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*

144. Novelty Cake

Something out of the ordinary is this...


















Happy Birthday C. I'm glad you liked the cake! :0)

143. Fan-TAZ-tic Birthday!

A rich & moist 70% Dark Belgium Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge cake lined with homemade sponge fingers, decorated with Hazelnut chocolate truffles and Taz!

Happy Birthday Joanne! Have a fanTAZtic celebration!

142. Anniversary Chef-On-Call

Christmas time. Such Joy! But...It's been an amazingly busy week for me, and one more left before I can call it a year. I'm beat, but thoroughly contented with the year's accomplishments.
I'm going to face the week ahead with a strong mind and I pray for strength from Heaven.

Here's pictures of a Chef-On-Call I did for my (ex)Pastor & wife's anniversary. They texted me that the food was "most delicious" and even had pictures posted on Facebook! Another job well done. Thanks be to God!

Cesar Salad with Crispy Bacon, Olive oil Croutons & Grilled Roma Tomatoes














Honey Apples Foie Gras













Corden Blue Pork Chops with Gingered sauteed New Potatoes















Sun-Dried-Tomatoes Pesto Linguine with Parsley Butter Prawns














Pan-fried French Duck Margaret with Toufu in Cranberry Red wine reduction













Raspberry soaked Apple & Oat Crumble














There were 3 other desserts (Dark Chocolate Mousse cup, Lemon Poppyseed cupcake with Lemon cream cheese icing and Brandied Cherries Panna Cotta) catered for them as wife, S is quite a fan. *Wink*

After sending dinner to them, I headed back for an Indian food dinner! :0)

141. Vital Ingredient!

Look what I just got from a good pal who just returned from The UK today!















It even says "Vital Ingredient" on the pack! How apt!















Looks like Lemon Poppy seed muffins are next on the "NEW" baking yummies list for 2008!
Email me peeps. First come first serve as I've only got limited stock.

*Yum*Yum*Yum*Yum*....
Don't mind me. I'm just really cheerful I got these Blue Poppy seeds...Lalalaa...*BEAMS*

140. Fruitcake for Christmas 2007

Asian tastebuds do not usually enjoy eating fruitcake, but I have since perfected a fruitcake recipe, which is very much like pudding, that isn't "too sweet", except for the royal icing, of course.

Packed with generous amounts of sultanas, lemon peel, glazed cherries, this fruit cake isn't your typical dry & sweet cake, but a amazingly moist and flavourful piece of Christmas!















You really have got to try it for yourself! Choice of Brandy is available.

139. Special post - Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies

**Disclaimer
This batch of cookies were made at my IN-LAW's place. NOT my own regular Chris' Pantry kitchen.

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

One day off from the Christmas baking and my dearest hubby asked me bake. What to do? Cannot say no, right?
So here are the cookies especially made for The Hubster's unique tastebuds - Bacon Chocolate Chip cookies! Yup, you read it right...Bacon - as in savoury bacon, bacon.

I started with chopping up strips of bacon into tiny pieces and frying them till they were crunchy. Then, I drained the excess oil out, using paper towels and began this adventure!



















Mixed with semi-sweet and dark chocolate couverture chips, these cookies are surprisingly delightful. The homemade bacon bits added a slight "savouriness" that can usually be spotted in many other cookies, but really is salt. EXCEPT, these cookies are much more fragrant than the regular table salt that is used in some cookie recipes and also, they sure have got bite!

So, yes, my spouse - they are rather delightful cookies...*SMILE*