Thought I should do some updating here since I've not been very spontaneous for the past 2 months. I did make efforts to bake and here are some of the works crafted.

I baked these oatmeal cookies on 04 Aug 2012, a Saturday. This recipe was gotten from the Quaker recipe book. I used rolled oats which the recipe called for. I guess rolled oats will give a better texture and chewy sensation as compared to instant oats. However, I felt that the amount of oats can be reduced by a little cos the end product seems to be too chewy and rough though the taste was good with a little cinnamon added.

It was non others than chicken pies again. Hahaha. These were created on 08 Sep 2012, another Saturday. I tweaked the recipe a little this time. Tried to double the quantity and added vinegar, as it was supposed to allow easy handling of the dough. Indeed, the dough was quite trouble-free to handle this round. I also separated the dough into 2 batches, 1 was left in the fridge while I am rolling out the other. This helps to keep the dough cool in order to reduce shrinkage when rolled out.
I am not sure if it is the brand of butter that I used this time or the little tweak, that makes the pies not as delicious as before. Or is it because they were left in the fridge for a day before consumption, which had makes the filling rather dry (absorb by the crust? cos the crust is not as crusty too.). I'll give it a try again.

21 Sep 2012 - The sauage rolls... My first attempt on bread!!! My colleagues aroused my interest to give it a go. I always thought that bread making is a hassle, why not just pay a dollar plus and you get delicious bread any time you want. My opinion changed now. The sense of satisfaction, the aroma from the puffing dough and the smiling faces that I got from baking these breads indeed surpassed the hassle I thought I'd be in.
As my mixer was not the high end type, I ended up kneading the dough by hands. The process was tiring, no kidding at all. But I won't say bread making is a time consuming thing to do now cos the time spent is well worth on HOMEMADE BREAD with all natural ingredients (no improver), yet fluffy and soft!

I've decided to make this batch of pies, specially for 三姨. Unfortunately, she was hospitalised again. Sadly, she did not have a chance to touch these pies and all went into my cuzzies' hungry tummies. 三姨, I really wish that you will recover soon, if not completely, at least have the strength to enjoy our companionship, nice food and every love that we are bringing to you. We miss your orange juice that you always squeeze freshly for us, we miss your laughter whenever we joke with you, we miss your everything.
You made me realise that life is so fragile and we never know what will happen the next moment. I told myself that I will always make effort to be home for dinner with my love ones. This is a simple affair, however everyone's presence makes a difference and it is really a blessing to see each other safe and healthy everyday.

Today is a BIG day for Lin-er, though is not her super BIG day yet. It’s her 21st BIRTHDAY celebration for her super big day on 04 July 2012. Haha. Finally, she is a grown up fine lady with beautiful smile and character. The images of her when she was young still flashes in my mind. We are 10 years old apart, so as a da jie jie, it’s naturally my duty to take care of her since young. Seeing her grow up from a little baby and protecting (but sometimes still bully, haha) her from harm is such an enjoyable journey for her 3 elder sisters. Lin-er, we won’t be there to take care of you all the times, so be safe, be blissful and most importantly, be happy & healthy always!

Here comes your Birthday Chicken Pie! I’ve started preparing this for you since the night before, thus I did not manage to join you and cuzzies for the happening night out. Sacrifice right? Lol. I knew this came as a surprise for you from the expression on your face when you first saw it. I was indeed delighted. I was even more elated when I received numerous amazing comments on the pie. It’s not the look of the pie, but the TASTE! Although I tried my best to put on some deco on it, I think I can still do better, don’t give up Wendy!

This pie is the result of my 2nd try this morning. Luckily I had enough ingredients, else I can't imagine how things will turn out. I guess I am just too excited and hoping to complete the pie without pitfall. But the more I want it this way, the more I could not get the it done in the right way. Haiz.

My initial intention is to bake a big pie with some small pies which serve as a deco to the big pie too. However, after pre-baking the big crust half way, then I realised I've forgotten to prick the crust before baking. That's why the crust wenting popping here and down all because of the air bubble underneath the dough. Things went a little hay wire but fortunately I managed to salvage it, just that I've spent a lot more time than expected. The baking process ended with a PHEW! finally completed and YEAH! :)

Lin-er will be celebrating her 21st birthday very soon. I'm still in a dilemma on what I should give her as a memorable birthday present and thought something I bake specially for her will be a nice one, isn't it? Initially, I thought of baking swiss roll and kept practising it for 3 days in a roll. Shun, Ning and myself ate nothing but swiss roll for breakfast and dessert last week. Sorry darling, I don't know if I've made you tired of swiss roll, but am sure you are enjoying it whenever you asked for it. :)

All of a sudden on the past Monday, I recalled Lin-er told me that my chicken pie is her favourite, so why not make her a chicken pie instead? Yes yes, and picture on the left is the result of the test bake in the wee hours this morning! The 5 small little ones were given to Lin-er for her colleagues since today is the last day of her internship and the big one went to my colleagues. Feedback on the pies were simply fantastic. I'm overwhelmed with all the nice comments. One of my colleagues even commented, "Wendy, you are so inspiring.", cos I've aroused their interest into cooking and baking again. Hahahaha. So this shall be Lin-er's 21st birthday present this coming Sunday!