one!

The way Ed likes his prata... chickpea curry, sambal and a good amount of sugar.

Lunch was at Ed's cousin's Bah Kut Teh stall. Unlike our local version of peppery soup, theirs had a subtle hint of herbs, combined with the sweetness of pork it was mama-licious.

Group pix of the JB 2D/1N trip, minus Hubby who was the photographer

Christmas Day

Fah Lalalala Lalala... This has always been time I most look forward to as there is no better time (and reason) to eat, drink and make merry with your loved ones and friends; people you care about and want to share this special moment of the year with.

Have a Wonderful Christmas!

As the year comes to a close
and the snow flies once again,
family and friends should be together,
it is that love we wish to send.
May you have a Merry Christmas,
may your wishes all come true.
May you enjoy all of your tomorrows.

Welcome to Taiwan!

I finally set foot into Taipei after months of waiting. The weather was perfect, ranging between 12 to 21 degrees celsius while we were there. Taiwanese are a nice bunch of people, hardly are they loud nor rude, unlike the 'neighbour'. I highly recommend Les Suites Ching Cheng for their excellent service and I luv the interior decor that exudes warmth and coziness that feels like home away from home. I will definitely go back again.

Ivy, Me & Angie before the welcome dinner (taken outside Fifi Teahouse)

My favourite pix (taken with Audrey). Strike a pose!

Group pix

Day 2 at Jiu Fen. Local delicacies are aplenty here.

Hot chicks outside the National Museum.

I ran a mile away when I smelt this.... You are right... Smelly Tofu. YL, Angie and Audrey had a go at it and they luv it. Apparently it tasted good... Next time maybe.

A whole block of peanut candy that's shaved into powdered form to be eaten with ice-cream wrapped in popiah skin.

Taiwanese luv dogs and you can see them almost everywhere from the streets to the malls to the restaurants. This adorable doggy is the boss of the shop - the collar says it all.