199. Christmas 2009!

Dear Friends,

You know that the holiday season is approaching when Christmas lights go up in town. The weather somehow begins to be a little more chilly (and wet here in Singapore!) and you can't help but feel a creeping fuzzy feeling of coziness. :0)

It's almost Christmas time! A time to remember family and loved ones who have made a positive difference in your life. A time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for the sins of mankind, so that we may live in eternity in Heaven when our time has passed. A time for joy, laughter, love & peace! Bring out the turkey, leg of lamb and....CAKE!

This year, due to the busyness of having to care for my dear Natalie, I will only offer 2 of my most popular Christmas cakes. Please place your orders early to avoid disappointment. :0)

Sticky Chewy Chocolate Fudge Logcake

Rich and moist chocolate cake filled with sticky chewy 70% dark Belgium chocolate fudge and fresh whipped cream, dusted with cocoa and topped with cherries and marzipan leaves. 

 Perfect Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Really moist cinnamon cake packed with loads of freshly grated carrots, pineapples, raisins and walnuts. Topped with (not so sweet) cream cheese icing, chopped walnuts and a marzipan carrot.

Last order date: 14th December, 2009; 2359hrs

Last day of collection: 24th December, 2009; 1030hrs (unless otherwise arranged)

Email me @ chrispantry@gmail.com.

Hear from you soon!
Cheers and may you have a blessed Christmas!

Chris Ur Baker

 

198. Longevity Peaches

For Y's grandmother who turned 81 recently.
This is a carrot cake with (not so sweet) cream cheese icing. The peaches are made using marzipan and lightly coloured with red food colouring and dusted with purple edible pearl dust.

197. Animal Farm 2

For my cousin's boys who turned 1 & 3 recently. She's a working mother of 3 who looks not a day over 25. Blessed.

This cake is a Chocolate fudge one, made with 70% Dark  Belgium chocolate and moist chocolate sponge. My Hubs ate 95% of the slice that I got. *Bleah* Maybe I should bake myself a Chocolate cake soon. :0)

196. Tiramisu

Grandma turns 88!
I havn't made this cake flavour for awhile, but I'm glad I did...because there were left-overs for which I got to make myself a mini...TIRAMISU cake! *Yums*

195. Joshua's Ark

My JC friend asked for this cake to be made especially for her son's 1st birthday party. Top layer is Strawberry Shortcake and the bottom layer is Spiced Apple cake. I heard people had seconds and there was no leftover. *Yay*
All the figurines were hand moulded with love!
Can you see them? My favourite is the Elephant and the Lamb. :0)

194. 21st Birthday

This cake was specifically made to be 'not-so-chocolate-y' and 'not-so-fresh-cream-y'. So between the layers were one layer of chocolate fudge and another of fresh cream with cherries. The key was made with marzipan and coloured with edible old dust.

Golden Key to freedom at 21!!!
Happy 21st Birthday Roy! Thanks for the invite to your party. Many happy returns of the year!

Kit-kats don't work so well anymore...

Hey Friends!

Here I am once again requesting for a short break. I've been really blessed by all your encouragement and support and much love for my daughter Natalie! She's grown so much and her personality is showing itself - she's a happy child, with a somewhat surprising streak of hot temper! But nonetheless, I believe God's in charge and will continue to grow her & my little family well. :0)

It's my birthday today and I spent it working and caring for Nat (who unfortunately came down with a bout of Roseola - darn whoever who passed it to her - with a high fever which is about about to break). Coupled with the past month of working through weekends, I'm really beat now....
SO...
I will be taking a 2 week break from the 20th of September till the 30th of September to recuperate and spend quality time with Natalie & Hubs. I'm thinking walks in the park, swim lessons and lazy afternoons on the bed looking at picture books or just napping!

Chris' Pantry will resume operations for orders from the 2nd of October. Do remember to email me early to avoid disappointments! I will do my best to squeeze in last minute orders if time & energy permits.

Have a blessed long weekend Peeps!
Cheers,
Chris Ur Baker

192. Groovin' 60s

Nostalgia of a different era comes in the form of 60s icons!
For K.Yeo who turns 60! Happy Birthday!
Thanks to B.A who slotted this in early!

P/s: I like the way this picture is taken. My Hubs took it with his new D50 toy. Wow!

191. Sesame Street

Sunny day, sweepin' the....clouds away...
On my way...to where the air...is...sweet.
Can you tell me how to get...how to get to Sesame Street...!

Ahh...nostalgia.
For Cayden who turns 2. Happy Birthday!
Mommy S. got this in real last minute and wanted the cuppies really colourful! She didn't get many, so I imagine that the party is a really intimate one. Nice. :0)

190. Giant Bicycle

For a cycling coach, I assume?

Initially I was kinda worried I might not get it to even look the slightest bit like a bicycle, but I did my best to replicate the picture that I was given.  From a Mr. A, who seems like a really humourous guy! Thanks for your encouragement. So glad you like my work. :0)

189. Cars & Trains

Thomas the Tank Engine is a really popular choice of decoration for children's birthdays and I can see why...I myself have watched the program - almost every day during lunch with Natalie and I know the song better than her! Haa...
Here's a Chocolate fudge cake with Thomas, a car from Disney Cars and a red bus. Hope Jayden liked them! Thanks Dotz!

And oh, yes...another one for your SIL. One of my favourites!

188. Precious moments

An order from a long "lost" friend all the way in Canada for her sister's birthday! Thank you for remembering me after all these years.
This Precious Moments icing was made using marzipan and her dress is painted with edible purple pearl dust, placed on an American cheesecake.
Isn't it a real dreamy cake? :0)
Glad you liked it A.C!

187. Thomas the Tank Engine

Thomas the Tank Engine with Mr. Station Master.















This cake is an Spiced Apple cake - half of it was 5-layered. It's a simple design, but the best I could do for a super last minute order. Hope the birthday boy liked it!

186. Animal Farm

Apologies for the overdue pictures!
And also for not getting back to those who have emailed me. I sincerely hope you'll forgive me for being so late in my replies and being unable to make it for some of your orders. As you guys know, I'm caring for Natalie on my own and it's really not a simple task to work while doing so with little (or none sometimes) help! But I try my best nonetheless to fulfill what orders that I can! Appreciate your kind patience and also, especially for those who give me ample notice for their orders.
Thank you so much for your support & encouragements!

Here's a picture of John's 1st Birthday cake with an Animal Farm theme. His daddy enjoyed the cake more than he did! Thanks to my good friend, Mommy T for giving me this opportunity to make his cake!

185. A short break

Dear friends,

As most of you already know, I've been caring for my baby Natalie for 6 months now and baking while doing so. It's been crazy - as most mothers already know, and have asked me how I do it - and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and burnt out. Hence, I'll be taking a short break of 2 weeks just to recharge my batteries, so that I can care for Natalie better, plus also be able to bake with love again. I shall be taking time out from the 15th of June till the end of June.

I thank you for all your support thus far and am sorry to have to disappoint those who've emailed me or are intending to place orders for this period of time.

Oven smells will resume from July onwards!

Cheers & Warmest regards,
Ur Baker Chris

184. Liverpool fan = Liverpudlian?

Here's revisiting my Liverpool cake...

















Especially for K.F from S in Blackforest flavour!

183. Tennis & Nadal

Can you spot Nadal and his victory squat??












This cake was for Ellyn from her lovely sister C for her birthday!

182. Little Misses

Little Misses' now seems to be very popular characters, both with the young children and teenagers alike. I've seem many couples wear couple Tees with prints of their favourite characters on them. I would really like though to see a pair wearing contrasting characters for a change...like a Mr.Messy and a Miss Tidy. Not sure if there are such characters though... :0P


















This cake was made especially for Emily, who turned 7 last weekend. Her lovely mom, A, ordered the cake well in advanced and told me that Emily likes Little Miss Sunshine, Miss Shy, Miss Twins & Miss Chatterbox. She told me specifically that the flowers had to have smiley faces on them!

Happy Birthday Little Miss Emily!

181. Spiced Apple cake

This is one cake that gets less attention than it ought to, especially since it never fails to impress. I'm talking about its flavour & taste here, by the way - not the way it looks!















Home cooked apples and raisins in a tad of cinnamon spice, layered between freshly whipped cream and fluffly vanilla sponge. This cake is really refreshing with every bite!
Especially for the May babies of SAS, Happy Birthday! Hope you guys had a blast at Sentosa!

180. KFC Colonel Sanders

Finger Lickin' Good!
For Louis who loves KFC - with love from your sweet wife L.!
It's really Dark Chocolate cake though...*Wink*

179. Noah's Ark

Noah's Ark covered entirely with marzipan - cake's a 70% Dark Belgium Chocolate Fudge cake.

I have to admit that the roof actually fell off and I had to go to Y.F's home to get it fixed before her son's birthday party! OH! How I dread the humid weather we have in Singapore!!! Thank goodness though, that Y.F is an amazingly patient person! Though she sounded distressed when she called me, she did not blame me or say anything nasty at all - she just sent me pictures of the "earthquake disaster" (as she jokingly put it) and waited for my arrival several hours later as I had to feed my gal before heading down to her.

Thanks again Y.F! Hope the cake was enjoyed by your party! :0)

178. Princess Castles update!

So many princesses around in this era, that I've lost count! I wonder if my daughter will go through this phase when she reaches between the ages of 2 to 5!?

Anyways, I've used up my last set of Limited Edition Miniature Disney Princesses for now. Will put up a post when I've "acquired" more! For now, here are the cakes fit for little Princesses!

177. High School Musical

It's show time!













This Dark Belgium Chocolate Fudge cake was requested by a really friendly YL for her daughter, Emma's birthday.
Can you see the "light bulbs"? They're actually painted with edible gold dust! Glamour!
Glad you guys enjoyed it!

176. BMW Bike cake

I was never confident in making a marzipan motorbike, but decided to give it a go when a friend asked me to. She wanted a full Novelty motorbike cake, but I could not do that as she had not given me enough notice time, plus I had other orders on my plate, and I wasn't about to rush something I wasn't confident in making 100%. So i suggested to her what I could do in that short period and here's the result. I'm quite happy with it, but told my Hubs that I'm not about to make one for him for his birthday any time soon....

Here's a mango cake with her friend's BMW on it! The exhaust, headlights and rims of the wheels were painted with edible silver dust & the "R" on the bike was in edible gold dust.

175. Lychee Martini Garden

This garden cake was made for a good pal's partner's mother who loves flowers. It's a Lychee martini cake - made of fluffy vanilla sponge, fresh cream and lots of lychee chunks!

174. Carrot shaped cake

Mr. Carrot Man is really all chocolate & fudgey underneath!

173. Sexy Mama Cupcakes

C ordered these cupcakes & mousse cups for her favourite auntie, who even with twin sons, keep young & sexy! Check out the cheeky bum showing from under the mini skirt - apparently, one of her sons asked why this lady's buttocks are showing!

172. McQueen cake, Golf Bag cake & one more...

Here are 2 of 3 cakes that marks the beginning of the end of my post-pregnancy break.





























The Lightning Mcqueen is a Dark Chocolate Fudge cake and the Golf Bag is an Apple Spiced fresh cream cake. They aren't hand designed as are the rest of my cakes. The pans for these cakes were provided by R.

There is one other cake that I made for her, but for the life of me, I did not take a picture! Gosh! Am I getting forgetful!

The 3rd cake I made is a replica of this....















EXCEPT that my cars & train were all handmade using marzipan. I made 7 cars from Disney Cars and Thomas the Tank engine. It's such a pity that I did not get a picture. *Sob* It turned out really pretty!
R said she has one of the cake taken from a distance, which she will mail me. I will post it up as soon as I get it.

In the meantime, just to shout out once again.......I've begun baking again!!! Contact me!

171. Happy Chinese New Year!

Dear All,

Sorry for being MIA for awhile now. Motherhood has really gotten me busier than I had expected. I must say though, that I'm really having a ball of a time caring for my little bubs! She's such a darling. *Beams*

Anyways, wanted you guys to know that I'm still around and will resume baking from 2nd week of February. You can email me at Chrispantry@gmail.com for orders & enquiries. In the meantime, do look out for pictures of 3 Novelty cakes at month's end ya!

Happy Chinese New Year!
Cheers,
Chris
Ur Baker

170. My early Xmas present!

After 9mths, I've finally delivered the lovely bun that was sitting in my "oven".
Miss Natalie Mah says, "HELLO WORLD!"

169. MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008!

Everdearest friends!













I've been told by my gyne that I will be "popping" any time "these few days"...so before I'm unable to do anything with tis blog of mine, here's wishing one & all a wonderful, joyous Christmas 2008! May the love & blessings of the Lord be upon you and all you love, as we share this time remembering the birth of Jesus Christ.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Hohoho!

*Hugs & Kisses*
Chris Ur Baker

168. Cakes fit for princesses

These were what had partly kept me busy last week. The Princess castle cake is a Dark Chocolate Fudge cake, made with layers of moist yet fluffy chocolate sponge and 70% Dark Belgium chocolate fudge.



















The garden/clouds cake is a Strawberry Shortcake, made with layers of fluffy yet moist Vanilla sponge, fresh cream and fresh Strawberries.

















**Toys were provided by parents.

167. Dumbo!

Here's one of the last few orders I've made before taking my break...A Chocolate fudge Dumbo cake! It was real fun to make. I hope the birthday girl was surprised by her elder sister's gift!


















Three more novelty cakes/cupcakes coming up in the next 2 weeks!
In the meantime, here's a picture of my Honey Granola bars I made for my Hubs today. Took me only 15 mins to put together, 10 mins to bake and another 15 mins int he freezer to set! He says that they are supremely yummy and after having had 2 bars, had to be stopped by me from munching down another few! Hee...













I'm happy to share this recipe for all you aspiring bakers out there!

300g Granola (or you can mix cornflakes, rolled oats, dried fruit, chopped nuts and wheat germ clusters as per desired amounts to make this weight)
1/2 cup honey
250g unsalted butter
4 Tablespoons sugar
Dash of cinnamon powder (optional)

Method: Preheat your oven at 175 degrees Celcius.
1. Melt butter, sugar and honey in a pot on medium heat until you obtain a uniform syrup which bubbles slightly - about 8minutes.
2. Pour the syrup over the granola mixture, add the cinnamon powder and mix thoroughly until the syrup coats all the grains.
3. Press the mixture onto a shallow 10" x 8" pan (or any suitable pan you have).
4. Bake for 10 minutes in the oven.
5. Remove from oven and slice into your desired size. Slicing isn't exactly what you'll be doing - more like "separating" the mixture as it is soft.
6. Chill in the freezer for 15-20mins or 1hr in the chiller or until set.
7. Eat and enjoy!!!! Please, however, do not over-indulge or you might have to hit the treadmill for longer than you usually do!

166. A season for Everything...

Dear all,

Thank you for your many years of continuous support for Chris' Pantry.
I would like to inform you that I will be halting my baking from November thru till end of January to concentrate on resting prior to my baby's delivery, then going through delivery and finally, doing my confinement to get back into health, so that I can get back into action asap - hopefully in time for CNY!

As much as I love to be able to continue with baking (even for this month and next!), I've been suffering back pains and aching feet from just barely 3.5hours of work in the kitchen. Hence, my decision to stop by end October.

Please feel free to continue emailing me with regards to any queries for after CNY. I will still be accessing my mailbox, and will reply as soon as I'm able to. I really have no idea how busy I will be with bubs, but from what I hear, I wouldn't have time for anything else! :0S But we'll see...

In the meantime, my apologies for being unable to cater to all Christmas orders this year! Not to worry, there's always next!

Yours truly,
Chris Ur Baker

165. Cupcakes

Dense yet moist Vanilla cupcakes filled with Strawberry jam is what's under these lovely decorated cupcakes. I'm surely gonna bake some of these for myself soon! F ordered these well in advance for me to practice drawing those elmo, goat & cow cartoons free hand.
Hope you enjoyed them gal! It was nice to see you again! You're looking good. :0)

164. Peanut Butter & Chocolate cake

Can't go wrong with these 2 "match made in heaven" flavours - Peanut Butter & Chocolate!

I made this for my Hub's birthday last week, as per his request. It is my first time experimenting with these flavours (as common as they are) and finally, after some research, I came up with this...

Presenting, my PBC cake! I layered fluffly and moist chocolate sponge cake with decadent layers of cream cheese peanut butter spread and iced it with Dark Belgium Chocolate ganache. I made this specially as a 4-layered cake. I have to say though, that it isn't for the faint-hearted!!!



















After eating the cake, along with all of Chern's friends (being my guinea pigs), I will now only make it as a 3-layered cake, but with one layer of chocolate ganache and one layer of cream cheese peanut butter spread in between the layers. Otherwise, all consumers of this cake will not be able to talk for quite awhile as this sticky-chewy cake will cause the plastering of your upper jaw and tongue!

Having said that, I do have to admit that it is a really yummy cake! As usual, not so sweet...Just perhaps a tad bit rich - hence my suggested alterations...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HUBS!

163. Carrot cake revisited et al

Here's my Perfect carrot cake revisited! I guarantee you really moist cake, filled with chunkful of carrots, pineapple, raisins and an option of chopped walnuts! This cake is iced (in between and outside) with cream cheese icing which really really isn't too sweet.
You should try it if you're a carrot cake fan...OR cream cheese icing fan for that matter!

















Here's some marzipan work I did for C. (gown & suit) and J. (Elmo). Real fun!

162. Toy Cart

A good friend decided on this fun novelty cake for her son's 1st birthday, vetto-ing her husband's initial decision on a Liverpool cake. *HurHur*

It's a moist Chocolate fudge cake iced with fresh cream in "primary colours" - that was the instruction from Mommy dearest - as a toy cart. I popped in the new colourful crusted shell Hershey's kisses as polka dots and used Digestives as wheels. I also added in duo chocolate sticks as a "tail" for the cart!

It was real fun to make! Happy 1st Birthday Zac! May God bless you abundantly.
P/s: Toys were provided by parents.

161. Thank you!

Here's to all those who showed your kindest support to Chris' Pantry at today's STB mini bazaar! THANK YOU!












I worked my energy level to the ground yesterday to churn out the cookies (The Hubby helped here!), brownies & carrot cupcakes, especially for it and really had alot of fun meeting so many of you. It was definitely well-worth the effort (for a pregnant me) and I hope that I will get invited back again real soon! In the meantime, if you need your not-so-sweet sweet fix, you can email me at chrispantry@gmail.com.

Have a great week peeps!
Cheers,
Chris e Baker

160. Cars & Train cake

Yes, I know...it's been a looong while since I updated my blog. I truly apologise for being MIA. The reason was that I had a miserable first trimester of morning sickness, feeling like a fallen superwoman. :0( I was unable to do much at all, apart from sleeping, eating and gagging and wasn't baking for a full month! But the happy news is that my Hubs and I are expecting our first child at year end. *Yay*

I'm into my second trimester now and thank God for feeling better already. I have to thank Mel & Maine though for getting me back into the motion of my love for baking, or otherwise, I wouldn't have begun again till several weeks later. Maine bugged me on MSN (almost daily) to feed her cravings (as if she was the pregnant one! Haha!) and Mel gave me the following Novelty cake order for her 1-year old son. I couldn't turn them down! So here's thanking you ladies - XIE XIE NING! :0)

Here's Mel's son's Dark Chocolate Fudge cake in the theme of cars & trains. I'm so glad you guys enjoyed the cake, as much as I had fun making it!

159. LV handbag

For her mom's birthday, my gal pal C had her mother's favourite handbag made into the form of a cake. Her mom is an excellent baker and an exceptional cake decorator, so I was a lil' worried I would embarrass myself taking her request.

The requirements were simple:-
1. Black Forest cake
2. No marzipan icing

The first thought was to use fresh cream, but as the bag was black in colour, I decided to use Dark chocolate instead of coloured cream. I also used chocolate for the logos - coloured white chocolate - which turned out quite pretty.


























I would have preferred a finer texture, but that wouldn't have been able to be achieved quite as easily without using marzipan. Nonetheless, I was happy with the overall finished product and I'm glad to say C & her family members were too. *Smile*

Happy Birthday Auntie Cecilia!

Thorny issue?

I was down with a viral fever since last Thursday and was so close to being unable to fulfill acoupla orders. After 4 days, I was so sick of being sick that I called my mom and she immediately instructed the Hubs to bring me back to her! Thank God for my mommy, who's super-gifted in the field of chinese medicine, she nursed me back to health in less than 10 hours!

I woke up feeling all better and happily completed this cake for T, who meant it as a surprise for a special lady. I'm so glad I can have it delivered to him too, saving him the trouble of finding his was down to MRT-less Katong! Sorry for being late - I realised I had to go through the "back" road to reach to the peak of Mt. Faber and not by Morse road.


















I'm not entirely sure what a Cactus in bloom signifies, but I must say that it is quite cute. This one's a Dark chocolate fudge cactus, placed onto a "terracotta" pot. Hope your surprise was a success!

Next post

Sorry for being MIA for awhile now.
I promise pics in 2 weeks!

But as for right now, I'm feeling tired, mostly hungry and have developed superhuman smell abilities...

*Hugs*
Chris Ur Baker

156. Doctor's orders

Dear friends,

I've just been issued a Doctor's order to rest.
Which means, as much as I hate to disappoint, I will be unable to take future last minute orders.

Just a reminder though, please inform me at least 4 days in advance for regular cake & cookies orders (not including weekends) and 2 weeks advanced notice for Novelty cake orders.

I hope to hear from you soon!
Have a great weekend peeps!
Cheers,
Ur Baker Chris

155. Cheese bone??

Maine made a (last minute - haha!) request for one of her lovely pet dog's 3rd birthday and I am glad I took this order. As it was of a novelty shape, I got to snitch some cake to try and *woowee*, was it yummy!

Under that fresh cream layer is a rich and creamy Walnut Cheesecake - make that Pure Walnut cheesecake! My dad got to try some too and I think he was secretly hoping he would get more of it, but alas, it was for babe Maine and her doggies.

Happy Birthday Royce! You're looking smart! Do enjoy your treat!

154. Gingerbread Men

Before I get too busy and forget to do this, here's a picture of GINGERBREAD MEN that a good gal pal's mom makes for sale.

They're really yummy - I've tried them myself - and oh so cute! Mind you, Auntie Cecilia takes alot of time and effort to diligently pipe designs onto each cookie. No two designs are exactly the same. I'm not sure if I should be posting her mobile number up here, but for now, if anyone's interested to buy, email me and I'll forward your enquiry to her. Please remember to provide a contact number, so she can get back to you, ya!

Cheers,
Chris e Baker

153. Opera Macarons

I haven't been all that well these 2 weeks and was looking forward to the weekend. Today was supposed to be a lazy Saturday - I was going to spend it catching up on my lack of rest and hopefully quickly recuperate from my backahes by napping. But alas! It wasn't meant to be.

The Hubs requested for me to make these, using a recipe he personally selected off Tastespotting. Opera macarons! They're made with egg whites, sugar, ground almonds and ground hazelnuts. Each pair of shells were filled with Coffee buttercream and a Dark Chocolate ganache centre. It was real yummy! A little sweet, but good nonetheless! The Hubs and both Brother-in-laws said they were "Damn good lah"! Success!



















I'm not too sure if I really want to start making these for orders, but do enquire if you're interested. If your required quantity is good as a batch, I will consider making them again - and this time round, with as much less sugar as I can possibly get out of the recipe as possible, without screwing up its texture!

152. Rubik Cube

Making this Chocolate fudge cake was real fun! 'Cept the fun I had was mixing up the colours of the cube. *Grin* I'm not sure if it's a solvable cube though - I'll leave that to the expert, E's husband! Blessed marriage you both!

151. Subaru car

I always enjoy making Maine's orders as she gives me clear ideas of what she wants, but at the same time, allow me the freedom to design her yummies. She's most generous with her loved ones and I'm glad I've had many opportunities to cater to many of her celebrations!

Here's the latest for her partner, KW. It's made to replicate his set of wheels. I was provided with several pictures taken during the celebration and was given positive feedback for it. Most important feedback of all? "It's not so sweet!" *Woot* Thanks babe!

150. Full month gifts

In present times of "modernity", ang ku kuehs and red eggs for darling baby's full month as gifts are no longer considered the "in" thing. R & husband was one such couple who broke away from the norm and gave away little novelty cakes instead.
They asked me to propose something and this was what I came up with - Moist Banana Chocolate Chip cake with Lemon cream cheese icing, topped with customised handmade marzipan baby booties & a milk bottle. Each cake was finished with baby's name & date of birth.















Happy full month Mark!

149. Season to rest

Dearest friends,

Please be informed that I will be taking a break from the 5th of February till the 25th of February to recuperate from the CNY cookie war. I will also be taking this time off to spend with my hubby and family. You may still email me and I will reply, but please, no orders/requests during my time off. I really need some rest. :0)

Yummies resume on the 26th of February.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish one & all a Blessed CNY! May the year of the Rat bring you much prosperity and joy!

Cheers,
Chris E Baker

148. Speed Post

Here are some pictures of yummies I made for my friends recently, amidst the cookie war!
I shall comment on them after CNY as I'm now absolutely beat. I imagine I can sit still & space for a good full month now (which would probably see me rot & decompose into a zombie), but there's a pineapple tart war to fight! *Grrr* Especially with my mom's expectations to feed her friends! *Gah*

And oh, before I over-work and forget to update my blog, here's wishing one and all a GONG XI FA CAI! Nian Nian You Yu & Shen Ti Jian Kang!

147. Beware of Food Bloggers!

Just the other day, my hubster took pictures of my drawers and kitchen and suggested I show you guys how clean & neat I store & keep my kitchen. I didn't think it was a good idea to show off. Haaha..
But anyways, did you guys read that article posted on today's my paper?
Amazing isn't it? People who've never stepped foot to physically work in a commercial kitchen, questioning the hygiene level of home kitchens? *Sigh*

I myself have worked in several - more than 3 restaurants - and might I say that many home bakers' kitchens are definitely more hygienic than any of them. I mean, foodies are foodies are foodies and we know how we ourselves want our food prepared. Fresh & clean.
One thing I know for sure, the food I feed you my friends, I feed my own family and myself. And I'm a clean freak when it comes to my kitchen, so here's reassuring you, that if anyone gets poisoned, it'll be me first...

146. WHILE STOCKS LAST! Pineapple Tarts Version 2008

Dear all,

ONCE AGAIN, IT HAS BEGUN - The Pineapple Tarts War! Version 2.008.















I promise you the most perfect-est pineapple tart ever with crisp, yet melt in your mouth God-sent buttery pastry, topped with a generous portion of (not so) sweet & tangy, home-made pineapple filling!

Can you taste it already???
*Yummilicious*
I'd have to resist eating two and packing one! :0P Or my family, friends & relatives will never get to eat any!

Earl Grey Butter cookies


















Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip cookies














Almond Buttons


















Cranberry/Plain Shortbread

145. MERRY CHRISTMAS & A BLESSED NEW YEAR!

Dear Friends,

It's been a great year, and I'm looking forward to a much blessed 2008 year ahead! I pray for such for you & yours too!

In my busyness over the Christmas season, I apologise if I had not responded as promptly as I wish I could. I had also infact taken a coupla days off baking, just to dedicate time to whip up holiday meals for special friends & family.
I had been too bummed after whipping up an 11-course meal for my own family and invited guests on Christmas eve itself that I had, in my absent-mindedness, forgotten to take pictures of the dishes. *Oh well* It was really worthwhile though, as my dad commented that this year's meal was the best he has had! *Beams*

Anyways, here's some pictures of dinner my hubster & I whipped up @ at bestee's place for good friends just after boxing day. *Smile* It was a fantastic time of catching up and fellowship.

~Menu for 8pax (plus 2 beautiful children)~
Foie Gras with Red Wine Fig Compote on Raisin toast
Grilled Tomatoes
French beans with grated eggs tossed in Kalamata Olive dressing
Parsley & Garlic Pork Roast with Spiced Apples
Brandied Cherries Dark Chocolate Fudge Logcake

To one and all, here's wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS & A BLESSED 2008 YEAR! May the good Lord bless & keep you. *Hugs*

Lots of Love,
Ur baker Chris

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


















On a separate dinner date with the same friends, I made the above Black&White Sesame Lace Cookies with Creamed Mascarpone cheese, with dried Apricot & Cranberry bits. *Yummy*